Washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring: choosing the best model

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.

What is the best way to wash laminate flooring?

This question plagues all housewives. And the answer is very simple: it is best to wash the laminated surface with detergents specially designed for this purpose, strictly following the instructions for use. Overdose or inappropriate use of the product can lead to stains, streaks and damage to the coating.

Detergents

Retail chains offer a wide selection of professional cleaning products for laminate flooring:

• Mellerud Bio is a natural-based product that removes dirt, dust, oil and grease films well.
• Emsal Laminate - based on soap, provides gentle care, protects edges from swelling, adds shine, and prevents dust accumulation.
• Pronto - eliminates stains, adds shine and removes dirt well.
• HG is a concentrate that creates a thin film that protects against moisture.
• Laminol is an industrial product that softens water, is antibacterial, adds shine, and does not require rinsing.

Household flooring detergents (Mr.Proper, Glorix, Meine Liebe, Luxus, Grass, Sarma and others) can also be used to wash laminate surfaces.

In addition to special detergents, you can also use ordinary ones that can be found in any home. However, it is worth remembering that all detergents are used with restrictions.

Detergents - shampoos, liquid soap, dishwashing detergents - must have a neutral PH, be safe for the respiratory system of humans and animals, and do not contain ammonia and chlorine. Their high chemical activity can damage the surface of the laminate.

Any new detergent should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area. The average concentration of detergent is 50 grams per 10 liters of water. After using the product, you need to wash the floor with clean warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or fiber cloth.

Special and professional detergents do a good job of cleaning laminate floors from dirt, but they are quite expensive. There are universal recipes for cleaning floors without using chemicals.

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The simplest, cheapest and most common way to wash a laminate floor without using professional chemicals is to use clear table vinegar. This method can be easily implemented at home. Add 200 ml to a bucket of hot water (10 l.). 3-9% white vinegar. With this solution, the floor is washed in the usual way - by squeezing the rag well and without stepping on the wet surface.

There is no need to go through plain water a second time. Vinegar has disinfectant properties. In combination with hot water and a well-wrung out cloth, it will ensure rapid evaporation of moisture. Additional polishing with a dry cloth will remove residual moisture, increase shine and remove stains. A solution of vinegar in water removes dirt from laminated surfaces well and makes them shine.

This method has only one drawback - there is an unpleasant odor during washing. It does not cause any harm and disappears quickly.

As we have mentioned several times in this article, the best way to clean laminate flooring is to use a microfiber cloth. In principle, any soft cloth that absorbs moisture well and can be wrung out well, or a special rag for washing floors, will do.

Mop for laminate flooring

As an alternative to a floor cloth, you can use a mop. This will make cleaning the floor a little easier. It is better to use a universal mop with adjustable handle length. When cleaning large areas, professional mops with covers made of various materials on a movable rectangular or oval shaped head have performed well.

Progress does not stand still and manufacturers of household appliances have been offering to automate the cleaning process using a washing vacuum cleaner for several years.

However, you should use a regular washing vacuum cleaner to wash laminate flooring with great care. Water that gets onto the joints when sprayed with the cleaning nozzle of a vacuum cleaner penetrates the joints and causes them to swell. Only when washing laminate flooring, the locks of which are treated with a special wax composition, can you use new generation washing vacuum cleaners.

Steam cleaners are very effective at removing contaminants from the surface of the laminate, but their use is possible only if the following basic conditions are met:

• The coating has no damage or discrepancies between the panels;
• The joints of the panels are glued with a special glue or treated with a water-repellent wax-based compound;
• The material must have a durable protective coating of class 33 or 34.

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.

How to properly wash laminate flooring

Wet cleaning should be done no more than 2-3 times a week.

A microfiber mop equipped with various attachments or a regular rag are great for cleaning. The main condition is to avoid excess liquid. Otherwise the panels may swell.

To properly clean a laminate floor, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.

First, you should clear the floor of large debris. To do this, you need to collect all items that could scratch the surface when sweeping. For example, large shards of glass, metal or sharp pieces of plastic. Next, collect sand and dirt from shoes or plasticine scattered by children. This can be done using a wooden spatula or spatula.

Before washing, you must first clean the laminate from contamination with special detergents, which will be discussed below.

After this, you can proceed directly to wet cleaning.

1. The main rule that should be followed when washing laminate floors is that the washing time and the amount of water that gets on the floor should be minimal. Then the moisture will have time to evaporate from the surface of the coating before it penetrates deep into the joints and begins to destroy them.
2. For washing, use a soft cloth or mop with microfiber and an adjustment lever. It is better to use a microfiber cloth. It collects excess water well from the surface and does not leave large streaks. Wring out the rag or mop head thoroughly after each wash. Old T-shirts, other colored items and rags with lint cannot be taken for washing. When using them, the surface becomes dull and streaks remain.
3. It is better to carry out wet cleaning with the windows open so that the water quickly evaporates and wet spots or puddles do not form.
4. To increase efficiency, special detergents are added to the water. This will be discussed in more detail below.
5. It is better to wash heavily soiled floors twice. Cleaning is done in small areas, rinsing the cloth frequently. The first time - with detergent. Then let the room dry. The second time - with plain water.
6. If the floor with a laminated coating is slightly dirty and dusty, you can wash it once with just hot water (as much as your hands can tolerate), so that it evaporates faster from the floor surface.
7. If small children or allergy sufferers live in a room with laminate flooring, you can wash the floor with hot water, without using any detergents. The water should be at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Then it will disinfect the floor and quickly evaporate. You need to work with gloves. It is necessary to change the water frequently and wring out the cloth thoroughly. To avoid getting burned, it is better to use a mop with a wringing attachment.
8. The room should be washed in such a sequence as to avoid walking on a wet surface.
9. It is better to move the mop parallel to the laminate planks. This way less water gets into the joints between the slats.
10. Dried laminate can be polished with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove residual moisture, stains and add shine to the coating.
11. If the floor is too wet, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or dry mop. This will protect the laminate from swelling and reduce streaks.

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Can laminate flooring be washed with water? As already mentioned, it is better to use water for household surfaces no more than once a week. When washing, certain nuances are taken into account.

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:

1. DPL. In this case, water cannot be used for cleaning. The coating is cleaned with a standard vacuum cleaner or treated with special foam. Cached laminate is designed for this type of cleaning.
2. DPR. Hand washing can be used after 5-7 days, but after that be sure to wipe with a dry cloth.
3. HPL. The coating can be washed once a week.
4. CPL. The material does not deteriorate from moisture; when cleaning, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner.

Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner if it is already laid? The water resistance of the laid coating can be determined experimentally. You need to moisten a small area in an inconspicuous place. If the coating does not warp, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner.

Resistance to moisture is determined by the method of laying the coating: water should not penetrate under the panels, otherwise they will deteriorate. With the adhesive method of fastening boards and the tongue-and-groove installation, cracks appear during operation into which moisture will enter. Can a vacuum cleaner be used on this type of laminate? To protect the coating from destruction, it is necessary to seal the seams using water-repellent putty or silicone sealant.

The Click type locking option has a tight fixation of the board, so additional sealing may be present. Many manufacturers use a rubber strip for the locks of moisture-resistant laminate, which protects against moisture penetration under the coating. Wax impregnation can also be used. Additional protection against moisture is provided by sealant.

Is it safe to clean laminate floors with a vacuum cleaner?

Today in stores it is very rare to find laminate of classes 21, 22 and 23, which are afraid of wet cleaning. More preferable in this regard are laminated panels for commercial premises belonging to class 31-34, which have a higher level of moisture resistance . However, this information is still not enough to answer the question whether it is possible to wet clean a laminate floor of this quality with a vacuum cleaner or whether it makes sense to wipe the floor manually.

So that after cleaning the laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner, no unpleasant phenomena occur to it, it must be a moisture-resistant or water-resistant material. Each slab consists of several protective layers and is impregnated. At the same time, the top layer here is a special protective coating, which is highly resistant to moisture. It is safest to wash laminate floors from the following manufacturers: Tarkett, Egger and Classen (moisture-resistant), Alloc, Pergo, Kaindl (water-resistant). However, this does not mean that there are not other brands of laminate flooring on the market that can be used for similar cleaning.

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You can get an answer to the question of whether it is safe to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner only after it becomes clear what technology was used to make the coating. To find out, you need to refer to the labeling on the package, which consists of three letters:

• CPL – continuous pressure technology. When the material comes into contact with moisture, no unpleasant phenomena occur. Therefore, it is permissible to use washing vacuum cleaners on such coatings.

• HPL - high pressure method . This marking indicates that the floor can be washed no more than once a week.

• DPL. This is the designation for direct lamination technology. Wet cleaning of such coatings is prohibited. For these purposes, you can only use a regular vacuum cleaner or wipe the floor with special foam. You should take care of cached laminate flooring in the same way.

• DPR is a direct printing method. The coating can be washed manually with water, but not more often than once every 5-7 days, be sure to finish the procedure by wiping the floor dry.

In order to make sure that the coating has a sufficient level of water resistance, you must do the following . To do this, select a small area on one of the panels in an inconspicuous place, and then pour water there. Next, this area is monitored - if there are no signs of warping, the coating will easily withstand cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner.

