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Removing Glue Stains From Laminate

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

January 3, 2002

Q. We just had a laminate wood floor installed in our kitchen. The floor looks beautiful. However, there are still glue marks on it from when the installer put down the floor. He used a damp sponge to wash away most of the glue that came up along the seams but some marks remain.

I was told that I could mop away the marks with a solution of warm water and white vinegar. I tried that, and the marks are still there. Even worse, the string mop I used left a lot of streaks and water marks. -L.G. North Bellmore

A. I don't know why anyone would tell you that vinegar and water would remove excess glue. As you discovered, glue takes some extra care to remove.

A couple of years ago, my young son spilled some Crazy Glue on our laminate counter top. No soap or cleaner would remove it. We finally were able to get it off with some nail polish remover. I'll bet this does the trick. In fact, many of the top laminate flooring manufacturers suggest an alcohol-based solvent for removal of glue and stubborn stains.

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But before you pour nail polish remover, lighter fluid or mineral spirits on glue or a stain, test to see if the solvent will stain or damage the floor in any way. To do this, use a small portion of the solvent on an obscure area.

To remove the glue, apply the solvent with an old cotton rag. Let it set for a few minutes. The glue should soften and you can scrape it up with a plastic knife or scraper. It might even wipe away with a dry rag. Avoid using a metal scraping tool, because this could leave scratches.

To regularly clean your laminate floor, try vacuuming or dusting with a clean, dry cloth before mopping. The dusting will prevent loose dirt and grime from scratching the floor's surface. Finish cleaning by sponge-mopping with a vinegar and water solution. Make sure the mop is just damp. You don't want to expose the flooring to too much moisture.

Most manufacturers suggest using only a damp mop. Excessive amounts of water can damage laminate flooring. Also, don't use scouring substances, abrasive cleaners or paste waxes and polishes on the laminate flooring.

Once you remove that glue, fit the legs of chairs and tables with rubber-type non-skid pads. The pads will keep your floor from marking.

If you think you need a stronger cleaner than vinegar, try ammonia and water.

Most manufacturers of laminate floors have excellent Web sites with information on cleaning, installing and repairing flooring.