You likely invested in Pro-Tek™ because you wanted durable, scratch resistant flooring that could handle the rigours of daily life. Whether you have energetic pets, busy children, or simply a high-traffic home, luxury vinyl is engineered to be one of the toughest surfaces on the market.
However, “scratch resistant” does not mean “scratch proof.” While our commercial-grade wear layers provide exceptional protection against scuffs and impacts, no floor is completely invincible. To ensure your investment retains its showroom finish for decades, it is worth following a few simple preventative measures.
Here is our list of smart ways to protect your scratch resistant flooring every day.
Jump To Section
- Understanding the Technology Behind Scratch Resistant Flooring
- The Role of Furniture Pads
- Pets and Paws: Managing Claws on Scratch Resistant Flooring
- Using Rugs to Shield High-Traffic Zones
- Routine Cleaning to Maintain Scratch Resistant Flooring
- Moving Heavy Furniture on Scratch Resistant Flooring
- Handling Spills and Messes
- Can You Fix Scratches if They Occur?
- Why Manufacturer Guidelines Matter
Understanding the Technology Behind Scratch Resistant Flooring
Before diving into protection, it helps to understand what you are walking on. Pro-Tek™ flooring isn’t just a printed picture of wood; it is a multi-layered engineering marvel. The secret to our scratch resistant flooring lies in the transparent “wear layer” on top.
This commercial-grade coating is designed to absorb impact and resist abrasion. Unlike real hardwood, where a scratch penetrates the fibre of the material immediately, the wear layer acts as a shield. However, consistent sharp force can eventually breach this shield, which is why the following maintenance tips are vital for longevity.
The Role of Furniture Pads
While Pro-Tek™ is engineered to be robust, sharp friction from dragging chairs is the most common cause of surface damage. Furniture pads are an inexpensive and highly effective solution to this problem.
Typically made of felt, these soft pads feature an adhesive that sticks to the bottom of furniture legs. They are essential for dining chairs, sofas, and coffee tables. By applying these pads, you ensure that every time a chair is slid back from the table, it glides on soft felt rather than grinding hard wood or metal into the surface of your beautiful floor.
For heavier items like sideboards or wardrobes, consider furniture cups made from silicone or rubber. These distribute weight more evenly, reducing the risk of indentation marks over long periods.
Pets and Paws: Managing Claws on Scratch Resistant Flooring
One of the main reasons homeowners choose scratch resistant flooring is for their four-legged friends. While vinyl is far superior to wood for pets, claws can still pose a risk if not managed.
- Trim Nails Regularly: Long, sharp nails can click-clack against the floor and eventually cause micro-scratches, especially when a dog is excited and “scrambling” for grip. Keeping nails trimmed is the easiest prevention method.
- Mats Under Bowls: Pets can be messy eaters. A non-slip mat under food and water bowls catches grit and water, preventing it from being ground into the floor by hungry paws.
Using Rugs to Shield High-Traffic Zones
Rugs and mats are a great way to add a layer of armour to your scratch resistant flooring in areas that see the most action.
Entryways are particularly vulnerable because grit and small stones stuck in shoe treads act like sandpaper. Placing a high-quality doormat at the entrance and a runner rug in the hallway catches this debris before it can be tracked onto the main floor. Ensure you use rugs with a non-slip backing or a rug underlay to prevent them from sliding underfoot.
Also, be mindful of sunlight. In high UV areas, you could notice slight discoloration with the floor where it is covered compared to exposed areas. Please ensure that you have high UV resistance glass or move the rug periodically to allow for even exposure.
Routine Cleaning to Maintain Scratch Resistant Flooring
Dust and dirt are more than just unsightly; they are abrasive. Over time, walking on a dusty floor grinds fine particles into the wear layer, which can dull the finish.
Regularly sweeping with a soft broom or vacuuming (using the hard floor setting) ensures that your flooring performs as intended. By removing these abrasive particles, you allow the protective coating to do its job effectively against actual impacts and scuffs.
Moving Heavy Furniture on Scratch Resistant Flooring
Whether you are deep cleaning or simply rearranging your living room layout, the golden rule is: lift, do not drag.
Dragging heavy furniture is a leading cause of deep gouges in floors. Even the best scratch resistant flooring has its limits against the sharp corner of a heavy oak cabinet. Always ask someone to help you lift items into place. If you must slide something, ensure there is a thick rug or specialised moving slider underneath the legs to act as a buffer.
Handling Spills and Messes
While Pro-Tek™ is 100% waterproof, leaving spills on the floor can still lead to issues. Sticky liquids like juice or soft drinks can trap dirt, creating a gritty residue that increases surface abrasion when walked on.
Clear up messes as soon as possible. The beauty of scratch resistant flooring from Pro-Tek™ is that it is incredibly easy to clean—a quick wipe with our dedicated LVT Vinyl Floor Cleaner is usually all it takes to keep the surface hygienic and smooth.
Can You Fix Scratches if They Occur?
Despite our best efforts, accidents happen. If you do notice a scratch, do not panic.
For minor surface scuffs on your scratch resistant flooring, there are specialist repair kits available that can buff out or fill small imperfections. However, the true benefit of Pro-Tek™ click vinyl lies in its installation method. Because it is a floating floor, if a plank suffers deep, irreparable damage (like a heavy tool being dropped on it), a professional can unclick the floor back to that point and replace the single damaged plank. This is impossible with sheet vinyl and difficult with real wood, making click vinyl a truly long-term solution.
Why Manufacturer Guidelines Matter
Every reputable manufacturer provides instructions on how to care for their products. Pro-Tek™ floors are designed with a specialised top coat that makes them highly scratch resistant flooring options, but using the wrong cleaning products (like abrasive scourers, steam mops, or bleach) can strip this finish over time.
Always check the maintenance guide to ensure you are using approved, pH-neutral products. This simple step ensures your floor remains the star of your home for many years to come.