The level of moisture resistance of the coating is largely influenced by the method of its installation. Installation of the laminate must be carried out in strict compliance with the technology requirements in order to prevent even the slightest penetration of moisture under the panels. Otherwise, this will lead to their limpness. When using the adhesive method of fastening boards, as well as the tongue-and-groove technology, you need to take into account that after a while, cracks may appear in such a coating through which water can easily leak.

To avoid premature destruction of the laminate coating, it is necessary to treat the seams by covering them with a special water-repellent putty for laminate or silicone sealant.

The Click type locking method is less problematic, since in this case the boards are connected to each other more tightly and initially have a sealing layer. A similar function is assigned to the rubber strip, which many manufacturers equip laminate floor locks with. It prevents moisture from getting under the coating, reliably protecting it from destruction. Wax impregnation can also act as a sealing layer.

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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:

1. The liquid is consumed minimally, due to which the surface will not get wet, but will be moistened.
2. Increased suction power. Usually it is installed from 450 W.
3. The presence of a drying function after washing (may not be available everywhere).
4. 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 a washing vacuum cleaner

When trying to understand whether a technique is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring, it should be selected taking into account the following parameters:

• Spray liquid consumption. A good unit should only moisten the floor without allowing it to get wet.
• Suction power. Vacuum cleaners with a power of at least 20% of the rated power and corresponding to 450 W are considered suitable for cleaning laminate floors.
• Drying mode after washing. This option is not available on all models.
• Equipment. The robot vacuum cleaner must be equipped with a special attachment for washing laminated floors.

When choosing a good vacuum cleaner for cleaning laminate flooring, for example, from the manufacturer Thomas, you need to pay attention to the fact that the passport for the device indicates that the model is suitable for washing laminate and parquet flooring. The most preferable among the possible options would be a multifunctional pump. It is recommended to choose it , first of all, for owners who have several different floor coverings installed in their house.

At the same time, wet cleaning can be carried out with a conventional washing unit. Only for this you will have to additionally buy a special nozzle for laminate. During the washing procedure itself, you need to be careful and not allow even small puddles of water to appear on the floor.

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.

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:

1. Closed aquafilter.
2. Washable filter.
3. Filter bag.
4. Hose with remote control.
5. Nozzle for cleaning parquet and laminate.
6. 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.

Rating of the best models

It is better to choose a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring from trusted manufacturers who specialize specifically in the manufacture of these devices. Among the brands that inspire the approval of experts and the trust of customers, the following varieties can be distinguished.

Thomas Parkett Style XT

A multifunctional device from a German brand, which is used to clean most types of surfaces and carpets, for dry and wet cleaning. The model is equipped with many attachments and an aqua filter.

Despite its dimensions (height - 31 cm, width - 30 cm and depth - 38 cm) and considerable weight (8 kg), the vacuum cleaner is characterized by high maneuverability. A long cable (6 m) and its automatic rewinding system provide additional convenience during operation. The vacuum cleaner body is made of impact-resistant plastic and has a soft bumper. The handle is made of metal, telescopic. Dust is collected in a replaceable dust collector or 1.8 liter container. When using the wet cleaning mode, water is poured into a tank whose capacity is 4 liters.

Speaking about the disadvantages of the model, it is worth mentioning that the water supply stops when the thin hose is bent. Despite the option to automatically twist the cord, most users note that the vacuum cleaner often has to help with this. The average cost of the model is 18-23 thousand rubles.

Karcher SE 4002

Products of a German company that specializes in the manufacture of household and garden equipment. This model is convenient because it can be used for dry and wet cleaning, and also has attachments for furniture. Unlike the previous model, Karcher SE 4002 does not have an aquafilter, and therefore does not provide air purification.

The manufacturer has integrated the detergent supply system into the handle and hose of the device; control is carried out by selecting the appropriate mode. Buttons and display are on the body of the vacuum cleaner. Dust is collected in a replaceable dust container; the water tank capacity is 4 liters. The main advantage is the shock-resistant case. Among these advantages, we can also highlight the possibility of storing additional attachments in the device body. Considering the small width and depth of the vacuum cleaner (38.5 cm), it can be called ergonomic.

Users note that even if the bag is full during dry cleaning, the power of the device does not decrease. It collects small fractions of dust and dirt, pet hair. The device is equipped with a powerful electric drive; there have been no cases of premature failure due to the fault of the manufacturer.

Among the disadvantages, the high noise level (74 dB) during operation should be highlighted. In addition, despite its ergonomics, the device is heavy (8 kg). Users often note that the hole for filling water cannot be called convenient. And the tank volume of 4 liters is not enough to clean medium and large apartments. During cleaning you have to change the water 2-3 times.

Dust collectors have to be purchased branded, which also poses an additional financial burden for owners of the Karcher SE 4002 model. With many years of use, the rings on the handle that hold the water supply tube weaken. In addition, after several years of operation, the vacuum cleaner itself begins to leak, and the nozzle begins to collect and retain moisture worse. The average cost is 18-20 thousand rubles.

