How to remove scuff marks from engineered wood floors

Q: Can you use magic eraser on engineered hardwood floors?

Keep the Magic Eraser focused on the scuff only; dont let it stray to the rest of your hardwood floors. In just a few swipes, you should start to see the mark lift away from your hardwood floors like, well, magic! Cleaning scuffs on hardwoods is simple.

Quick Tips

Few things can mar the appearance of a clean floor like a scuff mark. Unfortunately, these marks are fairly common, unless you require all of your guests to remove their shoes as soon as they enter your home.

Table of Contents Show

Removing Scuff Marks from Wood Floors
The tennis shoe method:
The tennis ball method:
The school eraser method:
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Tile and Laminate Floors
Can you use magic eraser on engineered hardwood floors?
How do you remove scuff marks from wood floors?
How do you get scuff marks off hardwood floors without sanding?

So how do you remove scuff marks from your floor? Take a look at some instructions for cleaning these dirty streaks from three of the more common types of flooring.

Removing Scuff Marks from Wood Floors

Many wood floors can be very delicate when it comes to cleaning. Because of this, you want to avoid abrasive cleaners or tools when you’re trying to figure out how to remove scuff marks from your floor. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about the problem, though.

Here are three methods you can use when removing scuff marks from wood floors. Keep in mind that you should spot test all methods in an inconspicuous place before scrubbing at that scuff.

The tennis shoe method:

Many professional cleaners won’t skip a beat in telling you about this method if you ask how to remove scuff marks from your floor. You’ll need a clean, light soled tennis shoe for this DIY.

Place your hand in the heel of the shoe and set the shoe sole over the mark.
Give the shoe a couple of good twists while applying light pressure to the heel. The scuff mark should come right up.

Really? I thought that shoes create scuff marks. I guess it would be important to say avoid dark soled shoes.

The tennis ball method:

You read that right; a tennis ball can be used to remove scuffs. For the best results, you want a used tennis ball. Just make sure it’s clean.

Cut an “X” in the tennis ball and stick it on the end of a broom handle.
Buff the scuff mark out using gentle pressure.

The school eraser method:

When removing scuff marks from wood floors, you’ll want a large light-colored pencil eraser that’s free of pencil residue or any other grime. If you’re in doubt, buy a fresh eraser. Note: This may not be the best means of removing scuffs from lighter hued floors.

Dampen a microfiber cloth and use that to wipe the scuff mark.
Rub the eraser over the scuff until it disappears.
Immediately sweep up any eraser shavings.

How to Remove Scuff Marks from Tile and Laminate Floors

You can also use the aforementioned methods on tile or laminate flooring. However, tile and laminate are a bit more durable than wooden floors, so you have a couple of more options.

Baking soda: Some scuffs can be removed using a paste of baking soda and warm water:

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to create a paste.
Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the paste over the affected area until the scuff mark disappears.
Wipe over the area with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residue.
Dry the area with a towel or clean microfiber cloth.

Nail polish remover: Acetone-based nail polish remover can also remove scuffs from some tile and laminate floors.

Dampen a microfiber cloth with the nail polish remover.
Gently rub the scuff mark until it fades.
Wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber cloth before drying with a fresh cloth or towel.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to check your manufacturer’s instructions before using DIY cleaners to remove scuff marks from your flooring. You could invalidate the warranty if you don’t.

Before you start cleaning, test the Magic Eraser on a small area of your wood floor. After the test, you’re ready to go. Swipe the Magic Eraser across the scuffs with a steady grasp. Keep the Magic Eraser focused on the scuff only; don’t let it stray to the rest of your hardwood floors. In just a few swipes, you should start to see the mark lift away from your hardwood floors like, well, magic! Cleaning scuffs on hardwoods is simple. That’s one of the many reasons you and Mr. Clean make the perfect team.
Test a small area with light pressure before use. Not recommended for the following surfaces: high gloss, polished, dark, brushed, satin, faux, bare/polished wood, copper, stainless steel appliances, non-stick coating or vehicle body. Do not use with chlorine bleach or other household cleaners. Rinse required for surfaces in direct contact with food. Do not use on skin or other parts of the body. Using on skin will likely cause abrasions. Keep out of reach of toddlers and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.

When furniture rests directly on wood flooring, scuffs happen. A chair sliding across the floor as you push out from the dining room table may scuff the floor, or a bed leaves its mark as children dive on it. While a scuff is not as deep or severe as a scratch or gouge, it's a visible mark nonetheless, marring the floor's finish. Scuffs can generally be cleaned and buffed away without requiring sandpaper or varnish, as they only affect the surface of the floor's finish. It may take several tries using different techniques to remove the scuff completely.

1.
Dampen a corner of a soft towel, rubbing the damp area over the scuff. The moisture and pressure may be enough to rub away the scuff. Wipe the water off the wood with the dry portion of the towel.
2.
Wipe the scuffed area slightly with a damp sponge. Rub a pencil eraser over the scuff, then wipe again with the damp sponge to remove the eraser debris. Wipe dry with a soft towel.
3.
Rub a tennis ball over the scuff until the scuff disappears. The fabric on the ball buffs away some scuffs.
4.
Clean the scuffed area thoroughly to remove any discoloration by wiping it with a damp soft cloth, then drying the area with a dry soft cloth. Mix a tablespoon each of white vinegar and olive oil in a shallow bowl. Pour a small amount of the solution over the scuff or scuffs and allow it to sit overnight. Dry and buff the area with a dry soft cloth.
Things You Will Need
- Soft towel
- Clean pencil eraser
- Damp sponge
- Tennis ball
- Damp soft cloth
- Dry soft cloth
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Shallow bowl
Tip
Pads underneath furniture legs prevent scuffs on the floor. An area rug under sofa legs helps prevent scuffs and scrapes caused by the sofa shifting as people sit down.
For chairs that are moved frequently, such as in a dining room, flip the chairs to ensure that some of the chair legs haven't lost their protective caps or pads. Replace any missing protective elements to prevent additional floor scuffs and scratches.
If you discover a scratch in the wood after treating a scuff, fill it in with a marker or crayon slightly lighter than the wood finish, followed up with another slightly darker shade. Buff with a soft cloth to blend.

Can you use magic eraser on engineered hardwood floors?

Keep the Magic Eraser focused on the scuff only; don't let it stray to the rest of your hardwood floors. In just a few swipes, you should start to see the mark lift away from your hardwood floors like, well, magic! Cleaning scuffs on hardwoods is simple.

How do you remove scuff marks from wood floors?

Toothpaste or baking soda These are two of the mildest abrasives around. Use a clean, damp cloth or an old, moistened toothbrush to apply them to the mark. Rub gently with the grain of the wood. If your wood is scratched or pitted, toothpaste and baking soda can leave a chalky residue that's hard to remove.

How do you get scuff marks off hardwood floors without sanding?

Baking soda. Baking soda is a go-to all around the house, and scuff marks are no different. Make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it gently onto the scuff. Work in the same direction as the wood grain.