Significance

• Keeping hardwood floors clean and spotless is an admirable goal, but can sometimes be impossible. Hardwood floors are prone to some dents and nicks over time. These kinds of markings can give your floor character, so try to relax and accept them. When dealing with more obvious scuffs and stains however, you should take action as soon as possible. Don't let removing scuff marks fall to the bottom of your to-do list, as this task can actually get more difficult with time. Remove scuff marks as soon as possible.
  
  

Types

• There are a variety of different marks that you may notice on your hardwood floors. Scuff marks are generally thick, dark streaks across the flooring. These may be accompanied by dents or scratches depending on how it happened. Keep in mind that while you may be able to easily remove the scuff mark, the indentations in the wood are going to be there to stay. If the marks you are concerned about do not have color to them, and are simply dents in the flooring, there won't be any way to remove them without refinishing or replacing your flooring.
  
  

Function

• Removing scuff marks from your hardwood floors may be a fairly easy task, depending on how stubborn the mark is. One of the more common at-home remedies for scuff marks is a simple eraser. This will often remove the scuff quickly and easily. Keep in mind that you should avoid using a pink or other colored eraser on light-colored flooring, as it may leave a stain of its own. Another common way to remove scuff marks is with a tennis ball. Cut a small 'X' into one end of the ball and insert a broomstick into the end to create a handy tool for wiping up those marks. For more difficult scuff marks there are many cleaning solutions available that may help lessen or remove them.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• When dealing with hardwood floors, the best way to handle damage is to try and prevent it. Consider asking family and friends to remove their shoes in areas of the home that have hardwood flooring. You should never wear high heels on hardwood floors as these will undoubtedly cause damage. You should also place rugs in entry ways and high traffic areas of your home to protect the flooring.
  
  

Warning

• Hardwood floors can be very particular. You should always read the manufacturer's recommendations carefully. These instructions will often outline specific cleaning solutions for a variety of stains on your floors. Always make sure that your floors are kept dry--this means drying them thoroughly after using any cleaning solutions to remove the scuff marks. When in doubt, test your cleaning method in an inconspicuous corner of the room before applying it to a noticeable spot.