Laminate flooring is a popular choice for home upgrades due to its hardwood-like appearance at a lower cost and easier installation, ideal for DIY enthusiasts. However, despite its advantages, there are crucial drawbacks to be aware of when dealing with this material. Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers, such as wear, decorative, and core layers. While the wear layer shields the flooring from scratches and stains, water infiltration through crevices can lead to swelling, warping, or discoloration of the laminate. Consequently, many people tend to steer clear of mops, steam cleaners, or wet/dry vacuums, but such extreme caution may not always be necessary. This guide will help you determine whether wet/dry vacuums can be used on laminate floors and how to prevent damage to the laminate surface.
Related: Maintaining Laminate Floors for Longevity
Is it Safe to Employ a Wet/Dry Vac on Laminate Floors?
While a broom and vacuum can handle dust and pet hair without the need for liquid cleaners, spills or food remnants can make laminate floors sticky and challenging to clean. Contrary to some misconceptions, it is generally safe to use a wet/dry vacuum once or twice a month to tackle stubborn messes on laminate floors. Nonetheless, it is crucial to avoid excessive water or liquid floor cleaners to prevent warping or swelling and strictly adhere to specially formulated laminate floor cleaning solutions.
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Which Wet/Dry Vacuums are Suitable for Laminate Floors?
Various cleaning devices fall under the wet/dry vacuum category, including wet floor cleaners and steam cleaners. While some of these devices are compatible with laminate floors, not all can be safely used, so it is essential to identify the type of device before cleaning laminate flooring.
Wet/dry shop vacuums: These vacuums, commonly found in warehouse settings but suitable for home use as well, are different from the broader category of wet/dry vacuums. Wet/dry shop vacuums can effectively clean wet and dry surfaces, enabling them to handle liquid spills as easily as hair or dirt piles. Since wet/dry shop vacuums do not utilize water or liquid cleaners, they are safe to use on laminate floors.
Wet floor cleaners: These devices can be utilized on laminate floors with caution regarding moisture levels. Equipped with a combined spray and suction system for vacuuming and “mopping,” wet floor cleaners necessitate the use of minimal water or liquid cleaner to mitigate potential laminate damage.
Steam cleaners: It is advisable to refrain from using steam cleaners on laminate floors. While spot-cleaning specific areas of laminate with a steam cleaner might be feasible, there is a considerable risk of moisture seepage into flooring crevices, eventually leading to laminate swelling.
Related: Items to Avoid Vacuuming with Wet/Dry V
It is important to regularly replace the rollers on your wet/dry vac to prevent scratching the floors. Typically, it is recommended to replace these rollers every six months, but the frequency may vary depending on how often you use the machine. Additionally, it is advised to clean the water tanks and rollers with an antibacterial detergent every two to three months to ensure the proper functioning of the device.
After each use, remember to empty the water tanks and clean the dirty water tank before storing the wet/dry vac. It is also essential to empty any dry debris from the collection compartment instead of allowing it to accumulate until the machine is full.
When cleaning laminate floors, it is crucial to be cautious about moisture seeping under the protective layer, as this can potentially cause warping of the material. To prevent this issue, avoid spraying the floors directly and instead rely on damp wet/dry vac rollers for cleaning. Allowing laminate floors to air-dry after cleaning poses a higher risk of leftover moisture seeping into the cracks and gaps between the floorboards. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dry soft cloth or towel to wipe away any excess moisture to maintain the floors properly.
For more information on floor cleaning tips and recommendations, you can refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
