How to Clean Black Scuff Marks off the Floor

Men's dress shoes are often the culprit of black scuff marks on the floor.

Black scuff marks often occur when the bottom of a black-soled shoe is scuffed against the floor. These irritating and unsightly black marks can accumulate quickly when there are many shoes moving across the floor, such as in an office building or school. Clean black scuff marks off the floor with supplies found around the home. A simple, quick cleaning method is especially helpful when you must combat scuff marks throughout the day.

Things You'll Need

• Water-displacing spray (like WD-40)
• Magic stain erasing sponge
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Clean cloth
• Tennis ball
• Box cutter
• Broom handle

Instructions

1. Apply water-displacement spray directly on the scuff marks on the floor. Allow the spray to sit on the scuff mark for a few seconds.

2. Dampen a magic stain removing sponge with water, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Scrub the water-displacement spray into the black scuff mark. Rinse the sponge frequently with plain water and continue to wipe up the black scuff mark.

3. 

   Keep undiluted vinegar handy to clean up after stain removal.

   Fill a spray bottle white vinegar. Spray the vinegar onto the floor to clean up the water-displacement spray. Wipe with a clean cloth.

4. Cut an "X" in a clean tennis ball using a box cutter knife. Push a broom handle into the "X" so the tennis ball is stuck on the bottom of the broom handle.

5. 

   A tennis ball can remove black scuff marks.

   Lift small scuff marks off the floor by rubbing the surface of the tennis ball over the black scuff mark. Change tennis balls or move to another side as the tennis ball gets dirty.

Tips & Warnings

• Rub a small amount of cooking oil into a scuff mark made from tar. The oil helps loosen and break down the tar.

References

• Apartment Therapy: WD-40, Who Knew?
• Apartment Therapy: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser