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How should you clean laminate floors? Before choosing a mop for the home, you need to pay attention to What is the best way to wash a laminate mop

Laminate flooring is highly durable, but still requires carefully selected cleaning tools to keep its presentable appearance longer. Now they are presented in a large assortment, and it is difficult to dwell on any particular instance. To simplify this task, I propose to familiarize yourself with the main options and their features.

Choosing a mop: 5 criteria

To understand which mop is better to wash the laminate, you should take into account the individual characteristics of the washing tool itself and the room for which it is purchased:

A photo	Recommendations
	Criterion 1. Material of the body of the washing unit It can be made in plastic, aluminum or wood. The first option is the most preferable, providing lightness and mobility of the whole structure.
	Criterion 2. Spin modes The spin function differs depending on the type of construction: it can be a twisting mechanism or a “butterfly”, with an automatic or manual lever. Some models are equipped with a special compartment with a mesh in the bucket for manual wringing. The more technologically advanced the unit, the higher its price, which should be considered when looking for budget options.
	Criterion 3. Working surface size The wide and thick nozzle is ideal for apartments and large areas. If you have a small apartment and a lot of furniture that is difficult to move, pay attention to thin and 360 ° rotating nozzles that can penetrate any hard-to-reach places.
	Criterion 4. Material and type of nozzle Can be made of microfiber, cotton or rubber (spongy surface). In appearance, these are long loops connected by braid, which make it easier to collect dirt from the floor surface. Or it is a one-piece canvas, which practically does not leave moisture and streaks.
	Criterion 5. New technologies BUT automate and facilitate household work. If you value time, and the high price (within 2-5 thousand rubles) for a quality unit does not scare you at all, then a steam mop or steam generator (steam cleaner) will effectively cope with washing floors and other surfaces, including upholstered furniture, while simultaneously providing them disinfection.

To ensure that the laminate floor mop does not leave streaks or other marks, run the nozzle along the direction of the pattern on the floor.

Mop with wooden base

An ordinary mop with a wooden base is not popular now, as it is considered obsolete. Mostly used by fans of products made from natural materials, or organizations for washing industrial premises.

However, wooden floor cleaning equipment has obvious advantages:

simplicity of design;
environmental friendliness;
durability;
economy.

Such a unit does not require frequent replacement of nozzles, like all other options, in addition, a replaceable brush with pile is often included.

The price of the product in a hardware store will be only 100 rubles, but it is not always convenient to use it due to the lack of a spin system and poor traffic in hard-to-reach places.

Mop with loops

This is a plastic handle with long loops at the end, which are most often made of cotton or polyester. With a manual or automatic spin system, this versatile mop is suitable for cleaning rooms from any type of pollution, whether it be dust or stubborn stains.

Price the unit averages 500-700 rubles.

Mop "butterfly"

The butterfly wringer mechanism can be found in stores most often. Many have already appreciated this design, which allows you to quickly and effortlessly remove excess moisture from the nozzle by squeezing the compression of the nozzle from both sides.

There are 3 options for the surface of the nozzle:

microfiber;
cotton;
spongy surface.

The first two materials are more suitable for repeated use, as such material is easy to wash. The spongy surface is better at washing old marks or stains, but it can also quickly become unusable and need to be replaced.

Often, such products have a rotating nozzle, choosing the appropriate thickness of which, you can clean dirt from hard-to-reach places and under low furniture. A simple instruction for using the "butterfly" allows you to make cleaning not only of high quality, but also fast.

Price devices on average is 800-1500 rubles.

Steam unit

The steam mop is still gaining popularity, but has already shown its effectiveness not only in cleaning large rooms, but also in disinfecting treated areas (floors and upholstered furniture) by supplying hot steam.

In addition, cleaning time is reduced due to the fact that there is no need to rinse and squeeze the nozzle, just pour water.

High price- about 2500-4000 rubles, depending on the model.

Note! The hot steam function can be quite dangerous due to the possibility of burns, so care must be taken during the cleaning process.

Conclusion

I hope that the information described will help you figure out which mop to choose for your laminate. We have analyzed their main varieties and design features.

