Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Scraps on Laminate Flooring

I have a laminate floor that is very gently used (no kids, pets, etc.). I vacuumed the floor per manufacturer's directions and now I have these long sweeping scuff/scrap marks on the floor. The floor is brand new and so was the vacuum. Any idea what happened and what I can do?

Hm. That is surprising for laminate. I assume you did not have the carpet rollers on when you vacuumed the floor. What is the quality of the floor (i.e. did you spend $1, $3, $5 a square foot)? If you had a contractor install the floor I would ask them if they encountered this before. I installed high quality laminate and my floor does not even have a scratch from my two large dogs.

That is common characteristic of oversold cheap laminate.

You got what you paid for.

This happens on most laminates that sell below the $2 sq.ft. mark.

I didn't purchase what I considered to be cheap "oversold" laminate. It was a brand name with an AC3 rating that sold for $3.50 a square foot.

Did you install it yourself?? Do you remember the product name? Curious to why it scratch. Thanks.

Wipe rollers and other surfaces on vacuum that come in contact with the floor. Clean scuff marks off floor with vinegar/water solution (1 cup/gallon water). Use brush attachment on vacuum (no beater bar) to vacuum or use dust mop.

I used Wilsonart Duolink. A company rep is coming out this morning to look at the scrapes/scratches. I tried everything the tech rep suggested, including vinegar & water. These scrapes almost appear to look like rubber marks.

I can't help but wonder if the marks were caused by the vacuum cleaner. Did you try wiping with acetone or household solvent, as recommended by Wilsonart? The solvent should remove scuffs on top of wear layer.

CArpets done Wright is correct, again. Duo link is a low end brand from wilsonart. If you paid 3.50 per sq feet, you did not get a good deal. It usually sells for about $2.00 per foot (their classic product sells for about 3.50) It sounds like you did try to do your homework, but unfortunetly you were given bad advice. Chances are the laminate is damaged. Sorry.

Here is a reference.

Duo-Link $2.39 (http://www.ifloor.com/productdisplay.html?item_id=102886&N=0)


Duo-link is bottom of the barrel for Wilsonart, it is their budget floor. It meets a price point, but compared to there Estate, you get what you pay for

I guess I didn't get a good deal. I purchased the laminate at a decorating store where I got all my paint and my curtain fabrics when I moved into my new home. I really thought I was getting a durable product that would be fine for me given that I don't have pets nor children. I read the 15-year warranty; the AC3 rating, and while realizing I wasn't getting top of the line, felt this was a good alternative. The Company Rep is going to get back to me but said it looked like I used a burnisher (whatever that is) on it. I guess it is a hard lesson learned.

Did you use vacuum with beater bar? Beater bars will damage hard surface flooring.

I too was thinking beater bar.

Yes Duo Link is the lower end of Wilsonart, but it beats the heck outta alot of other no name super low options and everybody has a budget.
It's too late to beat ya up with the purchase you made, but these marks may never come out. best to give the wilsonart cleaner and a terry cloth mop a try and see if it helps.

I did use a vacuum cleaner that has a bare floors setting. I guess it's possible (and probable) that I neglected to change the setting at some point in time. However, when I talked to Wilsonart Tech support she said while they certainly don't recommend using the carpet setting, it really should not have damaged the floor. The rep from the store I purchased the laminate from said even low-end flooring is difficult to damage. The Company Rep who came out to look at the floor tried a few items and nothing would remove the markings. I am waiting to hear back.