Wooden floors are popular in modern homes as they are much easier to clean than carpets, but over time, they will become scruffy no matter how often you sweep them. Scruff marks are oil-based stains that people often mistake for scratches, but thankfully, they only affect the protective coating on top of floors rather than the wood itself.
It can be tough to remove scuff marks, especially if they have been walked over repeatedly, as these stains bond to a surface and will not budge even if you keep wiping them. However, Serena Bethle, an expert from Floor Authority, has shared that one of the most effective ways to get wooden floors clean again is to use a tennis ball.
Serena said: “Rub the scuff with the flat side of a tennis ball. The texture of the ball can lift marks effectively without scratching the surface.”
It may seem strange, but the rubber inside a tennis ball will interact with the scuff mark and will grip it to loosen it through friction.
The fuzzy felt on a tennis ball is also abrasive and will generate a little bit of heat, which also helps loosen the mark as you rub at it.
Using a tennis ball to clean a wooden floor is very similar to using a rubber on paper to get rid of pencil marks, but it is also very gentle, so it will not damage the surface.
How to clean a wooden floor with a tennis ball
To begin, use a wet cloth to wipe away any dust on the floor, as you do not want to accidentally rub dirt into the mark.
Then all you have to do is rub a tennis ball in a circular motion over the mark on your floor.
Make sure you are applying a little bit of pressure as you want to cause enough friction to remove the scruff.
Watch as the mark will disappear in just a minute or two. Once it is done, wipe the area dry with a cloth, then sweep or mop as you normally would.
If the scuff mark is particularly stubborn, then you can dampen a tennis ball and pour a little baking soda onto the scuffed spot to help remove it.
Serena said: “Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, removing the mark without damaging the finish.”
Baking soda is also very absorbent and slightly alkaline, which can help remove acidic marks that come from food spills or pet accidents, which commonly occur on wooden floors.
This is a simple way to get your floors clean using just everyday items you likely already have at home, plus, it leaves your wood looking polished and spotless in under five minutes.
