To prevent scratches on laminate flooring, use felt pads under furniture, avoid high heels, and regularly clean with a soft broom or vacuum.
Laminate flooring offers beauty and durability at an affordable price, but scratches can ruin its appearance. With proper care, you can keep your floors looking new for years. Here are the most effective prevention methods.
Daily Maintenance to Prevent Scratches
1. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Dirt and grit act like sandpaper underfoot. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum designed for hard floors daily in high-traffic areas.
2. Use the Right Mop
Microfiber mops with spray cleaners are ideal. Avoid string mops that can push debris around. For deep cleaning, try eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
3. Clean Spills Immediately
Liquid can seep into seams and weaken the flooring’s structure, making it more prone to scratches.
Furniture Protection Strategies
4. Install Felt Pads
Apply self-adhesive felt pads to all furniture legs. Replace them every 6-12 months as they wear down.
5. Use Furniture Sliders
For heavy items like sofas, use plastic sliders when moving furniture. They distribute weight evenly.
6. Lift Instead of Drag
Always lift furniture completely when rearranging. Dragging causes most deep scratches.
Footwear and Pet Considerations
7. Implement a No-Shoes Policy
High heels and cleats are particularly damaging. Keep soft slippers by the door for guests.
8. Trim Pet Nails Regularly
Keep dogs’ and cats’ nails trimmed to prevent claw marks. Place rugs in their favorite play areas.
9. Use Entry Mats
Place high-quality mats at all exterior doors to trap abrasive particles before they reach your floors.
Area Rug Placement
10. Strategic Rug Positioning
Use rugs in high-traffic zones like hallways and in front of kitchen sinks. Choose non-slip backings.
11. Rotate Rugs Seasonally
This prevents uneven wear patterns and distributes foot traffic across different floor areas.
Special Situations
12. Protect During Renovations
Cover floors with rosin paper or cardboard when doing construction work. Remove immediately afterward.
13. Adjust Door Clearances
Ensure doors don’t scrape the floor when opening. Plane bottoms if needed for proper clearance.
14. Use Proper Cleaning Tools
Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. Stick to soft cloths and recommended cleaners.
15. Maintain Proper Humidity
Keep indoor humidity between 35-55% to prevent laminate from becoming brittle and more scratch-prone.
When Scratches Happen: Quick Fixes
Despite your best efforts, some scratches may occur. For minor surface marks:
- Use a laminate floor repair kit with colored putty
- Try the baking soda paste method (2:1 ratio with water)
- Apply matching wax filler sticks
- Use walnut kernels to buff out light scratches
For deeper scratches that expose the core material, consider professional repair or replacement of damaged planks. According to flooring experts at National Floors Direct, prevention is always better than repair when it comes to laminate flooring maintenance.
The Home Depot’s cleaning guide recommends avoiding steam mops and excessive water, which can cause swelling and make laminate more susceptible to scratches.