How To Fix Scratches In Laminate Wood Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homes and businesses because it is durable, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive. As an engineered product, it is made of multiple layers fused together, including a moisture-resistant base layer, a high-density fiberboard core, a decorative printed layer, and a protective wear layer. However, despite its durability, laminate flooring can still be scratched. ### Minor Scratches For minor scratches, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix them:

1. Clean the scratch with a mild detergent and water. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward.

2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratch. Use a soft cloth to rub the toothpaste into the scratch in a circular motion. Continue rubbing until the scratch is no longer visible.

3. Wipe away any excess toothpaste with a damp cloth.

### Deeper Scratches For deeper scratches, you may need to use a more aggressive approach:

1. Clean the scratch with a mild detergent and water. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward.

2. Sand the scratch with fine-grit sandpaper. Use a light touch and sand in the direction of the grain. Continue sanding until the scratch is no longer visible.

3. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.

4. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the scratch. Use a putty knife to spread the wood filler into the scratch. Make sure to fill the scratch completely.

5. Allow the wood filler to dry completely. Once the wood filler is dry, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.

6. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.

### Touch-Up Markers Another option for fixing scratches in laminate flooring is to use a touch-up marker. These markers are available in a variety of colors to match your flooring.

1. Clean the scratch with a mild detergent and water. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward.

2. Apply the touch-up marker to the scratch. Use a light touch and follow the grain of the flooring.

3. Allow the touch-up marker to dry completely.

### Prevention The best way to fix scratches in laminate flooring is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:

1. Use floor protectors under furniture legs.

2. Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and debris.

3. Clean your laminate flooring regularly with a mild detergent and water.

4. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your laminate flooring.