How To Get Scuff Marks Off Hardwood Floors

Guests who won’t take off their shoes, kids who love nothing better than clambering onto one piece of furniture and launching themselves off it and onto another, that armchair which actually turned out to be heavier than it looked. These are just a few reasons scuff marks can appear on your smooth gleaming wooden floors and detract from the pleasant natural touch they bring to their surroundings.

Thankfully such unsightly blemishes can often be removed. We discuss exactly how you can do so by showing you what you will need and how to remove scuff marks from wood floors and as a result, restore your surface to its original perfection.

10 Ways to Remove Scuff Marks From Hardwood Floors

Scuff marks are actually blemishes on the finish of a hardwood floor and are by no means permanent. As a result, they can often be removed by means of simple procedures.  

The items you will need to remove them can be easily obtained and are by no means costly, ensuring you will be able to get rid of those scuff marks without needing to expend a great deal of time or effort.

However, it is worth noting that scuff marks need to be removed as soon as they appear since they are easier to get rid of when they are new.

1. Buffing With a Damp Cloth

Items you will need

• A small quantity of water
• Clean microfiber cloths/ a towel/ a sponge

If you have a clean microfiber cloth, towel, or sponge, all you will need to do to remove any scuff marks from your wood floor is simply dampen one of those items with a little warm water and buff the spot.

It is worth noting that although this method can be effective for new scuff marks, it may not be as efficient for those which have lasted for some time. 

2. Using  an Eraser

Items you will need

• A pink pencil eraser/a rubber eraser
• Clean cloth/towels
• Some water

The first thing you will need to do is slightly wet a towel or cloth and wipe the scuff mark with it. Next, you will have to apply the eraser to the blemish. Once it has been gotten rid of, you will need to clean the floor with another dry cloth.

To achieve the best results, you will need to ensure you use a clean eraser. Alternatively, it would also be possible for you to buy rubber scuff erasers from a retailer specializing in home decoration.

However, you should be aware of the fact that frequently relying on an eraser to remove scuff marks on wood floors may eventually dull their shine.

3. Footwear With Rubber Soles

Items you will need

• Rubber-soled shoes

If you have shoes that have rubber soles, you will also have the option of slipping them on and rubbing them over the scuff marks to remove them.

Paying close attention to the color of your soles and your floors is important since soles may actually cause discoloration on your floors if the latter happen to be lighter in color. 

4. A Tennis Ball

Items you will need

• A brand new tennis ball
• A knife
• A mop stick

This method will require your cutting an ‘X’ in the ball and inserting the mop stick into it. 

Next, you will need to rub the tennis ball against the scuff mark taking care not to apply too much pressure. Following this procedure, the scuff mark should disappear. 

5. Baking Soda

Items you will need

• Baking soda
• A clean microfiber cloth/sponge
• Warm water

This option is ideal for floors that have perfectly smooth surfaces and no scratches. You will have to make a paste with the baking soda and dabbing it with a clean cloth or sponge, apply it to the scuff marks.

Any residue should be wiped away with a clean damp cloth.

6. Toothpaste

Items you will need

• White non-gel toothpaste
• A clean microfiber cloth/sponge

Like baking soda, toothpaste happens to be one of the mildest abrasives available, it is also only suitable for smooth floors with no scratches since it may get into them and contrast with your floor especially if the surface happens to be darker in color.

Simply use a cloth to apply the toothpaste to the scuff mark and wipe it off with another clean damp cloth.

7. Applying WD40

Items you will need

• WD40
• Microfiber cloth

WD40 is an excellent option for light scuff marks. All you will have to do is simply spray the solvent onto the affected part of your floor and then wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

In addition to being ideal for restoring the uniform appearance of your floor, WD40 may also make it gleam when applied. However, it can also make your floor rather slippery and you will need to ensure you remove any residue.

8. Applying Mineral Spirits

Items you will need

• Mineral spirits
• Microfiber cloths
• Gloves
• Dish soap

In addition to being suitable for thinning paint, cleaning brushes, and taking care of slight scratches, mineral spirits are also ideal for cleaning scuff marks. 

All you will need to do is apply a small amount to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the affected area. Since this product can cause slight irritation and is also flammable, you may need to wear gloves when applying it. You will also need to clean the residue away with dish soap to ensure none is left behind.

9. Steel Wool

Items you will need

• Grade #0000 fine steel wool
• Floor wax

This option is best used when you intend to get rid of scuff marks which are particularly difficult to remove. 

It is also worth noting that it comes with the risk of dulling the shine of the surface it is used on. A good solution to that issue is to apply a slight quantity of floor wax to the steel wool before using it to remove the scuff marks.

10. Store-Bought Products

Items you will need

• A store-bought solution
• A clean microfiber cloth/sponge

Store-bought products for caring for hardwood floors can also be used to remove scuff marks.An example is the Bruce Hardware Floor Cleaner which is renowned for its ability to keep hardwood floors shiny and in excellent condition without leaving any residue. All you will need to do is spray a small quantity on the damaged area before wiping it with a cloth. No additional wiping will be required afterward.

* Last updated on  2024-07-27 / We are using affiliate links / All images are served from the Amazon Product Advertising API.