I recently bought a fixer-upper house that has light-colored laminate plank flooring. It would be really nice, if I could get it clean. It has stuck-on stains, like someone left melted ice cream on the floor until it dried (don't know if that's what it actually is.) I've tried the Hoover hard floor scrubber, I've tried a steam cleaner; nothing will loosen this gunk. What else can I try?
1 Answer
Very few things can "stain" a laminate floor, the top coat is non porous and made with a silicon dioxide material that is very hard. You can scratch or gouge them, or get water between the joints that can bubble, but staining is very uncommon.
You don't say what you think the material is so it is difficult to recommend a solution. "Melted ice cream" sounds like possible paint drips. Try carefully scraping with a plastic putty knife or finger nail, and work up to a razor blade being extremely careful not to gouge the floor. Once you have the majority of the material cleaned off try household cleaners, or a paint and grease remover like "Goof Off" (available in the paint section of most home stores)
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Nope, it's not paint. It's most definitely some kind of dried food. Scraping does not work. I've tried Goo Gone, which also doesn't work.– EmmySMay 27, 2013 at 15:48
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Goo Gone is environmentally friendly, but I've found it to have limited use. I usually reach for the Goof Off. The fumes are pretty strong, use it sparingly and in a well ventilated area.– mfarverMay 27, 2013 at 15:57
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My Home Depot needed to order it for me, because they don't keep it in stock. But I picked it up yesterday, and it works! Thanks so much. I bought two different kinds - one in a metal can, that had all kinds of safety warnings, and then one in a plastic spray bottle that had no warnings. Figured I'd try that one first, and it's working really well.– EmmySJun 9, 2013 at 18:57