Which washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring should I choose and can it be used?

During the operation of the laminate flooring Many owners have a question: is it possible to wash a floor made of this material with a vacuum cleaner? Will this procedure lead to warping of the coating and damage to the appearance? To figure this out, you need to get acquainted with the characteristics of the laminate, as well as study the technical data of the wet vacuum cleaner itself.

It is no coincidence that laminate flooring is very popular among consumers today. This is explained by the advantages that this coating has. The most important among them are presentable appearance, resistance to deformation, as well as ease of installation and low cost. At the same time, it also has certain disadvantages - it is very afraid of moisture, which is due to the composition of the pressed panels.

Is it safe to clean laminate floors with a vacuum cleaner?

Today in stores it is very rare to find laminate of classes 21, 22 and 23, which are afraid of wet cleaning. More preferable in this regard are laminated panels for commercial premises belonging to class 31-34, which have a higher level of moisture resistance . However, this information is still not enough to answer the question whether it is possible to wet clean a laminate floor of this quality with a vacuum cleaner or whether it makes sense to wipe the floor manually.

So that after cleaning the laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner, no unpleasant phenomena occur to it, it must be a moisture-resistant or water-resistant material. Each slab consists of several protective layers and is impregnated. At the same time, the top layer here is a special protective coating, which is highly resistant to moisture. It is safest to wash laminate floors from the following manufacturers: Tarkett, Egger and Classen (moisture-resistant), Alloc, Pergo, Kaindl (water-resistant). However, this does not mean that there are not other brands of laminate flooring on the market that can be used for similar cleaning.

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You can get an answer to the question of whether it is safe to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner only after it becomes clear what technology was used to make the coating. To find out, you need to refer to the labeling on the package, which consists of three letters:

• CPL – continuous pressure technology. When the material comes into contact with moisture, no unpleasant phenomena occur. Therefore, it is permissible to use washing vacuum cleaners on such coatings.

• HPL - high pressure method . This marking indicates that the floor can be washed no more than once a week.

• DPL. This is the designation for direct lamination technology. Wet cleaning of such coatings is prohibited. For these purposes, you can only use a regular vacuum cleaner or wipe the floor with special foam. You should take care of cached laminate flooring in the same way.

• DPR is a direct printing method. The coating can be washed manually with water, but not more often than once every 5-7 days, be sure to finish the procedure by wiping the floor dry.

In order to make sure that the coating has a sufficient level of water resistance, you must do the following . To do this, select a small area on one of the panels in an inconspicuous place, and then pour water there. Next, this area is monitored - if there are no signs of warping, the coating will easily withstand cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner.

The level of moisture resistance of the coating is largely influenced by the method of its installation. Installation of the laminate must be carried out in strict compliance with the technology requirements in order to prevent even the slightest penetration of moisture under the panels. Otherwise, this will lead to their limpness. When using the adhesive method of fastening boards, as well as the tongue-and-groove technology, you need to take into account that after a while, cracks may appear in such a coating through which water can easily leak.

To avoid premature destruction of the laminate coating, it is necessary to treat the seams by covering them with a special water-repellent putty for laminate or silicone sealant.

The Click type locking method is less problematic, since in this case the boards are connected to each other more tightly and initially have a sealing layer. A similar function is assigned to the rubber strip, which many manufacturers equip laminate floor locks with. It prevents moisture from getting under the coating, reliably protecting it from destruction. Wax impregnation can also act as a sealing layer.

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Features of wet cleaning

Laminate, due to its structure, can be destroyed by moisture. Thus, liquid trapped between layers of material can lead to swelling of the surface or separation of layers of material. Therefore, to clean the laminate surface you need to use a minimum amount of water. It is recommended to either use special cleaning agents for laminate flooring, or not use any detergents at all.

Even if you carried out wet cleaning using a washing vacuum cleaner, after completing the procedure, the floor should be wiped with a dry cloth.

However, this does not guarantee that excess liquid will not accumulate in the seams of the material. When cleaning such surfaces, it makes sense to use special mixtures that prevent the ingress of liquid.

