How to fix scratches on vinyl plank flooring

I have scuff marks on my luxury vinyl flooring. How to remove?

• Erasers: For smaller scuff marks, try using a regular pencil eraser. Rub the spot firmly until the scuff mark disappears. Be sure to sweep up any remaining eraser shaving as they can cause their own stains if left unattended. Some companies now make special eraser-type products for this purpose. One such product that works well on scuff marks is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, generally available wherever cleaning products are sold. However, a Magic Eraser can remove the finish from some types of floors, so be sure to test it in a small hidden area first.
• Tennis Shoe: For larger scuff marks, try using the rubber sole of a tennis shoe. Press your hand into the shoe, and rub the spot firmly with the heel. If this is uncomfortable, or you feel you are not exerting enough pressure, place your foot inside the shoe and rub again with a circular, grinding motion.
• Tennis Ball: For larger areas of scuff marks, take a plain tennis ball, carefully cut a small “X” (about ¼”) into the top. To avoid injury, DO NOT hold the ball in your hand as you cut it, but rather place it on a firm surface or vise grip. Insert the top of a broom handle into the “X” and, using the tennis ball end of the broom, rub the scuff marks with the tennis ball.
• Baking Soda Paste: This is one of the tricks if normal techniques don’t seem to work. Mix about 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to make a smooth paste (not runny). Using a soft cloth, scrub with the paste to remove the scuff mark. Wipe the scuff mark. Wipe the area with a clean damp cloth and wipe dry.
• Lighter Fluid: The second trick is to dampen a soft cloth with lighter fluid and rub the spot with the cloth. Wipe the area with a clean damp cloth and dry. Always exercise caution when using lighter fluid. It is flammable and toxic, and should not come in contact with skin or eyes.
• Toothpaste: The third trick is to use a clean cloth, rub a small amount of toothpaste on the scuff mark, using firm, circular motions. Wipe areas with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
• WD-40: The fourth trick is to use a little WD-40 onto a soft cloth or paper towel and rub the scuff mark gently. Wipe area with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
• Over-The-Counter: There are products on the market specifically designed for removing scuff marks and other tough stains, which are safe to use on most types of flooring (i.e.Goo Gone). ALWAYS check the label to ensure that the product is safe for the type of flooring you have. Make sure you follow all manufacturer directions.

While vinyl flooring is known for its low maintenance, moisture resistance, and durability, scratches still happen. Learning how to remove scratches from your vinyl flooring can help keep your floors looking sharp and new. And even though not all scratches can be removed, it is possible to make the scratch less visible.

This article will give you two methods, with detailed steps, on how to remove scratches from your vinyl flooring. With a few tools and supplies, you can do the job yourself, especially if you're a DIY kind of person. 

How to Remove Scratches from Vinyl Plank Flooring

One of the benefits of vinyl plank flooring is how easy, inexpensive and straightforward it is to fix minor scratches. There are number of different methods, but here are two of our favorites:

Method One - Scratch Concealer

The big advantage of using WearMax Scratch Concealer is it'll create a permanent seal which will not wash away. Although it is important to note, that the product can not fill in a dent or gouge. However, for really deep scratches (such as a gouge) it'll eliminate the visible white line, which will help conceal the damage . . . And just like scratches, it'll seal the area.

Step One - Clean the area of the scratch

Step Two - Apply WearMax Scratch Concealer directly onto the scratch

WearMax Scratch Concealer

WearMax Scratch Concealer will make your vinyl floor scratch barely visible.

Step Three - Using a soft clean cloth, rub the WearMax Scratch Concealer over the scratch in a circular motion until the residue is gone

Step Four - Allow the scratched area to cure for at least 4 hours

Step Five - Clean the area of the scratch

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Another way to remove scratches from vinyl flooring is to use a paste wax. Here's what to do:

Step One: Clean the surface and then gently buff the scratched area with a scouring pad

Step Two: Use a paper towel and apply the paste wax in a circular motion. Then gently wipe away any excess wax from the surrounding area. Buff the vinyl floor until you restore it to its original shine.

Step Three: If you have deeper scratches, you can use a stain pen which matches your floor color. Fill in the deep scratch with the pen. Then, take a damp cloth and wipe away any excess stain from the pen. 

