How To Remove Scratches From Vinyl Flooring [Quick & Easy]

This is the most complete guide on how to remove scratches from vinyl flooring where we have provided quick, easy, and effective tips on it.

One of the most essential elements in a home is flooring, both aesthetically and functionally. No matter whether you have just purchased a new home or want to renovate your old one, consider flooring.

This will not only change the way your floor looks but also will add value to the property. The popularity of vinyl flooring is evidenced by the number of individuals who choose it.

The durability, appeal, and low maintenance are the key points that lure people towards it.  Various companies offer vinyl at different prices, and people opt for it according to its affordability.

The average vinyl products are also quite good if you can follow some nominal maintenance tips.  However, vinyl flooring may lose its appeal and quality if scratches are left unattended for a longer time. At that time, you may need to replace the entire flooring.

To save you from such hassle and cost, we have developed a comprehensive guide on how to remove scratches from vinyl flooring. We have shared various methods that you may follow based on your preferences.

Also, take note of some tips that may help you prevent scratches on the floor. Hence, continue reading.

Possibility Of Getting Vinyl Scratched

Scratches aren’t an issue with vinyl plank flooring because it’s scratch-resistant. Vinyl flooring, like laminate flooring, is designed as low in maintenance in comparison with solid wood flooring, just like laminate flooring.

Pet nails and dragging of furniture won’t damage it much, though. However, this does not imply that vinyl plank flooring is entirely scratch-proof.

In spite of its resistance to scratches, vinyl flooring has a tendency to rip under strong pressure as vinyl planks are constructed entirely of plastic.

However, it’s a little less durable than laminate flooring, which is made of both wood and plastic and is, therefore, more susceptible to wear and tear.

Dragging heavy furniture over your vinyl floor will cause ugly dents and scratches, so try to avoid doing so. Luxury vinyl planks are the best option if you’re seeking scratch-resistant flooring.

Although this type of advanced vinyl flooring is more expensive, it is more resistant to pressure and movement from above. When compared to vinyl plank flooring, it is even more resistant to scratching. Are you worried about your pup’s urine-soaked on a hardwood floor? then we have prepared a detailed guide on it.

How To Remove Scratches From Vinyl Flooring — Scratch Removal Process

In this section, we are going to discuss the scratch removal process in detail. We have covered quite a few steps to find valuable and relevant people with different requirements and preferences.

Follow the steps as instructed, and hopefully, you don’t have to call a professional for further help. Let’s get started.

Cleaning Is The First Step

The first step is to clean the area that has to be fixed. The extent of the scrapes is also essential to consider. Scratches can be removed from your flooring by mopping or sweeping them thoroughly. If you only have a few scuffs, consider yourself lucky.

In order to remove scratches from luxury vinyl flooring, you can purchase a floor cleaner developed for this purpose. Using a vinyl floor mop and this cleaner helps eliminate scratches from the floor’s surface. More extensive scratches are easy to spot.

It may be necessary to put in a little extra effort after using a floor cleaner to clean up any scuffs. Scrubbing your floor vigorously is the best way to remove deep scratches from the surface without professionally cleaning the floor.

Use Of Tennis Ball

To erase scratches from hardwood floors, try to rub scratches with a tennis ball after washing them thoroughly. Using gentle scratching can be highly successful with this strategy.

There is a tiny coarseness to the texture of tennis balls, but they are not hard enough to gouge. They are ideal for this type of repair because of their versatility.

It’s the substance that’s above the surface that makes scratches more noticeable. This material can be removed with the help of a tennis ball, and the resulting scratches will be virtually undetectable.

Use the lint-free cloth to clean the area one more after rubbing the tennis ball. Read a detailed guide on removing black water stains from your hardwood floor quickly and easily.

Waxing

If there are visible scratches on the floor after washing it entirely with a flooring cleaner, you may need to use a wax stick to fill them. Scratches in laminate, wood, or vinyl floors can be filled in by using wax sticks (at any hardware store, you may find them).

Apply wax to the affected region after a thorough cleaning and drying. Fill the deep scratches with the correct amount of force. After applying the wax to the affected area, it is critical to wash it away.

Make sure that the wax sticks you purchase match the color of your luxury vinyl flooring. You can mix and match different colors to create a custom hue that works with your flooring as a last resort.

It will make it easier for the product to smooth out any scuffs on your floor.

Apply A PU Cleaner

Helpful for cleaning moderate scratches are PU cleaners. Vinyl flooring is a good candidate because it has a PU finish, which is what they are designed for.

