When you have a clean home, you’ll have less stress, allergic reactions, and illness in the house. Nothing detracts from a clean home more than unsightly marks on the floor or wall.
Scuff marks are left on a surface after something has been dragged or rubbed against it. They’re often seen on floors, walls, and furniture. While they may be hard to look at, you can often remove them with a bit of effort.
Has your home fallen victim to scuff marks? Read on as we cover everything you need to know about how to remove scuff marks from walls and other surfaces in this handy guide.
Causes of Scuff Marks
It’s not uncommon to feel like scuff marks show up in your house out of thin air. Your walls and floors may look spotless one day and then the next day there are large black or brown marks.
Most scuff marks come from bumping up against a wall, floor, or other surfaces. Almost anything can make these marks, but rubber is the biggest culprit.
A shoe dragging on a floor is the cause of most floor scuff marks. Anything brushing up against a wall can cause a scuff mark on that surface.
Paint with a low sheen has tiny hairs that absorb the light to keep it matte. When something brushes against walls with these finishes, the hairs get broken. These broken areas cause the scuff mark that you see.
Best Cleaning Products for Scuff Marks
There are a wide array of cleaning products you can use to get rid of your scuff marks. Some you can find right in your own pantry!
Baking Soda for Scuff Marks
You can use this powerhouse ingredient in more than baking recipes! Baking soda is also a great tool to use to remove scuff marks.
Toothpaste
Another off-brand product to clean your scuff marks is toothpaste. Make sure to use a non-gel so you don’t accidentally stain your walls.
Soap
Soap is a great tool to use to get scuff marks out. A clear dishwashing liquid will do the trick.
Tennis Ball
Do you have scuff marks on the floor? Break out the tennis ball! This is a tried and true method that will solve your scuff mark floor problems.
How to Remove Scuff Marks From Walls and Other Surfaces
The cleaning method you use on a scuff mark depends on the location of the area and the type of scuff mark you’re removing. Higher quality, glossier paints are easier to clean than flat or matte paints.
Damp Cloth
One of the easiest cleaning methods for scuff marks is to use a damp cloth. It’s a good idea to try this method out first before using a more abrasive method.
Make sure you are using a clean cloth. You don’t want any dirt transferring to the wall. Use warm water and make sure to wring it out so that it isn’t soaking wet.
Gently wipe the scuff mark until it is gone. After, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the area dry.
Melamine Sponge
If you have a scuff mark on the floor, grab a melamine sponge to help you out. These sponges, known as “magic erasers,” are great to remove scuff marks.
Take your melamine sponge and wet it. Wring it out so that it is a bit damp. Use the sponge to wipe the scuff mark until the mark is gone.
Always do a spot test before using a melamine sponge. Some surfaces can’t withstand the roughness of this cleaning tool. Avoid using a melamine sponge on wallpapered walls.
Toothpaste Method
Grab a non-gel toothpaste to get those scuff marks off of your wall. The small cleaning beads in toothpaste help to clean the marks off of your wall.
Take a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and apply it to the scuff mark. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove the rest of the mark. Don’t forget to blot the area dry after.
Baking Soda Paste
You’ll need to grab your baking soda from your pantry for this method. Mix two parts baking soda to one part water until a paste forms.
Put this paste on the scuff mark and rub it in a gentle circular pattern. Grab another clean, damp cloth and wipe the remaining toothpaste from the area. Dry the spot by gently blotting it with a dry cloth.
Eraser Method
If you have a scuff on a wood floor, an eraser may get the mark out. You’ll need to use a new eraser so you don’t make any extra marks on the floor.
Use the eraser to rub over the scuff mark. Once the mark is gone, vacuum the eraser shavings up.
Tennis Ball Method
Another way to get rid of scuff marks on the floor is by using a tennis ball. Take a new tennis ball and cut an X in the ball using a sharp blade.
Pop the tennis ball on the end of a broom and put the ball on the scuff mark. Rub the tennis ball over the mark until it vanishes.
How to Prevent Scuff Marks
When it comes time to paint your walls, choose high-quality paint. This is especially crucial in areas that see a lot of traffic.
Act fast! When you see a scuff mark, make sure to take care of it right away.
Don’t set up your furniture near your walls. Any furniture close may rub against the wall and class scuff marks.
Keep Your House Looking Great by Getting Rid of Scuff Marks
Scuff marks can make even the cleanest house look dirty. When you know how to remove scuff marks from walls and other areas, your house will always look pristine!
If your house needs a little help getting clean, Two Gals & A Broom can help! Contact our team to get a free cleaning estimate today!
