The use of hardwood in flooring dates back over 400 years and it’s definitely not going out of fashion. 99% of realtors say hardwood flooring adds about 2.5% to your sales price and that homes with hardwood floors are in very high demand.
Hardwood floors may be a durable, elegant, and time-tested choice, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little TLC. Without proper care and protection, you might end up with scratched wood floors. Luckily there are a few things you can do to spruce up your flooring and get rid of those scratches!
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Prevention is Always Best
Before we delve into some life-saving scratch solutions it’s important to stress that preventing scratches is always better (and much easier) than getting rid of them.
Adding a few rugs to high traffic areas in your home can work wonders for floor protection. If you have a furry friend who spends a lot of time indoors, clip their nails regularly to keep them from damaging your floors.
Finally, invest in adhesive felt pads. These are great to stick onto the bottom of chair legs and other furniture that you feel might be a floor-damage.
Fixing Scratched Wood Floors
If you can’t see the wood for the scratches and it’s a little too late for preventative measures, don’t panic! There are still ways to repair everything from tiny scratches to canyon-like gouges. Here are all the steps you’ll need to take to fix those floors.
Figure Out Your Finish
The first and most important step to scratch-repair is determining the type of finish used on your wooden floor. A finish is applied on top of your floor to protect the wood and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
This information is vital in deciding on the right course of action for repair. Finishes range from oil-based to water-based and can include waxes, varnishes, or stains. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a handy guide on figuring out your finish.
Clean The Area
Whenever you’re undertaking a DIY scratch repair you’ll need to clean the area first. Gently sweep, wipe or vacuum away any dust or grime. It’s important that you do this carefully to avoid doing any further damage.
If there’s any stubborn dirt, use a wooden floor cleaner appropriate for the type of wood you’re dealing with. Store-bought is fine, but you can also try a DIY option with common household ingredients.
Once the area is clean and dry, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.
Sweating the Small Scratches
If there are a few small scratches catching your eye, they’re pretty easy to deal with. Try home-made fixes like applying mayonnaise to the affected area and wiping it clean after a few hours. Apple cider vinegar and olive oil have also been known to work well on minor scratches.
Blending pencils are made to easily pencil out light floor scratches that aren’t too deep. Finish restorers are also a great option, particularly if you have a lot of small scratches covering a larger surface area. You might have to lightly sand the area you’re working on before applying these products.
If you go with these options it’s important to choose the correct color, or a color close to the original color of your hardwood flooring.
Larger Scratches and Significant Damage
When it comes to deeper scratches and damage you’ll need to do a little more work. Prior to applying your finish, fill in any deep cracks and crevices with a wood filler.
However, the best way forward is to call a professional. Companies like CVM Enterprises Inc. offer hardwood refinishing services that ensure your hardwood floors look beautiful for longer. Consulting with the pros means you’re sure to get the desired result.
Keep Wood Floors Up to Scratch
Wood floors are a dream but getting rid of scratches can be a huge nuisance. Make scratched wood floors a thing of the past and show your wood floors some love and appreciation.
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