Fix It | For shiny wood floors, give microfiber mops a whirl

Q: We had laminate wood flooring installed recently. It looks great, but I wonder how we should clean it.

A: Microfiber dust mops are among the best cleaning tools for wood floors — whether laminate or natural — because of the special nature of microfibers. The mops pick up dust and small particles, which cling to the microfibers, eliminating one of the biggest enemies of wood floors — the dirt and sand that scratch and mar the surface over time. Microfiber dusting is fast, easy and it leaves floors shining as if they'd been polished.

Look for the mops at stores that sell cleaning supplies. Real Simple brand microfiber swivel-head mops (available at discount stores such as Target) are inexpensive. The microfiber head comes off easily and can be washed and dried for repeat use.

To protect your floors and minimize dirt, be sure to place walkout mats at entry doors.

Plain water is often enough when washing laminate floors, but there are several commercial laminate floor cleaners available. You can also make your own by combining one-fourth cup vinegar (or window cleaner such as Windex) with 1 to 2 quarts of warm water. Dampen the mop with water. (Again, a mop with a microfiber head works well.) Apply cleaner with a spray bottle, or mop from bucket. In either case, do not let the cleaning solution pool on or saturate the floor. Wipe dry immediately.

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