More visual instructions for choosing - in the video in this article. I invite you to comment if you have something to add on the topic or want to ask a question.

Olga Nikitina

Reading time: 16 minutes

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Everyone has probably encountered washing the floor, and everyone knows that this business is not so simple. Especially if four-legged friends live with you, for whom you have to clean up almost every day. Nowadays, technology is developing at a rapid pace, and there are new types of mops that can be used to clean floors without any effort.

Mops vary in quality, price and material – but which one should you choose?

Before choosing a mop for your home, you need to pay attention to:

Material. In the markets you can find a mop made of different materials: plastic, aluminum, wood. Plastic and aluminum mops are more popular than wood mops because they are more comfortable. The washing nozzle of the mop can be rag, sponge, rope, with microfiber, there are also flat mops (flounder), steam, etc.
Functionality. Mops differ in functionality - one can be squeezed out with a lever, and on the other, you still need to remove the rag and wring it out manually. The first option is suitable for older people, since when working with this tool you do not have to bend over much. Which is more convenient - you know better.
Design. Mops with different designs and colors appear in the World. In stores, you can find triangular, round and rectangular shabra.
Quality. At the moment, there are a large number of mops in the assortment, which differ in quality. A cheaper mop may not last long. But still, you should not take on expensive options right away, it’s better to think about which mop is best for you.
The size. When choosing a mop, pay attention to its size and thickness. For example, with a flat mop, you don’t have to move furniture often, as it will crawl under beds, sofas and clean out all the dirt. With a thick mop, the situation is different, since getting under the bed will be somewhat more difficult.

7 main types of mops - which one do you choose?

1. Rag mop

A mop with a rag nozzle is made of wood. It is the simplest and consists of two parts: a handle and a head on which a rag is thrown. This design resembles the letter "T".

This type of mop is no longer in fashion, but nevertheless such tools are available in various organizations and are an environmentally friendly product.

The rag mop is not suitable for all floor coverings - and is mainly used for cleaning tile and linoleum, rarely wood flooring.

A wooden mop can be found at any hardware store or supermarket.

When choosing, pay attention to its handle - it should “sit” tightly and not stagger in different directions.

It is inexpensive - from 50 rubles and more.

Pros of a rag mop:

Simplicity.
Environmental friendliness.
Profitability.

Cons of a rag mop:

Low functionality.
Short service life.

This type of mop is currently very common, both in Russia and abroad.

The mop consists of a plastic handle and a sponge nozzle that can be changed at any time.

But this type of mop already differs from the previous one in that it can be squeezed out without touching the sponge, with which dirt is removed.

The mop is convenient because it does not require much effort when washing the floor, it can be used by children and the elderly. It quickly collects both dust and animal hair. If you accidentally spilled water on the floor, then a mop with a sponge nozzle is a godsend!

It is better to wash the floor with this mop linoleum or tiles, as it can scratch parquet or laminate.

Its price is low - from 280 rubles. Replaceable sponge nozzle costs from 80 rubles.

Before buying this mop, read some recommendations:

Before buying, make sure it is intact so that the sponge is tightly attached with screws.
Before washing the floor, you need to hold it in warm water for 10 minutes so that the sponge gets wet. If this is not done, the mop will break.
To dip the mop into the water, you will need a container that matches the size of the sponge. A bucket in this case will not work, since you simply cannot properly wet and wash the floor.
If the sponge is dirty, rinse more often so that there are no streaks.
The humidity of the floor depends on how hard you pulled the lever.
Do not press hard on the mop, as this can tear off the sponge.
If the sponge began to move away, come off, it needs to be changed, otherwise you risk getting a poorly washed surface or an insufficiently dry floor.

Pros of a mop with a sponge nozzle:

Functionality.
Ease of use.
Quick cleaning of the floor.
Profitability.
popularity and availability.
Good moisture absorption.

Mop cons:

Fragility (the lever breaks, the sponge comes off, the screwed screws rust).
May leave streaks, causing frequent water changes.
This mop cannot be quickly walked under low furniture.

This tool is similar to the previous one, but more original. The mop differs in that it squeezes out a little differently, shrinking from the sides like butterfly wings.

