Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a washing vacuum cleaner: expert opinion, which vacuum cleaner to choose for laminate flooring, reviews, photos, videos

Peculiarities

Manufacturers no longer produce laminate grades 21, 22, 23, which cannot be washed. The moisture resistance of the material for commercial buildings (class 31-34) is higher. Can laminate flooring be washed with a vacuum cleaner or should it be handled by hand?

This technique requires a moisture-resistant or water-resistant laminate. This material has protective layers, impregnation, and on top it is covered with a special moisture-resistant coating. It is advisable to choose material from brands such as Tarkett, Egger and Classen, Alloc, Pergo, Kaindl. Although there are other companies with quality goods.

Types of coatings

Laminate has a multilayer structure. At the top there is a special water-repellent film. Because of this coating - “lamination” - the name of the product was formed. This layer serves as protection against external factors, mechanical and chemical. It determines the quality of the surface and its price.

The top layer is followed by a decorative one, imitating the surfaces of various materials. The base of the laminate is made of chipboard or fiberboard. The board for this material must be durable, retain its shape, and be resistant to moisture.

The bottom layer is made of unrefined or resin-impregnated paper, which protects fiberboard or chipboard from moisture. It also serves to stabilize the entire slab.

If we take into account European standards, laminate flooring is divided into household and commercial. The second type can withstand heavy loads. Class No. 31 refers to household coatings; it can be used at home for 10-12 years. Class No. 32 is used for offices with moderate load, it is used for kitchens and private homes. Its service life is 12-15 years.

The most durable laminate is class 33; it can be used for up to 20 years. Its appearance is maintained throughout its entire service life. When choosing a laminate, you need to take into account the class and the ability to perform wet cleaning. In addition to the quality of the laminate and vacuum cleaner, the service life of the floor depends on the method of its installation.

Types of laminated coating

Laminate is a modern floor covering that can imitate parquet or tiles. Manufacturing technology may vary among different manufacturers, but in any case it consists of four layers:

upper (or outer), which performs a protective function (it is a film made using protective resins);
decorative, containing a design (consists of paper impregnated with special resins);
the main one is high-density wood board, which ensures the strength of the coating and its durability;
bottom, protecting the coating from moisture from below.

The quality of the materials from which the coating is made affects the ability to process it with water. The coating has such a characteristic as the moisture absorption coefficient of the wood board, which is the basis of the laminate. If the indicator does not exceed 2%, then the laminate can not only be washed, but also installed in rooms with high humidity, for example, in bathrooms.

When purchasing a coating, you need to check whether it can be cleaned with water.

The technology used to make the coating is a decisive factor in deciding whether it can be washed.

The main methods for producing laminate are as follows:

direct lamination (DPL) – products do not withstand contact with water and cannot be wiped even with a damp cloth;
high pressure (HPL) – contact of such a floor with water does not have negative consequences, the main thing is that it is not too frequent;
continuous pressure (CPL) – the coating is not afraid of moisture, it can be washed with a cloth or a vacuum cleaner;
direct printing (DPR) - such a floor can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, but infrequently (about once a week), and after cleaning it can be wiped dry;
caching - only dry cleaning is allowed.

When purchasing finishing materials, be sure to check with sellers how they react to contact with water. The best way to check the reaction is to wet one board before laying it. If it swells, then this coating definitely cannot be washed. If you have a question about how to care for laminate flooring after it has been installed, wipe an area of the floor in an inconspicuous place with a damp cloth to check.

If individual boards are connected to each other using special “locks”, the coating will be less susceptible to moisture

The method of installation is also important. When individual boards are connected to each other using a locking method , when washing, moisture almost does not penetrate into the joints and, accordingly, has less impact on the wood. When laying the coating on an adhesive base, seams are formed, and when cleaning, water flows into them, which is not at all beneficial for the floor. This problem can also be solved: installation specialists treat the joints of the boards with a special water-repellent impregnation or additionally glue the joints with water-repellent glue.

Thus, everyone must choose for themselves whether to wash the floor or limit themselves to dry cleaning. Much depends on the quality of the material, production technology and installation method. Next, we will dwell in more detail on special equipment for wet cleaning.