First, use fine-grit sandpaper for sanding the affected region softly. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the area. Then spray the PU cleaner from a distance of about a foot from the floor. Wait at least sometime before re-spraying the floor.

The cleanser can be used up to three times. Move on to another approach if the scratches are still there. To avoid re-scratching it, let it air dry for approximately six to seven hours after applying the product.

This is a process that takes a long time to complete, so don’t expect results right away. Are you frustrated with the sticky floor after mopping? We suggest you read this expert guide on it.

Sanding

It is now the common procedure for scratched vinyl records and floors to be sanded using sandpaper. If the situation turns worse, you can try sanding out the deep scratches. You’ll need sandpaper in three different grades: fine, medium, and coarse to sand the floor.

Steps:

  1. Make sure the area is clean before sanding, as sanding a dirty surface will simply result in more scratches. So mop and mop and mop.
  2. To begin, use the fine-grit sandpaper to smooth down the scratched area. Keep the sanding to the area where the scratch is, and avoid moving in a large area.
  3. Slowly sand it with the medium-grit and finally the coarse-grit sandpapers until it is completely smooth.
  4. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly before inspecting it with your hands after sanding. If it’s completely smoothed and invisible, you’ve done it.
  5. You’ll need to clean and wax the area when you’ve finished. Then your floor will flow as it did before.

Using Nail Polish

You don’t have to spend a fortune on nail polish. Because it is designed to be applied to porous surfaces, nail polish is an excellent choice.

There are nail polishes at a nearby local store that are the same color as your furniture, or you may buy the same brand. After a few months, you’ll probably need to acquire a darker polish color and redo the scratched area again.

Keep Reading: Effective Way Out For Hazy Hardwood Floors

Using Touch-Up Markers

For minor blemishes, a touch-up marker is a good option. They are available in a wide range of hues. It’s best if you can find one that matches your current flooring as closely as possible.

It’s a good idea to practice on an unnoticeable part of your body first. Scratched surfaces can be repaired by applying a new coat of paint. Both are readily available and can be put to immediate use.

Steps:

  1. To begin, find the closest match to your Vinyl floor’s hue. If you’re painting a light-colored floor, always go with one shade lighter if you’re unsure.
  2. The place where you intend to work should be thoroughly cleaned before you begin.
  3. Using a pen, draw a line over the scratch to ensure it’s filled in.
  4. To remove any leftover residue from the touch-up, first, wipe the area with a dry paper towel.
  5. Let it dry before using wet paper to remove any leftover residue.
  6. Scratches should disappear after a few minutes of drying time.

Using Acetone

Acetone is the most commonly used solvent for removing paint and varnish from furniture and nails. As a bonus, it helps to get rid of surface scratches. In a pinch, acetone can be a lifesaver because it’s easy to apply and does not harm the floor.

Steps:

  1. Ensure that the area has been swept and mopped before you proceed.
  2. Get a paper towel and soak it with a substantial amount of acetone so that it’s damp but not soaking wet.
  3. Then, using a soft, circular motion, wipe the scratched area until it is completely clean.

Using The Vinyl Floor Repair Kit

This is the time to upgrade to a more expensive set of tools. This is where Dr. Schutz’s brand comes in handy, and you can purchase the entire kit. Before you begin, double-check the directions to ensure that you understand them. Alternatively, the floor may not come out the way you had hoped.

Steps:

  1. Make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed with a brush. So the woods are empty.
  2. After that, use clean water to remove the cleanser from the affected area thoroughly.
  3. Using a dry sponge or cloth, wipe away any remaining cleaning residue.
  4. The scratched area can be scuffed using the grey pad from the kit. You could wind up doing more harm than good if you go overboard. You’re only trying to level out the scratch to the floor’s level.
  5. Once the scuffing has been removed, use a damp cloth to cleanse the area. The white cloth included in the kit can be used for this. It’s OK to use a different microfiber cloth if it doesn’t appear to be clean enough.
  6. Make careful to shake the spray thoroughly before applying it.
  7. After that, lightly spray the scrape in a long, horizontal direction. Then spread it across the scratch in a cross-hatched pattern, ensuring that it is completely covered. As a result, if necessary, you can repeat. Instead, spray one coat and leave it to dry for ten minutes before applying a second coat. Completely cover and remove the damage using this technique until there is no more cause for concern.
  8. Ensure no one steps on it while it dries to avoid damaging the floor.

