Floor Scratch Repair Guide

Scratches on your floors happen from everyday wear, moving furniture, pets, or accidental impacts. While minor scratches can often be repaired at home, deep or extensive damage may require professional attention. This guide covers practical repair steps for different flooring types, along with tips for protecting your investment.

General Steps Before Repair

Clean the scratched area thoroughly with a soft broom, microfiber cloth, or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Wipe the area with a floor cleaner appropriate for your floor type. Avoid wax-based cleaners or harsh chemicals that may interfere with repair materials.
Assess the scratch depth. Minor surface marks may be fixed with markers, fillers, or wax; deeper scratches might need sanding, plank replacement, or professional services.
Test any repair material on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure color match and finish compatibility.

Hardwood Floors

Fine scratches: Use a wood stain or floor touch-up marker that matches your floor color. Apply lightly, allow to dry, then buff gently with fine steel wool or a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary.
Deep scratches: Lightly sand the affected area, fill with wood filler, remove excess, let dry, then sand flush with the surrounding surface. Apply a matching stain or sealant to restore finish. For large areas or multiple deep scratches, professional sanding and refinishing may be required.
Tip: Avoid excess water during cleaning or repair; hardwood is sensitive to moisture.

Laminate Floors

Light scratches: Apply a laminate repair marker or wax stick matching your floor color. Buff lightly to blend. Clean the area first to ensure adhesion.
Deep scratches: Laminate cannot be sanded. Replace the damaged plank if the scratch penetrates the wear layer. For multiple damaged planks, professional replacement may be more efficient.
Tip: Avoid abrasive cleaning or sanding; it will remove the protective laminate coating.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Surface scratches: Use a vinyl repair kit or colored wax filler to fill and blend minor scratches. Buff with a soft cloth once dry.
Deep scratches: Plank replacement is often required. Ensure any filler fully seals the scratch to prevent moisture damage or dirt accumulation.
Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing, as they can remove the wear layer or discolor the vinyl.

Sheet Vinyl Floors

Minor scuffs: Clean the area and apply a vinyl polish or manufacturer-recommended filler stick to minimize the appearance of scratches.
Deep scratches or tears: Use a vinyl repair kit to patch or consider professional replacement of the affected section. Always follow manufacturer instructions for adhesive and patching materials.
Tip: Prevent future damage by using floor protectors under furniture and avoiding dragging heavy objects across the floor.

Remember: While DIY repair methods can be effective for minor scratches, deep or widespread damage often requires professional repair or replacement. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to protect your warranty and ensure long-lasting results.