Some common products - such as soap, floor polish, scouring powder, and steel wool - are not recommended for laminate flooring. They can damage the wear layer. For tough stains, use the manufacturer's recommended product. Test any products you're unsure of in a less visible area first.

Mopping Up

Remove the stains by spraying them with the recommended cleaner and then mopping up. To keep water from entering the joints, make sure the mop is damp, not wet.

Filling Small Dents

Because some marks and dents are unavoidable, flooring manufacturers sell fillers for small surface repairs. Most fillers are types of finishing putty, color-coordinated to match the flooring. They resist wear and moisture just like the flooring does.

First clean and dry the area to be repaired. Protect the surrounding area with clear plastic tape. Then fill the dent with putty. Before the putty hardens, wipe away the excess with a cloth dampened with water or acetone, following your manufacturer's instructions. Remove the tape. Dry putty is next to impossible to remove, so clean up well while it's still wet.

More serious damage probably requires replacing planks. Hire a professional laminate-flooring installer.

Stubborn Stains

Some stains need more than elbow grease. The chart below offers a few suggestions. Citrus-based cleaners work well for stains that water alone won't fix. Some manufacturers also recommend acetone. Check with your dealer.