It is good because it fits in any bucket.

mop price ranges from 200 to 2000 rubles.

Advantages of a butterfly mop:

Profitability.
Functionality.
Quick cleaning of the floor.
Good moisture absorption.
Ease of use.
Interesting design.

Mop cons:

Not very long service life.

This type of mop is also well known to everyone. The design consists of several parts: a handle, a platform and a microfiber nozzle. The mop platform is flat and very flexible.

Microfiber material washes the floor very quickly and well, leaving no fluff - you can wash the surface, both from linoleum and from laminate. Even children can wash with this mop.

The range of microfiber mops is quite high, and the price will depend on the quality of the material of the nozzle itself.

On average, a mop with a nozzle costs from 2000 rubles and more.

A few tips:

This mop has a special button to release the nozzle. Click on it and the platform will bend.
Dip the nozzle in water and wet it well and wring it out. Put the nozzle back on the platform and straighten it until it clicks. Be careful, you can pinch your fingers! After this procedure, you can start washing the floor.
To clean parquet or laminate surfaces, wring out the microfiber material thoroughly to prevent the floor from swelling.

The mop has more pros than cons:

Has light weight.
Functional.
Movable.
Has a flat platform shape, can be washed under the bed or sofa.
The microfibre nozzle allows you to dry the floor.
Durable.
The nozzle can be washed.
Rarely leaves streaks.

Cons of a microfiber mop:

To wash the floor, you need to remove the nozzle and squeeze.
Does not clean the floor from animal hair.
High price.

The mop has a long handle and a round platform on which ropes or harnesses are fixed. Ropes are made mainly from cotton, rarely from polyester.

Some rope mops have a spin system. Sometimes a mop can be found along with a special bucket that has a special wringer compartment.

Rope mop fits for linoleum. You should not take this for parquet, laminate or tile, as it does not collect moisture enough.

Inexpensive mop is worth from 500 rub.

Advantages of a rope mop:

Functionality.
Profitability.
Has a special spin.
The nozzle can be washed.

Mop Disadvantages:

Absorbs little moisture.
Does not pick up all dust or animal hair.

6. Flat mop (Flounder)

This type of mop is similar to a microfiber mop, but it can have nozzles with different materials: microfiber and cotton. The flat mop can rotate in a circle and clean all surfaces - from floor to ceiling. It has a lightweight aluminum handle and a comfortable design.

With this mop you can wash any floor, as the nozzle is easily squeezed dry and wipes without lint.

mop price - from 1500 rubles.

Pros of a flat mop:

durable
functional
Convenient to use
It has a highly absorbent material.
mobile
Leaves no streaks.
The mop head is washable.

Mop cons:

It has a rather high price.
Not suitable for pet owners.
To wash the floor, you need to remove and rinse the nozzle several times with your hands.

New innovations gave housewives steam mops. This type of instrument is currently only beginning to gain popularity.

The mop has the function of outputting hot steam, thereby perfectly washing and disinfecting the surface.

It is so technologically advanced that you don’t need a bucket and additional time to rinse and wring out the nozzle to clean the floors.

You can find a steam mop in stores for 2500 rubles.

The steam tool is universal, it can disinfect any floor surface, carpets and even upholstered furniture. To use it, read the instructions that come with the kit.

If you decide to wash a laminate or parquet floor, make sure that its surface is airtight.

Do not direct the steam stream at people or pets!

Advantages of a steam mop:

Convenient to use.
Universal (suitable for floors and furniture).
Disinfects surfaces from germs.
Does not require rinsing and squeezing.
Functional.
Suitable for pet owners.
Harmless to health.
You do not need to buy detergents to wash the floor.

Disadvantages:

High price.
When washing the floor, children and animals must be supervised so that they do not get burned.

We will be very pleased if you share your experience of using one or another type of mops!

My apartment is all in the Wenge color, who doesn’t know, it’s a dark brown color, and EVERYTHING is visible on it (therefore, I don’t advise those who make repairs to take such a range)! I'm already sick of this endless cleaning, and so, I have a laminate, respectively, also of the same color, you can see on it: dust, traces, water drops, stains, and so on and so forth. It was unrealistic to wash the floors, all sorts of mops for 200 rubles that were rolled in another apartment were not rolled here, washed with a microfiber cloth, yes! divorce...

