Asked on Jan 31, 2019

How to clean mysterious white marks from laminate flooring?

Milly
by Milly

We had Swiss Krono laminate flooring installed at the beginning of the summer. We had half a box of planks leftover which we stored under the bar in the dining room for about 6 months. Just moved the box and found this white mark underneith. It does not wash off. I tried a bit of rubbing alcohol but it doesn't budge either. There is no water in our dining room but we do live in a climate of high humidity. The only thing I can imagine is that moisture from the humid summer somehow left this mark under the box but I don't really know. It's not hardwood so the tricks for removing water spots from hardwood won't work. Thanks for any suggestions!

  28 answers
  • Littlemiss Littlemiss on Jan 31, 2019

    If it’s stained rather than discoloured try gently rubbing with turpentine in soap and water. (Test on some of the surplus first). Or try a magic sponge. Good luck!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 31, 2019

    Hi Milly,

    You have a perplexing situation and I would have to agree with you about the moisture under the box of planks, it got into the product and left a mark that probably corresponds to the approximate size of the box.

    If you still have the box they came in, contact the manufacturer and explain what happened, they should have a solution for your problem. There could be a defect in the product. Best.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Jan 31, 2019

    Was the box actually stuck on floor it looks like a different texture or is that from trying to clean it. It looks like the finish has lifted off. Looks like water mark try this Remove water marks from wood-mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil on soft cloth while moving with the woodgrain. Use another clean, soft cloth to shine it up. might try some tung oil on soft cloth to darken area to match rest of flooring. Don't rub just dab/blot gently with wood grain and add a little, lightly til it as dark as rest of flooring. wipe excess shine with dry cloth. here's bunch more I found How to Repair a White Mark on a Laminate Floor

    By Sarai JeremiahLaminate flooring is a favorite of many homeowners because it allows do-it-yourself installation and is resilient, long-lasting, and available in many different styles, colors 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 buildup, but may also be the result of particles or normal foot traffic. There are several cleaning techniques that are generally helpful at removing white marks on different types of laminate floors.Step 1

    Make a cleaning paste consisting of 2 tbsp. baking soda and several drops of warm water. Scrub the paste onto the white mark using a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Once the white mark is removed, wipe the area clean with a wet cloth and dry it with a clean, dry cloth.Step 2

    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.Step 3

    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.Step 4

    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 percent white vinegar and 50 percent warm water, and wipe the area.Step 5

    Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the white mark. Rub the toothpaste onto 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.Step 6

    Dip a clean cloth into a polishing compound to lightly coat it with the product. Rub the compound onto 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 buildup.Step 7

    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.





  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Jan 31, 2019

    Contact the box manufacturer to find out what the box is made of in order to know how to fix.

  • Wipe with pure acetone. Open all the windows and use a portable fan. Can be found at any hardware store or home improvement center.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jan 31, 2019

    I wouldn't use acetone - at least not unless tested on a scrap piece of the same flooring. Acetone would remove/lift many types of surfaces or sealers.

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Feb 01, 2019

    Milly,

    Oh how awful. We have never had this happen to our laminate. I have no idea how to fix this, but be sure you test any product you use on a scrap piece of lumber or a very small spot. Also take all precautions as directed on the product container.

  • Lah Lah on Feb 01, 2019

    It looks to me like the sun shone in there and caused the discoloration. If so replacing the pieces may be your only solution.

  • Jeff Jeff on Feb 01, 2019

    Its clear to me, the advice given was a result of not reading your problem correctly, or advising you to use incorrect solvents. Laminate is a photo with coats of a hard surface finish. Best way it solve your problem. Is by removing the problem planks and replace with new ones. The laminate is tongue and groove, its placed on to of your existing flooring, barring no glue. Just hire a good floor guy. He can do it for you quickly and flawlessly.

  • Barbara C Barbara C on Feb 01, 2019

    Leave it alone for a while. Could be it was shaded from the sun by the box and has faded.

  • Michele Eures Michele Eures on Feb 02, 2019

    I have the same problem where I placed a crock on the flooring last Christmas. Mine is a round area that looks exactly like yours. I've tried many things to remove the marks, but nothing has worked. It almost looks like something abrasive was on it. I'll be taking notes on what others can offer here. Thanks!

  • Robert G Robert G on Feb 02, 2019

    Try this! I use this 5 days a week at work and it works for a lot! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDF1lxKyOM


    And you don't need the stainless steel cleaner they have in the video, just use this. I use this on all High End Luxury Homes Stainless Steel Sub Zero Appliances, 5 days a week! Forget about all those store bought cleaners.


