Is it safe to wash the floating floor with dish detergent?

Usince it has a top protective layer is thin, it is necessary to have some care when cleaning the floor floating floor, under penalty of this getting damaged over time. 

Alicia Sokolowski of AspenClean notes that this type of pavement behaves in the same way as wood, absorbing moisture. 

Some people choose to clean this type of floor with dish detergent because this is a product considered safe for most surfaces. 

Cleaning experts reveal to Martha Stewart's website if this is correct. 

Can you clean the floating floor with dish detergent?

Although it is possible to clean this floor with dish detergent, the chosen method and product make all the difference. 

“ We recommend the use of natural, non-toxic and plant-based cleaners for floating floor, avoiding aggressive chemicals, which can damage and degrade the upper protective layer over time, which is quite thin,” Sokolowski says.

You should choose a soft product to avoid leaving waste on the floor, highlights Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama.

How to clean floating floor with dish detergent

The most important thing about cleaning this floor is not to leave it soaked. Sokolowski and Rapinchuk share the step they should follow. 

1. Remove the loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth on the surfaces first. This avoids risks and facilitates cleaning; 

2. Fill a bucket with warm water and some dish detergent. Make sure this does not contain aggressive chemicals as they can penetrate the top protective layer of the floor. Mix well;

3. Clean the floor in sections without leaving it too wet. Wipe in the direction of the wood fibre in sections from 90 cm to 1.80 m;

4. Remove any residual moisture and dry with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid staining.

Alternate dish detergent

If you do not feel confident about using dish detergent, there are other effective natural solutions. 

Rapinchuk recommends a homemade recipe with equal parts of water and isopropyl alcohol, and some white vinegar. 

How often should I clean the floating floor?

This type of floor should be vacuumed every day and cleaned weekly. Areas of greater circulation, such as entrances, kitchens, corridors, living rooms and stairs, may need more frequent maintenance. 

Common errors to avoid

Use excess water: should not dampen the floor too much, since moisture can penetrate the joints and make the floor swell and shape. 

Do not vacuum or sweep first: by not removing the debris and crumbs before cleaning may run the risk of scratching the floor during cleaning.

Use too much detergent: using too much detergent can make the floor look opaque and sticky. 

Cleaning with aggressive chemicals: avoid any products with aggressive chemicals that may remove and deteriorate the top layer of the protective coating.

Excess scrubbing: rubbing the floating floor in excess wears the surface and leaves it unprotected. “Make sure to always use non-brasive cloths and mops and avoid aggressive scratches,” Sokolowski notes.