From what I have seen and read, the steam coming out of a steam cleaner is not hot enough to damage the top layer of laminate tile. The fear of a steam cleaner is that the steam will get into the cracks between the tiles and damage the layers of material making up the the laminate tile by making them swell. Since this is a surface problem, I suspect the previous owners spilled a chemical of some sort on the laminate. Regardless of how it happened, once laminate is damaged, there is no fix except to replace it.

From what I can find out on google, it seems that a company called Witex makes L.A.'s laminate.

Well, I have swelling in some areas too. But, replacement is what I was afraid would be the answer.

Witex did make the laminate, but as far as I can tell the company doesn't exist any more, and regardless, the Laura Ashley product line is no more. I do have an extra few pieces though. I'll either live with it as is, or see if I think trying to replace some pieces would be worth it.

Thanks!