Yes, you can fix chipped laminate, whether it’s on a floor, countertop, or cabinets. The best method depends on the surface:
For minor laminate floor damage, like scratches or chips, use a laminate flooring repair kit, blending the colours and adding grain lines for a seamless look. For more severe damage to laminate flooring (e.g., water damage or lifted edges), you'll need to replace the damaged floorboard.
For deeper surface scratches or small chips, a laminate floor repair kit or repair marker may be the best option.
Laminate flooring usually separates because of fluctuations in humidity, an uneven subfloor, or improper installation. Since laminate is a "floating" floor, it expands and contracts with changing temperatures and moisture levels. Without enough expansion gaps at the walls, the planks will bind, buckle, and pull apart.
While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaning solution, it's not recommended for laminate floors. Its acidic nature can dull the laminate's finish over time. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring to ensure it remains vibrant and undamaged.
Surprisingly, WD-40 can indeed help reduce the appearance of light scratches on laminate flooring! This household staple isn't just for squeaky doors and rusty bolts. When applied carefully, WD-40 can fill in minor surface scratches, creating a smooth and glossy effect that can make them much less noticeable.
Laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years. High-quality, properly maintained planks can even exceed 30 years, whereas lower-end or neglected options may only last 10 to 15 years.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on laminate floors, but use it sparingly. Because dish soap is highly concentrated, just 1 teaspoon mixed with a gallon of warm water is enough to cut through grease. Using too much will leave behind a dull, sticky film.
Whether you can put laminate over laminate depends entirely on what you are laminating.
You should generally avoid using Murphy's Oil Soap on laminate floors. While the manufacturer notes it can be used if heavily diluted, laminate has a hard, non-porous finish. Oil soaps can leave behind a dull, cloudy film that is very difficult to remove and easily attracts dirt.
Laminate filler is a material used to repair minor damages like chips, scratches, or gouges on laminate surfaces, such as countertops or flooring. It typically comes in a paste or putty form that can be colored to match the laminate, providing a seamless repair.
It is not recommended to use a Magic Eraser on laminate floors. Because it is made of abrasive melamine foam (acting like liquid sandpaper), it can strip away the laminate's protective wear layer, leading to cloudy, dull, or uneven shiny patches that you cannot easily fix.
Wood Filler: For deeper chips, use a non-shrinking, solvent-based wood filler that matches the base color of the veneer. Apply the filler with a small putty knife, smooth it, allow it to dry completely, and then carefully sand it with fine-grit (320-400) sandpaper. Finish with a matching stain or clear coat.
Fix nicks, scratches, and small chips in laminate flooring by filling them with color-matched laminate repair putty, wax filler sticks, or a specialized sealant kit to seal the surface and blend the damage. For deeper gouges, use a putty knife to apply filler, then clean the area and let it cure.
Yes, they are essentially the same thing. Laminate is the general name of the material, while Formica is simply the most well-known brand that manufactures it. All Formica is laminate, but not all laminate is Formica.
Never use steam mops, excess water, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or wax-based polishes on laminate floors. Because laminate is made of compressed particle board topped with a photographic layer and clear protective coating, moisture and harsh products will quickly cause warping, swelling, peeling, and a dull, hazy finish.
Vinyl roll flooring is constructed in layers and composed mostly of PVC, whereas linoleum is made from a single layer of natural materials, primarily linseed. One of vinyl's layers is 'design layer', upon which decorative designs are printed and embossed.
The best homemade cleaner for laminate floors is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water, which lifts dirt and evaporates quickly to prevent moisture damage. Use a spray bottle to apply this solution sparingly, avoiding standing water to keep floors shiny and streak-free.
Vinyl flooring is perfect for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas. Its water-resistant, stain-resistant surface and easy maintenance make it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Laminate works better in dry spaces, offering durability and a realistic wood look at a great price.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
There are many home remedies for effectively removing scratches from laminate flooring. For small, shallow scratches, ordinary toothpaste can be used. Apply it with a soft cloth in circular motions on the cleaned scratch, then polish with a clean cloth using water and a dedicated laminate floor cleaner.
The safest and most highly recommended cleaner for laminate floors is a pH-neutral, ready-to-use laminate floor cleaner (such as Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner or Zep Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner). These formulas won’t dull the shine, leave sticky residue, or strip the protective wear layer.