How To Fix Scratches On Your Wood Floors

Daniel Mitchell in How To

9/23/25

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Wood floors are beautiful, but they’re certainly not immune to damage. Over time, scratches can show up from moving furniture, pet claws, or daily foot traffic. The good news is, you can usually take care of them yourself without calling in a professional. This guide breaks down simple, effective ways to fix your floors and keep them looking their best.

Figure Out What You’re Dealing With

Before trying to fix anything, look closely at the scratch. Light surface marks are usually only in the finish and don’t reach the wood. Deeper ones may have cut through to the bare floor. Knowing the depth helps you choose the right method of repair, so you don’t accidentally treat a surface-level scratch with a wood-deep repair. If you’re unsure, run your fingernail across it. If your nail catches, it’s probably a deeper scratch.

A visible series of scratches on a hardwood floor.

Clean Everything First

Always start with a clean floor. Any dust or dirt can get in the way and even cause more damage while you work. Use a soft cloth and a bit of hardwood floor cleaner (or just water and mild soap). Don’t soak the wood, just get it damp, and let it dry completely before doing anything else. A clean surface helps any repair blend in better.

A person in blue slippers and rubber gloves mopping a hardwood floor.

Floor Marker

For minor scuffs, a wood floor repair marker or blending pencil can work wonders. These come in different shades to match most floors. Rub the marker over the scratch, wipe off the excess, and buff lightly with a cloth. This won’t fix deep gouges, but it’s a quick way to hide everyday wear and tear or the odd surface scratch.

A close photo of someone using a wood repair marker on a banister.

Stain and Seal

For more noticeable scratches, you might need to use a wood stain. Make sure you choose one that matches your floor, else it’ll stick out. Apply it with a cotton swab or soft brush just to the scratched area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess. Once it’s dry, seal it with a small amount of polyurethane to protect the fix. Let that dry completely before walking on it. Your floor will look brand new!

A close photo of someone rolling wood stain onto a bare floor.

Wax or Filler Sticks

If the damage is so deep that there’s a dent or missing piece, a wax filler stick can help. These are soft enough to press into deeper scratches, but firm enough to walk on once they set. Rub the filler into the damaged area, scrape off the extra with a plastic scraper, and buff it flat. Like with stains, pick a shade that matches your floor to help it disappear into the grain. Let it solidify over a few hours and you’ll be good to go!

A close photo of someone using wax sticks to repair a wooden floor.

Sanding

If the scratch covers a larger area or the damage is more spread out, you might need to go as far as sanding that portion of your floor. Use very fine sandpaper and only sand the area around the scratch. No need to do a huge area around it. Afterward, re-stain and reseal it. Be careful not to overdo it, especially if your floors are engineered wood or have a thin finish. And remember to always sand with the grain, not against it.

Scratches on wood floors can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. With a little patience and the right approach, you can make most marks disappear, or at least blend in so they’re hardly noticeable. When taken care of, real wood floors will continue to help your home look beautiful for years to come.