What if Kids Spill Kool-Aid on Laminate Flooring?

Act Fast

• The key to cleaning up any spill from laminate flooring is to act quickly. The faster you can get to the spill, the less the chance that there will be permanent damage or staining. As soon as you see that glass of Kool Aid spill, you should head to the kitchen to grab a roll of paper towels. Dab at the spill to remove the bulk of the liquid, then lay additional paper towels over the rest of the Kool Aid and allow it to soak in. Do not rub the paper towels against the floor, since that could set the stain into the grain of the wood. Remove the paper towels as they become soaked, then replace them with other clean paper towels. Continue this process until all liquid is gone.

Delayed Reaction

• If you find a stain after the fact, start by mixing a small amount of a mild dish detergent into a bowl of warm water. Place enough detergent in the water to make suds. Soak a soft cloth or a sponge with the mixture. Dab at the stain lightly with the sponge to lift if up off the laminate flooring, then wipe it away. Continue this process until the Kool-Aid stain is no longer visible.

Read the Manual

• You should have received a manual, or at least a care sheet, when you had your laminate floor installed or purchased the self-install flooring. Keep that care sheet in a convenient location, and use the information it contains to clean up spills. The care sheet you received with the floor should provide specific cleaning instructions for a variety of spills, from blood and pet stains to liquid spills like Kool Aid.

Regular Cleaning

• Keeping your laminate floors cleaned and polished can reduce the chances that any spilled Kool-Aid or other liquid will become a stain. A well-maintained and properly cleaned laminate floor is much more resistant to staining, so proper maintenance is a must. Vacuum your laminate floors using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, and use a soft broom to remove any dirt and debris. Use a polish designed for laminate flooring to seal the floor and make it more resistant to staining from the inevitable Kool-Aid spill.