Determination of moisture resistance

To find out whether laminate flooring can be washed with a vacuum cleaner, you should determine the type of technology for obtaining the material. On the packaging you should look for a marking that includes 3 letters. It may indicate:

Which laminate can withstand the impact of a washing vacuum cleaner?

Today, laminate is becoming the most popular floor covering due to its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appearance. Speaking about its varieties, laminate is divided into classes - 31, 32, 33 and 34.

Important! Class 31 coating is the thinnest, and therefore the laminate cannot be wetted. In this case, it will certainly swell and lose its original appearance and quality, and in the end, it will completely deteriorate.

Classes 33 and 34 are the most durable. It is usually used in crowded places - gyms, children's educational institutions, hospitals, shops, catering establishments. The presented coating can withstand increased loads, has high strength, and is distinguished by special protective properties. For such a laminate, wet cleaning does not pose any harm.

So, what kind of laminate can withstand wet cleaning with a vacuum cleaner? Still, it should be waterproof and moisture-resistant. The technology for obtaining the material has an effect on the strength of moisture resistance. Manufacturers, depending on the production technology, mark the material as follows - DPL, DPR, HPL, CPL.

DPL - wet cleaning is strictly contraindicated, and even more so, a washing vacuum cleaner is prohibited. Cleaning is carried out using a conventional device or special foam. This includes cached laminate.
DPR - wet cleaning is allowed once a week. Wet cleaning must be done by hand, after which everything is wiped dry.
HPL - full washing is allowed, but not more than once a week.
CPL is a moisture-resistant material, suitable for a washing unit.

What to do in a situation where the laminate was laid some time ago, not a trace was left of the packaging, and it was decided to purchase a washing vacuum cleaner now? in this case, you should determine the water resistance yourself. To do this, you need to find a small corner, closed from view, and moisten it generously with water. If after a short amount of time the laminate has not deteriorated or swelled, you can safely use a washing-type vacuum cleaner.

Requirements for a vacuum cleaner

Whether laminate flooring can be washed with a vacuum cleaner depends not only on the material, but also on the technique. Is there equipment specifically for this coating and how does it differ from other devices?

Special equipment has the following parameters:

The liquid is consumed minimally, due to which the surface will not get wet, but will be moistened.
Increased suction power. Usually it is installed from 450 W.
The presence of a drying function after washing (may not be available everywhere).
Availability of a special nozzle designed for laminate.

When determining which vacuum cleaner to choose, it is advisable to make sure that the passport states its purpose - for laminate and parquet. The multifunctional device is a convenient device, especially if it is used for different coatings.

Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a universal type vacuum cleaner? A regular device is also suitable for cleaning if you buy a special attachment. But in this case, it is necessary to ensure that there is no water on the floor after cleaning.

Characteristics of vacuum cleaners

High-quality modern washing vacuum cleaners should have the following set of functions:

Wet cleaning;
Dry cleaning;
Washing and dry cleaning of laminate flooring;
Washing ceramic surfaces;
Cleaning linoleum-covered surfaces;
Vacuum cleaner for tiles and laminate.

Types of washing vacuum cleaners

Below are the most popular brands of washing vacuum cleaners:

Kercher is one of the leading German manufacturers. The company occupies a leading position among manufacturers of cleaning equipment in the world. Its products are imported to many countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The products of this brand are distinguished by exceptional quality and impressive functionality.
Electrolux is a Swedish company engaged in the production of household appliances. It does not specialize in cleaning machines like Kercher, but it also offers a pretty good range and functionality of products.
Samsung is one of the world's leading brands. The company's products are distinguished by more affordable prices and less specialization. However, you can also find quite decent washing units.

Tips for choosing

The first thing you should pay attention to is whether the vacuum cleaner is intended for cleaning laminate flooring.

Often the presence of such a function is indicated in the unit’s passport.

Another important indicator is the presence of a drying function after the end of the washing cycle.

A good option would be to purchase a unit designed for cleaning different types of surfaces (laminate, linoleum, ceramic tiles). Such a multifunctional device can be used not only for cleaning laminate flooring, but also for wet cleaning in all other rooms.