Wet cleaning of laminate flooring is recommended no more than 1-3 times a week. Moreover, many modern vacuum cleaners have a dry cleaning function. It is suitable for removing household dust and minor dirt, and can be used every day.

To clean surfaces with a washing vacuum cleaner, it is recommended to use special attachments. They allow you to efficiently remove most of the dirt without damaging the floor surface.

Characteristics of a washing vacuum cleaner

When trying to understand whether a technique is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring, it should be selected taking into account the following parameters:

• Spray liquid consumption. A good unit should only moisten the floor without allowing it to get wet.
• Suction power. Vacuum cleaners with a power of at least 20% of the rated power and corresponding to 450 W are considered suitable for cleaning laminate floors.
• Drying mode after washing. This option is not available on all models.
• Equipment. The robot vacuum cleaner must be equipped with a special attachment for washing laminated floors.

When choosing a good vacuum cleaner for cleaning laminate flooring, for example, from the manufacturer Thomas, you need to pay attention to the fact that the passport for the device indicates that the model is suitable for washing laminate and parquet flooring. The most preferable among the possible options would be a multifunctional pump. It is recommended to choose it , first of all, for owners who have several different floor coverings installed in their house.

At the same time, wet cleaning can be carried out with a conventional washing unit. Only for this you will have to additionally buy a special nozzle for laminate. During the washing procedure itself, you need to be careful and not allow even small puddles of water to appear on the floor.

Which washing vacuum cleaner to choose for laminate care

The operating principle of a conventional wet vacuum cleaner is spraying and subsequent suction of liquid. However, water sprayed under pressure can seep into the joints. Which is extremely unacceptable for laminate. This can lead to swelling over time.

What to do? Study the instructions for the vacuum cleaner and see what attachments are included in the kit. Modern manufacturers offer models specifically for laminate.

Requirements for a washing vacuum cleaner:

• Availability of a separate nozzle for cleaning laminated floors.

To prevent water from splashing onto the surface of the laminate, a fabric cushion is attached to this nozzle. As a result, the liquid immediately evenly wets the microfiber pillow. The water supply is regulated on the handle of the vacuum cleaner. This allows you to gently wash the laminate with a minimum amount of moisture;

• High liquid suction power (not to be confused with power consumption).

After spraying the water, it needs to be collected from the floor. For this purpose, the washing vacuum cleaner has a suction function. For example, at the front of the laminate nozzle there is a hole to collect liquid. When cleaning the floor, you immediately wet its surface. Then all the moisture is absorbed back, leaving the coating clean and almost dry;

• Safe rubberized wheels. This is important to avoid scratching the floor covering during cleaning;

It will also be useful to have options such as washing tiles, carpets, furniture, and windows. This multifunctional device will help you thoroughly clean your entire apartment. It would not be amiss to have an aquafilter and a fine air filter. The dimensions of the vacuum cleaner play an important role.

The best cleaning vacuum cleaners

To choose the optimal robot vacuum cleaner model for cleaning laminate floors, you need to pay attention to its capabilities and operational reliability . get comprehensive answers to the main questions about modern washing vacuum cleaners in the store from sales consultants. In order to find out in advance what a particular model of household appliance is and what characteristics it has, you can visit the manufacturer’s website.

It is best if it is a unit for cleaning laminate flooring from a well-known manufacturer. Most often, buyers prefer products from German companies such as Karcher or Thomas. At the same time, models of washing robotic vacuum cleaners from Electrolux, Samsung, Vax are quite popular.

Vacuum cleaner Thomas Parkett Style XT

It is this model of vacuum cleaner for cleaning laminate floors that most buyers most often choose. From owner reviews you can find out that this is the best vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring. One of the advantages that the Thomas Parkett Style XT model has is its versatility. Thanks to this, it can be used to clean almost all floor coverings, as well as carpets. The washing vacuum cleaner from this manufacturer comes with the following components:

• hose with control panel and tube for supplying cleaning solution,
• sprayer for smooth surfaces, equipped with an adapter,
• filter bag,
• nozzle for washing parquet and laminate with a cloth to remove excess moisture,
• closed water filter THOMAS AQUA-BOX.

