While the surface of this popular flooring material is stain resistant, fade resistant and moisture resistant due to its highly durable protective layer, no flooring material is completely impervious to every substance or element that might come into contact with it. While the surface itself may be virtually waterproof, moisture can still be absorbed into the areas between the flooring sections, just as they can with hardwood and, to a lesser degree, tile flooring. That's why proper care and maintenance of your new flooring is important, no matter what type of flooring material you purchase. Fortunately, cleaning laminate floors is a simple process that requires minimal work, and long-term maintenance is not at all complex.

Keeping your new flooring free of dust and debris is the first step in proper flooring care. Regular dusting with a dry microfiber mop or Swiffer-type sweeper or regular vacuuming using the "wood floors" setting will remove dust and keep your new flooring free of any debris that might scratch or mar its surface. This will help your flooring maintain its attractiveness over time.

When considering how to clean laminate flooring, it's important to remember that wet mopping is not recommended as large amounts of water can cause moisture to be absorbed between the floorboards, building up below the surface of the floor and eventually causing damage. Your new floors should be cleaned using a damp microfiber mop and a mild cleaning solution such as a commercially available wood and laminate cleaner formulated specifically for the purpose. Special care should be taken to clean up spills quickly and to avoid all abrasives when removing dried stains or dirt buildup in order to prevent damage to the floor's finish.