How to Remove Scratches from Wooden Floors
Wooden floors are durable, but they aren't invincible. From pet claws to moving furniture, scratches are a fact of life. The good news is that unlike laminate or tiles, timber floors can be repaired.
Here is how to tackle scratches yourself, and when it is time to call in the professionals.
Level 1: Surface Scuffs (The "White Line")
If the scratch is white and disappears when you wipe a damp cloth over it, the damage is likely just in the finish (polyurethane), not the wood itself.
DIY Fix:
- Buffing: Often, a vigorous buff with a microfiber cloth can smooth out the edges.
- Blending Pencils: Use a timber retouching pen (available at hardware stores) to color in the white line.
Level 2: Minor Scratches (Feel it with a fingernail)
If your fingernail catches in the groove, the scratch has penetrated the wood fibers.
DIY Fix:
- Wax Sticks: Rub a color-matched wax repair stick perpendicular to the scratch to fill it, then buff off the excess.
- Touch-up Poly: Carefully apply a tiny amount of polyurethane with an artist's brush to seal the damage.
Level 3: Deep Gouges and Dents
Caused by dropped heavy objects or fridge wheels. These expose raw timber and can turn gray/black if water gets in.
The Fix:
- Steam Iron Method (Dents only): Place a damp cloth over the dent and iron it. The steam swells the wood fibers, popping the dent back up.
- Filler: For gouges, use wood putty. Sand smooth, stain to match, and seal.
When to Call a Professional
DIY fixes are great for isolated marks. However, if your floor looks like a roadmap of scratches, or in high-traffic areas where the finish has worn through to gray, raw timber, you need professional help.
Reglazing (Screen & Recoat): If the scratches are everywhere but not deep, we can lightly abrade the floor and apply a new top coat of polyurethane, making it look brand new for a fraction of the cost of full sanding.
Too Many Scratches?
A reglaze might be all you need. Send us a photo and we'll tell you if it can be saved without full sanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a walnut to fix scratches?
Surprisingly, yes! For very minor surface scuffs on dark woods, rubbing a raw walnut kernel over the scratch releases natural oils that can darken the wood and mask the mark.
How do I fix deep gouges?
Deep gouges that penetrate the finish and timber require filling. You can use a wax stick (color-matched) for small holes, or wood putty for larger ones. These areas typically need to be lightly sanded and sealed.
Will 'Refresh' products work?
Floor polish or 'refresher' products can hide micro-scratches temporarily. However, be careful—many contain silicones that make it impossible to recoat your floor with polyurethane later without sand-papering it all off first.