Also included in the standard kit for this vacuum cleaner are attachments for cleaning carpets and floors, cleaning upholstered furniture, and removing dust from crevices.

How to properly wash laminate flooring

Wet cleaning should be done no more than 2-3 times a week.

A microfiber mop equipped with various attachments or a regular rag are great for cleaning. The main condition is to avoid excess liquid. Otherwise the panels may swell.

To properly clean a laminate floor, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.

First, you should clear the floor of large debris. To do this, you need to collect all items that could scratch the surface when sweeping. For example, large shards of glass, metal or sharp pieces of plastic. Next, collect sand and dirt from shoes or plasticine scattered by children. This can be done using a wooden spatula or spatula.

Before washing, you must first clean the laminate from contamination with special detergents, which will be discussed below.

After this, you can proceed directly to wet cleaning.

1. The main rule that should be followed when washing laminate floors is that the washing time and the amount of water that gets on the floor should be minimal. Then the moisture will have time to evaporate from the surface of the coating before it penetrates deep into the joints and begins to destroy them.
2. For washing, use a soft cloth or mop with microfiber and an adjustment lever. It is better to use a microfiber cloth. It collects excess water well from the surface and does not leave large streaks. Wring out the rag or mop head thoroughly after each wash. Old T-shirts, other colored items and rags with lint cannot be taken for washing. When using them, the surface becomes dull and streaks remain.
3. It is better to carry out wet cleaning with the windows open so that the water quickly evaporates and wet spots or puddles do not form.
4. To increase efficiency, special detergents are added to the water. This will be discussed in more detail below.
5. It is better to wash heavily soiled floors twice. Cleaning is done in small areas, rinsing the cloth frequently. The first time - with detergent. Then let the room dry. The second time - with plain water.
6. If the floor with a laminated coating is slightly dirty and dusty, you can wash it once with just hot water (as much as your hands can tolerate), so that it evaporates faster from the floor surface.
7. If small children or allergy sufferers live in a room with laminate flooring, you can wash the floor with hot water, without using any detergents. The water should be at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Then it will disinfect the floor and quickly evaporate. You need to work with gloves. It is necessary to change the water frequently and wring out the cloth thoroughly. To avoid getting burned, it is better to use a mop with a wringing attachment.
8. The room should be washed in such a sequence as to avoid walking on a wet surface.
9. It is better to move the mop parallel to the laminate planks. This way less water gets into the joints between the slats.
10. Dried laminate can be polished with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove residual moisture, stains and add shine to the coating.
11. If the floor is too wet, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or dry mop. This will protect the laminate from swelling and reduce streaks.

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Can laminate flooring be washed with water? As already mentioned, it is better to use water for household surfaces no more than once a week. When washing, certain nuances are taken into account.

Recommendations for wet cleaning of laminate flooring

After it becomes clear which of the available cleaning vacuum cleaners is suitable for washing laminate flooring, and the owner makes sure that the floor has the necessary moisture resistance, you need to find out how to properly care for a floor made of this material. The first thing to remember is that it is not recommended to carry out wet cleaning too often. In order for a floor made of this material to last longer, it must be wiped following the manufacturer's recommendations.

• At the stage of laying the floor, you need to make sure that the joints between the boards are well sealed. To do this, it is necessary to treat the seams at least once a year with a special grout or mastic for the laminate.
• It is not advisable to clean laminate flooring with the steam generation mode activated. By exposing the panels to heated steam, you can cause the floor to swell, regardless of its quality. If you still have a desire to clean the laminate flooring with a steam cleaner, then this can only be done through a special thick cloth.
• If the washing vacuum cleaner for laminate does not have a drying system among the additional options after washing, cleaning the laminate flooring should always be completed by wiping it dry. This way you can increase its service life.

