Ammonia is among some of the household floor cleaners, recognized for its ability to dissolve grime, slice through grease and tackle stubborn stains. It is not only budget-friendly but also easily available which makes it easier for homeowners to use it in cleaning.
Nevertheless, you should note that while ammonia could be used in cleaning other floor types, it is not effective on laminate floors. So is ammonia good for laminate floors? NO, ammonia is not good for laminate floor since it damages the wear layer, causes discoloration, and may cause irreversible damage even when diluted.
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Why ammonia is not good for laminate floors
Ammonia, when applied to laminate flooring, poses a significant risk due to its chemical properties. The interaction between ammonia and laminate can result in several adverse effects:
Melamine Breakdown
The wear layer of laminate floors contains a combination of melamine resin and aluminum oxide particles. These materials make the floor’s wear layer sturdy resulting to the scratch and stain resistance of the floor. For this reason, the wear layer is engineered to be the first line of defense against all types of damage on your floor.
Melamine resin is a synthetic compound derived from melamine and formaldehyde. It is widely used in laminate flooring because of its remarkable properties, including resistance to abrasion, staining, and general wear and tear. This clear, hard resin is designed to shield the decorative layer beneath it, which is responsible for the floor’s realistic appearance.
However, when ammonia comes into contact with the laminate flooring, its alkaline nature can set off a chain of chemical reactions that disrupts the molecular structure of the melamine resin. As the melamine resin deteriorates, the protective barrier it provides becomes compromised. This means that the laminate’s ability to repel stains, spills, and other forms of damage weakens significantly.
Besides, with the wear layer no longer functioning at its optimal capacity, the laminate becomes more susceptible to scratches, dents, and scuff marks. This heightened vulnerability can accelerate the wear and aging of the flooring.
Also, melamine contributes to the glossy finish of laminate flooring. When it breaks down due to ammonia exposure, it can lead to a loss of the floor’s luster, resulting in a dull and lackluster appearance.
Weakening of Protective Layers
The breakdown of the wear layer leads to a weakening of its integrity, making it less effective at guarding against stains, spills, and surface damage. When ammonia compromises this layer, it becomes more susceptible to abrasions, which can result in visible wear and diminish the overall appearance of the flooring.
Besides, the protective layers also help in making laminate floors moisture-resistant. However, when ammonia seeps through the protective barrier, it can introduce moisture to the core layer of the laminate, typically made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or particleboard. This moisture infiltration can lead to swelling and warping of the laminate boards, causing structural damage and creating uneven surfaces.
Weakened protective layers can also affect the aesthetic appeal of laminate flooring. Surface damage, loss of gloss, and an overall worn appearance can make your floors look prematurely aged and less visually pleasing.
Discoloration and Fading
One of the primary concerns when it comes to using ammonia on laminate flooring is the potential for discoloration and fading.
Laminate flooring often features intricate patterns and designs created through a photographic layer beneath the wear layer. The wear layer, although designed to be highly protective, is not entirely impervious to chemical reactions. When ammonia comes into contact with this layer, it can react with the dyes and inks, causing them to break down or fade. As a result, the once-vibrant colors and patterns of your laminate flooring can become muted and less appealing.
Besides, when the protective layer weakens, it allows more UV light from natural or artificial sources to penetrate the flooring. Over time, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to further fading of the laminate’s colors and patterns.
Another issue with using ammonia on laminate floor is that it may not uniformly affect the entire floor. If ammonia is not thoroughly diluted or is applied unevenly, it can lead to patches or streaks of discoloration on the laminate. These uneven spots can be visually unappealing and challenging to rectify.
It’s crucial to note that in many cases, once discoloration and fading occur, the damage can be permanent. Unlike some stains that can be removed with proper cleaning techniques, faded colors and patterns on laminate are often irreversible.
Swelling and Warping.
Ammonia-based cleaning solutions often contain water as a solvent. When applied to the surface of laminate flooring, ammonia can penetrate the seams and crevices, allowing moisture to seep into the core layer of the laminate, typically composed of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or particleboard.
The core layer of laminate is highly susceptible to moisture damage. When it absorbs excess moisture, it can swell and expand, causing the individual laminate boards to push against each other. This expansion is often uneven, leading to a warped and uneven surface.
When laminate floors are warped, they can become tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas or spaces with poor lighting. Besides, the uneven floors also make it difficult to place and stabilize furniture in your living spaces.
14 Types of ammonia-based cleaning solutions.
These are some of the home cleaning solutions that contain ammonia. You ought to avoid them while cleaning your laminate flooring:
- Bathroom cleaners
- Wood floor cleaners
- Pet stain removers
- Disinfectant sprays
- Tile floor cleaners
- Furniture polish
- Stainless-steel cleaners
- Multi-surface cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Toilet cleaners
- Carpet cleaners
- Floor polishing waxes
- Glass cleaners
- Drain cleaners
How to check if laminate floor cleaning products contain ammonia.
The easiest way to check for ammonia in cleaning products is to check the list of ingredients on the packaging. In cleaning products, ammonia is usually labelled as ammonium hydroxide on the product labels.
You can also conduct your search on the official website of the cleaning product’s manufacturer. Most reputable manufacturers provide detailed product information, including a list of ingredients. Look for a section on product specifications, frequently asked questions (FAQs), or safety data sheets (SDS) for comprehensive details.
If you’re shopping for cleaning products online, popular e-commerce websites often provide product descriptions that include ingredient lists. Browse through the product details section to find information about the presence or absence of ammonia in the product.
You can also use product review websites. There are websites and forums dedicated to consumer reviews and discussions about cleaning products. These platforms may contain user-generated content where individuals share their experiences with specific products. While not always conclusive, these reviews can sometimes include information about the product’s ingredients.
Finally, you can also look up the product’s data online using websites like the U.S Household Products Database. This is a consumer guide that provides information on the potential health effects of chemicals contained in various home products. The database contains more than 10,000 brand name products and their ingredients.
Another website you can use is the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). This is a nonprofit corporation that provides an online checker for ingredients in cleaning products, food and skin care products. You can either use the online database or download their mobile app.
Another yet useful website is the cleaninginstitute.org which is an online database providing details of safety of household cleaning products.
Alternatives to Ammonia for Laminate Flooring
1. Laminate-Specific Floor Cleaners:
Laminate-specific floor cleaners are specially formulated to clean and protect laminate flooring. These products are designed to gently remove dirt, stains, and grime without causing harm to the laminate’s protective layers or its aesthetic appeal.
They typically do not contain harsh chemicals that can react with the laminate’s composition, making them a safe choice for routine cleaning.
2. pH-Neutral Cleaners:
pH-neutral cleaners are mild and well-suited for cleaning laminate floors.
They neither have the high alkalinity of ammonia nor the acidity that can damage surfaces. pH-neutral cleaners effectively clean laminate without altering its color, gloss, or protective layers.
3. Homemade Solutions:
If you prefer DIY cleaning solutions, you can create a safe and effective cleaner by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
This gentle mixture can be applied to laminate flooring with a damp, not soaking, mop or cloth. It effectively cleans without introducing harsh chemicals or excess moisture.
4. Microfiber Mops and Cloths:
When it comes to cleaning laminate flooring, the tools you use are just as important as the cleaning solution.
Microfiber mops and cloths are excellent choices because they are soft and non-abrasive, reducing the risk of scratches. They also efficiently pick up dirt and debris without leaving streaks.
5. Dry Dusting and Vacuuming:
Regular dry dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment can help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the laminate surface.
This proactive approach can reduce the need for wet cleaning and help preserve the integrity of your flooring.
