How To Remove Drag Marks From Hardwood Floors

If you have hardwood flooring, you know how annoying drag marks can be. They can be caused by a variety of things, including furniture and pets, and they can be tough to remove. There are a number of various methods on how to remove drag marks from hardwood floors, depending on how severe they are.

So, if you leave these marks on your floor for too long, they will become more difficult to erase, so address the issue as soon as possible.

There are a few options, but trial and error is often the most effective way to find the right solution for you. If the drag marks are caused by dirt or dust, sweeping or vacuuming them up may be the easiest treatment. If they’re caused by something more persistent, like a drag mark, a more aggressive technique may be required.

The first step is to figure out what’s causing the drag marks in the first place. This can be done by looking for clues on the floor. It may be easier to choose the right procedure for erasing the markings once the source has been determined. Let’s cut to the chase and see how to remove drag marks from hardwood floors.

How to remove drag marks from hardwood floors- Step-by-step guide.

Before you begin, you must decide whether the drag marks on your oak flooring are scratches or stains. The approach you choose to get rid of them will alter as a result.

Method 1: Use a wood floor polish to clean

To fill in scratches and restore the luster of your hardwood floors, apply a wood floor polish. It uses micro-filling technology to eliminate drag marks and create a non-sticky, scratch-resistant coating for future use. The polish is also reported to be safe for children and pets.
Drag marks on finished or sealed wood floors are best treated with this procedure. It should not be used on unsealed or unfinished wood floors.
Before applying the polish, sweep or vacuum the floors to eliminate any debris.
Apply a generous amount of hardwood floor polish by squeezing the bottle. Apply it to a clean floor in a zigzag manner.
Spread the polish throughout using a dry mop. Then allow 30 minutes for the polish to dry completely. Your hardwood floors will eventually achieve a high gloss finish.
Wait 45-60 minutes before applying another layer if you want a glossier finish. In 24 hours, you can apply up to three coats. Use a hardwood floor cleaning that matches this polish to retain the sheen.

Method 2: Apply touch-up paint to the affected area

You’ll need more than a polish to fix severe drag marks that are deep scratches on your wood floors. If the drag mark is still visible under the new shine, you’ve used a polish. This is when a carpenter’s repair kit can be used to fill in the deep scratches. A kit comes with a variety of colors that you can combine to fit your wood floor.

Apply the color to an inconspicuous spot first after matching it. Allow it to dry before shining a light on it to ensure that the color is correct. Clean and dry the area completely before applying the furniture repair touch-up kit.
Apply a little amount of wood filler to the scratched surface.
Smooth the scratch out with a tail scraper.
Remove any excess with a clean small towel.
Use a brush to apply it to bigger areas.

Method 3: Warm water and microfiber polishing

This is a quick fix for drag marks on wood floors that are mainly stains rather than damage.

To remove small drag marks, just soak a dry rug, microfiber buffing cloth, or magic sponge in warm water and gently rub the area until it disappears. It’s not always as complicated as it seems to be.
Water should not be poured or left on the floor since it will damage the wood. Dip the cloth in water, squeeze out any extra droplets, and then wipe the drag mark with the damp cloth.

Method 4: Warm water and baking soda

You may need to put in a little more effort for drag marks that aren’t particularly light.

Make a thick paste using baking soda and warm water in a mixing dish. Apply this paste with a spatula to any drag marks and lightly scrub with a microfiber polishing cloth.
Once you’re satisfied the drag mark is gone, wipe the area with a dry microfiber cloth until it’s completely clean.

Method 5: Eraser

This is a “traditional” way! For most drag marks, a simple rubber eraser will suffice. Simply wipe away any dirt or dust from the area where the marks are visible.
To begin, sweep the area to remove any dust or dirt.
Then, using a moist towel, wipe the drag mark away.
Rub the mark with an eraser until it disappears.
After that, sweep up any eraser shavings.

Method 6: Tennis Shoe

If you don’t have an eraser on hand, drag marks can be removed using any rubber-soled shoe, such as a tennis shoe.
Place your heel on the drag mark and put on a shoe. This is similar to the eraser trick.
Dark-soled shoes should be avoided to avoid leaving fresh marks on the floor!

Method 7: Tennis Ball

This is an intriguing technique. When it comes to removing drag marks from wood floors, a tennis ball may be the last thing that comes to mind, yet it appears to be a popular method. A tennis ball can be used to manufacture your own drag mark remover at home. Cut a little X into the ball with a sharp razor blade and scoop it out. Fix one end of a broomstick into the X-shaped spot, making sure it fits snugly inside the ball.

Now, flip the stick such that the tennis ball makes contact with the hardwood floor. There you have it. Your improvised drag mark remover is ready to use.
Apply mild pressure with the broom handle so that the ball erases the drag marks. If you have drag marks and don’t want to use much elbow grease, you can utilize the tennis ball approach.

Method 8: Make Your Own Walnut

A chunk of walnut can sometimes be enough. Natural brown dyes and emollients are included. The wood is both repaired and protected.

Warm the oils in a walnut between your palms before gently rubbing it on the scratch. This will not only hide the damage, but it will also release natural oils onto the wood.
Apply a few drops of coconut or olive oil to the area and wipe it down gently with a soft towel.
Warm the oils in a walnut between your palms before gently rubbing it on the scratch. This will not only hide the damage, but it will also release natural oils onto the wood. For a clean finish, use a few drops of coconut or olive oil and wipe it gently with a soft cloth.

Method 9: Toothpaste

Sometimes all it takes is a tube of normal toothpaste to solve the problem. To get the same outcome for difficult drag marks, you can use toothpaste instead of baking soda paste.
If you apply too much, too often, the wood color will fade and the oils will be removed.

Method 10: Hardwood Floor Cleaner

If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t figure out how to remove drag marks from wood floors, you can use special hardwood floor cleaners designed for this purpose. Hardwood floor cleaners are perfect for fixing persistent drag marks and giving your floors a polished and refinished look, however, they are a little more expensive.

How to prevent drag marks on hardwood floors

Drag marks are unsightly and can ruin the appearance of your beautiful hardwood floors. Furthermore, if not properly cleaned up, they might pose a safety danger. Here are some suggestions for avoiding drag marks:

1) Make sure that furniture is moved over rubber grippers or floor guards.

2) Use a dolly or a furniture slider to transfer furniture across the floor.

3) Clean up any spills right away.

4) Use a wood cleaner on your flooring on a regular basis.

5) Train your pets to spend most of the day in their designated area.

6) Spills should be cleaned up right away.

Conclusion: How To Remove Drag Marks From Hardwood Floors

There’s nothing as aggravating as seeing drag marks on your hardwood floors especially if they are the pride and joy of your home. This is why to remove these marks, scrubbers, aggressive cleansers, and brooms should not be used directly on the floor because they can cause scratches and even chipping.

Drag marks are common if you move furniture around, have a lot of traffic, or have pets that run about the house. These everyday activities can degrade the appearance of your oak floors and limit their lifespan. As a result, you must take good care of them.

You can attempt these quick and effective solutions for removing drag marks from wood floors before calling in the professionals. They should be tried right away.