How to Remove Scratches, Dents, and Stains From Wood

If your furniture or wood floors have been damaged — or simply need a little more shine — you can try to repair them yourself without having to buy expensive products or worrying about ruining them. 5-Minute Crafts will show you how to repair scratches, dents, and even stains that have damaged any wooden surface, including common furniture pieces, like tables and chairs. With these methods, you can easily implement them with whatever else you have in your home.

To restore scratched wood

Method 1: vinegar + olive oil

1. Take a clean microfiber cloth and add a little bit of white vinegar and olive oil, mixed. The amount you need to use will depend on the size of the furniture or wood area you plan to apply it to. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture.

2. Rub the scratched wood gently. Repeat as many times as necessary until you obtain the desired result. Perform this procedure periodically so that the wood will show its natural shine.

Method 2: chocolate bar

1. Vigorously scrub the wood surface that is scratched with a piece of chocolate. Pure dark chocolate is the best way to go here since this type of bar has natural cocoa oils that will help fill in cracks and scratches.
2. When you’re done, wipe the wood with a paper towel or clean cloth to get rid of the excess chocolate. Do this in a quick, circular motion, buffing the affected area. Repeat as often as necessary until the wood is free of visible scratches.

To repair holes or dents

Method 1: water + heat

1. If your wood furniture or floor has a small dent, there’s nothing to worry about. Start by dampening the area with water.
2. Then apply heat to the dampened wood. To do this, you can use a hair dryer or a hot iron. Remember that wood can change shape with temperature, so by doing this, the compressed wood will actually swell, then return to its original shape.

Method 2: pencil and glue residue

1. If your wooden floors or furniture have become burned for some reason, fill the holes with the pencil waste that accumulates after sharpening one. Then apply plenty of liquid glue over it. Allow it to harden for a couple of minutes.
2. Then, using wood sandpaper, sand over the previously added elements. Make sure the surface is smooth and that the burnt color disappears.
3. Apply some acrylic paste for wood, trying not to leave any lumps or cracks.
4. Paint your floor or furniture with a small or medium brush. Try to copy the line pattern of the original wood. Let the surface dry perfectly. Afterward, you can finish it by applying oil or shine cream.

Method 3: hot wax

1. If you need to fill a small hole, you can use hot wax that is the same color as the area that needs repairing. Apply a generous amount inside the hole.
2. With a spatula or flat tool, apply pressure to the surface so that the liquid penetrates the entire hole and fills it completely.
3. Then use a cutter to gently remove any excess wax around the dent.

To remove stains

Method 1: mayonnaise

1. If your wooden furniture has been damaged by water left by cold glasses, you can remove the stains using a bit of mayonnaise. Apply it to the damaged area.
2. Use a clean microfiber cloth to vigorously rub the area until the stains disappear. It will also bring a natural shine to your furniture.

Method 2: alcohol

1. Whenever you want to remove marks or graffiti from your floor or wood furniture, start by dampening a cotton pad with alcohol. Keep in mind that this only works if the marks are fresh.

2. Then you just have to rub the pad over the area. Repeat the procedure as much as needed until the ink is completely gone.