remove scratches while cleaning wood floors
While wood floors add beauty and value to a home, they are also vulnerable to scratches from everyday use. Scratches are fairly easy to repair and can be done with a few household products. Deep scratches may require a little more time and effort. To protect your wood floors and prolong their life, it is important to remove dust and other dirt regularly by sweeping or vacuuming with a hard suction cleaner.
First, examine the scratched area to determine its severity. A superficial or light scratch will usually just discolor the top layer of the How to clean Wood Floors, and it can be fixed with a blending pencil or wax stick. For more serious scratches, it is necessary to sand down the affected area and then apply a stain marker or stain. This process will make the scratch virtually invisible. It is recommended to choose a color that is a few shades lighter than the flooring, and to test the marker in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the floor. It is also helpful to buff the stained area afterward to smooth out the replacement coating and restore its shine.
It is also possible to use a natural oil to eliminate minor scratches. Raw walnuts, for example, are a good choice, and simply rubbing the scratched area with a fresh piece of raw walnut can help make the marks disappear. Coconut oil is another good option, and can be applied with a soft cloth. A more aggressive approach would involve using fine grade sandpaper to sand down the damaged area and then using wood filler or putty to fill in the blemish, followed by a coat of matching stain and protective finish to prevent future scratches.
How to remove scratches while cleaning wood floors
Scratches can be avoided by leaving your shoes at the door, using a dust mop, and keeping pet nails trimmed. It is a good idea to sweep or vacuum daily, especially in high traffic areas of the home. It is also wise to clean up spills immediately and vacuum regularly, as abrasive dirt can be very damaging to wood floors.
Regularly cleaning your floors with a mop and hardwood floor cleaner (you can find some at a local hardware or janitorial supply store) is also helpful. Be careful not to use too much water, as excess moisture can damage the wood.
Dealing with stains or spills on wood floors should be done promptly to prevent permanent damage. For liquid spills, immediately blot the area with a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid wiping, as it can spread the liquid and worsen the stain.
To keep your wood floors looking their best, it is a good idea to do a deep cleaning of the entire surface every other week or so with a specialized wood floor cleaner. This will not only remove any built up dirt and stains, but it will help to restore and maintain the luster of your hardwood floors. Be careful not to use too much water while cleaning your wood floors, as too much moisture can cause permanent damage. It is a good idea to work in small 3-foot square sections, so that you are not over-wetting the floor.