The elegant durable flooring known as laminate attracts buyers but permanent markings from furniture use or pets can disfigure the floor surface. The problems arising from furniture movements or pets or regular usage of the floor do not have to create long-lasting damage to your laminate flooring. Anyone can restore their flooring's appearance with basic practical measures and moderate effort. Let’s explore how.
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Can You Fix Scratches on Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring enables successful repair of its scratches. Your repair technique selection depends on the extent and depth of the scratch damage. The fixability of small laminate flooring surface scratches often depends on basic tools combined with repair methods but deep marks necessitate complex restoration measures. Procuring further damage requires careful handling because laminate flooring has protection through an outer layer which is different from solid wood construction.
Does Toothpaste Remove Scratches from Laminate Flooring?
Believe it or not, toothpaste can help with light scratches. Its mild abrasiveness makes it a gentle polishing agent. Here’s how to use it:
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Grab some plain, non-gel white toothpaste.
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Apply a small amount directly to the scratch.
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Use a soft, lint-free cloth to buff the area in small circles.
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Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry the spot thoroughly.
While this trick works well for minor blemishes, it won’t do much for deep scratches. For more noticeable damage, you’ll need other methods.
How to Remove Scratches from Flooring
Fixing scratches on laminate flooring doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
1. Laminate Floor Repair Kits
These kits are made specifically for laminate floors and include putty or wax fillers, along with colour-matching tools. To use one:
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Clean the scratched area thoroughly.
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Fill the scratch with the provided filler.
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Smooth the surface with a putty knife or similar tool.
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Allow the filler to dry completely before walking on it.
2. Wax Crayons or Repair Markers
Wax crayons and markers in wood-tone colours are excellent for covering small scratches:
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Choose a shade that matches your flooring.
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Colour over the scratch, applying light pressure.
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Wipe away excess material with a clean cloth to blend it seamlessly.
3. Baking Soda and Water Paste
For surface scratches, a paste made from baking soda and water can work wonders:
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Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a thick paste.
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Apply the paste to the scratch using a soft cloth.
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Gently buff in a circular motion until the scratch fades.
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Clean up the residue with a damp cloth and dry the area.
4. Replacing Damaged Planks
If a scratch is too deep to repair, replacing the damaged plank might be your best option. While this requires some technical know-how, it’s a reliable way to restore your floor’s appearance.
How Do You Get Scratches Out of Vinyl Laminate Flooring?
Vinyl laminate flooring, though similar in appearance to traditional laminate, may need slightly different care. Here’s how you can tackle scratches on vinyl laminate:
1. Vinyl Floor Repair Kits
These kits work like laminate repair kits, offering fillers and colour-matching tools to hide scratches. Follow the same basic steps: clean, fill, blend, and let dry.
2. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
For shallow scratches, natural oils can help reduce their appearance:
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Apply a small amount of oil to the scratched area.
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Buff the surface with a soft cloth using circular motions.
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Wipe away any excess oil to prevent a slippery floor.
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3. Sanding and Polishing
For more visible damage, light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper followed by polishing can work. Be cautious not to over-sand, as this can make the problem worse.
Scratches on laminate flooring are a common issue, but they’re often easier to fix than you might think. From quick DIY solutions like toothpaste and baking soda to repair kits designed for laminate or vinyl, there’s no shortage of options. For more serious damage, replacing individual planks can give your floor a fresh start.
If your floor has seen better days and you’re considering an upgrade, UK Flooring Depot has a wide selection of high-quality laminate and wood flooring to suit every style. Explore the possibilities and bring timeless beauty back to your space.
