How to Clean Laminate Doors

If you’re wondering how to clean laminate doors, there are some quick and easy cleaning methods to ensure that your surfaces remain fresh and hygienic. 

Laminate doors are moisture-resistant and easy to care for but if you’ve noticed a build-up of grease or made an accidental spill, it’s a simple job to clean up with everyday products such as normal microfibre cloths.

Our How-To guide will help you look after your internal laminate doors to ensure they look better for longer.

How to clean laminate doors: step by step

If you want to know the best way to clean laminate doors, follow our step-by-step guide to ensure the best finish for your surfaces. 

Step 1: What you will need to clean laminate doors

• Soft cloths (no rough textures or coarse pads)
• Washing-up liquid or household soap
• Warm water
• Cleaning sprays (preferably water-based, homemade or alcohol-free)
• Towels to wipe dry

Step 2: Setting up the cleaning area

• Dust off the door to remove any loose dirt
• Protect any carpets or porous flooring with a plastic sheet or towel
• Prepare a bowl of warm soapy water (using general soap or washing-up liquid)

Step 3: Work on the door

• Dampen (not soak) a soft cloth in the warm, soapy water and begin to lightly wipe the door, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the top
• Remember to wipe the bottom, sides and top of the door around the edges
• If your door has crevices, grain-like texture or panels, you may want to use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the hard-to-reach areas
• For tougher stains or a more intense clean, use a cleaning spray to slightly mist the door and leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth
• Dry the surface with a microfibre cloth or towel to ensure no drips remain
• Greasy stains or dried-on food marks may need a repeat clean

Step 4: How to get the best finish for your laminate doors

• Don’t use harsh abrasive products such as scourers or wire brushes - laminate that becomes chipped or scratched is difficult or sometimes impossible to repair
• Don’t use steam cleaners or expose the door to high temperatures as this can damage the laminate surface
• Keep your laminate doors clean by wiping them down with a soft cloth weekly and performing a deeper clean 3 or 4 times per year

Cleaning laminate doors without streaking

Laminate can be a great surface for cleaning and generally doesn’t show up sticky marks, fingerprints or streaks in the same way that a painted timber door would.

If you do notice streaks on your laminate door, use a natural or water-based cleaning spray (such as vinegar) and make sure the surface is dry after cleaning. To clean laminate without streaking, it’s important to dry it with a soft microfibre cloth or towel so that any remaining moisture doesn’t leave a mark. 

Some cleaning products that contain oils can leave a film on laminate doors, so it’s best to use natural products such as soapy water or a simple cleaning spray.

Cleaning laminate doors: FAQS

Here are the answers to some other common queries about cleaning laminate doors. 

Can you clean laminate doors with vinegar?

The best way to clean your doors is with the most natural products. Many home-owners and cleaners suggest that white vinegar mixed with water is one of the most effective home cleaning products you can use. Simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to mist light coats of moisture. Finish off by wiping it clean with a soft damp cloth.

Can you clean laminate doors with water?

Laminate doors are durable enough for most natural (or even commercial) cleaning products. However in order to protect the finish of the surface, it’s best to use mild washing-up liquid or soap and warm water to start with. Avoid soaking the door completely and use a damp cloth, building up the moisture with a misting spray if you need to.

What not to use to clean laminate doors?

Laminate doors are generally durable, water-resistant and can withstand stains and scratches due to their composite structure. They are easier to clean than standard timber doors but you still need to be careful with certain stronger chemicals and you should never use abrasive textures. If in doubt, try a test patch on an area of the door which isn’t visible, such as the side edge next to the frame.

Can laminate doors be professionally cleaned?

Just like laminate floors, doors can be professionally cleaned if you need additional help. However, most cleaners will use household products on laminate surfaces, so it’s likely that you have everything you need to clean your laminate door already.

How long will it take to clean a laminate door?

Depending on the severity of stains or how regularly you clean your laminate doors, it shouldn’t take long to clean a laminate door. If you wipe down the surface regularly to avoid the build-up of dust and debris, a general clean and wipe down should take less than 15 minutes.

How to remove stains from laminate doors

Laminate doors have a non-porous surface, so unlike wood it should be stain resistant. If you do find a stain on your laminate door, it may be that this is below the surface, so you need to find the right product to remove it.

Darker stains such as grease may need to be dissolved with a substance such as white vinegar diluted in water. Spray on to the surface in light coats and leave it to work for 5 minutes before wiping it clean with a soft cloth.

If you have a coloured stain that has affected the wood-effect grain texture of your laminate door, this is best removed with a stronger cleaning product. First, try baking soda and water in a paste - leaving it on the stain for 5 minutes, misting it with more water to remain moist. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth or paper towel.

If this doesn’t work you could try household bleach to remove the stain, but make sure you test it on a non-visible patch first to ensure it doesn’t discolour your door. You could also test a stronger solvent such as nail-polish remover. Dab it on to a paper towel or cloth and rub a non-visible area to see if it dulls or marks your door. You can then rub the stain directly before wiping it clean with water.

It’s an easy job to clean and wipe down laminate surfaces so it’s best to do this regularly to get the best out of your doors.