Laminate is taking over the world with its durability, beauty, and affordability. According to Modor Intelligence, the wood and laminate market in the UAE reached up to $4.57 billion in 2025. It is safe to reach $ 5.62 billion in 2030. Laminate is not wood, but it’s the next best thing to wood. But there’s one question that arises in every sane and logical mind. How do you make laminate floors shine? Because, as we all know, water and laminate? Bad combination. Dubai Rubber has provided alternative and cautious cleaning methods for laminate flooring in their guide. So, let’s get into it.
Cleaning Methods To Make Your Laminate Floor Shine Even More Than Before!
Before dissecting the cleaning methods, let’s discuss the general cleaning of these floors. Normally, cleaning these floors every two weeks is sufficient. Deep cleaning is required every other month.
For weekly cleaning, set the vacuum cleaner’s setting to hard floor. This setting would not allow the bristled brush to scrape the laminate and damage it. Use a thoroughly wrung mop so that it is just damp, not wet. Mopping is considered a good practice after cleaning. Lastly, buff the floor with a dry mop or a microfiber napkin.
This is the general cleaning practice for laminate flooring in Dubai. For a deep bi-monthly cleaning, add a laminate cleaner to the same routine. You can use either a store-bought or a homemade laminate cleaner for this purpose.
5 DIY Cleaners For Laminate Floors
Several cleaners are available on the market specifically for laminate floors. But, if you want something homemade, here are 5 cleaning solutions that are as effective as store-bought cleaners.
1. Vinegar, Alcohol, And Water
The most used cleaner for every type of flooring, including laminate floors, is no exception. Mix an equal amount of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water. Dip a dry sponge in the solution and wring it out mostly. Take the damp sponge and wipe the floor with it.
2. Baking Soda & Warm Water
Take 700ml of distilled warm water. Add 5 big tablespoons of baking soda into it. Dip a clean, soft cloth in the solution and wipe the floor clean with it.
3. Black Tea Spray
Boil 2 cups of distilled water. Put two bags of black tea in the boiling water and let them sit. Boil for a few minutes. Transfer it to a spray bottle after cooling down. Spritz on the floor and immediately wipe with a microfiber cloth.
4. Lemon Juice And Oil
Take 250ml of lemon juice. Mix it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and dissolve this mixture in a gallon of warm water. Dip a clean cloth or tissue. Wring out the excess liquid. Wipe with this solution for a sparkling floor.
5. Cornstarch Paste
Take half a cup of cornstarch and mix 250ml of water in it. Make a thick paste. It is normally used to clean stubborn stains. Apply the paste to the stains. Let it sit for 20 minutes or more, then wipe it clean.
When To Call A Professional
There are instances where DIY cleaning of the laminate floor simply won’t suffice. In just cases, it becomes mandatory to call in professional help.
| Sign | What It Means | Why Call A Professional |
| Persistent Dullness | Faded Look. Cloudy Floor | Restore Original Gloss |
| Surface Scratches | Wear Marks. Visible Scuffs | Smooths Surface. Protection |
| Streaky Finish | Uneven Shine. Patches | Resembles Finish |
| Water Spots | Hard water stains | Removal Of Mineral Build-Up |
| Sticky Residue | Greasy. Slippery Surface | Deep Cleaning Of the Floor |
| High Foot Traffic | Quick Fading | Durable Coating. Adds Protection |
| Before Renting | Dull Floor. | Added Resale Value |
| Annual Maintenance | Routine Upkeep | Extend Floor Lifespan |
Major Differences Between DIY And Professional Cleaning
Here are some differences that distinguish professional laminate shining services from homemade techniques.
| Aspect | DIY Laminate Shining | Professional Services |
| Cost | Very Low (Mostly 0 – 50 AED) | Higher Ranges ( Mostly 150 to 300 AED) |
| Tools And Materials | Vinegar, Baking Soda, Water. | Industrial Buffing Machines. Sealants. |
| Shine Level | Moderate Shine. Removes Dullness Temporarily | High-Gloss Finish. Long-Lasting Protection |
| Durability Of Result | 1 to 2 weeks (Needs Regular Maintenance) | 3 to 6 Months (Anti-Scratch & UV Coating) |
| Time Required | 1 to 2 Hours (Small Area) | 30 to 60 Minutes Per Room |
| Skill Needed | Basic Cleaning Knowledge | Professional Expertise. Proper Equipment. |
| Risk Of Damage | Higher Risk. Incorrect Product = Floor Damage | Minimal. Laminate Safe Compounds. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Depends (Not Always Sure) | Low VOCs. Eco-Certified Polishes |
| Convinience | Manual Effort. Regular Repetition | Effortless. Fast Services |
| Additional Benefits | Budget Friendly. DIY Satisfaction | Deep Cleaning. Scratch Minimization. |
| Best For | Small Apartments. Quick Refresh. | Villas, Commercial Offices, & Maintenance Plans. |
The Final Say
Laminate floors are easy to maintain and even easier if you know these amazing cleaning solutions. With the techniques and DIY solutions mentioned above, your laminate floors are going to shine forever. Practice caution! Wetting the laminate too often is not wise. Always use a damp cloth, not drenched. Don’t let the water pool on the surface of these floors, ever!
Frequently Asked Questions About Refreshing Laminate Floor
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How to clean very dirty laminate floors?
Start with surface cleaning. Vacuum the floor. Remove the stubborn stains on the spot. After the surface cleaning, mop the floor. Don’t drench the mop in water. Use a pH neutralizer after the cleaning. Buff the floor to retain the shine.
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How to make laminate floors shine without wax?
Use acetic acid instead of wax. Dilute the acid with 2 parts of water. Spray the solution on the lime. And tap it dry with a clean soft cloth. This trick is way more effective than the wax. It is way cheaper and non-sticky.
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How to shine dull laminate floors with vinegar?
Lightly mist the floor with the diluted veingae solution. Test it first on a hidden corner. Sometimes, a strong solution can bleach the laminate. Test it to see if the solution needs more diluting. Clean the floor with this mist and tap it dry.
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How do you remove residue from laminate flooring?
Use a soft cloth and a pH-neutralizer to remove any sticky residue from the floor. Spritz the floor with the solution. Let it sit there for a while. Then gently scrub it using a soft brush or a cloth.
