How to clean laminate floors – you bought laminate floors, they looked beautiful – and then they got DIRTY. Let’s talk about how to clean your floors without residue!
Maybe it was the cry for help about how my house is a wreck or sympathy for the fact God gave me 2 toddler boys… whatever the reason I am super thankful for laminate floors. They are more durable than wood flooring in my opinion, and once you learn to clean them – they are a Godsend. OH, and a quarter of the price but with the same look as hardwood flooring.
The Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors
Folks, let’s be honest here. THIS mom was not equipped with the gift of being able to clean and organized. Throw in 4 kids, 3 of which are boys – and well… yeah, our house is rarely clean. I know that this chapter in my life – it is to be okay that toys are all over the floor and that I find mystery substances in random places every day. All I ask for people is SANITARY.
What to Clean Laminate Flooring With
We moved into this house a little over a year ago. It is slowly becoming home. While I really do love the house, the neighborhood, location, etc…. the top reason I wanted the house, is now one of the things I hate about the house. We have about 75% hard floors. There is a mixture of slate and laminate throughout the house, upstairs and down. It sounded like an absolute dream, right? It’s been a NIGHTMARE.
I have tried vinegar, Bruce flooring spray, Murphy’s Oil, Spray and Mop, I could go on – but my head hurts thinking about all of the chemicals I’ve tried to keep this floor clean.The laminate always looks blotchy, no matter what I used to clean it. I just want clean laminate floors, how hard can this be??
I’m not sure where I found this cleaning mixture, but I played around with the amount of each ingredient and here is what I use as a laminate floor cleaner. You can get each of these ingredients, including the squirt bottle at the dollar store. The $4 you spend will leave you enough extra ingredients to use for the rest of the year.
Here’s what I now use to clean my laminate floors:
Fill the squirt bottle with the above ingredients. Next, fill the remainder of the bottle with warm water. Shake, squirt and mop. Below is the mop that I use on our floors.
Microfiber Mop
This is the microfiber mop I use. I have tried a few and this one has a big head for covering a large area – which means quicker clean time (WINNING!) Speaking of cleaning mop covers…
To clean the microfiber mop cover, I’ve found hand washing with vinegar and dish soap to be best and then throwing in the dryer. Sounds like a pain, it’s not too bad. I personally have found that the traditional detergents seem to leave crud in the microfiber mop when cleaning.
Buffing Laminate Flooring with a Towel
I have heard some people swear by buffing with a towel after as well. If you have that much time – have at it! This mom can barely get dinner on the table.
Again, this is the formula that I use. I know some people don’t like using alcohol but I think the minimal amount in this mixture works well.
All of that kid goo, you know the mysterious stuff you have no idea what it is, but either one of the tweens or toddlers or dog left it there, yep it this stuff leaves my floor the cleanest without the film I’ve seen other solutions leave.
Different Laminate Types
This is our third house with laminate. Remember, each laminate is different. Our last house had glossy laminate, this house has dull laminate. We are about to put in hand scraped laminate. You need to find the best way to clean your flooring and each type has required a different method.
I hope this helps you have clean laminate floors without much fuss, nor sticky or filmy floors!
Reader Recommendations for Cleaning Laminate Floors
This post was started as a recommendation on how to clean laminate floors. Since posting this, this blog post has gone viral! We’ve received hundreds of comments and emails in regards to how our readers clean their laminates! Here are some recommendations from our readers:
Steam Cleaning Laminates
Steam cleaning laminate floors is a hit or miss – some SWEAR by it, other’s SWEAR that it ruins laminate flooring and the varnish. We have tried steam cleaning our laminates and have had success. We’ve used the above laminate floor cleaning solution – but we do make sure that we leave NO excessive wetness. That said – I don’t have time to steam and only do this when I am in deep clean mode (once a year, if my family is lucky!)
Here is the steam cleaner that we’ve used and loved:
Bona Laminate Floor Cleaner
Bona laminate floor clean is a popular and affordable over the counter recommendation.
This from a reader: On both my ceramic tile flooring and laminate flooring. One cap full in a bucket of hot water applied with a micro-mop head. Doesn’t leave residue and shines beautifully. My favorite is Lavender. The house smells terrific on cleaning day. “Floors shine like new money”, and is cost-effective. PS shines tubs and shower stalls also.
Updated on 9/15/17 with the latest on cleaning laminate flooring. Just want to keep this up-to-date as I find better ways to clean. Remember, these are just suggestions on what has worked best for me. Check out more of our posts from Geekery.
