The number one cause of damage to laminate flooring is moisture. Because laminate is made of a compressed fiberboard core, it can absorb water, swell, and permanently warp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
An easy way to fill in microscratches and shine wood floors is to polish your floors after mopping. After dusting and spray mopping, use a designated microfiber mop pad to apply polish to wood floors to add shine. Bona floor polish is easy to use and adds a protection and shine with every application.
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.
To make laminate floors look new again, start by removing built-up residue with a DIY vinegar-and-water solution or a commercial laminate cleaner applied via a microfiber mop. Finish by applying a laminate-safe floor restorer, such as Bona Pro Series Refresher, to fill in micro-scratches and restore shine.
You should also never use oil or wax-based products, which can leave behind a cloudy residue that takes away your floor's shine. And, leaving excess water on the surface – such as by using a soaking wet mop – can also cause damage to a laminate floor.
The best homemade cleaner for vinyl floors is a simple mix of warm water, distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. This solution effectively cuts through grime without leaving a dulling residue or damaging the floor’s protective finish.
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.
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.
To remove scuff marks from laminate flooring, first try gently rubbing the mark with a clean tennis ball or a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn scuffs, apply a small amount of WD-40, non-gel toothpaste, or a Magic Eraser to the mark, rub lightly, and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Murphy’s Oil Soap cleans dirt and grime well, but it does not leave a long-lasting shine. Instead of a polished luster, it can leave a dull, hazy residue. To add a protective shine, professionals recommend applying a designated wood floor polish after cleaning.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
Yes. Dish soap is a mild cleaning solution that can be safely used to clean hardwood floors. For best results, mix ¼ cup of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. After mopping with Dawn, mop again with just water to remove the excess soap.
Using vinegar to clean laminate floors is generally not recommended by manufacturers because its acidity can damage the protective wear layer and dull the finish over time. While it works for cleaning, regular use risks ruining the floor's sheen and shortening its lifespan.
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.
Hardwax oils are widely considered the best overall choice for wooden floors. They penetrate deep into the timber to strengthen the wood fibers from within, while the added waxes create a highly durable, water-resistant, and breathable surface on top.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
The best flooring for arthritis minimizes joint impact, cushions footfalls, and provides a slip-free, easy-to-navigate surface. Top choices include cushioned luxury vinyl plank (LVP), cork, and carpet. Avoid hard, unforgiving surfaces like ceramic tile or unyielding hardwood, as they aggravate joint pain.