Why do my laminate floors look like they're sweating?

Janet Pflum
by Janet Pflum

For the past couple of months, I noticed my floor looked wet. I thought my dog was peeing, but it wasn't her. Even though I wiped them down, they still do it. I looked for leaks, but couldn't find any. Any suggestions???


  5 answers
  • Since you are in Florida, I bet you have the house closed up. It is too moist in your house. I would look into dehumidifiers or open a few windows, run a fan. Too much moisture can be a breeding ground for mold, maybe have someone come out and take a look? They could provide viable solutions for you that would work for the long run.

  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 09, 2017

    Is your floor over concrete? Maybe they didn't seal the floor first, and put the proper underlayment pad for concrete under the floor when they laid it. You can try running a dehumidifier in the kitchen 24x7.

    The other thing is I would check for leaks like under the dishwasher is a real common one as those hoses get old, crack and then leak. I would also check under sinks and your refrigerator.

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Dec 09, 2017

    It sounds like you have too much humidity in your home. You could try plugging in a dehumidifier to see if that makes a difference. I would try to get the problem fixed soon, because excessive moisture can permanently damage your laminate floor by causing it to swell and bubble.

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    There are a few possible reasons why your laminate floors might appear to be sweating:


    1. Humidity: High humidity levels in your home can cause moisture to condense on the surface of the laminate, making it appear as if the floors are sweating. This is more likely to occur in rooms with poor ventilation or in areas with high levels of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
    2. Water damage: If your laminate floors have been exposed to water, such as from a flood or a leak, it can cause the layers of the laminate to separate, leading to a wet appearance on the surface.
    3. Poor installation: If the laminate was not properly installed, it can cause gaps between the boards or seams that allow moisture to seep through and create a wet appearance on the surface.


    To fix the problem, you'll need to identify the cause and take appropriate action. If the issue is caused by high humidity, try using a dehumidifier or increasing ventilation in the room. If the problem is due to water damage, you'll need to repair the source of the leak and replace any damaged boards. If the issue is due to poor installation, you may need to have the laminate re-installed by a professional.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    Though condensation is the most common cause of sweating, other things can lead to the same problem as well. Lack of moisture barrier under the slabs can affect the movement of moisture from below to the surface. If the moisture cannot move freely, it will also lead to sweating on the laminate floors.