How to Repair Scuffs and Scuffs on High Gloss Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is enjoying unprecedented popularity due to its exceptional ability to resist fading, staining and deterioration due to normal wear and tear. When you add affordable prices and easy DIY installation to the mix, the result is a winning combination that is irresistible to consumers.

However, as great as today’s high gloss laminate products are, they are not completely impervious to all minor damage. Over time, you may start to notice some scratches and scuffs that mar the appearance of your floor, especially in areas frequented by pets and small children.

Fortunately, you don’t have to pick up bad planks and replace them with new ones. Instead, you can repair high-gloss laminate yourself using the following everyday items that you probably already have on hand.

• Pencil eraser. Skid marks left on laminate flooring by certain types of shoes and toys can often be removed by rubbing a pencil eraser over the area in gentle circular motions. Instead of an eraser, you can use the rubber sole of a tennis shoe for the same purpose.
• WD-40. While most people are aware of WD-40’s lubricating properties, not many realize that it’s also an excellent household cleaner. To remove marks from your high gloss laminate, apply a little WD-40 to a soft cloth and rub lightly until the marks are gone. Be sure to wipe off any lubricant residue with a damp rag to prevent potential slip and fall accidents.
• Sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is famous for having a multitude of uses, so it should come as no surprise that it helps remove scuffs and scuffs from laminate flooring. Mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with a little warm water until you get a pasty substance. Next, use a cloth to apply paste to the scuff marks and rub to remove them.
• Toothpaste. If you don’t have baking soda at home, there’s no need to go to the store. You can often get the same effect by using regular toothpaste to touch up the floor.

The methods listed above work best on minor scuffs, scrapes, and skid marks. For deeper, stubborn blemishes on your laminate flooring, you may need to turn to commercial cleaning products to get the job done. Many manufacturers now make non-abrasive cleaners especially for high-gloss laminates, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the finish.

Don’t let minor nicks and scrapes turn your floor into an unattractive mess. Instead, you can restore your natural beauty in no time by treating the problem with these simple solutions!