How to Remove Scuff Marks from Laminate Flooring? (Easy Guide)

One of the most popular choices for homeowners today is laminated floors. Besides the aesthetic appeal, laminate flooring offers high durability and cost-effective pricing. But one common problem with laminate flooring is dealing with plagues or scuff marks.

Scuff marks are bound to appear on your laminate flooring with time. Even if you minimize marks from your furniture or shoes on the floor, natural wear and tear can cause these marks over time. Knowing how to clean these scuff marks effectively is essential. 

This article will guide you through the process and give you some pro tips on removing scuff marks from laminate flooring. Let’s dive in!

Common Causes of Scuff Marks

First, let’s have a look at the most common causes of scuff marks so you can be aware and take precautions to minimize them on your floor: 

• Shoes – Your shoes can leave dark streak marks on your laminate flooring if they are hard-soled or have rubber at their bottom.

• Furniture — Moving heavy objects can damage your floor, especially tables, cupboards, beds, etc. 

• Pet Claws—You may not expect it, but it is not uncommon for your floor to get scuff marks from your dogs or cats running around. 

• Heavy Foot Traffic—Even frequent movement in certain areas repeatedly over time increases the chances of scuff marks.

Note: It is important to assess the severity of the scratch before deciding how to clean it. 

8 Easy Methods to Remove Scuff Marks from Laminate Flooring

Here, you will learn the fastest 8 ways to remove marks from your floor. Let’s dive in!

1. Using a Soft Cloth and Warm Water: For Light Marks! 

This is useful for minor scuff marks or recent marks. You can use a microfiber cloth and wet it with a decent amount of warm water. Next, wipe the marked area. You can rub the fabric in a circular motion. Keep moving it until the scuff marks disappear. 

Pro Tip: Make sure you are extra gentle when using the soft cloth on the floor. 

2. Baking Soda Paste: With Zero Damage! 

This is a good DIY remedy. Baking soda is an easily accessible natural abrasive that effectively removes scuff marks without causing a scratch on your laminate floor. 

• Form a paste after mixing baking soda with some water. 

• You can use a sponge or a soft cloth to apply the paste on the scuff mark.

• After that, start rubbing it gently in a circular motion to clean the mark.

• Lastly, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining residue on the floor. 

Pro Tip: Use a 3:1 solution. Mix about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water to get the best paste. 

3. Soft Eraser Method: Using Melamine Foam!

Not all stain marks are easy to remove. Some are tough and stubborn to clean. You can use melamine foam, also known as a soft magic eraser to remove such scuff marks. 

• Rub the eraser lightly over the mark in a circular motion. 

• Keep rubbing the area until the mark is gone. 

• Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. 

Pro Tip: You can perform a spot test on the surface before using the Magic Eraser. 

4. Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar Solution: Simple Method!

Sometimes, shoe marks are hard to clean! If the melamine foam does not work, you can use chemicals like alcohol or a vinegar solution for hard marks.

• Take a soft cloth and dampen it with an alcohol or a vinegar mixture.

• Rub the damp cloth on the scuff mark in circular motions.

• Again, don’t forget to wipe off any residue left behind. 

Pro Tip: When using a vinegar solution, make sure to mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle before use. 

5. Mineral Oil or WD-40 Method: Best Degreaser!

If alcohol or vinegar solutions don’t seem to work, using mineral oil can be the solution! 

You just need to follow the specialized formula known as the WD-40 method W-40 (Water Displacement, 40th formula) is an American brand that uses a non-flammable bio-solvent formula. 

• Use a soft cloth, and dampen it with mineral oil.

• Rub the oiled cloth on the scuff marks gently in circular motions.

• Wipe and clean any residue on the floor. 

Reminder: This is best used for less noticeable or small scuff marks. It is not the best cleaner for deep scratches on your floor. 

6. Tennis Ball: Easiest Trick! 

Don’t be surprised, but yes, using a tennis ball is the most simple trick to use! 

Apply some light pressure to rub the tennis ball over the scuff mark on your floor. The delicate and soft texture of the tennis ball actually helps in cleaning without damage.

7. Specialized Laminate Floor Cleaners

There are many ready made floor cleaners in the market specialized for laminate flooring. Some of the most popular brands are Zep, Lysol, and Black Diamond. 

• After choosing and buying a cleaner, make sure to follow the instruction manual.

• It is a good idea to test out the cleaner by applying a small portion on a small area.

8. Hire a Professional Floor Cleaning Service

It is indeed challenging to manage and maintain cleaning your laminate floors, given your busy schedule. Lucky for you, there are commercial cleaning companies who are experienced in handling your floor. 

A professional cleaning service can do wonders that you can never achieve if you personally rely on cleaning your floors. It is not possible to clean gouges on your own. So, if you are looking for the best quality laminate floor cleaning to remove all those scuff marks, you can consider booking a free appointment with Collective Cleaning Service by clicking here!

Bottomline 

The truth is that you cannot escape scuff marks on laminate flooring. But the good news is, it is temporary! You can clean them off using the simple methods detailed in this article above. If your budget allows, it is recommended to seek professional support using a commercial cleaning service like Collective Cleaning Service.

FAQs

Can I Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Flooring?

No, You cannot. The reason is, a steam mop generates high heat that can damage your laminate flooring. Manufacturers and experts have found that a steam mop can loosen up the laminate layers. It can cause it to warp or swell due to the heat from the steam mop. Worst case scenario, it can cause your laminating floor to start peeling due to excess moisture. 

Solution: Instead, choose a damp mop mixed with a specialized laminate floor cleaner. 

Are Magic Erasers Safe for Laminate Floors?

Yes, you can use Magic Erasers safely to an extent. But you should use them with caution due to its abrasive nature. It is good for removing stubborn stains and scuff marks, but you should use it with caution. If you use it aggressively, it can potentially damage your laminate floor’s surface. 

Tip: Always spot test first, using it lightly in an inconspicuous area. 

Does WD-40 Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring?

Absolutely, yes! WD-40 can help remove minor marks or scratches from your laminating flooring. It works better on high-gloss surfaces due to its lubricating nature. But for deep scratches, this cleaner does not provide permanent cleaning solutions. 

Does Toothpaste Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring?

Yes, using a white toothpaste on a soft cloth can wipe off minor scratches from laminate flooring. Try to use a non-gel toothpaste. Be gentle in rubbing and use a small amount to spot test on your laminated floor. 

We are confident that by following our guidelines and tips from this article, you can remove scuff marks from your laminated floor without any problem! 

How to Fill Scratches on Laminate Floors?

For a smooth finish, you can use Laminate floor putty in matching colors to fill in moderate scratches to blend in the area with the surface. 

How to Repair Deep and Hard Scratches?

Replacing a damaged plank is not the only option! You can use the burn-in stick method. These are made of hard resins that are melted to fill up gaps and blend your laminate floor.

Scuff Marks from Laminate Flooring? (Easy Guide Video)