Whether you have old laminate flooring or countertops, there are plenty of practical ways to reuse, upcycle, or dispose of the material.
Guidance. Laminate flooring is often made of melamine resin (a type of plastic) which means it cannot be recycled. It can be placed in general waste at home (space permitting), or taken to some of our reuse and recycling centres (RRC).
Donation is a great way to get rid of vinyl, laminate and linoleum flooring, provided the materials are in good shape after removal. Try your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, listing your flooring on a donation site like FreeCycle or contacting your local donation options to see if they'll accept your old floors.
No, you should never burn laminate flooring in a wood stove.
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.
The safest, streak-free homemade laminate floor cleaner is a simple mix of: 𝟏/𝟐 cup water, 𝟏/𝟐 cup white vinegar, 𝟏/𝟐 cup rubbing alcohol, and 3 drops of gentle dish soap (like Dawn). This combination disinfects, cuts through grease, and evaporates rapidly to prevent moisture damage to the laminate planks.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
Save a few boxes for future floor repairs. Flooring gets discontinued, and you'll be glad you have exact matches to swap out scratched or water-damaged planks. Repurpose the rest for DIY projects like custom shelving, a stylish accent wall, or durable drawer liners.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
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.
Imagine you want to place laminate flooring in a bedroom where kids play all day. You can save a lot of money if you buy your laminate flooring second hand, especially if you know it will be replaced again when the kids have grown up (yes, we know sometimes they never do).
Laminate flooring is usually classed as construction or DIY waste, which means it must be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), collected through a council bulky waste service, or removed by a licensed waste carrier.
Several common household and commercial items are not recyclable through standard collection programs, despite appearing to be made of recyclable materials. The most frequent offenders include greasy pizza boxes, disposable coffee cups, plastic-coated paper, bubble wrap, and small electronics.
Glass: up to 4,000 years
A frightening 4,000 years is how long it takes a glass bottle to decompose in the environment. Every time we leave a recipient of this kind in the countryside, we are putting the environment and its ecosystem at risk.
Yes, laminate flooring can usually be placed in a skip. As laminate flooring is made from a combination of wood fibres, plastics and resins, some recycling centres may refuse to accept it, making skip hire the easiest option.
Dark Flooring
Dark-stained floors create a dramatic backdrop that allows furniture to stand out against the rich, velvety darkness. Additionally, the dark color absorbs and reflects light, adding depth and visual interest to the space throughout the home.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Reuse: Repurpose your laminate flooring for DIY projects, such as creating a custom tabletop or backsplash. Landfill: As a last resort, laminate flooring can be disposed of in a landfill. However, it's important to check with your local waste management authority for specific guidelines and regulations.
It's absolutely recommended. I would say 1 box for every 15-20 boxes installed would be recommended. If you have space for it, you may as well.
Save 1–2 boxes of leftover flooring for future repairs. For the rest, either sell or donate unused full boxes, upcycle planks into functional decor like floating shelves or serving trays, or use smaller offcuts for minor organization projects.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
Generally, using an old bar of soap isn't harmful, but it may not be as effective at cleaning. If the soap is discolored or smells strange, it's best to replace it to ensure optimal hygiene.
Method 3: Dawn Dish Soap and Water
Step 1: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the tile floors clean. Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution by combining warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Step 3: Generously spray the cleaning solution all over the tile floor, then use a flathead mop to wipe it up.