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The 6 Best Laminate Floor Cleaners of 2024

Make your floors shine, without causing any damage in the process

Best Laminate Floor Cleaners

The Spruce / Jhett Thompson

Making your laminate floors sparkle requires a certain lineup of cleaning products. Laminate surfaces are affordable, durable, and attractive, but they can be sensitive to moisture, so care and caution while cleaning is always a good idea. We recommend certain liquid cleaners, mops, and vacuums that help you achieve the clean you’re looking for.

Angela Lee from Hellamaid, a top-rated cleaning company in Ontario, Canada, stresses that it’s super-important to make sure cleaning products are compatible with your flooring type, as well. “Products specifically made for your floor type can easily remove all the dirt and grime without leaving any scratches or marks,” she says. “This will help you maintain your laminate floors in good shape and can prolong the life of your flooring.” 

To help you find the best ones and to let your surfaces sparkle, we tested and researched dozens of laminate floor cleaners, evaluating effectiveness, scent, and ease of use.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Better Life Floor Cleaner

Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Scent
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    3/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • No harsh odors or fumes

  • Plant-derived cleaning agents

  • Safe around kids and pets

  • No rinsing required

What We Don’t Like
  • Easy to use too much

  • Cap tends to leak

  • No spray applicator

If you want to get the job done quickly and effectively, Better Life’s Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner is the way to go. We love this high-quality but value-packed floor cleaner that delivers a streak-free clean—tackling tough stuff like grease and grime on all sealed floors, including laminate, tile, ceramic, and even hardwood. Despite it not having a spray applicator, there’s no dilution required, making application very easy. You simply point, squirt, and mop to reveal cleaner floors. 

Despite its obvious cleaning power, this cleaner is made with an eco-friendly, plant-based formula that’s safe to use in areas highly used by kids and pets. The cleaning solution doesn’t contain any harsh cleaning agents—just essential oils—which means the scent skews fresh and mild rather than overpoweringly “clean." 

We just love Better Life floor cleaner. The scent reminds us of a day at the spa, and it delivers quick results. Within minutes of cleaning one portion of the floor, the surface was dry as we began cleaning another. It left a smooth finish without any tackiness, which was a pleasant surprise, as we know that many solutions leave the floor slightly sticky after use.

Type: Liquid | Amount: 128 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus mint

Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner

The Spruce / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner

Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Scent
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Included shine booster

  • No bucket needed

  • Versatile

What We Don’t Like
  • Can experience buildup with frequent use

This ready-to-use floor cleaner effectively cleans everything from laminate and hardwood, to tile and marble (and more)—hence the name Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner. No matter what you’re cleaning, you don’t have to dilute or fully rinse floors. Just apply the versatile formula directly to the surface prior to wiping or mopping with a microfiber towel or mop. You’ll have clean, streak-free floors complete with a fresh lemon scent. 

If you want to streamline the task (and your supplies, for that matter), this cleaner can do a cool trick. If you purchase the Rejuvenate Click n Clean Multi-Surface Spray Mop, you can attach the cleaner to spray and mop all in one go. Simply clip the upside down bottle onto the spray mop and get to work!

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Scent: Lemon

Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner

The Spruce / Jhett Thompson

Best Vacuum

Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum

Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum

Target

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Ease of Emptying
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cordless design

  • Quiet operation

  • Captures dust and debris in chamber

What We Don't Like
  • Short battery life

  • Need to buy replacement pads


When it comes to sealed floors like laminate, experts say the right way to clean them is to vacuum and mop. But if you don’t have much space, it can be burdensome to stock so many cleaning supplies. We suggest leaning on the Shark VacMop to streamline things. This powerful tool is both a vacuum and spray mop, and it uses powerful suction to pull dirt and debris up and off of your floor. 

First, use it to vacuum all loose debris. Then, use the spray cleaning solution from the on-board container to mop, leaving floors sparkling. It’s a seamless process, because the tool is lightweight and maneuvers well in tight areas. Bonus: it also has a light stationed at the head to help you see dark, hard-to-reach spots, like under a couch. 

The VacMop is also cordless, which helps you navigate wherever you need to go. While the battery life could be better, it’s ultimately not something you’ll need to worry about too much if you’re using the mop for smaller, daily cleans. An overnight charge is all you need to complete several small tasks or one big deep clean of a townhouse, for example. The only downside? You do have to continually purchase refill pads and the cleaning solution, as the VacMop only comes with a sample amount of each, and they’re not reusable.

