You may be wondering if you can use Lysol on your laminate floors. After all, Lysol is a popular and trusted disinfectant brand. And you want to keep your floors clean, shiny, and germ-free. But is Lysol safe for laminate flooring or could it potentially cause damage? Let’s take a closer look so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Laminate Floors?
First, let’s go over what exactly laminate flooring is.
Laminate floors (also called floating wood tile) are a versatile flooring option made from composite wood pressed together. The top layer is a photographic applique layer that mimics the look of real wood, tile, or stone. This layer is fused to the core and sealed with a durable clear coating.
One of the great things about laminate flooring is it’s designed to be DIY-friendly. The planks click together easily without nails or glue. Laminate is also quite affordable compared to solid hardwood, it’s scratch-resistant, and it holds up well to daily wear and tear from kids and pets. The tradeoff is that laminate cannot be refinished like real wood if damaged. But overall, laminate offers an attractive look with low maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
What are some of the key pros and cons of laminate flooring that you should keep in mind?
Pros:
- Durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain-resistant and easy to clean
- Affordable compared to wood or tile
- Easy DIY installation with click-lock planks
- Wide variety of styles and textures
- Hypoallergenic and resistant to mold/mildew
Cons:
- Not as high-end as real wood or stone
- Cannot be refinished like hardwood
- Prone to damage from moisture over time
- May fade slightly over time from sunlight
So in summary, laminate offers the attractive look of wood or tile but with great affordability and durability. Just be aware it can’t be refinished if damaged and you’ll need to avoid excessive moisture.
Cleaning Laminate Floors
To keep your laminate floors looking beautiful, regular cleaning and care is a must. Here are some top tips to keep in mind:
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum daily to remove surface dirt and debris. Allowing the grains of sand and grit to build up can quickly scratch and scuff laminate flooring.
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible to avoid staining, warping, or water damage. Liquid that seeps between the floor planks can cause major issues.
- Use damp mopping rather than wet mopping. Too much standing water can seep between the laminate planks and gradually ruin the floor.
- Use floor cleaners specifically designed for laminate. Avoid oil-based soaps, vinegar, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
- Use proper floor mats at entryways to absorb dirt, sand, snow, and moisture from shoes. Area rugs also help protect high traffic zones.
Using Lysol on Laminate Floors
Now that you understand the basics of caring for laminate flooring, let’s look specifically at using Lysol. Is Lysol actually safe for your floors?
Is It Safe?
The good news is that Lysol products are generally safe for laminate floors when used properly. The active ingredient in most Lysol cleaners is a quaternary ammonium compound called alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. This effective disinfectant typically won’t harm or discolor a laminate surface.
However, it’s crucial to closely follow the directions. Never use full-strength Lysol directly on the floor. The key is diluting it with water. If not, using Lysol directly could potentially damage the laminate over time.
Application Methods
There are a couple ways to safely use Lysol on your floors:
- Damp mopping – Mix 1⁄2 cup of Lysol concentrate per gallon of water. Use a barely damp mop to gently wipe the floor. Avoid excessive wetness and rinse the mop frequently.
- Spraying – Dilute Lysol concentrate in a spray bottle. Lightly mist a small section of floor and immediately wipe up with a clean microfiber cloth. Don’t allow puddles of Lysol to soak into the seams.
It’s wise to spot test Lysol first in an inconspicuous area. And check the manufacturer’s care guidelines before use.
Dilution Ratio
Be sure to follow the proper dilution ratio based on the Lysol concentrate:
For Lysol I.C. Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner (concentrate), dilute 1⁄2 cup per gallon of water.
For Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, use wipes full-strength as directed. But don’t saturate the flooring.
For Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner, dilute 1 cup per gallon of water. This strong concentrate requires more water for dilution before use.
Avoid using undiluted Lysol concentrate directly on the floors. Also steer clear of Lysol with bleach, as prolonged bleach contact can damage and discolor laminate.
Lysol Alternatives for Laminate Floors
If you decide you’d rather not use Lysol on your laminate floors, there are some effective eco-friendly cleaning alternatives:
Vinegar and Water
Mix a solution of 1⁄2 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water. The natural acids in vinegar disinfect, deodorize, and clean without harsh fumes. Use a barely damp mop and avoid excessive liquid.
Castile Soap
Add 2-3 drops of unscented Castile liquid soap to a gallon of warm water. Castile soap comes from vegetable oils and gently cleans without leaving residue.
Club Soda
The bubbles in plain club soda can help remove dirt. Dip a microfiber cloth into seltzer and wipe the laminate clean. Dry immediately after to prevent mineral deposits from the carbonation.
Always spot test natural cleaners first. Check for streaking or hazing before cleaning the full floor.
Best Practices for Cleaning Laminate Floors
Here are some top tips for keeping your laminate floors spotless and protecting their beauty:
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
Make it a habit to sweep or vacuum daily. Dirt and debris act like sandpaper on the floor’s surface. Use soft brush attachments and avoid vacuums with abrasive beater bars.
Wipe Spills Quickly
Immediately blot up spills as soon as they happen. Don’t allow any type of liquid to sit on the laminate’s surface. For sticky messes, spray on a vinegar-water mix and wipe clean.
Use Floor Mats
Use outdoor doormats and indoor non-slip rugs. These can greatly reduce the amount of dirt tracked inside. Area rugs also help shield high-traffic zones from excess wear.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Don’t use oil soap, acrylic finishes, ammonia, vinegar, bleach, abrasives, or alkaline cleaners. These can all potentially pit, etch, or discolor the laminate over time.
Bottom Line
Trust me, by implementing a regular routine of care and cleaning, you can keep your laminate floors shimmering for years to come. However, be sure to follow the above tips and your laminate flooring will continue providing durable, affordable style and beauty for your home.