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How to Repair Hardwood Floor Scratches

By Staff Writer
Share to PinterestHow to Repair Hardwood Floor Scratches
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Hardwood floors are timeless, adding beauty and durability to any home. With proper maintenance and care, hardwood floors can last for generations. Over time, scratches will inevitably appear. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair these scratches and keep your hardwood floors looking their best. From wax sticks to natural remedies like olive oil and vinegar, add these tools to your repertoire to help ensure your hardwood flooring remains in top condition for years to come.

01

Start with a clean floor

Share to PinterestBarefoot woman cleaning floor with wet mop pad cropped image.
fizkes/ Getty Images

Remove dust and grime from your hardwood floors before attempting any scratch repair. Gently sweep the entire area, then remove any existing wax build-up. Next, wash the floor with a microfiber mop using a water-based biodegradable cleaner formulated for hardwood. Finally, buff the area with a soft cloth.

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02

Consider natural DIY solutions for superficial scratches

Share to PinterestA man cleaning the floors
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Coconut oil is an effective DIY solution for repairing hardwood floor scratches. It's easy to apply and helps nourish the wood while filling in light gaps in the floor's surface. Rub a small amount of oil into the scratch, then buff it with a clean cloth. Walnuts are also an excellent option for superficial scratches; their oils help restore luster and shine to dull or faded finishes.

Break the walnut in half and rub the inside of the shell over the scratches. The natural oils will help fill in the scratch and blend it with the rest of the floor.

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03

Revive your scratched floor with finish restorers

Share to PinterestApplication  of oil-based floor finish on luxury oak parquet flooring, which tends to enhance the appearance of parquet
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Commercial finish restorer solutions brighten floors by reviving their original glossy look. They can help minimize the appearance of minor scratches and refresh the finish. Basic steps for use include cleaning the floor, applying the product, drying time, and buffing for shine, but always read your specific product carefully before you begin.

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04

Use wax sticks for light scratches

Share to Pinterestrepair restoration laminate flooring parquet and wood products.sealing scratches and chips. master processes the surface with a special pencil to remove scratches close-up
Roman Budnyi/ Getty Images

Wax sticks are blending pencils made for hardwood floors, effective for filling shallow nicks and grooves. Choose one that most closely matches your floor's finish and texture. First, rub the marker into the scratch until filled. Next, use a putty knife to blend. Air dry for about 20 minutes, then carefully buff. Voila—like-new perfection!

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05

Use a nail file

Share to Pinterestelimination of damage on wooden surfaces,wax restoration
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A nail file can rub out small, superficial scratches. Start by sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Smooth away any remaining scratches with the file. Work in the same direction as the wood grain, using very light pressure. Finish with a light buffing.

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06

Try commercial scratch repair products

Share to PinterestUsing a brush to clean bathroom floor
sestovic/ Getty Images

Standard commercial scratch repair products like Scratch Away are ideal for filling minor scratches quickly. Apply the product to the affected area using a clean cloth, blending in circles until the scratch disappears.

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07

Sand out scratches and imperfections

Share to Pinterestcarpenter scrubbing wood board in the workshop, diy and repair concept
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Sanding may be necessary for deeper imperfections. You'll need fine-grained sandpaper to buff and smooth out the marks. Start by lightly sanding the marred area in the direction of the wood grain.

Gradually increase the grit of the sandpaper until you've eliminated most of the scratch marks. Remove any debris and dust left behind with a soft cloth. Next, reapply the stain you've sanded away. Finish with a coat of polyurethane.

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08

Treat flooring gouges with vinegar or olive oil mixtures

Share to PinterestA hand of man leaning a parquet floor
tommaso79/ Getty Images

A vinegar and water mixture can treat light to medium scratches. Simply mix equal parts in a bowl, then apply it to the scratch with a cloth. The acidity of the vinegar helps remove dirt and debris from the scratch while the water dilutes the remaining vinegar, preventing damage to your floor.

Another standard DIY solution is lemon juice and olive oil. The acidity of lemon juice removes grime, while olive oil nourishes and protects your floor.

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09

Apply wood filler for deep scratches

Share to PinterestPainted wooden board with transparent protective water-based finish. House renovation works.
ArtMassa/ Getty Images

Some deep scratches may require a store-bought wood filler. First, follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions. Then, use a putty knife to apply it to the scratches and depressions. Allow it to dry for 24 to 36 hours. Once dry, sand the filler until it's flush with the rest of the floor. Then clean the area and apply a wood stain with a cloth or paintbrush. Finally, seal and protect the flooring with polyurethane.

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10

Strip and refinish your hardwood floors to repair extensive damage

Share to PinterestHome renovation, parquet sanding, polishing
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Stripping and refinishing hardwood floors is a more complicated process, but it may be necessary to repair extensive damage. You can start by sanding down the surface lightly with a manual sander. Alternatively, use chemical strippers designed for hardwood.

Depending on the extent of the repair, it may be best to contact a professional flooring contractor. They can assess the damage and provide more detailed advice on repairing the scratches on your hardwood floors.

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