When wet cleaning, cleaning liquid should be sprayed onto the surface in minimal quantities.

A vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring should also have increased suction power.

It is recommended to purchase models with a power rating of at least 450 W.

Also, such units must be equipped with a special nozzle for laminate flooring.

An equally important parameter is the filtration system. Often in modern washing models the filtration system is combined with a cleaning function. This means that dust and dirt collected from the surface does not end up in a dust bag, but in a container with water, which is extremely convenient.

Models with steam cleaning cannot be used to clean laminate flooring. High temperatures can cause even the highest quality coating to swell.

Popular brands of equipment

According to housewives, is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner? Reviews indicate that it is better to choose products from trusted brands that are in demand among consumers. The choice of device is determined by its capabilities and reliability. Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a robot vacuum cleaner? It all depends on whether the device is intended for this or not. More detailed information about vacuum cleaners can be found from sales consultants, as well as on the manufacturers’ websites.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to visit forums and ask friends who use similar devices about it. It is advisable to buy equipment from trusted manufacturers. Buyers are in demand for products from German companies Karcher and Thomas. Great demand is observed for products of the brands Electrolux, Samsung, Vax.

Rules for cleaning laminate flooring

To increase the service life of the floor covering, during the cleaning process, cleaning company specialists advise wearing soft slippers or walking barefoot. This will prevent scratches on the floor. Proper care depends on the use of specialized tools, soft bristled brushes and cloths to remove dirt.

Basic rules:

When a stain appears, it is better to wipe it off immediately, because the dirt eats into the material and subsequently it is more difficult to clean the surface. Similar recommendations apply to water;

It is better to wipe the stain right away
The use of compounds with non-aggressive effects, since potent drugs harm the boards;
Most often, damage to the laminate occurs under the influence of shoes with hard soles. The coating is at increased risk in the area of the front door, so it is advisable to place a rubber mat there.

Is it possible to clean laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner?

Classic cleaning devices designed for dry floor cleaning are maneuverable and carefully clean the surface. This is achieved through wheels with rubber tires and brushes with special stripes. Can I vacuum laminate flooring with a regular vacuum cleaner? Experts note that the use of traditional models is allowed, but wet cleaning with such equipment is only possible with some models.

Note: before purchasing specialized equipment for wet floor treatment, you should read reviews about a specific model. To better understand whether the device is suitable for washing laminated surfaces or not, it is necessary to evaluate the result after cleaning.

Based on this, over the past 5 years the popularity of typical vacuum cleaners has been declining, but manufacturers are developing some models specifically for cleaning laminate floors. Although the equipment is not intended for air purification, it copes with the function of removing dust from the surface. It is noteworthy that high-quality laminate panels have protection, so it is enough to eliminate dust and debris from the surface.

If you plan to purchase a vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning capabilities, you should familiarize yourself with the package. The kit should include special attachments for a specific floor material.

It is better to use special nozzles for laminate flooring.

Vacuum cleaners for dry processing are traditionally equipped with a handle, a housing with a motor, a dust collector, and several attachments for different surfaces. Models with bags are easy to use, but they have to be cleaned after each session.

Using a washing vacuum cleaner

In the operating instructions for laminated floor surfaces, manufacturers advise not to use cleaning equipment. This is due to the fact that classic models are in the economy class and middle price segment, and therefore have the disadvantage of intense splashing of liquid. Due to low engine power, they are unable to completely eliminate it.

In addition, two additional factors influence cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner - new generation equipment and the quality of the board.

Manufacturers supply the market with product lines that efficiently clean floors from liquids. According to the developers, the presence of special brushes allows you to absorb moisture up to 95% due to powerful motors, plus they spray liquid products over a smaller area.

The second factor is the class of panels. Products of classes 32 and 33 have high consumer characteristics, which can withstand treatment with washing cleaning machines. It is better not to test class 31 boards.

Thus, the use of a washing vacuum cleaner on the floor covering is allowed if the equipment has the appropriate technical parameters. Accordingly, the instructions for caring for the floor surface must indicate the possibility of wet treatment, i.e. class not lower than 32.

