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.

Real Simple brand microfiber swivel-head mops (available at discount stores such as Target) are cheap. The microfiber head can be washed and dried for repeat use.

Plain water is often enough when washing laminate floors, but there are several commercial laminate floor cleaners available for wet mopping. You can make your own by combining 14 cup vinegar (or window cleaner such as Windex) with 1 to 2 quarts of warm water. Merely dampen the mop to clean the floor. (Again, a mop with a microfiber head works well.) Apply cleaner with a spray bottle, or mop from bucket. But in either case, do not let the cleaning solution pool on or saturate the floor. Wipe dry immediately.