15 Proven Ways to Prevent Scratches on Laminate Flooring

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.

Protect laminate floors from scratches

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 on laminate flooring

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.

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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.

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The Home Depot’s cleaning guide recommends avoiding steam mops and excessive water, which can cause swelling and make laminate more susceptible to scratches.