Zelmer ZVC752STRU

Another vacuum cleaner that is suitable for dry and wet cleaning, and is also equipped with aqua filters. Country of origin: Poland. This model is recommended to be purchased by those who are interested in high-quality cleaning of not only the floor, but also the air. This model copes with this brilliantly, thanks to the 4-stage cleaning system and the presence of a HEPA filter.

Manufacturers also took care of the energy consumption of the device - it is equipped with a special Ecopower system, which allows you to reduce the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner without compromising its suction functions. Dust collection is carried out either in a 6-liter container or in a replaceable dust collector. The volume of the water bowl for wet cleaning is 1.7 liters. The case is shock-resistant and has a soft bumper. The telescopic handle is made of metal, there is an option for automatic cable rewind.

Users note the high quality of cleaning and air purification, as well as the possibility of using a vacuum cleaner for cleaning furniture, mirrors, and glass surfaces. Among the advantages are quiet operation, the ability to use only an aqua filter for dry cleaning (no need to buy dust collectors).

Among the disadvantages are the weight of the unit (8.5 kg), the need for a large space for drying components after wet cleaning. The main drawback (it is leveled out in new models) is the likelihood of liquid getting into the engine when water is overfilled. Newer models have an overflow indicator. The average cost of the device is 13-15 thousand rubles.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Which brand of vacuum cleaner for laminate floors should I choose?

With a vacuum cleaner, cleaning the floor becomes a very interesting task. Judging by the reviews, some brands of such devices have become especially popular and loved. We are talking about the following manufacturers:

• Samsung;
• Electrolux;
• Karcher;
• Thomas.

The rating of the latter brand is quite high, but it is worth taking only if you have high-quality laminate flooring.

Cheapness does not always mean that the product is bad. However, budget washing vacuum cleaners do not guarantee the safety of your laminate flooring for a long time. It is best to take a closer look at models in the middle or high price category.

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.

Cleaning laminate floors

Cleaning laminate flooring is an important and responsible moment in the process of caring for the coating. If you want to keep your home clean, then it is simply impossible to do without cleaning. Dry cleaning is carried out regularly as abrasive particles accumulate on the surface: grains of sand, small stones, small parts of toys.

The cleaning result must be effective and safe for both the floor and the occupants of the premises in which it is installed. To do this, you need to know how to wash laminate flooring efficiently, without streaks and stains, so that it shines and preserves the service life of the coating as much as possible. The correct cleaning technology, good tools and detergents will help protect the surface from all kinds of scratches, swelling and discoloration.

1. The use of special detergents makes the washing process easier, but unnecessary chemicals are of no benefit to anyone. Of course, it is impossible to completely abandon them, but it is better to limit the use of detergents for severe stains.
2. In order to properly wash the surface without leaving streaks, you must first clean it of dirt, grease, and stains using cleaning products. It is better to use them locally, at the site of contamination.
3. To maintain the floor surface in good condition, you should: - exclude abrasive pastes and powders; - use clean white rags or special wipes; - follow the instructions for the cleaning product; — after removing dirt, rinse the area with clean warm water and dry quickly with a cloth.
4. When using non-professional cleaners and detergents for laminated surfaces, it is necessary to take into account that an aggressive environment (alkaline or acidic) and the abrasiveness of the material can damage the laminate coating. Therefore, any product must be used wisely, according to the instructions, or by testing it on a small, inconspicuous area of ​​the floor. Prolonged exposure of the product to the surface is not allowed.
5. The simplest product that can be used to wash laminate flooring is a mild shampoo or liquid soap. Dilute 20 mg. in five liters of hot water and mix well. Dip a cloth or mop head into the soapy water and wring it out well. Start from the far corner of the room and go to the exit without stepping on the wet floor. Use a mop or rag to move along the slats. This way the joints are less disturbed, dirt is washed out better and stains are removed well. After complete drying, wipe the floor again with a cloth washed in clean warm water or in water with the addition of 6-9% white vinegar. (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Vinegar neutralizes the effects of an alkaline environment, adds shine to the laminate, and washes away any remaining dirt. We finish by completely drying the floor surface and ventilating it.
6. How often can laminate flooring be washed? Wet cleaning should be done no more than once or twice a week, depending on the degree of soiling of the floor. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or broom can be done daily.
7. On a smooth, dark-colored surface (wenge, stained oak) whitish stains may remain. To avoid this, use special detergents to wash laminate flooring without streaks. They are added to water in doses according to the instructions. The floor washed in this way is wiped dry and polished with a soft, dry cloth. There will be no divorces left.

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Initially, it should be said that there are two types of cleaning laminate flooring.