Are you familiar with the situation when, after cleaning, deep scratches remain on the laminate, small debris catches your eye, and dust flies in the air? A clean floor means hygiene at home, because small children crawl on it and put everything in their mouths, animals play on it, raising dust and carrying garbage throughout the apartment. There is only one way out - we need a new assistant! Below we will discuss how to choose the right vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring.
When choosing a cleaning product, you need to take into account the hardness of the coating. We don't want abrasions to form on it, do we? Laminate flooring is loved for its low price, easy installation and durability. In caring for such a floor, all the advantages of a vacuum cleaner. We do not use a broom; it will not collect dust, but will only drive it into the corners. The article explains how to clean and wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner so that the floor is shiny and bright.
When choosing, it is worth considering that not all devices are equipped with the functions of dry and wet cleaning of the house. This factor is important, since many people do not want to do double work, because with wet cleaning you can vacuum and wash the floor in one go.
Is it possible to wash laminate flooring at home with a vacuum cleaner? Let's look at the rules for cleaning the coating:
- Do not pour a lot of water on the floor. This may cause the coating to swell. For cleaning, a device with low liquid consumption is better suited; it’s good if it has an additional function - air drying;
- model with high suction power to get debris out of hard-to-reach places;
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a rich set of accessories: cleaning attachments and a turbo brush.
Types of vacuum cleaners for cleaning laminate floors
Vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning clean the top layer of the floor from dust and debris. The wheels should be wrapped in rubber, and the brushes should be equipped with a soft bumper that prevents the plastic from scratching the floor. Minus - no wet cleaning.
A vacuum cleaner for cleaning laminate flooring must be of a certain model. The floor covering has a protective layer; it does not absorb dirt, but if there is excessive water supply, the locks may get wet and the surface will swell. Therefore, the question that worries everyone is: “Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a washing vacuum cleaner?” The answer “yes” or “no” greatly depends on the characteristics of the selected model.
Washing vacuum cleaners for laminate are produced in two versions: standard with a large body and a separate hose with nozzles, or a mop with a motor and a dust collector at the end. The device in the form of a mop can be cleaned without connecting to the network. The models are equipped with a battery that is enough to clean the apartment.
A robot vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring is a new discovery from China. It is highly maneuverable and compact. The device has a chip in which the program is recorded. Just select the desired mode, the robot will independently create a route and clean the surface. It contains programs for avoiding corners, furniture, stairs and other obstacles.
Dry vacuum cleaners
Standard models for dry cleaning gently clean the floor, removing debris. They are present in almost any apartment and are familiar to everyone. One of the disadvantages is that dry cleaning of laminate flooring will not remove stains and will not do wet cleaning.
When choosing a device, suction power and equipment are important. It should include:
- standard brush,
- narrow nozzle for hard-to-reach places;
- if there are animals in the house, then a wool brush or turbo brush.
Wet vacuum cleaner
It is capable of not only collecting all the debris from the floor, but also washing away dirty stains.
Tips for cleaning laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner:
- at the construction stage, carefully treat the seams so that water does not penetrate into the joints and there is no swelling;
- Do not clean the floor in steam generation mode, as the floor may swell;
- If there is no drying function, then after cleaning, ventilate the room or wipe the floor with a dry cloth or microfiber.
If the contamination is severe, then do not be afraid: you can use a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring even if it is heavily soiled.
Unresponsive areas are processed manually:
- to remove grease stains, the floor can be wiped with a sponge and laundry soap;
- First freeze the chewing gum or use a special spray and then scrape it off;
- The detergent will help remove any traces of juice or sauce.
Removing difficult stains
All difficult stains on the laminate are removed before wet cleaning begins. The instructions below will tell you how to do this.
Step 1. The blood is removed with the usual composition used for washing windows. It is enough to spray it in a small amount onto the dirty floor, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Do not allow the stain to dry out.
Blood stain is sprayed with window cleaner
Then wipe the stain with a damp cloth
Step 2. The chewing gum is removed in a slightly dry state with an ordinary plastic knife. Residues are wiped off with a damp cloth. A metal knife cannot be used as it may damage the coating.
Removing gum
Step 3. Ink, soda stains, and wine can be easily wiped off with a regular damp cloth. There is no need to use any special means. Stubborn ink stains can be removed with soapy water.
The stain is removed with a damp cloth
Step 4: Nail polish and tar don't just give up. Here you will have to use nail polish remover at your own risk. After treatment, the surface is washed with clean water immediately.
It is important to rinse the floor immediately after treatment
Step 5. Simply rub the shoe marks with an eraser and they will disappear.
Using the eraser
Step 6. The fat that has dripped onto the floor is first frozen - for this, any bag from the freezer is placed on it. After this, the fat is scraped off with a plastic knife. Residues are wiped off with soapy water, after which the floor surface is washed with water.
The fat must be frozen first.
Fat is scraped off with a plastic knife
Video - How to properly wash laminate flooring
Caring for laminate flooring is simple; the main thing is to pay attention to what it is used for and not to violate the rules established by the coating manufacturer. Only with proper care and proper washing will laminate flooring last for many years
Which vacuum cleaner is best for laminate flooring?
The characteristics of the device depend on the type of laminate.
Direct pressing laminate (DPL) is a budget coating option. It consists of 3 components: a top protective layer, a supporting plate, and a stabilizing layer of plastic. The floor should not be washed with large amounts of water, otherwise the coating will swell.
High pressure laminate (HPL) is a more expensive option. It consists of several layers, so it has increased strength. The top layer is quite dense, it is advisable to wash the floor no more than once a week.
Direct Print Laminate (DPR) - the surface is decorated with a pattern. The floor can be washed with a well-wrung out cloth or a vacuum cleaner with moderate water flow.
