Symptoms
- Visible scratch or scuff marks in the surface
- Scuffs from shoes or furniture legs
- Scratch catches light differently than surrounding floor
- Deeper marks show a lighter color underneath
Likely causes
- CommonFurniture dragged without protective padsEven vinyl's wear layer can scratch under a dragged chair or table leg.
- CommonGrit and dirt ground in by foot trafficSmall particles under shoes act abrasively over time.
- PossiblePet clawsRepeated scratching, especially near doors, can mark the surface.
- PossibleMoving heavy appliances or furniture across the floorDragging heavy items without protection can leave deeper scratches.
What to do
- Clean the area thoroughly first, since some marks are just scuffed-in dirt rather than true scratches.
- For scuff marks, a magic eraser-style sponge or a bit of baking soda paste often removes them without damaging the finish.
- For light surface scratches in the wear layer, a vinyl floor scratch repair kit or a specialized vinyl polish can reduce their visibility.
- For a deeper scratch that goes through the wear layer, clean it and apply a color-matched vinyl repair filler or seam sealant made for vinyl flooring.
- Smooth the filler with a putty knife and let it cure per the product's instructions.
- Add felt pads under furniture legs and use furniture sliders when moving heavy items to prevent new scratches.
- Place mats at entryways to reduce the grit that causes gradual scratching across the whole floor.
Tools and parts
- Soft cloth
- Magic eraser sponge
- Putty knife
Vinyl floor scratch repair kitSearch: “vinyl plank floor scratch repair kit”
Furniture felt padsSearch: “furniture felt floor protector pads”
When to call a pro
Call a flooring installer to replace an individual plank if a scratch is deep, wide, or in a highly visible spot.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.