Should You Use Pine-Sol To Clean Your Laminate Flooring? Here's What You Should Know

Whether you install new laminate floors or move into a house that already has them, you might wonder about the best method to get them clean. One option that often comes up is Pine-Sol, a tried and true disinfectant brand for various flooring types for over 90 years. So can you use Pine-Sol to clean laminate floors? The jury is out. Some home experts and flooring installation companies say laminate isn't one of the floors you can clean with Pine-Sol. Yet the brand itself says you can clean laminate floors with their product if you dilute it and use it correctly. If you're interested in doing so, there's a safer way to do it, provided you don't oversaturate your mop and use a small amount of Pine-Sol.

Before using anything on your laminate floors, you should check the floor manufacturer's information to see what they recommend, especially if your floors are still under warranty. Using an unapproved cleaner might void your warranty, so it's better to be safe than sorry! Some floor manufacturers may specify that owners use only products especially formulated for laminate, for instance. Laminate flooring is susceptible to warping from excess moisture or cleaning solution, hence why you must be careful. If you've got a bottle of Pine-Sol and want to clean your laminate, here's what you need to know.

To clean your laminate floors with Pine-Sol, start with sweeping to remove any debris and dust from the surface. You'll need ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner and a bucket of warm water. Grab a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands before pouring, as the cleaner can be irritating to the skin. (It can also cause eye irritation.) Pay close attention to any dilution instructions on your bottle, as Pine-Sol is sold in both concentrated and unconcentrated versions. If you don't dilute it correctly, it can leave the surface sticky, meaning you'll have to go over it again. Once you've made your solution, dip your mop, then wring it out till it's barely wet. You want it damp and not sopping. Carefully go over the surface to remove any marks. Once you finish mopping, you should rinse your mop in plain water, squeeze it until it's damp again, then go over the floor again.

When cleaning laminate floors, microfiber mops are highly recommended because of how gentle and soft they are. Always avoid using steam mops, because they can introduce too much moisture into the floor, causing swelling in the material. You should also test Pine-Sol on your laminate flooring in a small inconspicuous area before mopping the whole surface, just in case it suffers from any dulling, discoloration, or staining. If you have pets, avoid letting them on the floor until it's fully dry.