Furniture can easily scratch your laminate floors

A common issue that plagues laminate floors is the dreaded scuff marks and scratches that can detract from their pristine appearance.

Whether you’ve just installed laminate flooring or have had it for a while, the challenge of keeping it looking flawless is a constant concern. In this article, we delve into practical tips and strategies to help you prevent scuff marks and scratches, allowing your laminate floors to retain their beauty and charm for years to come. Say goodbye to unsightly blemishes and hello to a gleaming, scratch-free laminate floor with our expert guidance.

What causes scuff marks and scratches on laminate floor?

Here are the most common causes of scuff marks and scratches on laminate floors:

Furniture:

Moving or dragging furniture without protective pads can leave noticeable scratches on the laminate surface. The weight of heavy furniture pieces can exacerbate this issue.

Furniture can easily scratch your laminate floors

Pets:

While we love our furry friends, their claws can inadvertently create scuff marks, especially if they engage in playful activities or if their nails are not properly trimmed.

High Heels and Shoes:

Shoes with sharp, abrasive soles, such as high heels or cleats, can leave unsightly marks when walked upon. These marks are often more noticeable in high-traffic areas.

Abrasive Debris:

Sand, dirt, and small stones can get tracked in from outside and act as abrasive agents when stepped on, leading to scratches.

Improper Cleaning Tools:

Using harsh or abrasive cleaning tools, such as steel wool or hard-bristle brushes, can scratch the laminate surface when attempting to remove stains or marks.

Identifying Severity of scuff marks:

Not all scratches and scuff marks are created equal, and identifying their severity is essential for choosing the right removal method.

It can range from minor surface imperfections that are barely noticeable to deeper, more significant damage. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Light Scratches: These are superficial marks that typically affect only the top layer of the laminate. They may look like faint lines or streaks and are often easier to remove.
  • Deep Scratches: Deep scratches penetrate the wear layer and may reveal the core layer underneath. They are usually more visible and require more extensive repair efforts.
  • Scuff Marks: Scuff marks are typically surface-level blemishes caused by the rubbing of a foreign object against the laminate floor. They may appear as white or discolored streaks.
  • Multiple or Widespread Damage: If there are numerous scratches and scuff marks throughout your laminate flooring, it’s essential to assess the overall condition and consider a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

Understanding the cause and severity of the damage will guide your approach to repairing and maintaining your laminate flooring effectively.

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How to Prevent the Scratches on Laminate Floor.

1.How to Protect laminate floor against furniture scratches:

You can protect your laminate floor from furniture-induced scratches by implementing several preventive measures and using protective accessories.

Here are some effective ways to protect your laminate flooring from furniture scratches:

Furniture Pads or Glides ($1-$15):

Attach felt or rubber pads to the bottom of furniture legs. These pads create a protective barrier between the furniture and the laminate floor, reducing the risk of scratches.

Furniture pads are soft, cushion-like materials that you attach to the bottom of furniture legs. They help to provide a protective layer between your furniture and the laminate flooring. They could be made of felt or rubber, or a combination of both materials.

Furniture Pads

On the other hand, furniture glides are hard, low-friction discs or sliders that you place under the furniture legs. They assist you to facilitate movement of the furniture without causing marks, scuffs, or damage to your laminate flooring. They are mainly made of either plastic or metal.

Costs of furniture pads and glides: On average, furniture pads and glides cost about $8. There are brands that also sell self-stick pads for as low as $1 per piece, while others will sell up to $20. The cost will depend on the number of pads/glides you are purchasing as well as the quality and brand.

Here is a list of some of the popular glides and furniture pads with costs:

Furniture Sliders ($10-$70):

Furniture sliders are easy-to-use tools that allow you to move heavy furniture with minimal friction. Simply place them under the furniture legs and slide the pieces gently. This reduces the likelihood of scratches caused by dragging.

Furniture sliders are different from furniture pads and glides in that they enable you to easily lift and slide heavy furniture over your floors.

Majority of the furniture sliders come with a 1-piece furniture lifter, and 4 pieces furniture moving wheels. You place these wheels under the four corners of your furniture and then use the lifter to pull it towards where you want the furniture placed. These could be heavy couches, refrigerators, cookers, or even tables.

The average costs for furniture sliders is about $25, with the cheapest costing about $10 while the heavy duty sliders will cost up to $70 or more.

Furniture sliders for lifting furniture on laminate flooring
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5 best furniture sliders;

  1. Furniture  Movers Sliders Appliance Roller ($62)
  2. Mega Maxx Heavy Duty Furniture Lifter with 4 Sliders ($28)
  3. Mouzie Heavy Duty Furniture Lifter with 660 lbs capacity ( $27)
  4. BTEC Furniture Lift Mover Tool Set ($24)
  5. VEVOR Furniture Movers Slide Kit ($11.69)

Area Rugs and Mats ($15-$50):

Place area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture.

