Hardwood floors are beautiful, but those annoying black scuffs are an eyesore. They usually appear when the bottom of furniture or shoes scraping against the wood. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to remove the unsightly stains.
Although many sources swear by rubbing the scuffs with a tennis ball until they disappear, Better homes and gardens recently reported that the method does not work well. It just removes the troublesome streaks a bit. The outlet says you’re better off using a melamine sponge (also called an eraser sponge). The sanding foam acts like ultra-fine sandpaper, making it ideal for removing dirt from many surfaces.
The cleaning service Happy girls recommends using a shoe to remove the stains. That’s right. Although shoes are often the cause, they can also be a solution. Use a clean, light-soled shoe and gently rub the heel against the stain. You can also use the rubber eraser method. Just grab a damp cloth and wipe the area. Then rub it with the eraser until the mark disappears.
House & Texture suggests using baking soda. After adding water to make a paste, rub the baking soda mixture on the affected area with a clean cloth. Rinse the area and let it dry completely before walking on it. A solution of vinegar and water can also help. Mix equal parts of each substance in a spray bottle and aim it at the area you want to clean. After letting the mixture sit for a few minutes, you can wipe it away with a damp cloth. If all else fails, your best bet is to purchase a commercially available cleaner designed for your specific type of floor.
The best way to combat scuffs is to prevent them. That’s possible avoid them by placing outdoor shoes at the entrance to your home, using floor protectors for furniture and placing indoor mats where necessary. And even if you don’t see any unsightly wear, your floor will still benefit from regular mopping and vacuuming. Here you can see how often you should clean them.
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