Do you need a vacuum cleaner? and which??

I have laminate flooring in my house, no carpets at all. about 200 sq. m. You will hesitate to wash with an ordinary mop - you wiped 2 meters, you have to wash it - otherwise terrible stains. I wanted a washing vacuum cleaner - well, I read about all the reviews and everyone has flaws. Now I don't even know what to do. who does not clean the tank well because of the protrusions, the handles are not telescopic, who have bad fastenings, there is no combination of wet and dry cleaning - you have to disassemble and change modes and filters ..... in short, there is not a single vacuum cleaner that would be completely .. .

Laminate is a popular flooring today. It has many advantages: it can be used to get a beautiful and well-groomed floor, high wear resistance, and does not fade in the sun. But in addition to the advantages, the coating also has weaknesses: it is afraid of excess moisture, it requires proper care. In order to carry it out, you should acquire an appropriate device, such as a laminate floor mop, because due to washing the floor with a conventional mop, the coating can quickly become unusable. Excessive moisture will get into the seams of the material, and soak into the inner balls, which deteriorate from this, and the laminate itself will lose its attractiveness.

Why is a special mop needed?

To choose the right device for cleaning the flooring, you should follow the instructions that are included with the laminate. An adapted mop allows you to clean the room efficiently and correctly. After it, there is no excess moisture, no scratches, no stains.

Manufacturers advise to take care of the laminate floor every day:

Wiping liquid from the floor immediately after it appears on the laminate so that it does not get into the crevices of the material.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.
Wet cleaning in the room where the laminate flooring lies should be done no more than once every 7 days.
It should be carried out with a special mop for laminate, which has a microfiber nozzle. It is such a material adapted for cleaning that it absorbs much more liquid than ordinary fabric, and it also penetrates into hard-to-reach places, such as cracks and grooves.

Taking into account the size of the room and the degree of its pollution, it is necessary to choose the appropriate device. With a huge area of laminate coverage, it is advisable to acquire steam equipment. It will quickly and effectively allow you to clean the floor. Used in hotels and shopping malls.

The main types of mops for cleaning laminate

Mops for this flooring must be special, as certain requirements are put forward for them.

There are several types of this device:

household;
With bucket and wringer;
Universal;
Steam;
Professional.

A laminate floor mop should dry quickly and absorb liquid well. It should not be wetted abundantly. To give the device sufficient moisture, you can spray microfiber with a spray gun or substitute it under a tap for a short time.

You should know the differences between mops in order to make the right choice between them.

Household mop.

The device is equipped with a telescopic handle so that the length can be adjusted. It also has a movable platform, which makes it easier to access certain places in the room. The kit includes three nozzles for different types of cleaning: wet, dry and universal. The material on the nozzles is made of cotton, wool or microfiber. The last option is the most suitable in the case of laminate flooring. On the nozzles, Velcro or pockets play the role of clamps. The nozzles can be washed, and they should be dried in the air.

This assistant is used to care for small areas, it is also the most budget option for this type of product.

Universal mop.

It is equipped with two different ends. On one edge is an abrasive for cleaning surfaces from heavy dirt. On the opposite side is a rubber scraper to remove liquid from the glass and floor. Therefore, this mop can work with any surface. Included with it are removable nozzles with various properties. There is one among them that is adapted for the care of the laminate.

Professional mop.

Such an assistant is intended for the care of laminated flooring in office premises with a large territory. There is a strong, regulating handle in this mop, and the platform itself turns around on all sides.

Mop with bucket and wringer.

This device has a rope mop and a bucket with a special basket. Ropes consist of cotton or polyester material. Such a mop is dipped into a bucket of water, and then placed in a basket, and when turned, it is wrung out. It is better when the process is automated - there are bucket models with a basket that have a pedal, such as the Spin and Go spin system. A mop with such a device will be convenient and maneuverable, it can penetrate into difficult corners of the apartment, therefore it is possible to turn in all directions. The disadvantage of these assistants is that cotton ropes can be lost during operation. Also, the cotton won't spin out enough and it will be too wet for the laminate. If the laminate is inexpensive and low-class, then swelling in the coating may occur, and this will gradually render it unusable.

