Wooden floors often become worn down through everyday use, but in summer they can quickly become covered in tiny scratches. There tends to be more gritty dust in the air when it is hot, due to sand, pollen, and plant debris, which can blow into homes if windows are left open. These small particles can be abrasive, especially when walked over with shoes, and over time can scratch the wood finish on a floor.
Expert Recommends a Walnut for Shallow Scratches
Brad Holden, a woodworker from Family Handyman, has shared that one of the easiest ways to fix wood scratches is to rub the floor with a walnut. He said: "Simply rub a walnut over a scratch in wood several times. Then, with your fingers, rub the scratched area. This will help the wood absorb the oil from the nut."
Walnut contains natural oils that can seep into a shallow scratch to help fill it, making marks far less noticeable. It helps darken the pale scratch line and creates a polishing effect, which can make the floor look slightly shinier. Using a walnut will not work on gouges or deep damage, as it does not actually repair the floor, but helps shallow scratches blend more into the wood.
How to Apply the Walnut Treatment
To begin, vacuum or sweep the scratched area. Do not use a walnut on a dirty floor, as grit can sink deeper into the wood and cause more scratches. If you decide to mop, make sure the floor is completely dry before using the walnut, as you can damage the wood.
Next, take a shelled walnut and rub the inside of it over the scratch. Try to gently move the walnut in the direction of the wood grain instead of rubbing it aggressively. Once done, leave the scratched floor alone for about five minutes to let the natural oils settle into the wooden surface. Then, take a clean cloth and gently buff the area to remove any leftover residue. The scratches should be much less visible.
