How to Get Rid of Scuff Marks?

Methods for getting rid of scuff marks vary, depending on the cause of the mark and the surface that has been marked. For example, you may be dealing with scuff marks on hardwood floors made by shoes. Hardwood floors or tile floors might be marked by chair and table legs too. Basically, there is a variety of methods for scuff-mark removal.

Where to Start
Most products and home remedies recommend starting with the type of floor that is marked. If possible, learn the details of the floor and find out what the manufacturer recommends for cleaning that material. This should prevent causing more damage to the floor. Many tile floors that have marks from rubber-soled shoes, for example, can be cleaned without a lot of expense or time. In fact, several companies offer “erasers” for this very purpose. These are just hard rubber that can be used to remove the scuff much as a pencil eraser removes a pencil mark. It’s possible to get some dark scuff marks off a tile floor using the sole of a clean tennis shoe! Try it.

If this simple rubbing doesn’t do the trick, combine this same method with a mild cleanser or solvent. In fact, baking soda seems to work rather well when combined with a little water. With a little scrubbing, the marks should come off. For tile and other floors that are porous you may also want to use lighter fluid or a retail product designed to take glues and adhesives off certain surfaces. * Tip: Be careful not to use something that will cause damage rather than clean the mark off the floor. Acetone, toothpaste and rubbing alcohol may also be helpful in specific situations, such as tile floors. For example, toothpaste may work to remove scuff marks from leather shoes.

Hardwood Floors
Some of these same techniques can be used on hardwood floors, especially if they are treated and sealed as they should be. The “eraser” techniques may take some scuff marks off of wood floors just as they do off of tile floors. For example, people have had some success with the tennis shoe technique, even on a hardwood floor. A baking-soda paste can also be used on hardwood. However, it’s best to use a soft cloth so that the surface isn’t scratched by bristles of a brush. Toothpaste and lighter fluid might work, though these should be used with care. Especially gritty toothpaste might scratch or break down the finish of the floor. Lighter fluid should be used sparingly and gently.

Several companies offer commercial cleaning products designed for specific types of floors. These work on many types of scuff marks. Citrus-based items like Goo Gone have been used to remove scuff marks and can even be handy for removing glue residue and pieces of labels left behind. *Always try your cleaning method in a corner that won’t be seen on a regular basis. This will help you avoid unsightly and costly mistakes.

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