Hardwood floors are a beautiful investment that adds warmth, elegance, and lasting value to your home. But as durable as they are, even the toughest hardwoods can fall victim to life’s daily wear and tear. Whether it’s from kids, pets, furniture, or other disruptions, scratches are a common part of homeownership. The good news? Many scratches can be addressed without a full refinishing job if you know how.
In this post, we’ll walk you through effective, homeowner-friendly solutions for removing scratches and keeping your floors in great shape as part of a regular hardwood floor maintenance routine.
Before you tackle any kind of scratch repair, start by cleaning the floor. Use a microfiber cloth or dust mop to remove dirt, grit, and debris. Anything left behind can make the problem worse as you work. For best results, use a hardwood-specific cleaner that’s pH-neutral and safe for your finish.
A clean surface will allow your repair method to work better and prevent dirt from settling into the scratch.
Not all scratches are created equal. If the damage hasn’t gone through the finish layer, you’re likely dealing with a surface scratch, and that’s good news.
You can find these at most hardware stores. Match the color to your floor, apply directly to the scratch, and gently wipe off the excess with a soft cloth. This blends the scratch into the surrounding wood.
This may sound odd, but the natural oils in walnuts help mask light scratches. Gently rub the inside of the walnut over the scratch, following the direction of the wood grain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff with a clean cloth.
For natural finishes or unfinished spots, mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply to the scratch with a cloth, let it sit, and wipe away. This not only masks the scratch but also nourishes the wood.
If the scratch has gone deeper into the wood beneath the finish, it will take a bit more effort to restore the surface.
Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 180–220 grit) to gently sand the scratched area. Always sand in the direction of the grain. After sanding, clean the area and apply a matching wood stain and finish.
These are ideal for gouges or deeper scratches. Choose a filler that matches your floor, apply it with a putty knife, and allow it to dry completely. Finish by sanding lightly and applying a topcoat.
Not sure how deep the damage goes? Get a free professional floor assessment from our team.
For more extensive surface wear, especially if your floors are starting to look dull or cloudy, consider a hardwood floor restorer. These products are designed to refresh the floor’s topcoat and fill in minor scratches across large areas.
Apply with a mop or microfiber pad following the manufacturer's instructions. It’s an excellent option between full refinishing jobs and daily upkeep.
If your floors are full of scratches, or you’re noticing discoloration, water damage, or uneven boards, it may be time for a professional touch.
At The Ohio Floor Company, we specialize in hardwood floor maintenance and full refinishing services that restore the original beauty of your floors. Using industry-leading equipment and techniques, we’ll sand away deep damage and recoat your floors with a durable, high-quality finish.
Our transparent pricing and attention to detail make us Ohio’s trusted name in hardwood flooring.
By building a simple maintenance routine and knowing how to address small scratches, you can extend the life and beauty of your hardwood floors for decades.
Get started today with a free consultation.