Attention! If liquid is not removed from the floor in time, there is a high probability that it will get into the lower layers, which will cause deformation of the material.

What can be cleaned with a steam cleaner?

Can laminate flooring be washed with steam cleaners? Specialists from cleaning companies note that this technique can be used to treat any surface, since the device is a universal type. For example:

carry out wet cleaning of wood and laminate surfaces, as well as clean linoleum and tiles;
process furniture and carpets;
wash heating radiators;
clean washable wallpaper;
remove dirt from windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces;
remove hair and animal fur;
eliminate stubborn dirt;
clean the refrigerator, oven and other kitchen appliances;
eliminate bacteria in the car interior;
iron clothes, curtains and tulle;
Eliminate dust mites from soft toys.

How the steam cleaner works

Advantages of cleaning with a steam cleaner:

the ability to get rid of mold and pathogenic microorganisms;
elimination of unpleasant odors and even dampness;
eliminating stains;
without using household chemicals;
increasing the volume of pile in carpet products;
getting rid of debris and dust in hard-to-reach areas of the room;
cleaning the surface from grease.

However, it is not recommended to use such a device:

treat varnished wooden surfaces;
care for soft plastic;
affect coatings that are prohibited from contact with water;
care for silk and velor;
treat double-glazed windows in sub-zero weather.

A steam cleaner will help remove dust, stains, debris, and hair.

Can laminate flooring be cleaned with a steam cleaner? With the help of the device, housewives can remove dust, stains, debris, wool, and also disinfect the apartment. Additionally, it is recommended to use the microfiber cloth that comes with the equipment.

It is noteworthy that the fibreboard cannot be doused with hot water, so steam should be released periodically. This rule especially applies to low-quality coatings. If there is heavy contamination, the floor can be treated with detergents, but without glycerin or wax in their composition.

A steam cleaner is a representative of household appliances, thanks to which the user can clean the living space and disinfect various surfaces.

Thomas Parkett Style XT

This type of device is one of the most popular, as evidenced by numerous reviews. Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a Thomas washing vacuum cleaner? This universal device is suitable for different floor coverings and carpet cleaning. The device is equipped with:

Closed aquafilter.
Washable filter.
Filter bag.
Hose with remote control.
Nozzle for cleaning parquet and laminate.
Spray.

Thomas Parkett Style XT contains attachments for cleaning carpets and floors, dry cleaning parquet, cleaning armchairs and sofas, and removing dust from crevices. Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a Thomas washing vacuum cleaner? This device will be ideal for this surface.

What requirements must a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring meet?

The quality of the laminated coating is only one of the factors in its safe cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. The second condition is the technical characteristics of the cleaning units. Are there washing vacuum cleaners for laminate flooring and what is their difference with other models?

Special equipment has the following parameters:

Minimum consumption of sprayed liquid, ensuring the floor is moistened rather than wet.
High suction power. Typically it is 20% of the rated power and must be at least 450 W.
Availability of a drying mode after washing (not available on all models).
The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a special attachment for washing laminated floors.

When deciding which vacuum cleaner to choose for laminate flooring, it is best if its passport contains an indication from the manufacturer that it is a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate and parquet flooring.
A multifunctional unit is a winning option, especially considering the use of different floor coverings in the rooms. Is laminate flooring washed with a universal-use vacuum cleaner? You can also use a regular washing machine for cleaning if you purchase a special attachment for laminate flooring. But in this case, it is important to ensure that there is no water left on the floor after vacuuming.

Rules for wet cleaning

Even if you select a suitable vacuum cleaner, you do not need to wash this surface frequently.

Before performing regular wet cleaning, you need to consider several rules:

Even during installation, it is necessary to seal the joints between the boards. It is best to treat the seams every year using grout or mastic on the laminate.
Do not clean the surface in steam generation mode. Even high-quality material deteriorates due to hot steam. You can wash with a steam cleaner if you use a special thick cloth.
If the design of the device does not have a drying system after washing, it is necessary to wipe the surface with a dry cloth. This helps increase service life.

