How do I Remove Scuff Marks?

Scuff marks from shoes can be avoided to some extent if everyone on the family remembers to remove their footwear before entering your home. Since not everyone will remember to take this step all the time, there are several things you can do to get rid of marks from your floor. Before you try to remove any scuff marks, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for your floor to find out what method they would recommend. A flooring retailer is another good source of information, since their staff needs to be familiar with the store's products.

The method you choose to remove scuff marks will depend on how heavy they are and on how porous your floor is. You don't want to use a harsh cleanser that will soak into the floor and cause damage to the floor when trying to remove an unsightly mark. For small scuff marks, a pencil eraser may be all you need. Rather than pick up a pink one that may leave a colored residue on your floor, a better choice is to find a white eraser and use it on the scuff marks. Try it on a small spot first to make sure that it won't leave a mark before you use it on the entire area where you need to remove the scuff marks.

Another choice you can consider when trying to remove scuff marks is to make a paste of baking soda and water. Baking soda is a good all-purpose cleaner that is non-abrasive. It won't scratch your floor, no matter how hard you scrub. Apply the paste to the scuff mark and rub gently to remove it.

Your local grocery store may have some products that will remove scuff marks from floors as well. Go to the aisle where the cleaning products are kept and read the labels carefully. Some all-purpose cleaners that are designed to cut grease may work on scuff marks, but they are also very strong products that may damage your floor. If you decide to try one of them, spray or apply the product in a test area first. Then come back in a day or two and examine your floor carefully to check for any stains or other damage before you use the product on the scuff marks.

A hardware store or building supply company may also have specialized products that can be used to remove scuff marks. These would be found in the paint department. Ask for a product that removes dried latex paint and check the label to see whether it will also remove marks from floors. Again, try it on a test area before you use it on the scuff marks.