The Common Cleaning Agent You Should Never Use On Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is an affordable and durable option for our homes. It's simple to install and can withstand high-traffic and UV rays. But all that can go right down the tubes if you're not properly caring for your laminate floors. Using the wrong cleaner can destroy its surface leaving it looking dull and lifeless. One cleaning product you'll want to keep away from this type of surface is bleach.

Bleach is typically our go-to when we want to make sure our home is disinfected and as clean as possible. But this cleaner can wreak havoc on your laminate flooring causing irreversible damage. Especially if you are using it frequently. This is because of the harsh chemicals found in bleach which can lighten and discolor your floors creating swaths of patchy areas. It can also eat through the shiny protective layer of your floor, leaving it with a dull finish or streaks that aren't smooth. Even worse, it can cause your laminate boards to warp.

The bleach that is typically used in your home is made with sodium hypochlorite. This chemical reacts with different molecules to clean and whiten. If your laminate floors are exposed to too much bleach, it can cause the color in your laminate floors to fade in uneven streaks. In addition, household bleach contains sodium hydroxide an item used to unclog drains. Regularly cleaning your floors with this chemical will cause it to eat through the finish of your floors leaving it looking flat or clouded.

Bleach also has chlorine in it. This can really do a number on your floors by weakening the bonding between your floorboards causing them to loosen, separate, swell, or buckle. Using bleach definitely isn't worth the potential damage it can cause. But there are things you can do to keep your laminate floors looking clean. When you mop your floors, use a cleaner that is specifically made for laminate flooring. You should also use a damp mop instead of a wet one since too much water can damage this type of surface. A cup of vinegar mixed with a gallon of hot water is also a good cleaning solution for your laminate floors.