Learn how to type guide – let’s look at various typing resources to learn the best ways to teach typing and increase you or your child’s WPM! (words per minute)
Learn How to Type Guide
Typing is now something kids and adults are just suppose to know how to do. While previously typing was a class where everyone sat behind an old school type writer and learned the asdf jkl;. While typing has gone to the way side for keyboarding, keyboarding is not a required class in many schools. Also, not all adults know how to type quickly. Let’s look at resources to help those who want to learn how to type increase their words per minute. We’ve compiled numerous resources to help you find the best way for you to learn how to type in the manner that works best for you.
There is an app for everything, including learning how to type. Here’s a list of free typing apps:
iOS Typing Apps
Tap Typing Trainer
Master typing on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch with the Tap Typing Trainer typing app for iOS. This free app features a speed test and sample of all lessons. You can purchase full typing lessons with an in-app purchase. From beginner to pro, this app serves all levels of typists.
Ghost Type app is the only typing tutor that allows you to create your own lessons with your content to suit your child or students With built-in lessons for beginner to advanced, this app offers parents and teachers a great platform to teach typing.
Ghost Type iOS Typing App offers QWERTZ, AZERTY and Dvorak keyboards.
We are HUGE fans of the Handwriting Without Tears app so we were excited to see that the same company offers an iOS app specifically to teach keyboarding. The Keyboarding Without Tears app offers effective game play to learn typing for ages K-5th grade.
From sitting posture, home row position and finger motions – the Learn to Type Android app shows you keyboarding tipes and more. Thru online speed test, ten-key test, and free typing lessons – this app will help your K-12 student learn the best practices in typing.
Using your keyboard, this game helps you improve your typing speed by competing against others. Competition can motivate! There are practice session for practicing and self-evaluation or go full-on and start competing in the Typing Master Android typing app.
If you are a teacher looking for online typing courses, check out typing.com. Typing.com is free, offering unlimited classes for both individuals and students. You can pay a small fee to have advertising removed.
Here is a list of learn to type software if you are wanting to learn via a software program.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Anyone who grew up in school during the 90’s, most likely knows of Mavis Beacon. Mavis taught many of us how to type – and guess what, she is still around with even more resources.
Side note: There is no Mavis Beacon. Nope, Mavis was a made up character. Sorry to be the one to have to break it to you!
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Version 18 is available on Amazon.
Typing Master
Typing Master is available for Windows 10. If you are looking for a free version, they offer one – but it is limited in functionality.
Looking to get kids engaged while learning how to type? Try these online typing games. Kids love games and even better when they learn while they are playing.
Typing Games Zone
Typing Games Zone offers over 20 typing games for your kids to play. From Alien Typing Wars to Typing Galaxy, there is a different type of game that surely your kids will find one to love to play.
There you have it, our online guide to typing. Everything you want to know about learning how to type, typing apps, speeds test, typing games and more. Have a resource we missed? Leave it in the comments!
Nap desks – that just sounds dreamy, right? Let’s chat. Remember a few years ago when we all heard how we shouldn’t be sitting is bad for hours on end and that we should adapt to things like walking desks? Remember? So do we. We get it. Sitting for 10 hours a day isn’t good for you. But guess what else isn’t good for you? Sleeping 5 hours at night or working for those 10 hours non-stop.
Nap Desks – Let’s Make This Happen!
Introducing this product design from Studio NL. It’s a desk, no it’s not JUST a desk – it’s a NAP DESK!
From first glance, it this looks just like an ordinary desk, right? Sneaky, it also turns into a nap pod.
So while the idea of sleeping at work may sound, I don’t know – lazy, there is actually a lot of benefits to power naps. If you are interested in learning about how to perfect your power nap, check out these tips for power naps.
Tips for Power Naps
Turn off your mobile phone and any other distractions (so that TV in the nap desk isn’t a great idea.)
Headphones with relaxing music.
Wear sunglasses or use an eye mask to simulate darkness.
Caffeine before your nap to improve your performance and will lessen how sleepy you are when you wake up.
Set an alarm to go off in 15-20 minutes, because it’s a power nap – not a full sleep!
Don’t sleep more than 30 minutes!
Follow your nap up with a physical activity.
Wash your face and expose yourself to bright light.
So, who’s in? Who would take advantage of a nap desk? Personally, the design could be better. The open concept isn’t great, especially as many offices are more open and less office now a days. That said, we sure hope more employers open their minds to power napping at work. That little sleep can create a big jolt in productivity and energy!
Boss isn’t buying the nap desk idea? Maybe you can talk her (or him) into one of these:
There is a Solar Eclipse happening in just a few days and if you are in the Dallas area, here is what you need to know about where to watch the eclipse and what time.