You can read more about the structure of laminate in the article “What is modern laminate made of?”
How does it work
The principle of operation of the device is completely simple. First, the container is filled with the required amount of water. To cope with heavily soiled surfaces, you can add powder or other detergent to the water. Connect the device to the mains. Next, press the button, thereby activating the heating element. After a few minutes, the water heats up and then turns into steam. That's all - the steam cleaner is ready for cleaning, all you have to do is press the trigger gun. A high-pressure steam jet will appear through the hole in the nozzle, which will destroy harmful bacteria in the most inaccessible places.
What requirements must a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring meet?
The most practical models are those that have a water dispenser. The unit may supply too much liquid, which will cause the coating to swell in the panel locks. Minimum suction power of at least 350 kW.
Please note that a robot vacuum cleaner has much less power.
The main washing nozzle is equipped with rubber wheels and a soft bumper so as not to scratch the floor surface. For dry cleaning, the kit includes a brush with bristles, for wet cleaning - a rubber pad and a cloth napkin. To collect the smallest particles, the model must be equipped with a HEPA filter. It allows you to clean the emitted air from very small particles.
For people with allergies, there are models with multi-stage cleaning.
Review of popular models of vacuum cleaners for cleaning laminate floors
Models that have a rating of at least 4 according to owner reviews are described below.
Remember the rule: purchase goods from a trusted manufacturer.
Among the highly rated vacuum cleaners, the leading German popular brands are: Karcher, Thomas, followed by Samsung, Electrolux, Vax.
In this review, we will look at how to choose a washing vacuum cleaner from a trusted manufacturer for laminate flooring, and also consider the characteristics of the most popular models with their pros and cons. Based on these data, it will become clear which vacuum cleaner can be used to clean laminate flooring in an apartment.
Robot vacuum cleaner Philips FC8820 01 with dry laminate cleaning function
An unusual development, they do not need to clean themselves, just set the desired mode. The robot moves around the room in a chaotic manner, cleaning the floor. The package includes a charger, a side brush, a platform for attaching a cloth, and a soft bumper. Garbage accumulates in a container that is easy to remove and clean. It will work for 2 hours without charging.
Pros:
- cleaning is carried out without the owner of the home, just set the mode;
- The battery charge is enough to clean the apartment;
- It sits on the base itself to charge.
Minuses:
- does not clean carpets well;
- does not find the charger the first time;
- corners remain dirty;
- high price;
- no wet cleaning function.
Model Karcher SE 4002 – powerful standard
The unit washes and cleans carpets, eliminating wool, water, and debris. This is the best vacuum cleaner you can choose for cleaning the floor if you have the finances to buy it. The set includes several special cleaning attachments.
Pros:
- when the dust collector is full, the power does not drop;
- high quality case manufacturing;
- you can clean the car interior;
- possibility of supplying detergent;
- ease of changing the bag;
- You can wash not only the floor, but also carpets, as well as upholstered furniture.
Minuses:
- takes up a lot of space;
- high cost for a dust collector;
- loud noise;
- heavy weight;
- no aquafilter;
- frequent replacement of clean water;
- The cord does not rewind automatically.
Robot vacuum cleaner Liectroux b6009 for cleaning laminate flooring
The device has a chip embedded into it, into which many functions are programmed. It creates a map of the room and independently plans a route without idling, that is, the device will not clean an already clean section of the floor many times.
Pros:
- remote control from the remote control;
- filtration system with “HEPA” filter;
- presence of wet cleaning function;
- disinfection of the bottom of the apparatus;
- avoiding obstacles.
Minuses:
- does not analyze obstacles in height, may get stuck under the bed;
- no control via smartphone;
- does not always find the charging location or returns to the base when the battery is half charged;
- The liquid reservoir for wet cleaning is small.
Washing vacuum cleaner Thomas Wave XT Aqua Box – shockproof unit
Model for wet cleaning of surfaces. The attachments are suitable for vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning of laminate floors, for washing carpets and upholstered furniture. The unit will not scratch the floor; the package includes a protective bumper that prevents the plastic from coming into contact with the coating.
Pros:
- maneuverability in movements;
- cleaning upholstered furniture and carpets;
- high power;
- removes debris from narrow crevices and hard-to-reach places;
- good quality of cleaning any surfaces;
- possibility of using detergent;
- there is an aquafilter.
Minuses:
- large dimensions, weight;
- after cleaning, it requires washing and cleaning water tanks;
- Not all detergents are suitable due to foaming requirements.
Model Zelmer ZVC752stru – new “ECOpower” technique
Polish vacuum cleaner for washing laminate floors. The package includes a HEPA filter that provides four-level filtration. The set contains several brushes and attachments. The model is ideal for people with allergies.
Pros:
- cleaning dust and debris from any surface;
- cleans narrow crevices;
- thanks to the aquafilter, it does not emit dust;
- you can choose a cleaning method: use a reusable bag or an aquafilter;
- quiet engine operation;
- The nozzles are suitable for both dry and wet cleaning.
Minuses:
- long preparation for work;
- after cleaning, it is necessary to disassemble, wash and dry the components;
- heavy and bulky.
Model Samsung SC4474 - an economical option
The best vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring at a budget price for dry cleaning. The model does not have a dust collector, instead there is a cyclone filter. It collects dust in a separate container.
Pros:
- removes animal hair from soft surfaces;
- a light weight;
- no need to buy dust collectors;
- low price (compared to other review participants).
Minuses:
- heats up during operation;
- when touched with other materials, abrasions remain on the body;
- lack of tightness - dust penetrates into the engine and other compartments.
Read more about the rules for washing laminate flooring in the article “How to wash laminate flooring at home and with what.”
