How to Remove Scratches From Vinyl Flooring? (4 Methods)

Old vinyl floorings are riddled with scratch marks and lines. So, how to remove scratches from vinyl flooring?

To remove light (small) scratches from vinyl flooring, use vinyl floor cleaner or rubbing alcohol. This removes scratches and makes the floor shine. To remove deep scratches, sand the floor with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe it with rubbing alcohol or diluted vinegar. 

If the floor looks faded after removing the scratch marks, polish it with wax. If the floors have deep gouges or holes, you must replace the planks. 

They Don’t Scratch Easily

Vinyl planks don’t scratch easily because they are designed with a protective sheet on the top layer of the floor to protect it from scratches, scars, and dents. Also, some vinyl planks are made from recycled materials including stone plastic, tiles, and a fiberglass layer that doesn’t scratch easily.

So, because of the structure and makeup of the floor, the planks don’t scratch easily. The top layer of the planks is made of recycled plastic and resins that make it hard and scratch-resistant. Sheet vinyl flooring isn’t as durable and scratches easier than vinyl planks. 

However, the fact that vinyl planks don’t scratch easily doesn’t mean that you won’t notice scratch marks on the flooring from time to time. 

Common Causes of Scratches on Vinyl Floors

Here are common causes of scratches:

1. Hard Shoe Soles – If you walk over them with shoes that have hard soles, you will scratch them. High heels or stilettos can cause marks since the heel of the shoe is pointed.
2. Pet Claw Marks – The claws of your cat or dog can scratch a floor. Also, if your pet starts to dig into the vinyl floors, the floor will be scratched.
3. Heavy Furniture – Heavy furniture, such as grand pianos or bookshelves, can cause dents. Also, dragging items across the floor instead of lifting them can cause the same thing. 
4. Doors – If the bottom of your door touches the floor, the floor will get scratched while you open or close the door. Over time, the mark will get deeper and will damage the floor.
5. Dropped Items – If you drop or spill items, the floor can develop marks.
6. Dirt From Outside The Home – Dust nibs, sand, dirt, stones, and debris that you bring into the home can also cause scratches. If you walk over your floor with your gardening shoes, the dirt under the shoes will cause tiny holes that can be difficult to fix.

Removing Light-Fine Scratches From Vinyl Flooring

Light-fine vinyl scratches are marks that are at the top of the vinyl layer but didn’t penetrate the floor. They are caused by dropped items or shoe soles. 

In some cases, the light-fine scratches are marks that were caused by stains and ink such as pencils.

Here are the tools you need to remove them:

• Rubbing alcohol or vinegar
• Clean rags
• A floor brush
• Vinyl floor cleaner

Here’s how to do it:

1. Wipe and Clean the Affected Spot

First, remove dirt and dust from the floor using a clean rag or mop. To remove stubborn stains use a floor brush. 

Shine a light on the floor to get a clear view and notice where the scratches are. 

2. Clean The Surface

Use a clean rag to wipe the scratched area. Usually, you can remove light-fine scratches by using a rag. So, if they were caused by ink or pencil, a clean rag (dampened with warm water) will remove them.  If the dampened rag doesn’t remove them, you must use a solvent.

3. Use a Solvent

To remove stubborn light scratches:

1. Damp a clean rag with rubbing alcohol or vinegar. 
2. Use the dampened rag to wipe the affected spot.
3. Wipe the affected spot up to 3 times. 
4. After removing them, clean the affected spot with a mop and let it dry. 

Removing Deep Scratches on Vinyl Flooring

Deep scratches on a vinyl floor are more difficult to remove because they penetrate into the floor so you can’t remove them by wiping them off or using a solvent.

However, here are the top two methods to remove them:

1. By Sanding and Waxing

You can remove deep scratches by sanding and waxing the floor. However, if the scratch has affected, cracked, or weakened the planks, you must replace them.

Here are the tools you need for this:

• Sandpaper of different grits
• A mop
• Floor brush
• Vinyl floor cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol or vinegar
• Floor wax or polish

Here’s a step-by-step for this guide:

1. Wipe and clean the affected spot with a mop to get rid of dust.
2. Sand the affected spot with medium-grit sandpaper.
3. Remove the dust and sand again with fine-grit sandpaper.
4. Remove the dust and wipe the affected spot to see if the mark has been removed.
5. Use vinyl floor cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar to wipe the affected spot
6. Wait for a few minutes and apply wax to the affected spot to make the floor shine.

2. By Using a PU Scratch Fix Pen

PU scratch fix pen can remove deep scratches. To do so, you can press the pen into the affected spot, and the PU pen will fill it with vinyl sealer. This makes it disappear. 

The sealer is also designed to be strong and scratch-resistant meaning that the affected spot will not be prone to scratches after using the pen on it.

To use this method, you’ll need:

• PU scratch fix pen
• PU repair spray
• Clean cloths

Here is a guide for this method:

1. Clean the affected spot with a clean cloth.
2. Shake the PU pen for 20 seconds.
3. Point the PU pen upwards and remove the lid.
4. Wrap the tip of the pen with a cloth and press the pen till you see the sealer come out.
5. Put the tip of the pen on the scratch and press it to expel the sealing compound.
6. While pressing the pen, gradually move it along the spot.
7. After the spot has dried, spray it with the PU repair spray.
8. Leave the spot to dry for a few minutes and then inspect it to see if the mark has been removed.

Preventing Scratches

The following expert tips will help prevent them:

1. Use doormats or rubber fittings beneath doors to prevent the door from scratching the floor
2. Install carpets.
3. Wipe and clean the floor regularly.
4. Put floor mats outside the front door so you don’t bring in the dirt.
5. Put foam padding under furniture legs.
6. Don’t drag items across the floor
7. Don’t put heavy furniture on the floor. If you hear squeaking noises from the floor after putting an object on it, it’s an indication that the item is too heavy for the floor to support.

Final Words

Vinyl floors are durable, but they can get scratched. To remove light scratches, use a water-dampened rag and wipe the affected spot. To remove deep scratches, sand the affected area and wax it or use a PU Scratch-fix pen. 

Use a waterproof carpet and doormat, and don’t drag items across the floor to prevent scratches.