How to Remove Scuffs Off Hardwood

Hardwood furniture, paneling and floors can all develop scuff marks.

Scuffs will occur on your hardwood when a rubber item, such as the bottom of shoes, rubs against the wood surface. Typical hardwood cleaners do little to remove the scuff from the wood. However, several inexpensive items will eliminate the scuffs and restore the look of the wood. When removing scuffs from hardwood, take care not to damage the varnish or finish. Many household products, such as acetone, can dissolve the hardwood finish, causing more harm than good.

Things You'll Need

• Pink eraser
• Paper towels
• Towel
• Lint-free cloth
• Water-displacing spray
• Melamine foam cleaning pad

Instructions

1. Scrub the scuffs off the floor with a pink eraser. Scrub in a back-and-forth motion for several passes until the scuffs are no longer visible. Wipe the eraser shavings off the hardwood with paper towels dampened with cold water. Dry with a towel.

2. Moisten a lint-free cloth with water-displacing spray, such as WD-40. Rub the scuffs off the hardwood with the damp cloth in a circulation motion. Apply more water-displacing spray when the cloth becomes dry and continue rubbing until you have removed the marks. Rinse the hardwood clean with paper towels dampened with water. Dry with a towel.

3. Dampen a melamine foam cleaning pad with water. Wipe the scuffs off the hardwood with the foam pad until the marks are no longer visible. Dry the wood with a towel.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Scuff Marks and Heel Marks — Floor Stain Tips
• Housekeeping Channel; Scuff Marks; November 2009
• Reader's Digest: Wow, Look What WD-40 Can Do