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Types of laminated coating

Laminate is a modern floor covering that can imitate parquet or tiles. Manufacturing technology may vary among different manufacturers, but in any case it consists of four layers:

• upper (or outer), which performs a protective function (it is a film made using protective resins);
• decorative, containing a design (consists of paper impregnated with special resins);
• the main one is high-density wood board, which ensures the strength of the coating and its durability;
• bottom, protecting the coating from moisture from below.

The quality of the materials from which the coating is made affects the ability to process it with water. The coating has such a characteristic as the moisture absorption coefficient of the wood board, which is the basis of the laminate. If the indicator does not exceed 2%, then the laminate can not only be washed, but also installed in rooms with high humidity, for example, in bathrooms.

When purchasing a coating, you need to check whether it can be cleaned with water.

The technology used to make the coating is a decisive factor in deciding whether it can be washed.

The main methods for producing laminate are as follows:

• direct lamination (DPL) – products do not withstand contact with water and cannot be wiped even with a damp cloth;
• high pressure (HPL) – contact of such a floor with water does not have negative consequences, the main thing is that it is not too frequent;
• continuous pressure (CPL) – the coating is not afraid of moisture, it can be washed with a cloth or a vacuum cleaner;
• direct printing (DPR) - such a floor can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, but infrequently (about once a week), and after cleaning it can be wiped dry;
• caching - only dry cleaning is allowed.

When purchasing finishing materials, be sure to check with sellers how they react to contact with water. The best way to check the reaction is to wet one board before laying it. If it swells, then this coating definitely cannot be washed. If you have a question about how to care for laminate flooring after it has been installed, wipe an area of ​​the floor in an inconspicuous place with a damp cloth to check.

If individual boards are connected to each other using special “locks”, the coating will be less susceptible to moisture

The method of installation is also important. When individual boards are connected to each other using a locking method , when washing, moisture almost does not penetrate into the joints and, accordingly, has less impact on the wood. When laying the coating on an adhesive base, seams are formed, and when cleaning, water flows into them, which is not at all beneficial for the floor. This problem can also be solved: installation specialists treat the joints of the boards with a special water-repellent impregnation or additionally glue the joints with water-repellent glue.

Thus, everyone must choose for themselves whether to wash the floor or limit themselves to dry cleaning. Much depends on the quality of the material, production technology and installation method. Next, we will dwell in more detail on special equipment for wet cleaning.

Reviews

If you have smooth floors in your house and you want to spend less time cleaning, then you definitely need to buy a washing vacuum cleaner. We did just that and 10 years ago we bought a unit from the Vax manufacturer. The rooms in our house are quite large, each 30 square meters. They are very difficult to mop. Thanks to a vacuum cleaner, we not only cope with this unpleasant procedure faster, but we are also confident that everything will be done efficiently.

Tamara

After reading positive reviews about washing vacuum cleaners, we purchased a unit from Karcher. The model we purchased is very easy to use, easy to clean and disassemble. In the 10 years that we have been using this vacuum cleaner, we have only had to change the filters and bag. And so far we have never had to regret our decision - we use it very often.

Irina

After we installed tile and laminate flooring in our house, we decided we needed a robot vacuum cleaner. To save ourselves the hard work, we purchased the iClebo Arte device. Thanks to him, our house is now always clean. And to get rid of greasy stains and stains, we use the polisher function.

What is the best way to wash laminate flooring?

This question plagues all housewives. And the answer is very simple: it is best to wash the laminated surface with detergents specially designed for this purpose, strictly following the instructions for use. Overdose or inappropriate use of the product can lead to stains, streaks and damage to the coating.

Detergents

Retail chains offer a wide selection of professional cleaning products for laminate flooring:

• Mellerud Bio is a natural-based product that removes dirt, dust, oil and grease films well.
• Emsal Laminate - based on soap, provides gentle care, protects edges from swelling, adds shine, and prevents dust accumulation.
• Pronto - eliminates stains, adds shine and removes dirt well.
• HG is a concentrate that creates a thin film that protects against moisture.
• Laminol is an industrial product that softens water, is antibacterial, adds shine, and does not require rinsing.

