Solved

Laminate floors

JIjimbojay
Asked over 6 years ago 3,622 views
0

We are looking at getting a laminate floor fitted in our kitchen. I have heard stories good and bad about washing machines damaging them when you get them in and out from under the work top. I'd love to hear some experiences please

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Laminate flooring under a washing machine

The problem
The user asked whether laminate flooring in a kitchen is likely to be damaged by a washing machine, particularly when moving the appliance in and out from under a worktop.
Likely cause
No appliance fault was reported. The accepted reply says damage is most likely if the laminate is not fitted all the way under the washing machine, or if the washing machine leaks and water reaches the flooring. Sliding on a shiny laminate surface may also be an issue.
What fixed it
The accepted advice was that laminate can be used if it is fitted properly all the way back under the washing machine and any leaks are dealt with promptly. If appliance movement is a problem, a thin rubber mat or purpose-made rubber feet can be used. Floor tiles were suggested as a better option overall.
Checks to try
  • Ensure the flooring is fitted all the way back under the washing machine
  • Check for any washing machine leaks
  • Assess whether the washing machine slides on the floor surface
Parts or tools mentioned
  • Thin rubber mat
  • Rubber feet for appliances
Cause identifiedGenerated 10 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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1 Answer

Accepted Answer
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WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered over 6 years ago

Hello there. If fitted properly, and all the way back under the washing machine it should be ok. However, if the washing machine leaks, and they often do, it can damage the flooring. Laminate flooring does not react well to water although if fitted well and a leak is dealt with promptly it should be ok. Floor tiles are probably a better choice.

A washing machine can slide about a bit on a shiny laminate floor, although the same applies to floor tiles. If it’s a problem you can always put a thin rubber mat under the washing machine or try some rubber feet especially made for appliances.

The worst thing you can do is only have (any) flooring fitted up to the front of the washing machine as described in my article here appliance stuck behind flooring

Also check out my other article what is the best way to pull a washing machine out

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.

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