How to Clean Laminate and Wood Floors Without Damaging Them

Laminate and wood floors dislike water. The golden rule is a barely damp mop and a gentle cleaner.

By the Ample Cleaners team · 5 October 2026 · 3 min read

Share this guide

Weekly clean

  1. Sweep or vacuum with a hard-floor setting to remove grit that scratches
  2. Mop with a well-wrung microfibre mop dampened with water or a cleaner made for the floor
  3. Dry any wet patches straight away

Avoid

  • Soaking the floor or using a steam mop, unless the manufacturer says it is safe
  • Abrasive cleaners and wax on laminate
  • Dragging furniture, so use felt pads under the legs

Marks and scuffs

Rub scuffs gently with a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth, and treat sticky marks with a little washing-up liquid on a damp cloth.

Common questions

Can I use vinegar on a wooden floor?

Strong or undiluted vinegar can dull some finishes, so use a cleaner designed for wood or the manufacturer's recommendation.

Would you rather we did it for you?

Ample Cleaners offers house cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.

Share this guide

More guides