You Might Also Like To Read: Drying Water Beneath Vinyl Flooring

Using Sealant

If the scratch is particularly deep, this is a possibility. It is possible to apply a liquid joint sealer to the area. It’s best to do the following first:

  • In order to work like way, you’ll need to open the windows.
  • Make sure the space where you’ll be working is spotless.
  • Tape off the area where you’ll be working.
  • Make sure that all of your applications are at the same level.
  • If you don’t have an applicator with this product, you can simply apply a tiny amount to the affected region and wait for it to dry.
  • Once the sticky tapes have been gently removed, you’re done.

Keep Reading: Drawbacks Of Epoxy Floors

Refinishing The Floor

Refinishing your flooring is necessary if you can’t fix scratches on your floor. Finishing your floor can be accomplished by hiring a professional or doing it yourself. Still, you should be aware of the project’s scope and weigh your options carefully before committing to either one.

Floor refinishing is a labor-intensive process that must be done in stages. Before you begin, consider the advantages and drawbacks of tackling it.

If you’re self-assured in your capabilities, it’s time to start looking at potential strategies for the project. Remove any vinyl flooring to finish your floor. Install the new floor after removing the old one.

How To Prevent Scratches On Vinyl Flooring

The situation is already wrong when you already have scratches on your floor. In that case, you need to follow the instructions and methods to get rid of the scratches or somehow make them less prominent.

However, this scenario wouldn’t come up if you knew the preventive methods. You have to admit that how cost-saving and adventurous it may look, DIY processes for removing scratches are tenacious.

To avoid such circumstances ruining your day, you better follow the preventions. To help you understand the preventions, we have jotted down some tips. If you are planning to install vinyl flooring on stairs then we suggest you read this guide.

Mats

Even if you don’t have a door to the outside, installing a mat at any room entrance where the vinyl floor is installed can help prevent difficulties. A mat will keep dirt out of the room, preventing it from scratching or dulling the floor’s surface.

Instead of using rubber or latex-backed mats, opt for vinyl-supported colorfast woven rug or mats instead. Pesticides, road tar, and other harmful substances can enter your shoes without you even realizing it, and a mat will keep them from transferring as well.

Keep Reading: Shine Your Laminate Floors With Easy DIY Ways

Cleaning

Sweeping the floor every day using an ultra-soft broom or you can use a Swiffer that will prevent dirt from accumulating, which in turn reduces the risk of scratches and dulling. A vacuum cleaner can also be used without a beater bar.

To get rid of extra dirt or stains, use a mop on a regular basis. If you want to use a more robust cleaner with more chemical content, make sure to mix it with some mild detergent and warm water before mopping the floor with the solution, then rinse the floor with a second mop and plain water, as the soap can dull the floor.

Alternatively, use plain water if possible. When cleaning vinyl, avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Shining

If your floor looks a little bland, you may want to brighten it up a bit with a scrubbing brush. Never use solvent-based polishes. Do not use wax-adding products on a no-wax floor.

Older floors may need to be waxed. Using a lamb’s wool hat and a mechanical buffer on a typical, slightly glossy floor will bring it to its former glory.

It is possible to retain the sheen of urethane-coated floors by applying an acrylic floor polish that is intended for this purpose. If you have a high-gloss floor, don’t use a buffer.

Furniture

Moving furniture and appliances should be done with care, as they might scratch and dent your vinyl flooring. You may “walk” or “slide” furniture or appliances over your vinyl floor by putting a sheet of plywood on top of it.

Prevent furniture dings by placing floor covers under the legs of the pieces. If you want to use a caster, use double-wheeled casters over single-wheeled casters to protect your floor.

Few Words Before Wrapping Up…

This was all about the comprehensive guide on how to remove scratches from vinyl flooring. These were the most popular and experts’ recommended methods that have been proved to be effective for many.

We have kept the guide as detailed as possible, and all you need to do is to follow the instructions properly. Don’t forget to use safety gear if it is required at any step.

Remember, you don’t want to be in more trouble while solving one. And then comes the preventions. Once you follow and try to maintain the preventive measures, you will not be in the problem in the first place.

Therefore, the entire job will be needless to perform. However, if you are already in trouble and none of these DIY methods seem to be effective for your case, don’t wait longer and let the scratch gather dust and dirt.

It will be troublesome to remove in the future and costly too. Call the professionals immediately if the DIY doesn’t go well. As it is said, it is always better to get the repair done rather than replacing the whole thing.

It will save quite a good amount of money and save you from hassles. You might also find this guide helpful in removing paint from wooden floorings.

Similar Posts