Wooden floors can add elegance and warmth to your home but they can also be prone to scratches from furniture, pets, shoes and daily wear. With the right prevention, you can keep your floors looking their best. In this guide, we’ll be exploring the best ways to protect your wooden floors from scratches, how to clean wood floors and the most effective solutions for scratch repair. We will also be highlighting our ScratchFix Repair Set and the ScratchNoMore System. Both of these help to maintain and restore your floor.
Why Do Scratches Occur on Wooden Floors?
It’s a common question to ask and understanding what causes scratches on wood floors can help you take preventative action. Below are some of the most common culprits:
- Moving Furniture – Heavy furniture can leave deep scratches if not properly protected.
- Pet Claws – Dogs and cats can unintentionally scratch floors while playing or walking.
- Dirt & Grit – Small particles like sandpaper can create fine scratches over time.
- Shoes & High Heels – Hard soles and heels exert pressure that can dent wood.
- Moisture in Wood – Changes in humidity can cause wood to expand and contract which then makes it more prone to damage.
How to Prevent Scratched on Your Wooden Floors
- Protect Floors with the ScratchNoMore System: This system includes high-quality protective pads that attach to furniture legs to help reduce friction and prevent scratches. Unlike standard felt pads, our ones are durable, long-lasting and designed specifically to prevent scratches.
- Use Area Rugs & Runners: Placing rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways and living spaces helps to absorb impact and reduce wear on your floors.
- Trim Pet Nails Regularly: Keeping your pet’s claws trimmed can prevent accidental scratches. If you have an active pet, consider using soft nail clips for extra protection.
- Clean Frequently to Remove Dirt & Grit: Dirt and small debris can cause micro-scratches if left on the floor. Make sure to sweep with a soft-bristle broom or hoover regularly with a hardwood floor setting.
- Avoid Dragging Furniture: Always lift furniture when moving it instead of dragging it across the floor. Alternatively, use furniture gliders or protectors to minimise the risk of scratches.
How to Clean Scratched Wood Floors
If your wood floor already has minor scratches, proper cleaning can help reduce their visibility:
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner – Harsh chemicals can make scratches more noticeable. Dr. Schutz’s Wood & Cork Floor Cleaner is a safe and effective choice.
- Wipe along the grain – Always clean in the direction of the wood grain to prevent dirt from settling into scratches.
- Buff with a microfiber cloth – After cleaning, gently buff the area with a microfiber cloth to restore shine and blend out minor imperfections.
- Apply a protective polish – Using a specialized wood floor polish, such as Dr. Schutz’s Wood Floor Polish, can help fill in fine scratches and enhance the overall appearance of your floors.
How to Fix Scratches on Wood Floors
If scratches on your wooden floor are more noticeable, there are several repair methods you can use depending on the severity of the damage.
For light and minor surface scratches, Dr. Schutz’s ScratchFix Repair Set is a fantastic solution. This kit includes a high-quality repair lacquer and a scratch concealer that effectively fills in fine lines, restoring your floor’s original appearance.
How to use it:
- Shake the pen vigorously before use.
- Hold the pen upright and press the “PRESS” button once.
- Hold the pen tip downward and push the button again to release a few drops onto a cloth.
- Carefully guide the pen along the scratch, dabbing lightly.
- Let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then use the plastic wedge (included in the kit) to even out the gloss.
Drying Time: 1-2 minutes. The floor can be used as normal after 6 hours.
For Deeper Scratches: Sand and Refinish
If a scratch is too deep for a touch-up pen or repair kit, follow these steps:
- Lightly sand the scratched area with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges.
- Wipe away dust and debris with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Apply an oil or lacquer to refinish the surface.
- Allow it to dry completely, then gently buff to match the surrounding floor.
For Extensive Damage: Consider Professional Repair
If your floor has multiple deep scratches or widespread damage, professional refinishing may be the best option. A professional can sand and refinish the surface, restoring it to its original condition.
How to Remove Scratches From Wood Floors: Expert Solutions
When dealing with persistent scratches, using professional-grade solutions can make a significant difference.
- Dr. Schutz’s ScratchNoMore System prevents future scratches by adding a protective layer to furniture legs.
- Dr. Schutz’s ScratchFix Repair Set offers an easy, at-home solution for repairing minor to moderate scratches.
- Dr. Schutz’s Wood Floor Polish can help rejuvenate worn-out finishes, making minor scratches less visible.
Scratches on wood floors are inevitable, but with the right preventive measures and repair techniques, you can keep them looking as good as new. By using Dr. Schutz’s ScratchNoMore System for protection and the ScratchFix Repair Set for repairs, you can effectively prevent and fix scratches with ease.
If you’re looking for the best solutions for wood floor scratch repair, visit Dr. Schutz UK to explore their full range of wood floor care products.