If you’re looking for a way to clean your Laminate floors quickly and easily, you might wonder if Bleach is a good option. After all, Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can kill germs and bacteria, so it stands to reason that it would also be effective on flooring.
Bleached should not be used on Laminate Floors. After prolonged exposure (even with diluted Bleach), it will cause corrosion. Using Bleach from time to time and rising right after might help prevent damage but only on certain types of Laminate floors.
Before you start mopping with Bleach, it’s probably best to learn the potential risks and consequences. Because Bleach might be THE solution for many things, it’s not the case when it comes to Laminate Flooring.
Can Bleach Be Used On Laminate Flooring? Is It Safe?
Bleach should not be used on Laminate flooring owing to its high sodium hypochlorite concentration. It might help whiten surfaces and clothes, which makes Bleach a reliable cleaning agent. However, similar to Vinyl Flooring, on the negative side, it causes corrosion and stains on your floors which come from the chemical that oxidizes molecules on the Laminate flooring.
Depending on the Laminate, it might be affected differently. This would mean that in some circumstances, you might be able to use Bleach, but that would not be the case with most Laminate flooring.
Popular Laminate flooring types are classified into various categories based on their installation method, texture among others and, these include;
#1. Plastic Laminate Flooring
These are artificial Laminate flooring created entirely from plastic and are one of the cheapest alternatives. Its waterproof properties make it quite reliable for high-traffic areas since it is simple to clean and durable.
Bleach is highly corrosive to plastic, making them the least reliable cleaning solution. It discolors and damages the floor. It might even cause holes in some extreme circumstances, so you’d need to replace your entire Laminate flooring.
#2. Engineered Wood
Hardwood can often be quite costly for installation, and engineered wood offers a great alternative without compromising on elegance and durability. They have a thin wood layer with an acrylic lamination and, unlike their plastic counterparts, aren’t waterproof and thus shouldn’t be installed in kitchens and bathrooms.
Bleach is less corrosive to these Laminate flooring types compared to plastic. However, if left on the floor for a long while, it causes corrosion. Although these spots can be sanded, using less strong cleaning solutions is advisable.
#3. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is one of the most durable and costly Laminate flooring alternatives. They are made from hardwood and thus resistant to scratches and discoloration, making them ideal for homeowners who want to increase their home value.
You can use a diluted bleach solution to clean hardwood. However, it might lead to white film, and continued exposure causes damage. Since they are costly to install, it’s advisable to use diluted Bleach only when handling tough stains.
#4. Tile Laminate Flooring
Tiles are popular owing to their elegance and ease of cleaning. They are reliable in high-traffic areas since they remain scratch-proof; thus, you won’t need to replace them compared to other options.
You shouldn’t use Bleach on tile flooring since it leaves corrosion spots from its reaction with the surface. You’ll need a replacement if it’s exposed for a too long period.
#5. Stone Laminate Flooring
Stone Laminate flooring is one of the costliest alternatives. However, its durability is impressive. They help increase home value and are attractive wherever they are installed. Stone Laminate flooring can be used together with wood; in this event, you shouldn’t use Bleach.
Stone Laminate flooring is a durable material that can withstand most spills, but if you have cracks in your floors, they may react to Bleach. This will cause damage depending on how much exposure was had and increase with time.
Does Bleach Leave A Residue On Floors?
Bleach leaves residue and other tough stains on the Laminate floor especially following prolonged exposure. You might know this as a white film covering the entire surface.
This is especially the case on various Laminate flooring types such as tiles, plastic, or engineered wood. Bleach also requires a special cleaning process; unless followed clearly, these residues can be big enough to require replacement.
When I say special cleaning process, I mean they need to be rinsed after bleaching. If the residue hasn’t lasted for long, it can be cleaned off, but if exposed for longer, you will need a replacement. Bleach residue also makes the floors slippery and thus unsafe to walk on, and in this case, you can use a disinfectant or cleaning soap to weaken the residue and thus wipe it off.
Is Bleach Toxic When Dry?
Bleach solution contains a high sodium hypochlorite concentration, and when left to dry, it leaves its crystals on the floor. These crystals can be highly corrosive and hard to clean. These crystals can, in fact, be toxic. This is also why you should always rinse them thoroughly and let them fully air dry.
