Preventative Measures

• The best way to address damage to your laminate floor is to prevent it in the first place. Loose dirt that's left on the floor can get ground in and turn to grime, or create scratches. Think in terms of little things you can do to project the floor. Put mats in the doorways and throw rugs in the sitting areas to protect the floor from dirty, damaging feet. Stick small protective pads under chair legs and other furniture. Sweep regularly to keep dirt from collecting and settling in.
  
  

Repairs

• For scratches and small gouges in the floor, you can go to your local hardware store and buy a repair kit for that specific style of floor, which will include a waxy repair stick or paste to fill in and smooth out the scratches. A standard crayon of a matching color as the floor can accomplish much the same thing. If the floor is bucking and forming ridges at the long seams, take out the floor trim that runs parallel to the seams and see if the floor has enough room to expand. If not, take out the spacers there and put in smaller ones.
  
  

Cleaning

• Household cleansers tend to leave streaks on laminate flooring. You should clean it with as little moisture and chemicals as possible. Make a vinegar solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to about half a gallon of hot water. Mop with a very well-wrung sponge mop. Between mopping, use a vacuum cleaner on the "floor" setting to pick up dust, especially from the corners where it collects.