How to repair a white mark on a laminate floor

Laminate flooring is a favourite of many homeowners because it allows DIY installation and is resilient, long-lasting and available in many different styles, colours and textures. Although laminate flooring is extremely durable, it may become scuffed or stained with white marks over time. These white marks and streaks are typically caused by water spots and cleaning-product build-up, but may also be the result of particles or normal foot traffic. There are several cleaning techniques that will remove white marks on different types of laminate floors.

Make a cleaning paste consisting of 30 ml (2 tbsp) baking soda and several drops of warm water. Scrub the paste on to the white mark using a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Once the white mark is removed, wipe the area clean with a wet cloth and dry it with a clean, dry cloth.

Mix equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and warm water in a bowl. Dampen a clean cloth in the mixture and scrub the marks on the floor until they're removed, then dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Vinegar removes white marks caused by using too much floor cleaner.

Moisten a clean cloth with distilled water and wipe the floor thoroughly until the white marks are removed, then dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Use this technique to remove white marks caused by the mineral deposits in water.

Spray a small amount of silicone spray lubricant on a clean, dry paper towel and scrub the white mark lightly until it's removed. Then, to remove any residue from the spray lubricant, dampen a clean cloth in a mixture of 50 per cent white vinegar and 50 per cent warm water, and wipe the area.

Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the white mark. Rub the toothpaste on to the mark with a clean cloth using a firm circular motion until the mark is removed. Wipe away the toothpaste residue using a damp cloth, then dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

Dip a clean cloth into a polishing compound to lightly coat it with the product. Rub the compound on to the white marks in a circular motion. Wash away the compound residue immediately, using a cloth wet with warm water, and buff it dry using a dry cloth. Polishing compound removes white marks caused by water spots and cleaner build-up.

Rub the white mark lightly using a regular, large pencil eraser until the mark disappears. Also, you can rub brand-name "magic erasers" on laminate flooring to repair marks. Sweep away all eraser particles once the marks are removed to prevent them from staining the floor.