How Long Does Bleach Last On The Floor?
This will depend on the bleach concentration and the conditions within the room. A highly concentrated bleach solution will last on the floor for about ten minutes before only sodium hypochlorite particles are left. Alternatively, if you use a less concentrated solution, it can last on the floor for over an hour.
Additionally, your Laminate flooring type will affect how long it remains on the floor. It lasts longer on tile Laminate flooring than on plastic or wood flooring.
Does Bleach Ruin Laminate Floors?
By now, we’ve established that it will ruin certain types of Laminate flooring. But outside of causing corrosion, what else does Bleach on Laminate flooring do? Well, this again depends on the type of Laminate flooring. If used on wood or another Laminate flooring with a glossy shine, it might dull them depending on the concentration used, beating the initial intention to make your spaces look good.
If you use diluted Bleach in long intervals, it’ll have reduced effects. If you’re unsure how to dilute Bleach, you can get one from a home improvement store.
What Is The Right Way To Clean Laminate Flooring?
Various alternatives for Laminate floor cleaning include dishwashing soap, white vinegar, acetone, and baking soda paste. These are readily available in any home improvement store, while others are regular kitchen items.
But Bleach should be avoided for cleaning purposes. Even if you consider diluting it, many other options are much better.
Do You Need To Rinse The Floor After Mopping With Bleach?
You should always rinse the floor with warm water and a clean mop after cleaning with Bleach, regardless of its concentration. If possible, even use another mop for rinsing. This prevents it from damaging (and thus removing) the glossy shine on Laminate flooring and the accumulation of sodium hypochlorite.
Rinsing also prevents residue accumulation that would make the floors slippery and thus damage them. Alternatively, you can rinse the bleached surfaces with dishwashing soap for better results.
How To Use Bleach On Laminate Flooring?
If you still decide to use Bleach anyway, let’s try to do it as correctly as possible. These are the cleaning steps when using Bleach;
Step#1. Getting Proper Safety Items
Bleach has a strong odor and is highly corrosive on your hands, which should be considered before cleaning. First, get rubber gloves, eye protection, and nonporous boots to prevent skin corrosion. Additionally, ensure the room is well ventilated for easier drying and thus easier breathing while you clean.
Step#2. Cleaning Dust Residue
The next step is preparing the areas that need bleaching by vacuuming them. You can also use a broom to ensure they are clean and thus a better cleaning process. It will also improve visibility throughout the cleaning process.
Step#3. Preparing The Bleaching Solution
This process depends on the concentration you want on your cleaning solution. It is highly recommended to have a weak concentration since it will also work well on tough stains. Ideally, you can use one cup of Bleach for every 5 gallons of water. Ensure the solution is well stirred for a homogenous mixture before you can begin cleaning the Laminate floors.
Step#4. Clean The Floors With A Mop Or Cloth
Dip a mop into the bleach solution and wipe the stains gently if the stains aren’t too firmly stuck. You can also use the mop to scrub the Laminate flooring lightly while periodically dipping the mop or cleaning cloth into the solution.
Select an area on the floor to begin from and proceed overlappingly until the entire area is clean. This ensures all the germs and stains are removed.
Step#5. Rinse The Floor
The final step is rinsing the floor using another mop and some water. Additionally, you can use a soap solution for the best results. Follow a similar process to what you used with the bleaching solution. Finally, ensure the room is well ventilated for the Laminate floors to dry, ensuring no stains or residue.
Are There Any Other Alternatives?
If you enjoy DIY cleaning projects, you likely enjoy using natural bleach solutions. These are great bleach alternatives since they are simple to use, less corrosive, and don’t produce any fumes; thus, you won’t need any protective materials.
Additionally, these alternatives are cost-effective and readily available; thus, you can make them from home. These alternatives have similar results to using Bleach without the negative effects of Bleach. Here are some bleach alternatives;
#1. Lemon Juice Solution
Lemon juice is a natural alternative readily available and is the right concentration for proper cleaning without causing corrosion. It contains weak citric acid that reacts with a wide range of stains on Laminate floors, making them easier to clean. Additionally, lemon juice has a better scent than Bleach, and thus you don’t need protective clothing.
