How to Get Rid of Scuff Marks
Scuff marks on floors or leathers occur inevitably along with almost any furniture in the house. They come into existence due to the presence of hard metal or plastic surfaces that grind into the surface of the floor. These hard surfaces usually include the legs of tables and chairs, ladders, sofas, etc. Super human strength is enough to make the scuff marks disappear. But if that is not an option, then using the right strategies described below makes the work simpler. Before proceeding, clean the loose dirt either with a damp cloth or a paper towel first. If you neglect this step, you will end up putting in that super human strength. Dirt or small particles WILL scratch your floor and make the scuff marks look worse.
Strategy No. 1: If the mark is caused by the rubber endings of the furniture, then fighting rubber marks with rubber is the best way out. Use a clean rubber ball or a hard eraser and start scrubbing the mark. If the mark is dark and difficult, then use some special “scuff erasers” which are available in the market. Occasionally use some detergent liquid and try scrubbing the mark with some waste cloth. This might take a while, but the marks disappear eventually. If you are an athlete, wear your pair of tennis shoes and rub the mark with your feet using the sole of the shoe.
Strategy No. 2: Use of acetone, better known as “nail polish remover” for removing scuff marks on leather surfaces is quite effective. Take a cotton swab or a piece of clean white cloth and put some nail polish remover on it. Dab the scuff mark at first and then slowly proceed to scrubbing. Acetone is also leather safe in nature and easily available too. Dry with some clean cotton balls.
Strategy No. 3: Non-gel type of toothpastes can also be used for removing scuff marks and works exceptionally well. Apply some Fluoride or calcium based toothpaste evenly on the scuff mark and keep it for sometime. Use an old brush to scrub the mark and clean with a dry cotton cloth in the end. This odd method surprisingly works even with the toughest scuff marks.
Strategy No. 4: Mix some rubbing alcohol (or any alcohol based products such as hair spray with at least 50% of alcohol conc.) and some elbow grease. Apply this paste and spread it evenly on the surface. Use some rough cloth to scrub. Do NOT mix other solvents with grease, as that might worsen the mark. Lighter fluid (naphtha) can also be used instead of rubbing alcohol.
Strategy No. 5: Use some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and make a fine paste out of it. Use this to scrub the scuff mark out. Use a paper towel or soft cloth as usual to pat dry.
Though the strategies described above undoubtedly work well for scuff marks, some precautions and “post care” should be taken. First of all, the type of flooring should be kept in mind. Hard scrubbing tools like sandpapers should NOT be used to scrub as it would spoil the floor surface. Also some type of floors (marble) may react to certain chemicals. Thorough test must be done before using any chemicals on the floor. Specific types of floors, usually the expensive ones, are given a separate type of cleaner. Use of such cleaners are advisable than using any other cleaners. Lastly protect the floor on a regular basis by waxing or polishing, so that it prevents the occurrence of dark scuff marks in the future.
