Try these hacks to fix damage to wood furniture or floors before you call in the experts
Some people argue that scratches and dents in wood furniture and floors add character — and if that’s your philosophy, we say embrace it. But if you’re bummed out because of an obvious scratch, water mark or scuff, there are a few approaches you can try before you hire a professional to refinish or restore it.
As with any DIY fix, make sure to test the method on a small, inconspicuous spot before applying somewhere obvious — just in case the repair doesn’t work out or, in a worst-case scenario, causes further damage. Though most of these methods are simple and straightforward, there’s always a little bit of risk in how a floor or piece of furniture will respond. Keep in mind the basic principle of wood care, too: Less is more.
Moisture is bad for wood, so be restrained when using water or other liquids to clean the material. Use clean, gentle cloths to wipe down wood pieces and be careful not to scratch them or apply too much pressure.
Address surface-level scratches
Surface-level scratches are common and, thankfully, can be easy to fix. Most of these scratches are damage to the finish of the wood floor or wood furniture piece, not the wood itself — so a DIY solution could be just what you need.
The Tibet Almond Stick went viral recently because the colorless, odorless and reusable product can minimize the look of scratches in floors and furniture. Priced just shy of $15, it’s sold through many major retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon and Ace Hardware. The stick is made of tightly-rolled cotton that’s soaked in a “secret family formula.” (Important to note: Despite the name, nuts are not used in the manufacturing of the Tibet Almond Stick.) Simply rub the stick on scratched surfaces until the scratch disappears.

Howard Restor-A-Finish is another option that gets solid reviews and is widely sold. It promises to restore wood finishes while blending out minor scratches, blemishes and abrasions (as well as removing white heat rings, sun fading, water marks and other kinds of damaage). Restor-A-Finish, which comes in nine shades, uses a wipe-on, wipe-off process.
Another tried-and-true method for addressing surface-level scratches is a furniture repair pen or wax stick. Many retailers have some version of these products, and most come in sets with multiple colors.
If you really want to go for an old-school method, try cracking open a walnut and rubbing it on the scratch. (We’re not kidding!) The oil of the walnut can fill the wood scratch, making it less visible.

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