You just moved into your new home and are excited to start unpacking, but when you enter the living room, you see that the floor is covered in a white film. You’re not sure what it is, but it’s definitely not supposed to be there, so why does the laminate floor have a white film, and what can you do about it?
White film on laminate flooring is usually the result of incorrect cleaning products, buildup wax, incorrect finish application or minerals in the water, and the salt deposits reacting with the finish on the floor, leaving a sheet of film behind.
You might be worried that it’s harmful to your family and pets, but don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people experience this problem when they move into a new home. The good news is that it’s easy to fix with a proper Floor Cleaner.
Why Does My Laminate Floor Look Like It Has a Film On It?
Laminate flooring is known for its glossy and shiny look. However, if you do not maintain it with care, you may eventually start to notice a film on its gleaming finish. In addition to lack of maintenance, there are various other reasons why you may notice a cloudy film appearing on your floors.
- Harmful cleaning products
You will find numerous cleaning agents out there for wood and laminate flooring. But this does not mean that they are all of good or standard quality. Thus, it is safe to say that harmful cleaning agents (such as Bleach) are the main culprit behind the film appearing on your floor planks.
If a cleaner comes with furniture polish, oil soaps, or paste wax, it will leave behind a hazy and sticky film on your flooring. Therefore, before you start using any cleaning product, try spraying it a little on the window or mirror and then wipe it off. Does it leave any residue or streaks behind? If yes, then this cleaner is not the one for you.
However, there are times when even the best cleaning products out there will leave a sheet of film on your laminate floors. Thus, less is more when it comes to wiping down the planks.
- Issues with moisture
There is no denying that water does not mix well with laminate flooring. The minerals in the water and the salt deposits can react with the finish on the floor and leave a sheet of film behind. This gives your planks an uneven appearance and sheen.
- Buildup of wax
Your floors might be shiny and smooth, but if you continue to wax them without needing it, they will end up with an ugly film on their surface. This is similar to how moisture can trigger reactions in laminate planks that lead them to develop cracks or other unwanted marks over time.
- Incorrect finish application
The incorrect application of finish can also be a reason for film appearing on your flooring. If you put it on over a stain or do not allow ample time for the drying process after application, you will find solvent vapors trapped underneath.
Is It Ok If My Laminate Floor Has A Film On It?
If you just moved in and the entire floor has a cloudy white film on it, which probably stayed this way for a long time, you probably wonder if the laminate floor is damaged due to this white film. The answer is no, so rest assured.
Sometimes it happens that even though you just mopped your floor clean and nicely you end up with a white film on it. This does not mean that something disastrous happened. The appearance of film on your floors is something that you can easily fix with the right instructions, which we’ll discuss further below.
How Do You Remove Film From Laminate Flooring?
You can use several methods to restore your laminate floors to their former glory. It is not too difficult to get rid of the film that has appeared on the planks and can be dissolved and removed by using the ways mentioned below. Feel free to follow a detailed video on removing film to make your life even easier.
- Using ammonia solution
It is a well-known fact that ammonia consists of various substances that make it a powerful cleaner, especially when it comes to black spots, scuff marks, and sticky stains that have taken residence on your laminate floors. Thus, you can take a cup of ammonia and dissolve it in a gallon of water to clean the film and make your planks look as good as new.
Take a mop and dip it into the solution of ammonia and water and then gently rub over the area on the floor that has been affected. Then, rinse it thoroughly to get rid of any ammonia residue. Once this is done, take a clean cloth to pat the area dry and remove any excess water.
- Applying white vinegar
White vinegar can deodorize your laminate flooring, but it can also disinfect and clean them in only a couple of steps. Its non-toxic and natural properties make it a convenient cleaning agent if you are looking for a quick solution to remove the film on your floor planks.
Since white vinegar is mildly acidic and possesses the ability to dissolve hardened residue, you can easily create a cleaning solution by adding water. However, it would be best if you made sure to have a one-to-one ratio of the substance and water. Then, take a clean cloth and dampen it to get rid of the film and any grease or water stains.
Next, dip another cloth in clean water to rinse the white vinegar and water solution. With the help of a third rag, dry the floor right away.
- Removing existing finish
Your laminate flooring may eventually become damaged due to consistent wear and tear. If you continue to wash it quite often, you will end up with a dull-looking floor rather than a gleaming one. The film on the planks will also become the bane of your existence. But, if you sand and refinish your floors, you can easily give them a new look.
To achieve the best results, you may want to hire a professional to get rid of the current finish and redo the floor, or you can even do it yourself. Just make sure to get a quality polish and other products for restoration.
FAQs
How Do You Get Greasy Film Off Laminate Floors?
Getting rid of greasy film from your laminate floors is not difficult. You can just make a diluted white vinegar and water solution and put it in a spray bottle. Then, apply it to a cloth and wipe the stained area, only to rinse it with water and wipe it down with a dry cloth.
Why Does My Laminate Floor Look Dull?
The likely causes of a dull laminate floor are improper cleaning agents, residue from cleaners, and built-up dirt. This leads to the formation of a film on the floors, giving them an unappealing and dull appearance.
Can Laminate Floors Be Refinished?
Yes. The easiest and best way to rejuvenate your laminate floor planks is to refinish them entirely. This can be done by stripping the entire thing and re-coating it with a high-gloss finish and floor sealer.