Solar Eclipse in Dallas
Here in Dallas, we don’t get a full coverage show of the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse, but will be able to view roughly 75% coverage.
Here is what you need to know about seeing the eclipse here in Dallas.
First, don’t forget this is all going down on August 21, 2017.
Good news! We will have a full show of a total eclipse here in Texas in April 2024! Read more.
Dallas Eclipse Watch Parties
A few of our local friends are hosting viewing parties. If you are up for a solar eclipse party, check out both the Perot Museum and Dallas Arboretum’s activities and festivities below:
Perot Museum Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Outdoor party on the plaza to include a live NASA feed of the solar eclipse in totality, free eclipse glasses, a photo booth, pinhole cameras with the Perot Museum TECH Truck and other activities to satisfy eclipse enthusiasts.
Total eclipse of the sun! Texas may not be in the totality zone when the sun and moon cross paths Aug. 21 during the solar eclipse, but Lone Star State onlookers can enjoy a partial eclipse during the outdoor watch party at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science! From noon-2 p.m. visitors will gather on the Museum Plaza to partake in all sorts of sun-sational eclipse excitement, from a live NASA feed of the total eclipse, to an eclipse-themed photo booth, pinhole cameras with the Perot Museum TECH Truck, miniature solar systemsand other out-of-this-world space activities. The outdoor event is free and open to the public. General admission fees apply for indoor visits.
Perot Museum educators will be on hand with tips regarding how to safely watch the partial eclipse using a sun spotter. They’ll also offer up fun facts about meteorites, explain why the sun and moon appear the same size during an eclipse, and more. Sun- or space-themed attire is encouraged!
Solar Eclipse glasses will be available for guests. Eye protection is still important, even during a partial eclipse.
Monday, Aug. 21, from noon-2 p.m.
Dallas Arboretum Solar Eclipse Event
WHAT:
The first-ever photo of a total solar eclipse was taken 166 years ago in 1851. This will be the first total eclipse in nearly 40 years to be visible from the continental U.S., and the first in 99 years with the path of totality traveling from Oregon to South Carolina. Enjoy watching the eclipse at the Dallas Arboretum while visiting the gardens.
Guests may pack a picnic or enjoy $2 hot dogs from the Terrace Café. Kona Ice will have cool treats available for purchase, and eclipse-themed music will be playing as visitors view the unforgettable solar eclipse at the Camp Lawn overlooking White Rock Lake. Guests are encouraged to bring their own “viewing devices,” however, complimentary special viewing glasses are available, (while supplies last).
Visitors may also view the solar eclipse in The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden Moody Oasis, where kids can make their own “pinhole eclipse viewers” and learn more about the solar eclipse.
Oversize lawn games such as Jenga, Connect Four and Yardzee complete the activities for this event.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PRINTABLE SIGNS – UPDATED FOR 2017! If you are looking for first day of school signs, here you go! We’ve done these the last few years, this year I just updated this page – all signs say 2017, plus daycare added in!
Free Printable First Day Signs!
First day of school printable signs are always a fun way to start off a new school year. We have taken first day of school photos with signs for the last few years (see 2012 and 2011 and we did them for 2014-2016, but just updated this post). Last year we added in first day of school signs for daycare and preschool, those were a hit!
I don’t know about you, but with 4 kids – I want to see what grade they are in – so instead of just 1 first day of school sign, I created several! I hope that these come in handy on your first day of school, as I know they will our’s. I snapped this photo of our soon-to-be first grader this morning for the blog. In his summer haziness “Mommy, this isn’t’ the first of day of school, is it??” No kid, you have a few more weeks – mommy is just a little bit more prepared for back to school this year (SURPRISED? I am!)
So let’s get to it. I created these back to school signs for each year, preschool to college. Yes, college kids – how sweet would it be to print out a sign and send a photo to your parents on your first day of college? Good luck getting your high schoolers to cooperate. Hoping that my kids won’t be stubborn as I plan on doing this every year, it’s a requirement!
First Day of School Signs – Daycare thru College!
Enjoy! Happy first day of school. I would love to see photos of your kids with these signs! Please post them on facebook.com/digitalmomblog!
Just click on the sign you want below – and wa-lah!
Amazon Prime Day is on July 11th this year (that’s on Tuesday in case you are calendar challenged like myself.) I hope your bank account is ready for this! I kid, well kind of. In case you are new to the Amazon Prime Day game, let’s chat.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day is the annual sale exclusively for Amazon Prime members. The deals are deep and some say better than Black Friday deals! This July 11 is the third annual Prime Day. Did I mention you MUST be an Amazon Prime member? If you aren’t keep reading!
