Quick Fixes for Wood Floor Damage

Stains, scratches, and other minor wood floor damage can be easily repaired to like-new quality. Stop covering it up with throw rugs and repair it once and for all. Once you see how simple it is to do, you'll wonder why you waited so long to learn how! These quick fixes for wood work extraordinary well for minor damage that is only skin deep.

Below you'll find a list of the most common types of minor wood floor damage. These are all typically caused by daily living and/or simple accidents that happen over time. Fortunately, there are simple ways to repair wood floor damage caused by the following:

Heel scuffs - The most common type of wood floor damage is heel scuffs. Most of these can be easily removed with a bit of elbow grease and light application of wax. Deeper scuff marks may require the use of fine steel wool, as well. Remember to buff the surface with a dry cloth afterward.

Scratches - Minor scratches caused by pets, furniture movement, or other daily activity can be blended to an almost undetectable smoothness. Most superficial scratches can be repaired with paste wax, available at your local home improvement store. It's thick, available in a variety of colors, and easy to use for simple wood floor damage. Buff the area after use.

Oil or grease stains - To repair wood floor damage caused by oil or grease stains, saturate a soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide. Place the cloth over the stain. Soak a separate cloth with ammonia and lay it on top of the first. Allow it to set 5 - 10 minutes and remove both cloths. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and dry completely. Polish with a soft cloth.

Ink stains - It will only take a moment for wood to become stained by ink. For best results, treat the stain as soon as it appears. Blot, don't rub, the stain with a dry paper towel. You'll see the ink transfer over to the paper. Dab the area with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Water rings - Water rings leave unsightly stains that can completely ruin the look of your beautiful wood flooring. To remove them, combine a bit of standard toothpaste (not whitening, gel, or anything infused with mouthwash) and baking soda. This will form a workable paste. Apply with a soft toothbrush and work into the wood in a circular motion. Wipe the paste away and clean the surface with a damp cloth.

Cigarette burns - Wood floor damage caused by surface cigarette burns can be quickly erased with mayonnaise. That's right! The same mayonnaise you put on your sandwich will polish that burn right out of the floor. Dab a small amount on the burn and rub gently with a soft cloth. Polish with wood cleaner.

Candle wax and crayon - Before you can remove candle wax or crayon, you'll need to harden it with ice. Place a tightly sealed bag of ice on top until the wax or crayon has hardened. Then, chip away the material with a plastic putty knife. Wash away the residue with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Dry well. (This method also works for removing chewing gum)

More from Jennifer Wagner:

How to Repair a Scratched CD, DVD, or Video Game

Best Stain Remover for Carpets, Clothing, and More!

Guide to Common Carpet Stain Removal

Source:

Personal knowledge

Jennifer Wagner: Yahoo! Contributor Network