Wood floors are a stylish addition to any home, however it’s almost impossible to keep them free from scratches over time. When the inevitable happens, this guide will help you determine the severity of the damage and how best to tackle both wood floor scratch repairs and furniture scratch repairs.
Assessing the damage
Before you start fixing wood scratches, you will first need to assess the damage to see whether you’re working with a surface scratch, a deep scratch or wear and tear. Understanding the level of severity will determine if the repairs can be made with at-home methods or will require a bit more work.
Surface scratches
If the scratches have only lightly marked the surface of the wood, you’ll be pleased to read that this is minor or superficial damage which can be repaired with the at-home methods outlined below.
Deep scratches
If you can see a dent or gouge in the wood, then you will need to repair the damage with filler. This requires a little more work, however with the right materials it’s an easy fix which we will delve into later on.
Wear and tear
If your wood floor or furniture has become scratched in multiple areas due to general wear and tear, then there are things you can do to both repair the damage and prevent future marks.
How to prevent scratches
There are a number of ways you can keep your wooden floors and furniture free from damage. Here are a few handy tips:
Reapply wood finish
It is recommended to reapply finish to your wood floors every 1-2 years to keep the wood protected and looking great. This is also a good solution to repair any existing wear and tear.
There are lots of finishes available, such as oil, wax or water-based so you will need to establish which finish is best to use on your wood before applying it.
Depending on usage, furniture can be left much longer before needing to be restored.
Be mindful when moving heavy furniture
Dragging heavy furniture along the floor is a big culprit for scratches and dents, so try to be as careful as possible when moving furniture and scraping chairs.
Keep your floor clean
Clean your wood regularly with non-abrasive cleaning products, such as water mixed with vinegar, lemon, essential oils or washing up liquid. Beeswax polish is great for furniture and for heavily used areas like the hallway and landing, you could also protect the floor with rugs or runners.
How to repair wood floor & furniture
Vinegar and oil for surface scratches
A mixture of vinegar and oil is a natural and effective way to repair light scratches to your wood.
Start by cleaning the area with warm, soapy water, then apply a solution of ¼ white vinegar and ¾ vegetable oil with a cloth. Wipe off after a few minutes and if the scratches haven’t fully disappeared then you can repeat this method twice a week until they are completely gone.
Use a wood stain marker
Wood stain markers are a great quick-fix for surface scratches and you can find them online or in most DIY stores.
Choose the colour that matches your wood, then apply some of the marker to a cloth before rubbing the affected area in a circular motion. Never use the marker directly on the scratched wood as you risk using too much stain and being left with a darker patch.
Wood filler for deep scratches
If you’re working with a deep scratch or dent, you will need to apply wood filler to the area with a putty knife. Wipe off any excess while the filler is wet, then leave it for a few hours to dry before sanding down any rough edges and applying wood stain or finish.
We hope this guide has been helpful for repairing your scratched wood and preventing future damage. For help with repairs or cleaning, hire a skilled tasker near you today.
