Tips for Removing Wooden Floor Scratches

03/12/2020

Wooden floors have been one of the most preferred flooring choices for centuries because of their beauty. However, at the same time, wooden floors are also susceptible to scratches and many other types of wear and tear. All types of natural wood are continuously under constant threat from water marks, surface wear, as well as deeper damage. Therefore, prevention of wooden floor scratches is critical to maintaining their beauty. 

As preventive measures, make use of soft protective pads while moving furniture, keep your pets’ nails trimmed, and remove shoes as much as possible.  The finish of a wooden floor protects it from regular wear and tear. In order to maintain a wooden floor, it is important to identify the type of finish. Older floors finished with varnish or shellac can be maintained best by liquid wax, paste, or oil. If your old floor has got scratched significantly, strip or sand it down, and refinish using a polyurethane-based product.  While working on polyurethane-finished floors, make it a point to use a water-based silicone polish.

When the wear and tear is widespread, the floor refinishing requirement may be time and labour-intensive.  Under these circumstances, it is better to leave the job to a professional. However, for less serious marks and discoloration, wood floors can be restored to their former glory by applying the scratch repair tips mentioned below. 

• Thorough but gentle cleaning can do wonders to a scratched wooden floor. Avoid using abrasive scrub pads and brooms, and never soak your floor with any liquid cleanser or water. Instead, to remove surface debris, hair and dust, make use of a vacuum or soft mop.  For cleaning polyurethane-finished floors, use a water-based cleaner with a biodegradable cleaning agent.    
• It is possible to sand out the scratches from a wooden floor using just fine-grained sandpaper. Start by sanding the floor in the grain’s direction. Patch-test a wood stain that matches the floor colour in a hidden area. Also, patch test a urethane finish after finding out the right stain. Before you stain and finish, please make sure that the sanded area is thoroughly clean and smooth. 
• Walnut contains brown dyes that are capable of repairing as well as enhancing the appearance of scratched, worn wood. Apply the oil in the nut in the worn areas of the floor in small circular motions, using your fingers. Scratch marks on freshly sanded or unfinished floors can be minimised by coconut oil. 
• If there are deep scratches on your wood floor, use a wood stain to minimise the appearance. Depending on your wood’s finish, choose the right stain formula and make sure that the scratch is filled in completely with the liquid colour.  
• If your wooden floor has reached a very bad stage, your only option may be to strip off the existing one and start afresh. 

These were just a few ways to remove scratches from wooden floors. If you have more questions about maintaining your wooden floor, please feel free to contact the experts at Enoak.