These laminate floors are driving me CRAZY!

[kaitlyns.mom]

We recently moved into a house with nothing but laminate floors, which I was thrilled about at the time. But with two cats, a baby and a preschooler the floor is constantly covered in hair, crumbs, miscellaneous debris and lots and lots of greasy smudges. With 1500 SF it takes so long to sweep, microfiber mop, dry mop, vacuum, whatever, and they are never really looking great.

So, any tips for day-to-day maintenance on keeping them somewhat clean? Sweep vs. microfiber? Floor cleaners? Clean daily? Give up entirely?

[AngelaS]

I have hardwood, three kids and a giant hairy dog. We vacuum the floors daily and damp mop with a microfiber mop a couple times a week or so.

[kaitlyns.mom]

I have hardwood, three kids and a giant hairy dog. We vacuum the floors daily and damp mop with a microfiber mop a couple times a week or so.

Do you damp mop just with water, or do you use a cleaning solution? I've been using the Biokleen Hard Floor Surface Cleaner but I don't know how well it's working (although it smells good ;)).

[AngelaS]

I damp mop mostly with just water but I also spray some of the Shaw hardwood floor cleaner one the floor as I go. :)

[mikala]

You might also look at the Ergorapido cordless vac. It's great for crumbs and other quick pickups on solid flooring. Costco usually has the best price.