Vinyl flooring repair tips: expert hacks

May 23, 2025

Have you run into some issues with your vinyl flooring? Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us, and most of the time, it’s easily solvable with a few at-home hacks.

While vinyl flooring is affordable and looks great in the home, it is easier to scratch and tear, so caution is always necessary. 

So, if you’re tired of tripping over your peeling vinyl floor or the bald patch is ruining the ambience of your kitchen, here’s how to fix it before the issue gets worse. All you need is a can-do attitude, the right tools, and a few hours to spare!

At Mersey Flooring, we provide a variety of laminate and vinyl flooring that’s built to last. Whatever your style, you’ll find something for your home on our website.

What causes vinyl flooring to become damaged?

While vinyl flooring lasts between 10 and 20 years when properly cared for, it can easily become damaged if simple maintenance is neglected. 

If you’ve had your floors for a while, wear and tear will just start to naturally happen (some things are unavoidable). However, here are the most common reasons your floor is starting to deteriorate prematurely: 

Heavy furniture and sharp objects

If you have a lot of heavy furniture, like bookshelves or dining tables, these can start to put pressure on your floors, leading to holes and rips. 

Even something as small as sharp chair legs can wear it down.

Water exposure

Vinyl is water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean it can handle large amounts of water. 

The odd splash here and there, yes, but if water seeps underneath, mould and mildew can grow, and the floor will become unstable. Spills and excessive mopping can also cause water damage.

Improper installation

If you’re not confident in installing your floors, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Poor installation can drastically decrease their lifespan and durability. 

This means issues like bubbling, lifting at the edges, and visible seams will arise.

Excessive heat exposure

Constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause your vinyl to fade, discolour, or even become brittle. 

If you’re installing it in a brightly lit room, like a conservatory or a kitchen, you should install blinds or UV-filtering films.

High foot traffic

Do you have a busy household? Constant foot traffic and messy shoes can make your floors look tired and worn down. 

Friction and pressure can damage the protective top layer, making your vinyl more prone to scratches and dulling.

Pets

Do you have little animals with sharp claws walking around your house? If so, these can be the biggest culprits for damaged floors. 

They can scratch vinyl floors easily just by walking across them or leave behind odours and stains if not addressed straight away.

Poor maintenance 

It may already be a given, but not only can not cleaning your floors regularly cause dirt build-up, but cleaning them often and using the wrong products can cause just as much damage. 

Using harsh chemicals, scrubbing too hard, or using steam cleaners can all do more harm than good, weakening the adhesive or damaging the top layer over time.

Common vinyl flooring issues and how to fix them

So, if you’re here to get your vinyl floor fixed, here are the most common issues and how to address them from home.

1. Scratches and scuffs

Scratches and scuffs are the number one problem that most people run into with vinyl floors. Pet claws, grit from outside, and everyday wear can cause this. 

So, here’s how to fix each problem:

• Light scuffs and surface marks: Clean the surface with a mild, pH-neutral vinyl cleaner, then get a clean microfibre cloth and apply a small amount of WD-40 or jojoba oil to the area. Gently buff the scratch in a circular motion and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
• Deeper scratches: Purchase a vinyl kit online (with a filler or coloured compound) and match it to the colour of your floor. Then, clean and dry the area before applying the filler with a spatula or applicator, adding small amounts at a time. Once its set, smooth the surface with a soft cloth.

Top tip: To prevent scratches from furniture legs, add pads underneath each one to prevent dents and scuff marks. Laying down a rug is also a great idea for households with pets.

2. Tears and cuts

Tears and cuts aren’t just a nuisance to see; if left untreated, they can lead to bigger issues. 

These can be caused by sharp utensils, dragging furniture across the floor, children’s toys, and more! Here’s how to solve the problem before it leads to leaks and dirt build-up.

Small tears and cuts

• Vinyl floor adhesive 
• A seam roller
• Small brush or cotton bud
• A damp cloth

1. Clean the area with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Lift the edges of the tear slightly to apply a generous amount of adhesive underneath the section.
3. Press the vinyl down firmly to form a good bond, and smooth out from the centre to eliminate air bubbles. 
4. Roll over the area with a seam roller to even it out and wipe away any excess glue.

Large tears and missing sections

• A utility knife
• A ruler or straight edge
• Vinyl adhesive 
• A matching vinyl offcut
• A seam roller 

1. Cut out the damaged section with a utility knife, using a ruler for a straight and even cut. Aim to cut it out in a square or rectangular shape.
2. Cut a patch out of your spare vinyl so it fits perfectly in the gap, matching up any grain or pattern lines.
3. Dry fit the match to make sure it fits.
4. Apply adhesive to the subfloor and carefully place down the new section so it aligns. Press it down firmly and flatten it out with a seam roller. 
5. Allow it to dry for a few hours before walking on the section.

3. Water damage

While vinyl floors are water resistant, they’re NOT waterproof. This means they can handle the odd spills and splashes, but ongoing moisture exposure will cause your floors to bubble and warp. 

Some signs of water damage include discolouration, musty odours, raised or ‘spongy’ areas, and curling edges. The key is early detection and a fast, proper fix. 

How to fix surface bubbling

• A hairdryer or heat gun
• A small utility knife
• Vinyl adhesive
• A seam roller 

1. Use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low heat setting to warm the area and reactivate the adhesive.
2. Use your hand or a roller to press down on the bubble.
3. If that doesn't work, make a small incision on the bubble with a utility knife and inject vinyl adhesive into the gap using a fine nozzle or cotton bud.
4. Press down the vinyl and smooth it out with the roller.
5. Wipe away any excess glue and leave it to set for 24 hours.

What if water has got underneath?

If water has gotten underneath the vinyl, you’ll have to lift the damaged section using a scraper and allow it to dry completely for a few days. 

Then, check for any mould or mildew (address if necessary), apply fresh adhesive and re-lay the vinyl if it’s still usable. If not, cut a new matching piece to replace it.

4. Peeling edges

Peeling edges may just seem like a small issue, but they can quickly become more of a problem if left unattended. 

Once the edges start to lift, they can trap dirt, let moisture in, or even become a tripping hazard. The good news is that it’s an easy fix.

What you’ll need:

• Vinyl flooring adhesive
• Small brush or cotton bud
• Damp cloth
• Weights (anything flat and heavy)

1. Slightly lift the edge of the ground so that the subfloor is accessible.
2. Then, clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dirt or debris and let it dry completely before proceeding.
3. Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive underneath the peeled edge with a small, precise applicator. 
4. Press the vinyl down until it’s smooth and no air bubbles are visible, and use a seam roller to flatten out the floor.
5. Weight the floor down with a heavy object and leave it to dry for 24 hours.

When to consider replacing your vinyl flooring

Sometimes, as much as we want them to, our vinyl floors just can’t be saved. If you’ve tried out all the hacks in the book, and nothing is lasting, then it may be time for some new floors.

Luckily for you, we have a stunning selection of floors for every room in your home at unbeatable prices. From beautiful, long-lasting vinyl floors to waterproof flooring for bathrooms and kitchens, we’ve got you covered.

Browse our collection today or visit us in-store for expert advice.