From pet “accidents” to daily wear and tear, laminate stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. By acting quickly and using the right cleaning materials, you can effectively remove laminate stains and maintain a tidy space for the long term. Find out what to keep handy to remove stains from laminate flooring in no time.
How to Get Stains Out of Laminate Flooring: Be Prepared
Many laminate flooring products have special stain-resistant coatings engineered into the wear layer. This prevents stains from penetrating the decorative layer below, where they are both difficult to remove and impossible to ignore.
To prevent stains on laminate, here’s what you need to know.
- Act quickly. The sooner you can wipe away stains, the better.
- Blot, don’t rub. Avoid rubbing stains, which can cause them to spread and potentially damage the floor’s finish. Instead, blot or dab at the stain to absorb it without widening the affected area.
- Go easy – at first. Always use the least aggressive cleaning solution first, such as water, baking soda or vinegar, or a mild detergent. The fewer chemicals, the lower the risk of damaging your floors.
To get stains out of laminate flooring, we recommend having a few simple cleaning supplies handy.
- Cloth: Opt for a clean cloth; damp to blot, dry to absorb the spilled liquid or your cleaning solution.
- Mild detergent: Simple, mild dish soap works best.
- Rubbing alcohol: Use sparingly, and only if it is deemed safe by your manufacturer’s floor care resources.
- Pencil eraser. Perfect for shoe scuffs and other material stains.
How to Clean Stains on Laminate Floors
With the right materials in hand, you’re ready to tackle even the worst stains.
Remove Food and Beverage Stains
- Wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Even if you discover the stain after it has dried, acting quickly can still improve the odds of removing the stain completely or reducing its visibility.
- Use water and mild detergent to bring up the stain.
- Dry the area with a clean cloth.
Remove Ink, Make-up, Lipstick, Markers
- Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a clean cloth.
- Blot gently; if it’s not coming out immediately, swap to a second clean cloth to absorb more of the material.
- Wipe clean with a mild soap solution, then dry it with a clean cloth.
Remove Urine Stains
- If the area is still wet, start by absorbing as much urine as possible with a dry cloth or paper towels.
- Next, clean the area with water and mild dish soap solution.
- If there’s a lingering smell, use a very small amount of enzymatic pet cleaner. Always test cleaners on an inconspicuous area to determine if they impact the flooring surface.
- If the stain has dried, try using rubbing alcohol and an enzymatic pet cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have any affected planks removed. We can help you decide if and when replacement is necessary.
Always check your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s care instructions before using any cleaning products. Certain harsh chemicals can permanently stain or discolor your laminate floors and potentially void your warranty.
The Flooring Team Who Cares
Floor Coverings International® of West Florida Panhandle is your dedicated local flooring expert. We’ll help you decide when it’s time to replace your flooring and select the perfect material to suit your taste and space. Enjoy the most convenient, stress-free floor shopping experience in Pensacola, Niceville, and beyond! Schedule your free, in-home consultation with us today.