Can the device be used against heavy contamination? Experts recommend doing this work manually, and then performing normal washing. To remove grease stains, the floor should be wiped with a rag soaked in liquid laundry soap.

Stains from sauce or juice should be removed with a neutral pH detergent, and then wipe the surface dry. If chewing gum or wax is stuck to the floor, they must be cooled with ice or a special spray. The contaminants can then be scraped off using a plastic scraper.

Recommendations for wet cleaning of laminate flooring

After it becomes clear which of the available cleaning vacuum cleaners is suitable for washing laminate flooring, and the owner makes sure that the floor has the necessary moisture resistance, you need to find out how to properly care for a floor made of this material. The first thing to remember is that it is not recommended to carry out wet cleaning too often. In order for a floor made of this material to last longer, it must be wiped following the manufacturer's recommendations.

At the stage of laying the floor, you need to make sure that the joints between the boards are well sealed. To do this, it is necessary to treat the seams at least once a year with a special grout or mastic for the laminate.
It is not advisable to clean laminate flooring with the steam generation mode activated. By exposing the panels to heated steam, you can cause the floor to swell, regardless of its quality. If you still have a desire to clean the laminate flooring with a steam cleaner, then this can only be done through a special thick cloth.
If the washing vacuum cleaner for laminate does not have a drying system among the additional options after washing, cleaning the laminate flooring should always be completed by wiping it dry. This way you can increase its service life.

This is interesting! Which robot vacuum cleaner should you choose? Best models

Laminate floor care

Before choosing a washing vacuum cleaner, you should learn how to properly care for laminate flooring. Water is the main enemy of this surface, since due to its layered structure, with the penetration of moisture it swells and delaminates. Dry cleaning will be suitable for these coatings, but it is not as high quality. For example, wet cleaning is required after completion.

You can wash the floor with a damp cloth, but it should be well wrung out and not very wet. If a lot of water gets on the laminate, it must be removed quickly. After this, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

For washing, you can choose regular detergents without abrasive components. There are also special products designed for laminate floors. It is advisable to use rags or soft sponges that do not leave scratches for cleaning. Difficult stains should be removed with ethyl alcohol or acetone. The solution is applied for a minute. And then rinsing with water is necessary.

Use a dry nylon cloth to remove traces of colored pencils and markers. It is advisable to remove stains from berries, coffee, and tea using special products and water. For greasy stains, it is better to use liquid laundry soap. To make the surface shiny, you need to use special products to rub the coating.

Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner?

For quite some time now, there have been heated debates on the Internet about whether it is still possible to wash laminated flooring with a special washing vacuum cleaner, and, if so, which vacuum cleaner is preferable for this.
We will try to study this issue in more detail and draw conclusions about whether it is possible to use a washing vacuum cleaner to clean laminate flooring. Of course, the quality and production technology of the coating itself are important. But a lot also depends on the equipment used for cleaning.

Laminate production technology

Laminated coatings are produced using different technologies, which involve the use of a method of pressing a protective paper layer, which has a water-repellent coating of resins, onto a chipboard base. Even when purchasing laminate flooring and a washing vacuum cleaner, it is better to immediately ask what method was used to produce the coating, and whether wet cleaning is provided for by the manufacturer.

Since laminate can be produced using various technologies, its resistance to moisture varies:

DPL (direct lamination) method. This type of laminate cannot be washed as a regular floor. Moisture affects such material with irreversible consequences.
HPL (high pressure) method. This laminate is highly resistant to moisture, but can be washed no more than once a week.

CPL (continuous pressure) method. The laminate made in this way can be washed with a washing vacuum cleaner, because... it is practically waterproof.
DPR (direct printing) method. This laminate has a fairly high resistance to wet cleaning, but it is also best to wash it no more than once a week.
Caching method. Such a laminate can only be wiped with a dry cloth, or use foam from a washing area specially designed for this purpose.

To increase sales, many sellers use assurances in advertising materials that their coating is resistant to wet cleaning. But it is better to conduct a small test to get confirmation of such promises.

