Laminate Floor Repair and Maintenance, By Stu Silverman

Although laminate floors are one of the most durable, easy-maintenance flooring options available, they aren’t completely indestructible. Generally, laminate floors are resistant to fading, stains, dents, scratches and burns. But your laminate floor may sustain any of these damages, or even water damage, if excessive moisture penetrates into the core of the flooring.

Some repairs you can do yourself

Some damages, such as minor chips, cuts, scratches, nicks and dents can be repaired using repair kits supplied by the manufacturer or purchased separately. These kits contain fills such as burn-in sticks, acrylic or latex putty, touch-up markers and Patchal pencils.

Touch-up markers and Patchal pencils are easy to use. Touch-up markers apply color and finish in one operation. And with Patchal pencils, simply rub the stick into the damaged area until it is completely filled, then remove the excess until the filled area is level with floor surface. This is similar for acrylic and latex putties, except it doesn't come in a stick format.

More complex repairs require a professional

Repairs with burn-in sticks are a little more complex, requiring electric knives and the proper technique. For any of these repairs, a local handyman can help. If you're calling a handyman to repair your laminate floor, you may want to make a list of other repairs for him to do once he's made the trip.

Generally, laminate floors are resistant to fading, stains, dents, scratches and burns. But the floor isn't completely indestructible.

If there is water damage to your laminate floor, or excessive scuffing or fading, you will need to replace the affected planks. For this, it is best to call either a laminate flooring contractor or a local handyman who's experienced with laminate floor installation and repairs. In either case, make sure they follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure that they don't void your warranty.

Laminate floor maintenance

Laminate floors require little maintenance beyond the usual cleaning. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and an occasional wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your floor clean. For better results, dampen your cloth with a cleaner especially formulated for varnished hardwood floors or a nonabrasive household cleaner diluted in water. Never mop a laminate floor with soap or water - which can cause serious moisture damage - and never use steel wool, scouring powder or any abrasive cleaners. Also, you should never wax, polish, sand or apply sealer or lacquer to a laminate floor. You cannot increase the shine on a laminate floor, as the shine is determined during manufacturing, and not a matter of recoating or refinishing.

Use protection to prevent damage

If you haven't already, put felt or similar protectors under any furniture and heavy objects left in place for a long period of time to prevent dents. Also, put protectors on table and chair legs to prevent scratching. And lift heavy objects and furniture instead of dragging or pulling them. To protect against water damage and scuffing, place mats on either side of exterior doors to collect excess moisture and dirt. A little bit of prevention can keep your laminate floors looking their best for many years.