Cleaning Stains/removing Scratches off Hardwood Floors?

Updated on March 22, 2009
B.L. asks from San Mateo, CA
13 answers

We have a red permanent pen mark on our hardwood floor, as well as some minor scratches on it (I'm guessing from moving furniture around). My guess is that they are here to stay - but was wondering if anyone had any miracle solutions or experiences that worked for them. Any tips would be appreciated!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the great responses! I did a series of tries 1st wtih Goo Gone, then rubbing alochal, and lastly a very light and smalll amount of sanding with some super fine sand paper. Yay! My floors are beautiful once more!

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M.K.

answers from Chico on

Try diluted rubbing alcohol on the pen (if it like sharpie ink, it is alcohol based); if that doesn't work, use a little less and less diluted until you get to full strength. If it is ball point ink, hairspray might work... It usually does on fabric, but I don't know about wood. You might even be able to "color over" the mark with a touch up wood pen.

2 moms found this helpful

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A.T.

answers from Stockton on

You could try very fine steel wool like 0000 and a dab of olive oil if your floors are a wax finish ( older house). Also, you can purchase furniture touch-up markers in various wood stain colors at a good hardware store like OSH and some fine furniture stores like Ethan Allen or Thomasville for the scratches.
If your floors are new with a synthetic finish the rubbing alcohol may work - it will take the finish off a waxed floor. I'd get the touch up markers for all of your favorite furniture pieces and your floors because kids tend to be repeat offenders. ;)
There's also a product called Restore-A-Finish that would clean off the marker and cover up the scratches - again you'll need super fine steel wool - it's smelly so open your windows and get the baby out of the house for the job.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi B.,

I found that a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball with take off the permanant marker from hard wood desks/floors, etc. Then I like to use Bona hardwood floor cleaner to help hide the scratch marks.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Rubbing alcohol will remove permanent marker from hardwood floors. Try it on a small area first to make sure it works on whatever finish your floor has. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Sol-U-Mel from Melaleuca will get the mark off! Let me know if you would like to be a customer of these great products.

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S.E.

answers from San Francisco on

any alcohol based product should take off the marker... rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, etc. Work lightly and quickly, as you do not want to remove the finish on the floor.

As for scratches, you can cover them up with....permanent marker. They come in a variety of colors now a days, get the fine point and fill in. At a flooring store, you should be able to find wood markers.

Sometimes you can swell out the scratches. I do it on tables. Put a damp towel (folded up) over the scratch and let it sit for a few minutes. Then come over it with a hot iron. The idea is that the moisture will sink into the crack and the heat will swell the wood back in place. It may swell over the scratch edges. Sometimes I have to hand sand, restain (stain or marker, and put a finish coat over top.

Stephanie

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M.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Try Mr. Clean magic eraser for the pen, and if that doesn't work, some hand sanitizer with a soft cloth. The scratches will be there until you have the floors buffed.

Good luck!

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S.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Perhaps someone will know that their recommended product will also work for paint on linoleum. The painter kind of forgot to take care of it, or mention it to me & found it months later.
Thanks, SW

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G.B.

answers from San Francisco on

when all else failed for me, a little fine grit sandpaper with a lught touch took the pen off my floor.

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H.H.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi B.,

I once read to rub walnut meat on scratches on the hardwood floors. I tried it and it really works well. Hope that helps!

-H.

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N.H.

answers from Sacramento on

I had a friend use toothpaste to remove permanant marker on their floor. I'm not sure what type of hardwood it was but it worked.

N. Howell
mother of 4 (15,10,2,1)

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J.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Sol-U-Mel and Rustic Touch! Both are products by Melaleuca. They are awesome and use non-toxic ingredients. (All Melaleuca's products are made without harsh chemicals or known carcinogens). Visit my website to see some of the reasons people have for switching stores and buying products from Melaleuca. Let me know if I can help. www.SwitchingStores.info
Good Luck,
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from San Francisco on

We've had permanent pen on our table. It has faded and some of it has come off just with regular wiping. I've also heard of using toothpaste, borax, or the magic eraser. Good luck!

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