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What is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring material which is water and scratch-resistant. It's affordable price and easy installation, makes vinyl flooring a popular alternative to solid hardwood floors.

There are actually three types of vinyl flooring:

Vinyl Tile - Is probably the most common vinyl flooring product on the market, and its extremely easy to install. Simply peel the back off and place the tile on a clean, flat and secure subfloor. Vinyl tile comes in a variety of styles, and some can even be grouted to give your floor the look of real tile.

Sheet Vinyl - Is sometimes called vinyl roll or linoleum. Because it's installed as a sheet, there are fewer seams for water to seep into, this makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring - Is the newest type of vinyl flooring and its rapidly growing in popularity since it gives the look and feel of a real hardwood floor, at a very affordable price. This article will focus on Vinyl Plank Flooring.

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What Causes Vinyl Flooring to Scratch?

Although all vinyl floors can scratch, the cheaper flooring is far more prone to scratches. In the world of vinyl flooring, you definitely get what you pay for, and trying to save a few dollars will likely leave you unsatisfied in how the floor wears. 

There are many things that can cause luxury vinyl flooring to develop scrapes and scratches, here are a few of the most common:

• Heavy Furniture and Large Appliances - These can easily scratch your vinyl floors, especially if they're pushed without felt pads or furniture protectors. In addition, your floors could develop dents if the appliances or furniture are heavier than the material can withstand. Although protectors can help, they're not full proof when if comes to weight.
• Dirty Shoes - It's easy to drag in small rocks and other debris into your house if you don't wipe your shoes at the door. Frequent floor cleaning will remove these foreign objects and protect your floors from scratching. And even better is to combine your cleaning with welcome mats to reduce the amount of material drug into your house.
• Pet Nails - Your dog's pet nails can cause scratches on your vinyl floor. Just walking across the floor could cause a scratch, but most commonly they happen when the dog turns quickly or comes to a screeching stop.
• Sharp-Edged Toys - If your child enjoys playing with toy trucks or Legos, or other toys with sharp edges. they can inadvertently leave scratches. This is especially true if your kids play aggressively with their toys.   

How to Prevent Vinyl Plank Flooring from Scratching

Prevention is always your best way to keep your vinyl plank flooring from scratching. In addition, it'll keep your floors not only looking better, but also lasting longer.

Here are some simple ways to keep your floors in tip-top condition:

Doormats

Place doormats at every entrance. Something as simple as using doormats can ensure you don't drag in dirt and small rocks into your home. Make it a habit to wipe your shoes on the doormat before entering your house, even if you don't think your shoes are dirty.

Floor Protectors

Using felt floor protectors is another simple and inexpensive way to protect your vinyl plank flooring. Place the protectors under the feet of your furniture, large appliances, or any other heavy items (such as workout equipment) that can potentially damage your vinyl floors.

Rugs

Use rugs in larger sitting areas, such as a living room. Rugs will give you an additional layer of protection from your furniture's feet and debris that may have been brought in from outside. Rugs are also a good choice for hallways and entryways.

Move Furniture Carefully 

Whenever you move your furniture, be careful not to drag it over the vinyl. If at all possible, the best way to move furniture on vinyl flooring is to get the help of a friend, and lift the furniture off the floor, then gently set it back in place. 

Designated Play Area

Having a designated children's play area away from rooms with vinyl plank flooring will prevent your child's toys from scuffing and scratching the floors finish. 

If that's not possible, consider using a large area rug as the children's play area. It'll keep sharp-edged toys from scoring the vinyl.

High Traffic Protection

For high traffic areas, such as the kitchen and hallways, use a rug or mat to help prevent wear and tear on the vinyl floor. It'll also provide additional comfort and a sense of style.

Don't forget the rug pads. Rug pads will stop the rugs from sliding on the floor, which will prevent added friction that can be damaging over time. As an added feature, since rug pads prevent sliding, your mats will be safer for your family and guests.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your vinyl plank floor clean can be a big help in preventing dirt and other unwanted objects from causing scratches and scuffs. It'll also reduce the dust from accumulating and making your vinyl floor have a dull look.