How to Get Rid of Scratches on Your Furniture: A Practical, Step-by-Step Guide

Whether it's a wayward pet claw or a problematic toddler, scratches on your furniture are inevitable. But that doesn't mean you have to live with them!

With the right tools and a little elbow grease, you can eliminate those unsightly scratches and keep your furniture looking new.

Today, we're going to show you how to get rid of scratches on your furniture with a practical, step-by-step guide.

Let's start with the basics.

The Simple, At-Home Solution

The first step is to assess the damage. If the scratch is shallow and doesn't go all the way through the finish, you can try a simple, at-home solution.

Start by cleaning the area around the scratch with a soft cloth and some mild soap and water. This will remove any dirt or grime that could prevent the repair from taking hold.

Next, get a cotton swab and dip it in some distilled white vinegar. Gently rub the cotton swab over the scratch, moving in one direction.

After a few minutes, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth.

If the scratch is still visible, you can try repeating the process.

The important thing is to be patient and go slowly. Don't rub too hard or you could damage the finish further.

A More Permanent Solution

If the damage is more than skin deep, you'll need to take a different approach.

Start by sanding the area around the scratch with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out the area and provide a clean surface for the repair.

Next, get a wood filler and fill in the scratch. Make sure to smooth it out so that it's level with the rest of the surface.

Once the filler is dry, sand it down until it's flush with the rest of the furniture.

Finally, apply a new coat of finish to the area. This will help to protect the repair and blend it in with the rest of the piece.

5 Natural Ways to Remove Scratches from Wood Furniture

If you're looking for a more natural way to get rid of scratches, there are a few options worth trying.

1. Coconut Oil

One popular solution is to rub some coconut oil into the scratch. This will help to moisturize the wood and make the scratch less visible.

Just make sure to wipe away any excess oil so that it doesn't attract dirt or dust.

Of course, this method is only effective on minor scratches. Don't expect it to work miracles on deep gouges.

2. Lemon Juice

Another option is to use lemon juice. This acidic fruit can help to fade the appearance of scratches.

Just apply some lemon juice to a cotton ball and rub it into the scratch. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

Keep in mind that this method may lighten the surrounding area, so test it on an inconspicuous spot first.

3. Mayonnaise

Yes, you read that correctly. Mayonnaise can actually help to camouflage scratches on your wood furniture.

The oils in mayonnaise will help to fill in the scratch and make it less visible. Just apply a small amount to the affected area and let it sit for about 30 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another surprising solution for scratches. Just make a paste with water and baking soda and apply it to the scratch.

Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. You may need to repeat the process a few times to see results.

5. Wax

Finally, you can try using wax to fill in the scratch. Just rub some wax into the affected area and let it dry. This will help to mask the scratch and protect the wood from further damage.

Potential Mistakes To Avoid When Using Any of These Solutions

When using any of these methods, there are a few potential mistakes to avoid:

• Make sure you're using the right product. For example, you wouldn't want to use furniture polish on a scratched wooden table.
• Be careful not to rub too hard. You don't want to damage the finish or make the scratch worse.
• Test the solution on an inconspicuous spot first. This will help you gauge how well it works and whether there are any risks involved.

Also…

If your furniture is upholstered, you'll want to be careful not to damage the fabric when trying to remove the scratch. For light scratches, again, polish or wax should do the trick. If that doesn't work, you can try using a steam iron. 

Just hold the iron about an inch away from the fabric and wave it back and forth until you see the scratch start to disappear. 

Be sure to test this on a small, inconspicuous spot first to avoid damaging the fabric.

If you have a deep scratch, you may need to call in a professional upholsterer. They'll be able to patch or repair the damage so that it's less noticeable.

Finally, keep in mind that some scratches are simply too deep to be repaired. In these cases, your best bet is to accept the damage and focus on preventing future scratches.

You can do this by using coasters and placemats when using the furniture and being careful not to place anything sharp or heavy on the surface. You can also consider using furniture covers or wax sticks to help protect the finish.

Conclusion

Scratches on your furniture don't have to be permanent! With a little elbow grease (and maybe some unexpected ingredients), you can make those scratches disappear.

Just remember to take your time, be careful not to damage the finish, and test the solution on an inconspicuous spot first. With these tips in mind, you'll have your furniture looking good as new in no time.