Free Amazon Prime Membership
You are in luck! Get a free Amazon Prime membership before Amazon Prime day. See below:
Get a free Amazon prime membership for 30 days with a trial – click here.
Get a 6-month free Amazon Prime membership if you are a student – click here.
When Does Prime Day Start?
Shop deals as early as 6pm PT / 9pm ET on July 10, 2017. That’s right – even though Prime Day is officially on July 11th – the deals start early! New deals start as often as every 5 minutes for 30 hours straight.
The Deals Go QUICK!
Watch out, these deals go quick. You will be waitlisted if the deal is full. If additional items become available (if someone doesn’t check out in time, this enables those on the wait list to get the deal) – you will be notified on your mobile device.
Amazon Prime Day Deals!
We all want to know about those deals! Let’s talk about what we know if going to be on sale and also how to shop on Prime Day. That’s right, this isn’t your typical Amazon shopping experience. It’s like Black Friday style, minus the fights, tents and news crews.
Amazon Prime Day Sneak Peek
Here are the deals that have been released – there will be MORE. I’m crossing my fingers to get another great deal on a second Instant Pot! Our friends at TaoTronics sent us a list of all of their Prime Day Deals so keep reading for those as well!
There will be spotlight deals and thousands of lightning deals through the day (starting on July 10th!)
This year, Amazon is upping the game enabling and trying to get people into voice shopping with Alexa.
Shop by voice with the Amazon Echo and Alexa
Prime members with an Alexa-enabled device such as an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot will have access to exclusive Alexa Prime Day voice shopping deals.
BONUS – I just read on Amazon that you get a $10 credit with your first order from Alexa!
How do you Voice Shop with Alexa?
It’s simple. Ask Alexa “Alexa, what are your deals?” You can view all of the Alexa voice shopping deals here. Make sure to check on Amazon Prime Day as they will be exclusive for that day!
Prime Now Offer
Have you use Prime Now? Prime Now is ULTRA-FASH DELIVERY available in 30 cities in the U.S. (How fast? 2 hour fast!)
Now thru Prime Day, members will get $10 off their first Prime Now order and $10 off their next Prime Now order when you use the promotional code: 10PRIMEDAY
Amazon Assistant Setup
Have you seen the Amazon Assistant? Here is what it is and how to set it up!
Amazon Assistant is a desktop browser add on that will notify you when deals that you’ve watched go live! This is a great way to score on those deals that I mentioned that go quick. Other features on the Amazon Assistant:
Order Updates
Product Comparisons
Universal Registry and Lists
Shortcuts
Watched Deal Notifications (this is what I mentioned)
Amazon Assistant works with the following desktop browsers:
Sheesh. Okay, I think that does it for all the info you could want on Amazon Prime Day. Again, let’s cross our fingers and say a prayer for those Instant Pots to go on sale CHEAP! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, we will be posting the best Prime Day deals all day on July 10th-July 11th!
Bona laminate floor clean is a popular and affordable over the counter recommendation.
Typing is now something kids and adults are just suppose to know how to do. While previously typing was a class where everyone sat behind an old school type writer and learned the asdf jkl;. While typing has gone to the way side for keyboarding, keyboarding is not a required class in many schools. Also, not all adults know how to type quickly. Let’s look at resources to help those who want to learn how to type increase their words per minute. We’ve compiled numerous resources to help you find the best way for you to learn how to type in the manner that works best for you. 
There is an app for everything, including learning how to type. Here’s a list of free typing apps:
Let’s look at various online typing classes. Learn to type from any computer with these courses.
Want to know how fast exactly you type? Here is a list of websites that offer free typing test. Leave your WPM in the comments!
Looking to get kids engaged while learning how to type? Try these online typing games. Kids love games and even better when they learn while they are playing. 
From first glance, it this looks just like an ordinary desk, right? Sneaky, it also turns into a nap pod. 
via amazon
Here in Dallas, we don’t get a full coverage show of the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse, but will be able to view roughly 75% coverage. 
I don’t know about you, but with 4 kids – I want to see what grade they are in – so instead of just 1 first day of school sign, I created several! I hope that these come in handy on your first day of school, as I know they will our’s. I snapped this photo of our soon-to-be first grader this morning for the blog. In his summer haziness “Mommy, this isn’t’ the first of day of school, is it??” No kid, you have a few more weeks – mommy is just a little bit more prepared for back to school this year (SURPRISED? I am!)
Free Amazon Prime Membership