Some imperfections in your hardwood floors can be easily fixed, as long as the damage is minor. Anything more than a deep scratch should be handled by a professional, so you don’t find yourself in need of an entirely new floor. Here are some easy and affordable ways to remove scratches from hardwood floors.

Shallow Scratches

Wood Stain Marker

1. After wiping the scratched area clean of dirt and debris, grab a wood stain marker found at any hardware or home department store.
2. Spot test the marker to make sure the colour matches your flooring. If it matches, then apply the marker to the scratch and rub it in with a clean cloth to seal it.

Wood Sealant

1. Clean the scratch thoroughly with a soft rag and hardwood floor cleanser.
2. Clear away the cleanser with a damp cloth and leave it to dry.
3. Once dry, apply the same sealant or varnish that’s on the rest of your hardwood floors to the scratched area using a small tipped brush.

Wood Filler

1. Clean the scratched area with a soft rag and hardwood floor cleanser to remove any dirt or dust particles.
2. Wipe the area with a damp rag to remove the cleanser. Wait until the floor is completely dry before continuing.
3. Grab a wood wax stick of the same colour as your flooring from any hardware or home department store and rub it over the scratched area to fill it. Let the wax settle and dry for a day or two before buffing or sealing it.
4. Use a clean microfibre cloth to buff the wax and restore some shine to your floors.

Deep Scratches

1. Clean the scratched area with a soft cloth and a small amount of hardwood floor cleanser.
2. Wipe away the cleanser with a new rag dampened with water. Allow it to dry completely before continuing.
3. If your flooring has a layer of polyurethane coating, then dampen a cloth with mineral spirits and rub it over the scratched area before wiping it clean and letting everything dry. If your floors are sealed with a different material, skip this step. Call a professional if you’re unfamiliar with woodworking or sealants.
4. Using a wood filler of a similar flooring colour, apply a small amount to the scratch with your pointer finger. Work the filler into the scratch to remove air bubbles. Let it dry for a day after application.
5. Use a putty knife to remove excess filler by running the knife over the surface. Smooth until flat.
6. Use fine grit sandpaper (220 to 300 grit) and sand the surrounding area either in the direction of the wood grain or in small circular motions. Wipe away the excess filler with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid wiping over the filled scratch.
7. Apply a thin layer of sealant to the patched area, the same kind used for the rest of the flooring. Use a small natural bristle brush or a lambswool roller to apply at least two coats of sealant. Allow drying for 24 hours before letting others walk over it.

More Helpful Tips

• Mix apple cider vinegar with olive oil and apply it to any minor scratch. Leave for a day and rub it out with a soft cloth.
• Have lots of scratches? Then it’ll probably be easier to sand your floors and refinish the entire thing. This method only works for real wood floors. Don’t try on bamboo flooring or engineered hardwood that is less than one millimetre thick.
• Floors that are badly damaged may benefit from being replaced or patched up professionally.

Servicing the Halton Region, the Greater Toronto and Tri-City Area, Milton Hardwood strives to make sure our customers are satisfied with our work. We provide authentic, great quality flooring for our customers because they deserve the best products on the market. Shop online or visit our Milton store to see everything we have to offer.

We carry a wide assortment of solid hardwood and engineered hardwood floors such as our Milton Collection and Wickham brand hardwood floors.