Dealing with Scratches and Scrapes: A Homeowner’s Guide to Hardwood First-Aid

You may think your hardwood floors are as tough as Superman, but even the most resilient hardwood species has its kryptonite. Maybe it will sustain a scratch from someone walking around in high-heels, or suffer a scuff from furniture being moved. Scarred forever? Certainly not! Here are several easy first-aid options for tackling the various injuries your hardwood floor may sustain in the line of duty.

For Scratches:
The method of repair for scratches on hardwood depends on the type of finish your floor has. If your floor has a wax or penetrating stain finish, simply apply new wax to the area with a soft clean cloth. If it’s a surface finish, such as polyurethane, you can use a touch-up kit specifically made for your specific floor finish. These are sold at most hardware or home improvement stores, or you can order them online from such companies as Glitsa or DuraSeal.

For Shoe Heel Scuffs:
Like scratches, the treatment for heel scuffs depends on your floor’s specific finish type. For a waxed floor, simply add new wax and buff to a shine with fine steel wool. For a surface finished floor, scrub away with a urethane cleaner. This cleaner will also work for food stains or water spots on finished hardwood floors.

For High Heel Scrapes:
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of great DIY remedies for high heel scrapes or divots. If the scrape or divot isn’t too noticeable, try filling it with a raw walnut and then reapplying the floor’s original finish. If that doesn’t work, or if there are too many scrapes or divots to conceal, call a flooring professional.

For Pet Paws and Claws:
Pets can wreak havoc on your hardwood floors. Luckily, Sparky’s nail marks can be treated much like any other hardwood scrape. If the scrapes aren’t too bad, apply new wax to wax-finish floors. If you’ve got surface finished floors, use a touch-up kit.

While hardwood repair projects are too much for the average homeowner, most maintenance problems require little more than a simple touch-up kit, rags or wax. Not sure if your hardwood scratches can be easily remedied? Contact a flooring professional at The Fantastic Floor today to find out! We can’t wait to help you save your beautiful floor!