How to Remove Pet Scratches From Wood Floors

You leave the dog home for the day and come back to find your beautiful hardwoods scratched. Or, maybe he loves to run and play and the floors are evidence of his fun. Deep scratches like these often can't be fixed with a wax and buffing method so, instead turn to the pantry for some nuts. It's an old wives' tale that works. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Walnut, Brazil nut or pecan
• Nutcracker
• Butter knife
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Buy a bag of oily nutmeat like Brazil nuts, pecans or walnuts. You only need one or two nuts for this project, but they're good to have on hand for cooking and baking, anyway.

2. Place the nut between both sides of the nutcracker. Squeeze until the shell cracks.

3. Use your fingernail or a butter knife to carefully remove the pieces of nut from the shell. Try to get a larger piece to stay intact.

4. Holding the walnut in one hand, rub it into the scratches on the floor.

5. Watch as the nut's natural oils help hide the claw marks. The oils will fill in the scratch so it doesn't stand out so much.

6. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Walnuts also work to disguise scratches on wooden furniture.

• Test a small area first by rubbing the walnut on the scratch.

• For light surface scratches, apply a new coat or stick wax to the affected area. Buff to a shine.