Fast Fixes for Floor Scratches
Whether caused by a stray stone in a shoe or a sliding sofa, scratches on floorboards can be an eyesore. Here is how to repair them using common household items and DIY supplies available in the UK.
1. The Walnut Method (For Light Scratches)
This is a classic 'old wives' tale' that actually works for surface marks on dark wood.
The Fix: Crack open a walnut and rub the kernel (the 'meat') directly into the scratch.
How it works: The natural oils in the walnut soak into the wood, darkening the scratch and making it blend with the surrounding area.
Finish: Buff the area with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. The Tea Bag Trick (For Surface Marks)
Great for matching the tone of medium-to-dark oak or mahogany floors.
The Fix: Brew a mug of strong black tea (like PG Tips or Yorkshire Tea) using one bag and a small amount of boiling water. Let it steep for several minutes.
Application: Dab the tea onto the scratch with a cotton bud. The tannins in the tea act as a natural wood dye.
Note: Start with a light application; you can add more layers to darken the 'stain' once it dries.
3. Wax Repair Sticks (For Medium Scratches)
If the scratch has broken the finish but isn't deep, use a wax repair stick (often found in the flooring aisle at B&Q or Screwfix).
The Fix: Choose a colour that matches your floor. Rub the wax stick over the scratch until it is filled.
Finish: Use a plastic scraper (or an old credit card) to level the wax, then buff with a soft cloth.
4. White Spirit and Wood Stain (For Deeper Scratches)
If the wood itself is gouged, you will need to clean the area before repairing.
Clean: Dampen a cloth with white spirit (the UK equivalent of mineral spirits) to remove any old wax or polish from the scratch.
Fill: Use a wood filler that matches your floor colour. Apply it with a filling knife (putty knife), overfilling slightly.
Sand: Once dry, sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper (180 or 240 grit).
Seal: Apply a thin coat of floor varnish or polyurethane lacquer to protect the repair.
5. Steaming Out Dents
If the wood is dented rather than scratched (where the fibres are crushed but not broken):
The Fix: Place a damp tea towel over the dent.
Steam: Press a hot iron onto the damp cloth for 10–20 seconds. The steam causes the wood fibres to swell back to their original shape.
Caution: Check the progress frequently to ensure you don't damage the surrounding varnish.
Prevention and Maintenance
Furniture Pads: Apply felt pads to the bottom of all chair and table legs.
Entrance Mats: Use heavy-duty doormats at every entrance to catch grit and small stones before they reach your floors.
Footwear: Avoid wearing stiletto heels or football boots (cleats) indoors, as these exert enough pressure to dent even the hardest oak.
Regular Cleaning: Give the floor a regular hoover (vacuum) or a sweep with a microfibre mop to remove abrasive dust.
Source: www.ThisOldHouse.com
