Bleach can show an incredible performance while cleaning and disinfecting your floors and walls. But they might not remain friendly to laminate floors. So, can you clean laminate floors with bleach?
Yes, you can, but there are some risks involved. Laminate floors are not made of natural wood. Instead, they use synthetic material. These floors are durable but might lose their shine if exposed to bleach for extended periods. Moreover, bleach can whiten the beautiful print of the floor.
However, occasionally cleaning the floor with diluted bleach won’t cause any scary damage. So, how to use it, and how can you repair the floor from bleach damage? Read this article and find out!
How Can You Clean Laminate Floors With Bleach?
Cleaning laminate floors with bleach can effectively remove tough stains and kill bacteria and germs. However, it’s important to use caution when using bleach, as it can cause discoloration and damage the laminate if not used properly.
Here are some steps to follow when cleaning laminate floors with bleach:
- Dilute the bleach: Mix a small amount of bleach with a large amount of water in a bucket. The exact ratio will depend on the strength of the bleach and the size of the area you are cleaning.
A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water. - Test the solution: Before using the bleach solution on your laminate floors, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause any discoloration or damage.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor: Remove dirt or debris from the laminate surface.
- Wipe the floor with the bleach solution: Use a damp mop or cloth to apply the bleach solution to the laminate floor. Be sure to wring out the mop or cloth well, as you don’t want the solution too wet.
- Rinse the floor: After allowing the bleach solution to sit for a few minutes, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue.
- Dry the floor: Use a clean, dry mop or cloth to remove any excess water from the laminate surface.
- Repeat as necessary: If the stain or dirt is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat these steps a few times.
It’s important to note that you should never mix bleach with other cleaning products, as this can create harmful fumes. You should also avoid using bleach on dark-colored or laminate with a wood grain finish, as it can cause discoloration.
Finally, always use caution when handling bleach and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Why You Should Avoid Cleaning Laminate Floors With Bleach
There’s no doubt that bleach works excellently to clean and disinfect any surface. But laminate floors might not be the perfect stage for bleach to show its performance.
Bleach contains a chemical named Sodium Hypochlorite. Its presence is about 5% in the bleach. This particular chemical performs an oxidation reaction with chromophores and whitens them.
Moreover, it oxidizes the cells of germs, therefore sanitizing the surface.
Bleach also contains Sodium Hydroxide. This chemical is notorious for its corrosive nature and is called caustic soda. And this chemical can burn and clean many substances and dirt.
Now, if you inspect your laminate floor, you’ll know there are many synthetic layers laminated to make this aesthetic flooring. The top layer is durable, and a beautiful texture is printed over it.
If you apply bleach on this floor, it will start to damage the glossy shine of this layer. Moreover, bleach can whiten and discolor the finish of this layer.
Also, if the solution spills under the layer, it can deform the texture of the floorboards. As a result, you may find unevenness on your floor.
So, to stay on the safe side, it’s better to avoid using bleach on your laminate floor.
Other Ways To Clean Laminate Floors Instead of Bleach
Many options are available to clean laminate floors instead of bleach. Remember, always use mild cleaner on this unique type of flooring. Using harsh cleaners can damage the floor. And sometimes, repairing that won’t be easy.
Here are some cleaning remedies you can use to clean your laminate floors-
- Mild Soap
- Baby Shampoo
- Wax or Oil-based Cleaners
- Specialized Cleaners for Laminate Floors
- Rubbing Alcohol
- White Vinegar
Remember to dilute vinegar if you’re using that as a cleaner. Also, never keep your laminate floors soaked. Rather than splashing water and the cleaner, spray a small amount and mop the floor with a soft material.
How to Repair the Laminate Floor From Bleach Damage?
Repairing laminate floors with bleach damage might not be an easy task to do. Moreover, sometimes it may be irreparable, and you may have to change the flooring boards.
However, we know some ways to save a dying floor plank, which can be helpful to you. You can sand and stain the damaged part of the floor to bring back its shine. Another way is to use baking soda solution over the bleach marks.
We’ll discuss both methods in brief.
Sand And Stain
Observe if the damage is severe or not. If the bleach has not ruined the flooring fibers, sanding might be enough.
To start repairing, first, you need to clean the floor with a vacuum cleaner. Ensure that no dirt is left on the flooring. Now, have the following supplies ready-
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Laminate repair paste
- A piece of denim cloth
You need to sand the damaged areas with the corner of the sandpaper. Keep sanding on the spots to remove the mark.
Now, use laminate repair paste to apply over the area. Distribute it evenly so the floors become level again. Leave the past for half a day, and then polish the layer with a fine-grit sander or a piece of denim cloth.
Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda works great in removing stains. You can use it to remove the yellow bleach stains as well.
For this, you may need-
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Vinegar
First, apply 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda over the damaged area. The measurement may vary depending on the area of the bleach stain.
Now, pour 6% hydrogen peroxide solution drops over the baking soda. Then add a little amount of white vinegar.
After that, you must brush the whole solution with a non-abrasive brush. Do this for a while, and then wipe the solution from the floor.
You’ll see the bleach mark is gone from the floor’s surface.
Remember, these two methods will only work if the damage is minimal. Otherwise, you may need to replace that particular Planck. To do so, make sure you choose new planks of the same design and pattern, so it does not look abnormal.
Wonder why your wood floor is turning black? Check this article and find an instant solution!
Quick Tips To Clean Laminate Floors
So if you’re having trouble cleaning your floors, these tips might help you-
- Never use ammonia, bleach, or other harsh cleaners on your laminate floor
- Do not let any liquid penetrate your flooring. Moisture is sometimes the number one enemy of your laminate floors.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean your laminate floors every day.
- If something spills over the floor, clean it with a soft cloth before it’s too late.
- Always use soft cloths to wipe laminate floors. It can be a microfibre cloth or a mop with soft bristles.
- Clean the floors at least once in two months. If it gets dirty a lot, consider cleaning once in two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Laminate floors are aesthetic and give you a close-to-nature feel in your rooms. But in terms of cleaning these floors, never use abrasive cleaners.
So, you can clean laminate floors with bleach, but it’s better to avoid using bleach. This harsh cleaner can damage the shine, coloring, or texture of your laminate floors.
Some FAQs
How Can I Disinfect My Laminate Floors?
You can use regular dish soap to disinfect your laminate floors. Another option would be using baby shampoo. Furthermore, you can use natural options like diluted white vinegar.
But remember not to use harsh agents on your laminate floors to protect their glossy finish.
Is Diluted Bleach Safe for Laminate Floors?
Diluted bleach is often safe for laminate floors if not applied regularly. You can take a gallon of water and add 3/4 cup of bleach to make the cleaning solution.
Also, remember to rinse the floors well after applying diluted bleach.
How Often Should I Clean Laminate Floors?
It’s better to clean laminate floors once every two weeks. However, if the floor is used less, cleaning it once a month or two will do as well. But whenever something spills on the floor, clean it as soon as possible.
Can I Use Vinegar on Laminate Floors?
Yes, you can use white vinegar on laminate floors, as it’s safe. But make sure to dilute it first with water. You can mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. It will be the cleaning solution.
Then, you can apply it on laminate floors and mop with it for better results.
Can I Clean Vinyl Floors With Bleach?
Yes, but bleach can damage the aesthetic finish of your vinyl floors. You can dilute bleach with water and mop your vinyl floors with the solution.
It will disinfect and clean your floors. But still, there is a chance that bleach will ruin the surface and coloring, and it might be irreparable.
Rahik has experience writing professional blogs, particularly about home appliances. As an undergraduate tutor, Rahik taught undergraduate students academic writing before becoming a professional writer.