Steam Mop.

So many housewives are concerned about the question: “Is steam mops the best choice for caring for laminate flooring?” Let's consider it now.

They have recently become in great demand. No wonder they are considered a universal option, because this device is able to clean various types of surfaces: laminate, marble, linoleum, tiles, glass, ceramic tiles, parquet, stone. This mop not only cleans the floor very well to a shine, but also disinfects all areas where it worked. The effectiveness of cleaning surfaces not least depends on the special nozzles that are included with the mop.

Unlike previous options for caring for laminate flooring, this is already a full-fledged household appliance. It is powered by electricity, and has a 5 m cord, weighs up to 2 kg. Manufacturers have supplied a steam mop with various nozzles for cleaning carpets, furniture, windows, sinks. The device holds up to half a liter of water. It works effectively thanks to hot steam, it is able to melt and remove a lot of types of stains.

The steam mop is a class above other types of mops, and its cost is rather big. This design has many advantages and is a very necessary assistant in homes where kids live, as well as people suffering from allergic reactions. Disinfection, which it is capable of due to hot steam, will protect residents from contact with harmful substances and microbes.

Before starting operation, you should once again familiarize yourself with the rules for using the device, and the manufacturer's recommendations. Working with this technique is responsible, because if used incorrectly, this can affect the laminated coating.

Recommendations for choosing a mop and nozzles for cleaning laminate

When you need to decide on the choice of a mop, fix attention on the handle. The service life and comfort in work depend on it in many respects. The most common holders are made of metal and plastic. It is clear that a metal pen is more durable than a plastic one, but such a device will have a slightly higher cost. The holder should also be telescopic, because you can adjust it for yourself.

And of course, microfiber should be chosen from materials for nozzles. After all, it was created to care for furniture, floors, and many things that are in the house. As already noted, microfiber perfectly removes dust and dirt, collects moisture and disinfects. If it is not boiled and ironed, then for about 2 years, it will serve faithfully.

Laminate is the most common floor covering, which is characterized by excellent performance and optimal price. Many experienced owners are faced with one problem, how and with what to properly care for a laminate floor. In the age of high technology, a rag soaked in water is not relevant.

Therefore, in this article we will talk about which mop is best for washing lamites. Since poor-quality inventory leads to scratches, stains and various deformations.

Laminate floor care requirements

You are probably wondering one question, what's the difference, what and how to wash. You can just use a regular scraper and rags. But this is not so modern floor coverings put forward a number of requirements for the care of their surface.

The amount of water that hits the surface should be minimal, and this figure does not depend on the class of the laminate.
The material should not be hard, but softer and more delicate. Since intense mechanical stress can lead to scratches and gradual abrasion of the coating.
The use of special cleaning agents. The cleaning solution must be neutral in pH and free of abrasive particles (sodium carbonate or other salts). Experts advise buying polishes and detergents recommended by the manufacturer. Experienced housewives compare the composition of branded products and inexpensive ones. And get analogues.

There is an urgent question about purchasing a mop for washing laminate flooring in houses and apartments in which up to 80% of the floors are covered with this flooring.

Varieties of mops

Special mops are technologically advanced mops. They are more compact, comfortable and made of lightweight plastic with various nozzles for washing. The brushes are made in various shapes and are made from special microfiber material.

Experts warn you not to buy Velcro brushes, they have a short service life. Recently, a large number of mops for washing laminate flooring have appeared on store shelves, we will consider the main types:

There is another type of mops - these are mops for washing laminate flooring. Usually supplied with a bucket. Perform in the form of butterfly wings or an envelope.

Nozzles are made of microfiber, cellulose, sponges of different densities. It is not recommended to use rope nozzles for laminate flooring, as after squeezing a lot of water remains on it.

But they always include:

Bucket (maybe two buckets).
The basis on wheels, with the convenient handle for movement.
Press block.
Mop.

These mops have a 360 degree rotating platform.

