How To Get Residue Off Laminate Floors – Complete Guide!

Are you tired of not knowing how to get residue off laminate floors even after a thorough cleaning?

Are you tired of residue on your laminate floor after cleaning?

Stay with us briefly,  this article contains answers.

A laminate floor is a very high-in-demand floor type due to its design which looks like hardwood. 

But as with all floor types, removal of dirt can be an issue.

Unlike other floor types, cleaning laminate floors requires extra care. If not cleaned properly, residue and dirty film are left on the laminate floor.

This in turn gives our floor a dull and not so pleasant look.

The best way to clean residue off laminate floors is to clean it as soon as something sticky gets spilled or stains the floor. But don’t forget to do so with the right cleaning product and method. If not the floor will be duller looking.

What Causes Residue On Laminate Floor?

The beauty and feel that laminate flooring brings to our home and office space is incomparable.

As with most floor types, laminate floor beautifies our space. It also gives a solid yet comfortable feeling that looks like hard wood with a combination of carpets.

Hence why it is sometimes considered a better option in place of hardwood.

Do They Attract Debris?

Sadly, laminates are prone to attach debris which can leave residue or dirt film on them.

And these do not clean up easily or could even worsen the residue if the right products aren’t used.

When it comes to cleaning, laminate floors aren’t as easy to clean as the rest. Not that they are necessarily difficult.

But when it comes to cleaning, using the right products and methods of cleaning are very important.

A major cause of residue on the laminate floor could be from spilling sticky substances on the floor.

These could include glue, floor wax, and other adhesives. Now, these substances aren’t easily cleaned by the regular water, soap, and mop technique.

Mostly because they are sticky and are made of certain chemicals. But even our daily food and drinks when spilled on laminate will leave residues.

What Else Is a Major Factor That Causes Residue?

Another cause of residue on laminates is the use of cleaning products that are not suitable for cleaning the floors.

Due to the delicate nature of laminate, there are certain products that aren’t best for cleaning the floor.

Certain products, if used to clean a laminate could cause damage to the floor.  Even the excessive use of water could damage a laminate floor.

We want our laminate to always maintain a beautiful, buffed, and shiny look.

Therefore, It is of paramount need that we know how to get sticky residue off laminate floors with the right products and methods.

Therefore, ensure to test products on inauspicious areas to confirm if they are good for your laminates.

Tip: When using commercially produced cleaning products, ensure to check if it is compatible with Laminate Floors.

How To Get Residue Off Laminate Floors

Getting residue off laminate floors is actually quite easier than expected. All that it requires is using the right and suitable products and methods for the floor.

Below are some of the methods used in getting residue off the laminate floor.

Method #1: Use Of Vinegar

Yes, you have it once again, the number one home multi-solution cleaner, “Vinegar”.

A home without vinegar for cleaning? Don’t think I’ve seen such a home.

Vinegar can be used to clean literally almost every stain or residue in our homes or office.

And definitely, it is a good solution for the removal of sticky residues from our laminate floors.

Things you will need

• Vinegar
• Warm water
• Mop
• Dry clean Rag

All you have to do is mix half a cup of Vinegar with a little bucket of warm water. Then deep the dry mop into the water and vinegar mixture.

Squeeze out every excess water, and mop the area where the residue is. Mop the area over and over with the mixture until the residue is fully gone.

Use a rag to dry up the excess water from the surface.

Tip: Using Goo-gone to clean laminate may leave a residue. Use vinegar instead to remove any such residue.

Method #2: Use Of Rubbing Alcohol

Another homemade product that can be used for removing residue from laminate floors is rubbing alcohol.

Alcohol is known for breaking down grease particles and so it is a good fit for cleaning dirt.

And just like vinegar, rubbing alcohol is a multipurpose cleaning agent used in various DIY cleaning.

Things you will need:

• Rubbing Alcohol
• Spray Bottle
• Dry Rag
• Water
• Liquid Soap
• Sponge

Just fill your spray bottle with your rubbing alcohol. Spray the alcohol on the affected area and onto the rag.

Use the wet rag to scrub the area where the residue is. Then repeat this process until the entirety of the residue is gone.

Dip the sponge into your water and soap mixture. Squeeze out excess water and use it to clean the surface for a final touch. Dry the surface with a clean dry rag.

Tip:  Avoid the use of Ammonia to clean laminate.

How To Get Tape Residue Off Laminate Floor

We use tapes such as sellotape, masking tape, and double-sided tape for holding things to our floors.

Removing these adhesive tapes might be as easy as pulling the tape off the floor. But they are known to leave unpleasant residue marks after removal.

Trying to remove this residue by hand or just a regular process would prove difficult.

It might even cause damage to the floor.

 A quick fix is by using laminate residue removals.

Things you need

• Residue cleaner
• Brush
• Dry Rag

Firstly, ensure to test the residue cleaner on an inauspicious area on the floor. This would prevent any damages that may be caused due to incompatibility.

After testing and confirming that the cleaner works best for the laminate, you can go ahead.

Then spray the cleaner on the affected area. Using a moderately hard brush, brush the floor.

Do this in order to remove the residue while still spraying the cleaner. Use the dry rag to wipe off the surface of the floor.

Tip: Do not use abrasives to brush off residue marks from laminate.

How To Get Silicone Residue Off Laminate Floor

It is a common occurrence especially during installation to get silicone caulk on our laminate floor.

Which if not removed immediately would harden. And can leave a very disturbing residue on our floor.

Although, it is a good idea to remove the caulk as soon as it spills before it dries up.

There are certainly times when we get so busy and we forget to clean it off immediately until it dries.

Not to get too worried, you most certainly can remove silicone residue off your laminate floor with this simple technique.

Things you need

• Scraper
• Acetone and Ether
• Laminate Surface Cleaner
• Dry rag

Using a plastic scraper, gently scrape the dried-off silicone residue. Don’t scrape too hard to avoid any dent or scratch on the floor.

Then you can mix equal amounts of acetone and ether into a bowl. Apply it to the affected area, where the residue is.

This will degrade the rest of the silicone. Using a surface cleaner, spray onto the affected area. After which you can use the dry rag to clean off any remaining residue.

Conclusion

Knowing how to get residue off laminate floors does not have to be a difficult task.

And with this article, we have seen the easy steps required. These steps help you to remove any form of residue from laminate floors.

There is a final tip to help you keep your laminate shining and buffed all year round. This is to give it a thorough cleaning every 2 months.

This routine of cleaning laminate with the right products will help maintain the beauty of the floor and also preserve it.

I hope this article has been useful. And I hope you do the right thing in keeping your laminate clean and shiny at all times.