How to remove scratches and scuff marks on laminate flooring.

Although laminate flooring remains an affordable and durable flooring option, it is prone to scratches and scruff marks.

Occasional scratches, scuff marks, and drag marks could be caused by pulling furniture on the floor, skid marks, wheeled chairs, children toys, marks left by paws on your pets, shoes, and carts pulled over the floor.

Such scratches and marks diminish the overall appearance of the laminate flooring over time, and if not addressed, could result to permanent damage.

You can also learn on how to prevent such scratches to avoid having to fix the scratches all the time. Alternatively, you can also use a laminate floor sealer which adds a protective layer on the flooring.

Table of Contents

How to prepare the laminate floor before fixing scratches

Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the affected area to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. It’s crucial to start with a clean surface to avoid further scratching during the repair process.

Tools and Materials required

Tools:

Microfiber Cloths: These are essential for cleaning the affected area and buffing the surface after repair.
Putty Knife: For applying filler or wax to deeper scratches or gouges. Ensure it has a flat, smooth edge.
Touch-Up Markers: These markers come in various colors to match your laminate flooring’s shade and are used to conceal minor scratches.
Burn-in Sticks
Pencil eraser
Laminate Floor Cleaner: A laminate-specific floor cleaner is vital for safely cleaning the surface without causing damage.
Laminate Filler or Wax: Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need either laminate filler or wax to fill in deep scratches and gouges. Ensure it matches your flooring’s color.
WD-40
Baking Soda
A tennis ball
Wax
Nail varnish.

12 DIY-Methods for removing scratches and scuff marks on laminate floor.

1.Crayons and markers

If you have temporary or very light scratches on the floor, you can use crayons and markets that match the color of your laminate flooring. However, you should note that at best, this is a merely temporary solution.

Basically, what you will be doing is using your marker color to disguise the light scratches and scuffs on the floor.

To ensure uniformity while buying the markers, ensure you either carry an extra piece of your flooring or take a clear picture. This way, you will avoid applying a marker color that is different from that of your floor.

Simply color over the scratch and then gently buff with a cloth to blend.

This method should cost you less than $15. You can specifically buy floor markers for scratches for this process.

2.Burn-in sticks

You can also use burn-in sticks to remove minor surface scratches on the laminate floor.

Before use, heat the burn-in sticks until they melt. This can often involve using a special heating tool or even a household iron on a low setting

Once heated, gently rub the melted burn-in resin into the scratch.
Use a spatula or putty knife to level the material and ensure it is flush with the surrounding floor surface.
Remove any excess resin on the floor surface.
Use a damp mop to wipe the surface.

This process will cost you about $8-$30 depending on the brand of burn-in sticks you use. The following is a list of burn-in sticks, specifically designed for repairing laminate floors:

Mohawk burn-in stick ($25)
Mohawk quick fill burn-in stick kit ($25)

Alternatively, you can buy a burn-in stick repair kit at about $10-$30, again depending on the brand.

or removing scratches from laminate flooring, using a pencil eraser is the cheapest. It will cost you less than a dollar to buy an eraser, however, this method only works for light scratches and scuff marks.

3.Pencil eraser method

The pencil-eraser method is perhaps the easiest DIY-method of dealing with light scratches and scuff marks on your laminate flooring.

Take a standard pencil eraser and rub it directly over the scuffed area, using moderate pressure.
The eraser can sometimes lift and reduce the appearance of scuff marks without the need for additional products

Among all the DIY methods listed for removing scratches from laminate flooring, using a pencil eraser is the cheapest. It will cost you less than a dollar to buy an eraser, however, this method only works for light scratches and scuff marks.

4.Using Floor putty method to repair laminate floor scratches.

Floor putty will come in hand to help you deal fix deep scratches on your laminate floor. Follow these easy Do-It-Yourself steps:

Using a putty knife, fill the scratch grooves with the floor putty, ensuring it is level with the surrounding floor surface. Remove any excess putty.
Allow the putty to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If necessary, sand the repaired area gently to achieve a smooth finish.
If necessary, apply a touch-up marker in a matching color to conceal the repair and blend it with the rest of the floor

Most of the floor putties in the market will cost between $5-$20. Check current prices on Amazon.com.

A recommended putty for disguising the scuff marks on your floor is the Quick wood Putty Stick. For just about $15, you can apply this putty, let it dry, sand and color using a market that resembles your flooring.

5.Applying WD-40

WD-40 can also be used to lubricate and remove scuff marks from laminate flooring.

Spray a small amount onto the scuff mark, let it sit for a minute, and then wipe away with a soft cloth.
Do not spray too much since it may leave a residue on the floor.

This method should cost you between $10-$20 which is the price range for a 300-ml pack of WD-40.

6.Using a damp microfiber to remove scratch marks

A damp microfiber can be used in removing light scratches on the laminate flooring. Follow these simple steps:

Ensure the microfiber cloth is clean and free of any debris or previous cleaning products

Dampen the microfiber cloth with clean water. You can either use plain water or create a solution by adding a small amount of mild detergent to warm water.
If using a detergent solution, be sure to dilute it appropriately, as excessive soap can leave a residue on your laminate flooring.

After dampening the cloth, wring it out thoroughly to remove excess water. The cloth should be damp but not dripping wet.
Oversaturation of the floor can lead to potential moisture damage, which is why it’s essential to have a well-wrung cloth.

Take the damp microfiber cloth and gently rub the scuffed area using circular or back-and-forth motions. Apply moderate pressure as needed.
The moisture from the cloth will help loosen and lift the scuff mark from the surface.

This method will cost you about $5-$20, if you are buying new microfibers. However, you can also use a soft cloth from your old clothes, you do not have to incur any cost at all.

7.Using a tennis ball

Another simple method to fix scuffs on laminate floor is the use of a tennis ball.

Cut a tennis ball in half and attach it to the end of a mop handle.
Rub the tennis ball against scuff marks using moderate pressure to help remove them without causing damage to the laminate.

This method should cost you about $3-10. For instance, the Penn championship tennis balls brand cost about $3, in a pack of 3 balls which translates to about $1 per ball.

8.Baking soda (scuffs)

You can also use baking soda to remove the scuffs on laminate floor. Follow these easy steps:

Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water.
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water.
Apply the paste to scuff marks and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, then wipe clean

This method will cost you $10-$15 to buy a packet of baking soda.

9.Nail polish remover (scuffs)

You can also use clear nail polish remover to remove the scuffs on the laminate flooring as follows:

Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the scratch and allow it to dry.
Gently rub the scuff until its gone
Rinse with water
This can help seal the scratch temporarily until a more permanent repair can be done.

A nail polish remover will cost you between $5-$10

10.Wax

For minor scratches, apply a laminate floor wax in a matching color.
Heat the wax and using an applicator, fill in the scratch.
Remove any excess wax after cooling.
Buff the wax into the scratch to help fill and conceal it, creating a smoother appearance.

A laminate floor wax costs between $20-$50.

11.Varnish

Once you are done using the various products, you can apply varnish that is the same color as your floor. This provides a long-lasting solution.

12.Wiping with commercial cleaners

Apart from the DIY methods, you can also use a laminate floor scratch remover, a special type of product specifically for removing the scratches and scuff marks.

A cleaner like the Quick-Step Clean, can help you easily remove the scratches.

You just need to pour some of the liquid on the scuff marks, then rub a soft cloth or microfiber, and the marks disappear.

How to remove scratches and scuff marks on laminate flooring.