Nothing worse than discovering a fresh scratch across your beautiful floors. Maybe it came from dragging a chair. Or your dog’s nails. Or a dropped toy. Whatever the cause, scratches can ruin the look of your floor—and your mood. If you’ve been searching for “how to get rid of scratches on wood floor” without spending a ton or calling in a pro, you’re in the right place.
These marks may be common, but fixing them doesn’t have to be stressful. In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to erase scuffs using simple, affordable tools. No sanding or harsh chemicals. Just smart, fast fixes that work.
Let’s get your floors looking fresh again—starting now.
Disclosure: 🛍️ This post contains affiliate links. As part of the Amazon Associates Program, we may earn a commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you! 💡
Why Floors Scratch So Easily
You’re careful with your floors—so why do scratches keep showing up? Truth is, wood floors are more delicate than they look. Tiny rocks stuck to shoes. Pet nails racing through the house. Even sliding a chair an inch can leave a mark. It all adds up over time. Different wood floors have different finishes. But none of them are scratch-proof.
The good news? Most of these marks are surface-level. With the right fix, they’re easier to remove than you think.
How to Get Rid of Scratches on Wood Floor
Let’s get into it. The type of scratch you’re dealing with matters more than you think.
Light surface scuffs? These can often be buffed out using a damp microfiber cloth and a dab of olive oil or floor polish. For something stronger, a crayon or blending pencil that matches your floor color can work wonders. Deeper scratches may need a repair kit—like touch-up markers, putty sticks, or wax filler. These are affordable and easy to use. Just clean the area, apply the filler, and buff gently. No pro skills needed.
🛒Discover a great wood floor scratch repair kit on Amazon➡
And if the scratch is too wide or deep, a plank replacement or professional refinishing might be your best bet. That’s it! You now know how to get rid of scratches on wood floors.
You may also want to check out our previous guide on How to Get Wax Off Hardwood Floors for extra tips. This Old House also have expert tips worth checking out.
Bonus: How to Remove Scratches on Laminate Floors
Laminate floors look great—but one wrong move can leave a mark. The trick is to act fast and use gentle methods.
First, clean the area well. Even a bit of dust can make scratches worse during repair. For light scuffs, a damp cloth and a drop of baby oil can reduce their appearance. For deeper marks, a laminate floor scratch repair kit is your best friend. Most kits come with putty, applicator tools, and color-matching tints.
👉See the price for a repair kit for laminate floors on Amazon➡
Fill the scratch, smooth it out, and let it dry fully before walking over it. Avoid sanding or strong cleaners—laminate has a protective layer that’s easy to damage. If your floors took a hit this winter, you might also like our guide on Cleaning Floor After Winter for seasonal care tips.
Final Tips on Getting Rid of Floor Scratches and Prevention
Now that you’ve handled the scratches, let’s keep them from coming back. First, place felt pads under furniture legs. Second, use rugs in high-traffic areas. Third, keep pet nails trimmed and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor.
Also, stick to gentle cleaning products and avoid harsh scrubbing. A regular care routine can make all the difference. If you ever forget how to get rid of scratches on wood floor, come back to this guide. Or better yet, bookmark it.
Got questions or floor care tips of your own? Drop them in the comments💬👇—and don’t forget to explore more DIY guides here on the blog!
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