Steam mops. As we understand progress does not stand still. And many manufacturers keep up with the times and offer devices that run on water vapor. We will take this topic a little beyond the scope of a simple discussion and talk about it in more detail below.

Of all the above types of mops, for home use, it is best to choose a universal mop. Since it can clean the surface of ceramic tiles, parquet, laminate, linoleum, etc.

Brief description of mop heads

The most important feature of the nozzles is that they can be bought separately from the mop. Now we will consider the main types of nozzles and give them a brief description.

Here it should be noted the fact that the dimensions of the platforms and fasteners of nozzles from most manufacturers of the same standard. Therefore, most nozzles have the same dimensions.

You should also properly care for the nozzles, only then they will last a long time. They should be washed or rinsed periodically in clean water (see instructions) and then dried.

There is another classification of nozzles according to the type of cleaning:

Nozzles for dry cleaning.
Nozzles for wet cleaning.
Universal, designed for any surface and any type of cleaning

Steam Mop

As we said above, we brought this type of mops into the discussion, because ordinary mops (household, universal or professional) are inventory, that is, a simple tool.

A steam mop is a complex device that weighs an average of 2 kg, and has a water tank with a volume of half a liter. That is, water is brought to a boil and under great pressure falls on the surface of the floor from the laminate. This jet of steam removes even old stains.

The most important advantage is that no detergents are required to wash the floor. And also during washing with steam, disinfection occurs immediately. Steam kills most bacteria and microorganisms.

So its use is mandatory in the presence of young children and people with allergies. The steam generator comes with a variety of attachments. Or they can be purchased separately.

These nozzles will help in cleaning the bathroom, toilets, sinks and various other surfaces. In a word, we can say that this is a universal device designed for cleaning and washing various surfaces.

The disadvantages include the high cost. Only trusted brands should be taken. Another drawback is that you should strictly follow the instructions, since violation of the rules and regimes will lead to damage to the laminate.

When choosing a device, pay attention to:

Power cord length. In order not to use extension cords and carrying, it is advisable to choose models with a long power cord.
The weight. Everything is clear here, the less weight, the easier it is to wield.
Working hours. This means continuous work, it should be 30-40 minutes.
Versatility and mobility. Some models can be easily removed and disassembled, allowing you to use them to clean clothes, bathtubs, curtains and more.

User guide.

We collect the required amount of water in the container up to the mark, while the mop should be disconnected from the power supply.
We set the required mode on the handle of the device. To wash the laminate floor, a weak (low) or medium level of steam supply is sufficient.
We turn on the steam mop in the electrical network and begin to drive along the floor surface.

If you are afraid that the steam coming out of the nozzles will harm your laminate flooring, then you can use special wipes.

How best to choose a mop for washing laminate flooring

Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right mop.

If you need to dry clean or polish the surface, it is best to use a laminate brush, or a mop with a woolen head. A woolen or cotton nozzle perfectly collects dust from the surface.

As we can see, there are many small nuances that should always be taken into account.

Instructions on how to clean laminate flooring

As we said above, cleaners and detergents should not contain small and abrasive particles, as they can cause irreparable damage to the coating.

We remove dust and pieces of dirt from the surface. To do this, you can use a broom or a vacuum cleaner with soft nozzles. Brushes in the form of nozzles for a vacuum cleaner will not damage the surface of the laminate.

We dilute a special composition for washing laminates with clean water, according to the instructions. In order to make sure that the product is absolutely safe for coating, you can try it on a small piece.

You can use a folk solution for washing. To do this, we mix 500 ml. vinegar in 5 liters. Pure water. From this composition there are no divorces.

Then we take the prepared solution and moisten the nozzle, squeeze it out and start washing the floor. We try to rinse the rag (nozzle) as often as possible.

Stubborn stains are best treated with special liquids, which include ethyl alcohol or acetone.

Everything is enough just to drip a few drops on the stain, wait 3-5 minutes, and wipe with a rag. These funds are sold in almost any hardware store.

Conclusion

We can conclude that if you want to maintain and keep your laminate floor surface clean and in good condition for as long as possible, then you should definitely buy a laminate floor mop.

When choosing, you should rely on the knowledge and information that you received in this article. The main thing is that this inventory is convenient and functional.