    You can buy it at your grocery store, Amazon, Lowes or Walmart


    Pour a small amount on soft flannel cloth and rub over the mark.

    Should do it!

  • Laura Sutter Laura Sutter on Feb 24, 2019

    I had the same thing. It was cause by steam (heat). I tried every suggestion, to no avail until today: I rubbed coconut oil all over the stain and really rubbed it in well. I then sprayed it with laminate cleaner and the white marks are gone!! My floor is very dark, so the marks really showed. I am hard-pressed to find them now! Hope this works for you. Good luck.

  • Sophie Hall Sophie Hall on Apr 29, 2019

    Have you found a solution for this ?! The same happened to me. Thanks.

  • Pat Pat on May 29, 2019

    Same has happened to me too. Multiple patches on thIs brand of laminate. No solution yet

    • See 1 previous
    • Pat Pat on Apr 08, 2021

      Not cleaning wise. After trying everything, on closer inspection I think the laminate has actually become damaged. There seems to be a very fine clear skin/coating/lacquer across the top of the laminate and the white marks seems to be damage where that layer has formed tiny opaque bubbles/blemishes. I originally thought they might be tiny droplets of paint but it was after using a small pin to try to lift the paint that I realised they're part of the surface itself. I have no idea how this has happened, whether it's from a cleaning product we've used or sunlight exposure but it's very unsightly in certain lights. For what they claim is a hard-wearing laminate, this is quite appalling.

  • Maristela Maristela on Mar 24, 2020

    Hi there I rubbed the laminate floor with white vinegar and warm water and after the floor was discolored, photo attached.

    any suggestions on how to fix it?


  • Nisha Dhakal Nisha Dhakal on Aug 18, 2020

    Has anything worked for anyone ?

  • Rachael Rachael on Jan 02, 2021

    Did u find any solutions

  • Darlene Darlene on Mar 26, 2021

    I had a couple of good sized white spots on my ~16 year old Pergo laminate flooring (Rustic Chestnut color). The spots were found under a rug that I had placed a pet water dish, so I attributed them to water that the pets spilled. I tried a method I read on this thread in which coconut oil was used. I used a solid coconut oil (that's what I had on hand) and rubbed it on the spots for a few minutes using a paper towel. I then used a floor cleaner to wipe it up. It did not completely eliminate the water marks, but unless you know they're there you would probably not notice them. The area cleaned seems to be just a little duller looking than the area around it. If you try this, I recommend trying a small area first. I wish I would have taken before and after pictures to show.

  • Pat Pat on Apr 08, 2021

    I think these spots are actually damage to the laminate. The laminate has a very fine clear skin/coating/lacquer across the top and the white marks on mine seem to be damage where that layer has formed tiny opaque bubbles/blemishes. I originally thought they might be tiny droplets of paint but it was after using a small pin to try to lift the paint that I realised they're part of the surface itself. I have no idea how this has happened, whether it's from a cleaning product we've used or sunlight exposure but it's very unsightly in certain lights. For what they claim is a hard-wearing laminate, this is quite appalling.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 02, 2021

    HI.

    HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS WOULD WORK, but could try using brown paper over the mark and a warm iron to try to re-bond the laminate finishes. Try a small area first!

    Best wishes.

  • Bruce Bruce on May 26, 2022

    Hey, Have you found a solution to this? we are experiencing the same issue. Tried an iron with a damp towel.. didn't work. Vinegar, magic eraser and floor polish all didn't help either.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Feb 02, 2023

    Here are several tips and tricks that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/floor-cleaning-hacks/

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 03, 2023

    Here is the companies contact info:

    SWISS KRONO LLC. 810 Technology Drive Barnwell, SC 29812. USA. 866-334-9923

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 07, 2023

    Speak to Technical Department of the Company that made the flooring and ask them for solution! Other than that I would try blending acrylic paints on to the area with an artist brush as a last resort!

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 09, 2023

    To take the stain out: Toothpaste lightly rubbed on the stain is often suggested. Another one is vinegar mixed with a bit of olive oil. If the stain does not come out - Using Tea to Mask White Stains on Laminate Flooring.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 09, 2023

    Use some acetone, the kind you buy in the hardware store using a scratch free Brillo pad.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 14, 2023

    Toothpaste lightly rubbed on the stain is often suggested.