Regardless of the price of the coating, it is better to first buy one tile of the laminate you like. The parquet should not be very wet. If it begins to separate from moisture at the edges, it will become clear that no washing vacuum cleaners can be used to clean such a laminate. Such material is not able to withstand wet cleaning even once a week.

Methods for laying laminate

The method of laying laminated flooring largely determines its durability and resistance to moisture. There are conventional (seam to seam) laying of laminate and the so-called locking method of attaching floorboards. The second installation method is more reliable, because its use ensures tight adhesion of the slabs, and this prevents moisture from getting into the gaps between them.

If you decide to lay the laminate yourself, then you need to carefully putty all the joints of the laminate using special water-repellent putty compounds.

So, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean laminate flooring. But it is important to pay attention to its technical characteristics. Is it worth paying a higher price to buy a cleaning vacuum cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors, or can you just settle for a regular one?

Characteristics of special vacuum cleaners for laminate flooring

Modern high-quality washing vacuum cleaners have many different functions:

Dry cleaning;
Cleaning ceramic surfaces;
Wet cleaning;
Dry cleaning and washing of laminate flooring;
Cleaning tiles and laminate;
Wet cleaning of linoleum.

The specification for the laminate itself should indicate which vacuum cleaner it can be washed with.

Which vacuum cleaner to choose?

Manufacturers are now offering new models of vacuum cleaners, they are adapted specifically for laminate floors, and therefore laminate flooring can be washed with such vacuum cleaners. Such devices have a number of advantages:

increased suction power (it is important to understand that suction power and rated power are different values, as a rule, the first is about 20% of the second);
the washing liquid is sprayed in minimal quantities, providing only light wetting of the surface;
a special convenient nozzle designed for washing laminate flooring (to use a regular vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring, you can simply equip it with such a special nozzle and use a special detergent when cleaning laminate flooring).

When choosing a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring, it is better to choose models produced by German equipment manufacturers. German quality and attention to detail guarantees the performance of all functions specified in the instructions. The most popular brands of washing vacuum cleaners are:

Electrolux;
Kercher;
Thomas;
Samsung.

You can wash laminate flooring either with a Thomas washing vacuum cleaner or with any other brand of washing vacuum cleaner, but only if the laminated coating is of sufficient quality. Before choosing a vacuum cleaner for cleaning a laminate floor, you need to make sure that your particular floor covering can withstand wet cleaning.

Otherwise, the costs will not be justified, but the price of modern models of washing vacuum cleaners is quite high. The guarantee of the possibility of using a vacuum cleaner for laminated floors in the instructions does not mean that this device will not damage your flooring.

Only high-quality laminated floors laid with quick-step fastening (locking) can withstand frequent wet cleaning. And models with a steam cleaning function are generally not recommended for use on laminate floors. Most often, the coating swells from high temperatures, even when it is of very high quality.

Features of wet cleaning of laminate floors

Laminate flooring is not moisture resistant, so the use of water for cleaning should be kept to a minimum. Even if you use special vacuum cleaners to wash laminate flooring, the surface must be immediately wiped dry after wet cleaning. Although even this does not guarantee that water has not entered the laminate seams.

When wet cleaning, you need to use special liquids for laminate flooring.
Steam cleaning when cleaning laminate flooring is prohibited.
Be sure to use special attachments with the vacuum cleaner; they absorb moisture better.
When purchasing a vacuum cleaner for cleaning laminate floors, it is better to give preference to already proven manufacturers.

Removing heavy stains from laminate flooring

When cleaning laminated surfaces from heavy dirt, it is also possible to use washing vacuum cleaners for laminate flooring. There are also home tricks:

1. To remove greasy stains from the floor, use liquid laundry soap;

2. Sauce and juice stains are cleaned with a detergent that has a neutral Ph level, and you must immediately wipe the surface dry;

3. If wax or chewing gum gets on the laminate, first let the stain harden by applying ice to it, and then carefully scrape it off with a plastic scraper.

So, in conclusion, we draw the following conclusion: a vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function can be used to wash laminate flooring. But confidence in the quality of such coating is important. If it is not there, it is better to wash such floors with a special mop for laminate, manually adjusting the wetness of the surface, and thus eliminating its deformation.