I have wood laminate flooring in our kitchen and dining room. It is the center of our house and gets a lot of traffic. The kids have an indoor only ride-on toys that regularly race in there. I am noticing lots of scuff type marks that I am not able to remove with my normal cleaning routine. They aren't colored scuffs, but in a certain light I see lines from the toys wheels on the surface of the floor. I usually dry Swiffer and vaccum, then mop with wet Swiffer and Mr. Clean floor cleaner. I know I can't use a steamer, but what can I use to remove scuffs?
I used a steamer on mine.
Try 1/2 parts water and 1/2 vinegar. Use a damp not wet cloth (cloth diaper works or something cottony) and rub with your hands. Hope that helps.
I used a steamer on my laminate and it doesn't hurt it. Standing water is the death of laminate.
I don't know about skid marks, I don't have them. Not saying this in a I'm a better mom than you way, I would never allow anything ride on in the house. Just a pet peeve of mine, trust me I let them get by with murder in other areas. :)
Oh on the steamer, I never dwell on any one area, if the steam gets below the surface it can start curling the edges.
Have you tried Goof Off? Smells awful but it can remove anything from laminate.
I use either a steam mop or sometimes water and vinegar with a micro mop or whatever they are called. I find the wet Swiffer leaves a sticky residue. For scuff marks I just used good old-fashioned "elbow grease" with a soft cloth. You can use a steamer as long as it doesn't leave standing water. Mine actually leaves less water and dries faster than any other type of mop I use.
I had a lot of wood laminate flooring in my previous home and I loved it. So easy to clean. Do not use swiffers or anything other than 1/2 vinegar and water (as mentioned below). Easiest thing to do is buy one of those microfiber broom things (costco sells a nice one). Fill a spray bottle with the vinegar-water solution and spray it on the mop and then spray floor in sections and mop. Works great and there is no bending over. Very quick, safe and sanitary. Have fun! :)
I use something in a bottle (so helpful) for routing cleanings, but when I have time what the vinegar/water mixutre that a lot have mentioned is my favorite as it works great.
I am glad that you asked this question, because I want to try a steamer on mine, but was afraid to. Now I know that if I am careful it is ok ~ thank you : )
The vinegar works on the scuff marks too. My daughter leaves them with her little push toy she uses to learn to walk.
I just read this in a magazine (it was one of the parenting ones) at the doctor's office. You use water mixed with rubbing alcohol (I don't remember the ratios). They also warned about not letting the floor get very wet or it will damage the laminate.
Well, my knees are sore, but my floor looks AMAZING!!! Thanks so much ladies!! I scrubbed the entire floor with cloth diapers and vinegar/water mixture. I will definitely replace my Mr. Clean with vinegar/water and buy a steamer.