Firstly, get ripe lemons and squeeze the juice into a separate container. Pour some of the juice onto the stains and let it sit until the stains become loose. You can now wipe the stains gently using a cleaning cloth, and the Laminate floors will be clean. Importantly, you don’t have to rinse the floor after cleaning.
#2. Creating Baking Soda
Baking soda is a readily available alternative, and its natural properties make it tough n stain. Additionally, creating the paste is simple, and you only need some warm water or vinegar. You can also decide whether to use a paste or a solution. If you choose the former, mix some water into half a cup of baking soda and ensure it remains in a paste. You can now apply the paste onto the stains or corrosions and let it sit for a while. Once the paste dries out, you can wipe it off, and it will clean up the stains and corrosions from previous bleach stains.
Mix half a cup of baking soda into a bucket of water in the latter alternative to form a homogenous solution. You can now wet your mop and clean the Laminate floors and if the stains are tough, scrub them gently. This is a fast-cleaning process; you can have your sparkling floor.
#3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is popular for its natural cleaning properties and scent that leaves a pleasant smell, unlike Bleach. Additionally, it is readily available in home improvement stores; all you have to do is mix the oil with warm water.
Additionally, you can use a spray bottle if you clean small areas; otherwise, add the tea tree oil into a water bucket. You can now use a mop to scrub the Laminate floors with a mop or kitchen cloth. This ensures your floors are clean and leaves a good scent.
#4. Vinegar
Vinegar is a similarly reliable solution alternative and is readily available. It is less concentrated; thus, you don’t need cleaning gloves or worry about corrosion on your Laminate floors. Its acidic properties are similar to Bleach, a reliable cleaning alternative.
Depending on the cleaning area, you can use a spray bottle or mix a cup of vinegar into a water bucket. Insert a mop into the water and vinegar solution and wipe the areas with stains. If the stains are too strong, scrub them slightly or use warm water in the solution preparation.
Once cleaned, rinse the floor with water and a mop and ensure the areas are aerated for proper drying. This alternative will have your areas clean and conducive without causing damage.
#5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a reliable cleaning alternative, and its disinfectant properties make it ideal when cleaning areas with high foot traffic. Also, if you have molds, odors, or tough stains, hydrogen peroxide will eliminate these better.
Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into five gallons of water and mix it vigorously. Get a kitchen cloth if cleaning a kitchen counter or a mop when cleaning the floor. Soak the mop into the solution and wipe the floors and if the stains are tough, scrub them gently until the floor is clean.
Additionally, you can let the solution sit on these stains for a while before wiping them off. This makes these stains weak, and thus you don’t have to scrub too hard. Finally, rinse these cleaned sections with clean water and let them dry. The areas are thus clean without causing any damage.
#6. Castile Soap
Castile soap and dish soap are great cleaning alternatives for Bleach, and since they are readily available, you can clean your Laminate floors without incurring huge costs. Additionally, it is simple to use since you only need to add the castile soap into some warm water.
Firstly, wet the mops with the solution and wipe the Laminate floors, and it gets rid of these stains. Additionally, if the stains are tough, you can scrub them with a smooth brush until they are gone. Secondly, rinse these sections with castile soap to ensure the floors are clean.
Finally, get an absorbent sponge and wipe the Laminate floors until they dry. Additionally, you can let them dry by aerating these areas. Indeed, you can have a clean floor without the damage caused by bleaching.
#7. Acetone
Acetone is more friendly than Bleach since it is volatile and thus easier to clean. Additionally, it is reliable on nail polish and hair dyes, and all you have to do is pour the acetone onto these stains and let them sit for a while.
Once the stains become loose, you can wipe them with a napkin or kitchen cloth. It is reliable only in small sections such as kitchen counters and will have them clean without causing any corrosion or damage otherwise caused by Bleach.
FAQ
How to get Bleach off the Laminate floor?
The easiest way to get rid of the Bleach is by rinsing the floors using clean water. Get a mop and wipe these Laminate floors carefully; this alternative is easily applicable.
Can you use Clorox bleach on Laminate floors?
You shouldn’t use Clorox bleach or any other type of Bleach on Laminate floors since it causes corrosion and damage. There are multiple alternatives with good results without causing any damage or needing a professional to make the cleaning solutions.