Type: Mop and vacuum combo | Dimensions: 47.87 x 9.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Capacity: 0.1 quarts | Power Source: Cordless electric

Best Mop

Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner

Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Easy to attach and remove pads

  • Works on most hard floors

  • Different cleaning solutions available

What We Don’t Like
  • Some parts feel flimsy

  • Need to apply pressure to tough stains

  • Includes trial version of cleaning solution

One of the biggest threats to laminate flooring is excess moisture. In place of a steam mop, try the Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit, which gives you all the tools you need to effectively clean your laminate floors. The all-in-one mop and floor cleaner—one of our favorites—couldn’t be more simple to operate. You simply push a button to dispense a little bit of liquid cleaning solution and then push the slim and lightweight mop across the floor.

This Swiffer mop is typically easy to find online and on store shelves, which helped us rate it a perfect five stars in every testing category except portability, because the mop’s pieces feel a bit flimsy and may be prone to breakage if moved or stored incorrectly. Despite this drawback, the tool was tough on spills, dirt, and dust. The mop even eradicated stuck-on bits of food. We also used it with one of the Extra Power pads to clean the laminate floors in the bathroom. We didn’t expect the special pad to make a big difference, but it did a good job scrubbing off stains without too much effort—always a plus! 

When you’re done, just toss the disposable cleaning pad in the garbage. Keep in mind: while convenient, you will have to continually purchase brand-specific replacements, much like you have to with the Shark VacMop.

Type: Mop | Dimensions: 4.53 x 18.9 x 6.02 inches | Weight: 3.23 pounds | Power Source: Batteries (included) 

Best Heavy-Duty

Zep Commercial Hardwood & Laminate

ZEP Commercial Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner

Walmart

What We Like
  • A little goes a long way

  • Subtle fragrance

  • Works with spray mops

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for homes with kids and pets

If you have a lot of laminate flooring, or live in an old home where years of dirt and grime are caked on the floors, it’s important to stock a heavy-duty cleaner like ZEP Commercial Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner. It's a commercial-grade solution that’s specifically made for highly trafficked industrial spaces, but it works exceptionally well in homes, too—as long as you don’t have kids and pets. (It’s not nearly as gentle as other options.) 

But those who do use this cleaner will be impressed by how well it tackles, well, just about everything under the sun, including set-in stains. It also smells nice, thanks to a light and clean citrus scent. To use this floor cleaner, simply spray it on, mop, and prepare to be amazed by how shiny your floors are. Just note: a little goes a long way, so be conservative when you’re using it.

Type: Liquid | Amount: 128 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus

Best for Pets

Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner

Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very powerful

  • No rinsing required

What We Don’t Like
  • Unpleasant scent

There’s no doubt pets can do a number on the floors in your house—paw prints, slobber, accidents, and more. These messes can be really tough and odor-ridden, but because you can’t use a steam mop or give laminate floors a thorough rinse, you need an ultra-tough cleaning solution to return floors to normal. Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner is right for the job, because it’s an enzymatic cleaner that’s designed to break down organic matter that causes stains and odors without affecting the finish or appearance of your laminate floors. 

This spray-and-go formula can be applied directly to your flooring, too. All you need to do is wipe everything down with a cleaning cloth or mop. There’s no need to rinse. Not only is that a huge time-saver, but it’s also better for prolonging the life of your floor.

Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 24 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner

The Spruce / Jhett Thompson

Final Verdict

The best laminate floor cleaner is Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner. It doesn't require rinsing and features a plant-derived formula. However, if you're looking for a tough-but-gentle laminate floor cleaner for pets, consider Nature's Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner. The bio-enzymatic formula is designed to deal with dirty messes and eliminate odors without harming your floor's finish.

What to Look for in a Laminate Floor Cleaner

Type and Application

There are several types of laminate floor cleaners—from tools like mops and vacuums, to liquid cleaners that need to be applied in a more hands-on fashion to your surfaces. Some laminate floor cleaners, like Rejuvenate’s All Floors Cleaner, are for general use, which might suit your needs just fine. However, if you’re looking to address a specific issue with your floors, such as scratches, pet odors, or lackluster finish, you may want to look for a specialty product, like Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner

Laminate floor cleaners can also be applied in a few ways. Some come in spray bottles, while others are applied with a traditional mop or put into a spray mop. The best option for you will depend on how large an area you’re cleaning and what equipment you have. If you have a larger space, a mop is often more convenient to use than a liquid cleaner that needs to be wiped on. You may also want to look at how many applications are recommended, as some products need multiple layers for optimal results.