These rugs act as protective buffers, preventing direct contact between the furniture and the laminate surface.

Area rugs help to protect your laminate floors from furniture scratches

Depending on the size of the area rug and mats you are looking for, you will be paying from around $5 per piece up to $100 for the most high-quality and expensive ones. For instance, the Persian-design machine washable area rugs may cost up to $250. You will be surprised to find similar Chinese knock-offs at less than $30. Choose whatever fits within your budget.

Use Furniture Moving Blankets ($5-$40):

When moving furniture, wrap it in furniture blankets or soft materials to protect both the furniture and the flooring from damage.

The moving blankets are usually made of polyester mesh and cotton material which provides protection against scratches both to your furniture and to your floor.

The average cost for moving blankets is around $5-$7 per piece or about $40 for a pack of 6 blankets. The good thing about them is that you can reuse for years to come.

Lift, Don’t Drag ($0):

When moving furniture, always lift it slightly rather than dragging it across the floor. Lifting distributes the weight more evenly and reduces the risk of abrasive contact.

Furniture Layout Planning ($0):

Arrange your furniture layout in a way that minimizes the need for frequent movement. This can reduce the chances of accidental scratches.

Unless you planning to use an interior designer, this preventive measure will absolutely cost you nothing.

Regular Maintenance:

Keep the bottoms of furniture legs clean and free of dirt or debris that could scratch the floor. Periodically inspect and clean the protective pads or glides to ensure they are in good condition.

Proper Weight Distribution:

For heavy furniture, consider using load-bearing caster cups or coasters designed to distribute the weight evenly and prevent indentations.

Use Caution with Rolling Chairs ($10-$40):

If you have rolling chairs, ensure they have soft casters designed for hard flooring surfaces. Hard casters can cause damage over time.

In the event that you bought chairs that have the hard casters, you can buy soft casters for replacement from Amazon.com for less than $15.

2.Protect laminate floors from pet scratches:

Trim Your Pet’s Nails:

Regularly trim your pet’s nails to keep them short and less likely to cause scratches. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Use Pet-Friendly Rugs and Mats:

Place pet-friendly rugs or mats in high-traffic areas where your pet frequently walks or plays. These rugs can act as a protective barrier between your pet’s claws and the laminate floor.

Look for rugs that are easy to clean in case of accidents.

Provide Scratching Alternatives:

Cats often scratch to maintain their claws. Provide them with appropriate scratching posts, boards, towers or pads to redirect their behavior away from your laminate floor.

A cat scratching on a post

The average costs for these products are as follows:

Use Soft Paw Covers:

Soft paw covers, such as Soft Paws or similar products, are small caps that can be placed over your cat’s claws. These caps prevent scratching without causing any harm to your pet.

The soft paw covers will cost between $10-$20 and are an effective alternative to declawing your pets.

Train Your Pet:

Teach your pet to walk gently on the laminate floor.

Reward good behavior and discourage scratching or running by using positive reinforcement training techniques.

3.Preventing scratches from shoes and high heels on laminate floors:

Shoe Removal Policy:

Consider implementing a shoe removal policy in your home, asking people to take off their shoes when entering. Provide a designated area for shoes near the entrance for convenience.

Use Doormats and Entryway Rugs:

Place doormats and entryway rugs at all entrances to your home.

Encourage family members and guests to wipe their shoes on these mats to remove dirt and debris before entering. This reduces the likelihood of abrasive particles being brought inside.

Shoe Storage Solutions:

Offer shoe storage solutions, such as shoe racks or shelves, near the entryway. This encourages people to remove their shoes upon entering your home.

High Heel Caps:

High heel cap protectors

Consider using heel caps or heel protectors on high heels.

These small rubber or plastic attachments can be placed on the tips of high heels to reduce the impact on the floor.

Shoe Selection:

Be mindful of the type of shoes worn indoors.

Encourage family members and guests to wear shoes with non-abrasive soles, such as sneakers or shoes with soft rubber soles, when walking on laminate floors.

Area Rugs and Runners:

Place area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas where people are more likely to walk, such as hallways or entryways. These rugs provide an additional layer of protection and can also add style to your space.

Floor Protectors for High-Heeled Shoes:

Consider using specialized floor protectors designed for high-heeled shoes. These can be placed on the bottoms of heels to reduce the impact on the floor.

They cost from $10-$20, and not only do they protect the laminate floor but also reduce the noise made as your high heels touch on the floor.

4.Choose the right cleaning tools:

Use cleaning tools and materials specifically designed for laminate floors. These include microfiber mops, soft-bristle brooms, and soft, non-abrasive cloths.

Avoid using tools with hard or abrasive surfaces, such as steel wool or stiff brushes.

Also ensure that you sweep and dust your laminate floors regularly to remove all loose dirt. Not only does this prevent the need for more aggressive cleaning methods but also minimizes the buildup of abrasive debris.

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