Household flooring detergents (Mr.Proper, Glorix, Meine Liebe, Luxus, Grass, Sarma and others) can also be used to wash laminate surfaces.

In addition to special detergents, you can also use ordinary ones that can be found in any home. However, it is worth remembering that all detergents are used with restrictions.

Detergents - shampoos, liquid soap, dishwashing detergents - must have a neutral PH, be safe for the respiratory system of humans and animals, and do not contain ammonia and chlorine. Their high chemical activity can damage the surface of the laminate.

Any new detergent should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area. The average concentration of detergent is 50 grams per 10 liters of water. After using the product, you need to wash the floor with clean warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or fiber cloth.

Special and professional detergents do a good job of cleaning laminate floors from dirt, but they are quite expensive. There are universal recipes for cleaning floors without using chemicals.

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The simplest, cheapest and most common way to wash a laminate floor without using professional chemicals is to use clear table vinegar. This method can be easily implemented at home. Add 200 ml to a bucket of hot water (10 l.). 3-9% white vinegar. With this solution, the floor is washed in the usual way - by squeezing the rag well and without stepping on the wet surface.

There is no need to go through plain water a second time. Vinegar has disinfectant properties. In combination with hot water and a well-wrung out cloth, it will ensure rapid evaporation of moisture. Additional polishing with a dry cloth will remove residual moisture, increase shine and remove stains. A solution of vinegar in water removes dirt from laminated surfaces well and makes them shine.

This method has only one drawback - there is an unpleasant odor during washing. It does not cause any harm and disappears quickly.

As we have mentioned several times in this article, the best way to clean laminate flooring is to use a microfiber cloth. In principle, any soft cloth that absorbs moisture well and can be wrung out well, or a special rag for washing floors, will do.

Mop for laminate flooring

As an alternative to a floor cloth, you can use a mop. This will make cleaning the floor a little easier. It is better to use a universal mop with adjustable handle length. When cleaning large areas, professional mops with covers made of various materials on a movable rectangular or oval shaped head have performed well.

Progress does not stand still and manufacturers of household appliances have been offering to automate the cleaning process using a washing vacuum cleaner for several years.

However, you should use a regular washing vacuum cleaner to wash laminate flooring with great care. Water that gets onto the joints when sprayed with the cleaning nozzle of a vacuum cleaner penetrates the joints and causes them to swell. Only when washing laminate flooring, the locks of which are treated with a special wax composition, can you use new generation washing vacuum cleaners.

Steam cleaners are very effective at removing contaminants from the surface of the laminate, but their use is possible only if the following basic conditions are met:

• The coating has no damage or discrepancies between the panels;
• The joints of the panels are glued with a special glue or treated with a water-repellent wax-based compound;
• The material must have a durable protective coating of class 33 or 34.

What types of laminate are there?

There is quite a large selection of laminate flooring on the market, but not all of them can be wet cleaned. It is strictly forbidden to wet some models, not to mention using a washing vacuum cleaner. These types of laminate include:

• Created using a caching method (it is strictly forbidden to wet it);
• Produced by direct lamination. Even the slightest contact with liquid can ruin it;

Wet cleaning is possible if you have the following type of laminate:

• Created using constant pressure technology, it is absolutely not afraid of moisture;
• Laminate created by direct printing. This floor can withstand one wet cleaning per week, after which it must be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth;
• Laminate created using high pressure.

Laminate manufacturers often claim that their coating will withstand any moisture. Don't trust them, they do it to increase sales. To test laminate, buy one board and thoroughly moisten it at home. The laminate is swollen - choose another one. If you did not have time to test it before laying it down, then test it in an inconspicuous place (for example, under the bed).

It is very important: its stability will depend on how the parquet is laid. The “seam to seam” and glue methods leave minimal gaps between the parquet flooring; moisture can easily get in there and ruin your beauty. The best option is the locking method of fastening the board.

Therefore, before you start cleaning the laminate with a vacuum cleaner, find out what type of flooring you have. Since you installed laminate flooring in the kitchen, most likely you took care of all the nuances in advance (quality of material, type of fasteners, etc.) and your floor can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing a model.