Ingredients

The ideal laminate floor cleaner won't expose your surfaces to excessive moisture, but it also has ingredients that help create protection and shine and are suitable for your household. When shopping, take a moment to look at the ingredients label of a product before adding it to your cart if it’s a liquid cleaner. If you have young children or pets or are sensitive to stronger cleaning agents, you might not want to use a harsh, very chemical-based product on your floors. This might also be the case if you’re trying to stick to more green cleaning products.

Instead, you may want to look for a laminate floor cleaner that uses plant-based ingredients to get your floors looking their best. Try something like Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner—our top pick for a laminate floor cleaner and a very eco-friendly option.

Scent

When it comes to floor cleaners, scent is kind of a bonus. While it doesn’t necessarily impact efficacy, it can be nice to have that fresh, clean scent after wiping down your floors. Laminate floor cleaners can have several different scents, from a general “clean” scent to a citrus one. 

If you’re sensitive to fragrances, you might want to skip any synthetic fragrances or powerful scents. Instead, you might want to opt for something powered by essential oils.

FAQ
  • What is the best way to clean and shine a laminate floor?

    To clean laminate floors, first remove surface dirt with a dust mop. We suggest dust mopping or vacuuming daily to remove surface dirt and grit that can cause scratches and wear down the finish of the floor. Be sure to look under area rugs that can trap grit that will scratch floors. Next, lightly spray the floor with your laminate floor cleaner of choice, and use a damp mop to clean away stubborn dirt, grime, and grease. Finally, buff the floor with a microfiber cloth until it shines. 

  • Can you use a steam mop to clean laminate floors?

    When it comes to laminate floors, you need to keep steam mops far away. "High temperatures and water usage might lead to long-term water damage and other issues,” explains cleaning pro Angela Lee from Hellamaid. In fact, because laminate is a wood product, it will soften and swell if exposed to water. The fiberboard core also won't resume its original dimensions after it has dried. On laminate floors, Lee says traditional mopping is the only option, especially if you have a low-water-resistant type of laminate flooring.

  • How do you fix scratches on laminate floors?

    Manufacturers sometimes sell scratch repair kits that allow you to perfectly match the color of your laminate flooring. There are several DIY methods for attempting to remove scratches and repair your laminate floors, such as buffing scratches with a clean tennis ball or lightly dampening scratches and rubbing them with a new pink eraser. 

    You can also try using color-matched touch-up pens, wax fillers, microwaved crayons, or putty. To maintain your laminate floors, be sure to dust, mop, or vacuum your laminate floors daily to remove surface grit and dirt that can wear down the finish and lead to future scratches. You can also add pads on the bottom of heavy furniture to prevent scuffing.

  • Why does my laminate floor look dull and hazy?

    There are a few things that can leave laminate floors looking lackluster. For starters, avoid oil-based products and polishing wax, since they can leave streaks and even damage floors, says Lee. “It’s also important to avoid abrasive tools like steel sponges and hard-bristled mops.” Even long pet nails can damage your laminate floors. “Make sure to trim your pet’s nails, so you won’t have to worry about them scratching the floors while they roam around the house,” she adds.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you might also want to help keep your floors looking fresh and clean:

  1. O-Cedar Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan: This tried and true broom (our favorite from our broom testing!) will help you with everyday maintenance in between deep cleaning sessions. We're big fans of the dustpan design that you can hold in place with your foot.
  2. Entryways Coir Rope Knot Doormat: A stylish welcome mat, like one of our favorite tested doormats, will not only add a pop of personality to your space, but you (and your guests!) can wipe off shoes and limit the dirt and grime tracked into your home. The end result? Cleaner floors.
  3. Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack: Once you're inside, a shoe rack can help keep messes at bay and add to your room's aesthetic, too. This versatile bamboo pick impressed us during testing, and despite its small footprint (pun intended), it can hold up to eight pairs of shoes.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience. She has written extensively about cleaning products, including other types of floor cleaners, for various publications. She has personally tested a whole host of the cleaning products featured on this list. To curate the final lineup of products, she leaned on her own experience, reviewed best-seller lists, read hundreds of product reviews, and consulted with a cleaning expert.

Our Experts:

  • Angela Lee, content manager and cleaning expert at Hellamaid, a top-rated cleaning company in Ontario, Canada
  • Erica Puisis, freelance writer and product reviewer at The Spruce
  • Dena Ogden, associate editor at The Spruce