Usually, wooden floors cost more than carpeted floors, but they also require lesser maintenance. A proud wood floor owner should also know wooden floors tend to get scraped, scratched, dented, scuffed or damaged. However, a major advantage of wooden floors is that they are easy to repair and refinish, in case of damage.
Scuff marks on wood floors can be caused by footwear, furniture and sharp objects, among others. Wood floors can be a matter of many homeowners’ pride and joy. Unfortunately, there is nothing much that can be done to keep the wood floors completely spotless. Forcing every guest to take off their shoes as soon as they enter the home is not very hospitable, or even practical.
What can be done?
What is possible is to remove the scuff marks from the wood floors once they leave. This may sound complicated and time-consuming. However, understanding how to remove scuff marks from wood floors can be a piece of cake.
How to remove scuff marks from wood floors?
There are multiple ways to remove scuff marks from wood floors. It is best to experiment with the various ways of how to remove scuff marks from wood floors and understand what works best. This article will suggest the 5 most popular ways on how to remove scuff marks from wood floors.
Quick tip: Use a rag or a sponge with mild detergent to remove any dust, grime or other abrasive debris, before starting to scrub the floor. This will prevent the wood floor from getting scratched.
Method 1: Using Sponge & Water
This is a starter method and is extremely simple. It has been observed to be ineffective on old stains or extremely stubborn ones. This method works best for scuff marks that are fresh, and it helps remove the marks without too much effort.
Step 1: Warm up some water.
Step 2: Dip the sponge into the warm water. Feel free to use a soft rag instead.
Step 3: Gently wipe the scuff mark until it disappears.
Method 2: Using Erasers
Erasers are the go-to method for removing small scuff marks that require a controlled and gentle amount of pressure.
Step 1: Rub the scuff marks on the wood floors gently with a clean eraser, until they disappear.
Step 2: Clean up all the eraser shavings from the floor to ensure that they do not leave behind any unwanted stains.
Any regular pencil eraser from a stationery shop can be used, as long as it is clean. In case it turns out to be inadequate, special hard-rubber erasers which are designed for wood floors can be purchased. Remember to use this method in a controlled manner. Repeated rubbing of the floors can cause a dulling of the protective layer that covers the wooden floor. This method is not recommended for floors of lighter colors.
Source: Pixabay
Method 3: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste
Baking soda and toothpaste are mild abrasives that can be found easily. Do not use this method on wood floors that have scratches or pits because a chalky, hard to remove residue can be formed.
Step 1: Use a moist cloth or damp toothbrush to apply the baking soda or toothpaste to the scuff marks.
Step 2: Rub the scuff marks gently using a clean rag.
Step 3: Finally, wipe the wood floor with a clean and damp cloth, and then wipe it dry. The scuff marks should be gone.
This method can be most effective at removing difficult marks.
Source: Pixabay
Method 4: Using a Rubber-Soled Shoe
The glaring irony of this method is that rubber-soled shoes can both cause AND remove scuff marks. This method works similarly to the eraser method and is great when there is a paucity of time.
Step 1: Find a shoe with a rubber sole. Make sure the sole of the shoe is as clean as possible and does not have any substances that may cause stains on it.
Step 2: Using your foot or hand, rub the rubber sole against the scuff mark, in a twisting motion. The scuff mark should disappear.
Remember to not use a black or dark colored sole against a light colored floor.
Method 5: Using a Tennis Ball
This is perhaps the most effective way of how to remove scuff marks from wood floors. This method can be used to easily remove big and tough scuff marks on wood floors. Make sure to use a clean tennis ball to mitigate the counterproductive chance of staining or damaging your floor.
Step 1: Using a sharp cutter, cut a small X into the tennis ball. Place the ball on a firm and flat surface before cutting it to ensure accuracy and safety. It would help to mark the X first using a marker or pencil.
Step 2: Stick the tennis ball onto the end of a broom handle through the X.
Step 3: Using the tennis ball, rub away at the scuff marks firmly, until they disappear.
If a broom handle is difficult to find, the tennis ball can also be used as it is to rub away at the scuff marks.
These were the 5 most popular, effective, cheap and easy ways on how to remove scuff marks from wood floors. In case none of these methods works, turn to a store-bought product that is specifically designed for scuff marks. Remember to test the product in an inconspicuous space before you apply it to a prominent spot on the wood floor. Chemicals can cause permanent damages to wood floors, which can only be solved by spending a lot of money on redoing your floors.
That is all for how to remove scuff marks from wood floors. Hopefully, this step-by-step tutorial will help remove any scuff marks on wood floors and leave them looking good as new.
Feel free to drop in any questions you may have in the comments section and don’t forget to share this blog with someone who may need this!
