December 23, 2022, 2:11 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A scratch on the tabletop is no reason to replace it with a new one. myHOMEBOOK explains a few tricks to remove scratches from wooden furniture–all without chemicals.
Despite careful handling, scratches can occur on wooden furniture. Sanding is, of course, a solution, but it requires some skill. Additionally, the surfaces must be treated with oils and polishes afterward. Alternatively, you can find various wood repair kits at hardware stores, but some contain chemical additives. Sometimes, good old home remedies are enough to fix scratches in wooden furniture.
1. Fixing Scratches in Wooden Furniture with Wax
If you don’t have a wood repair kit at home, you can use candle or beeswax to fill in larger scratches in the wood. To match the wood tone, you might need to tint the wax with tea or coffee. Or you can use wax crayons. Afterward, simply polish the area with a cloth.
2. Eyebrow Pencils
Sometimes, the makeup box can be quite handy–especially if you use natural cosmetics. The nourishing oils and ingredients in eyebrow pencils are ideal for virtually covering up small wood scratches. The pencils already have the right color. Just apply and let it absorb. It’s best to wipe it again afterward.
Also interesting: Repairing Damage in Parquet Flooring in 6 Steps
3. For Small Scratches in Wooden Furniture: Lemon Juice and Vegetable Oil
This duo is a true all-rounder, even making small scratches and stains disappear as if by magic. Simply mix lemon juice and a pure vegetable oil, such as linseed, olive, or sunflower oil, in equal parts. Then rub the mixture into the scratch with a soft cloth until the scratch becomes less visible. This also works with vinegar essence instead of lemon juice. The acid causes the wood to swell slightly, and the oil seals it again.
4. For Small Dents: Black Tea
Brew a black tea and let it steep until the infusion matches the color of your wood. Then apply it to the unsightly area until the scratch fades.
5. Miracle Cure: Coffee
Coffee not only acts as a pick-me-up but also works against smaller scratches in dark wood. To do this, apply a good splash of black coffee or even coffee grounds to a cotton swab and rub it over the area several times. Let it sit briefly, wipe it off, and you’re done!
Also interesting: Removing Scratches from Glass–Which Home Remedies Work
6. For New Shine: Nuts
If you want to remove deeper scratches in untreated wood, try using nuts. Walnuts are best suited for this. Simply rub them over the scratches. In many cases, they disappear or are at least barely visible.
7. Against Unsightly Marks: Peanut Butter
The same principle as with nuts and works great on light wood types! Ideally, use peanut paste instead of classic peanut butter, which also contains sugar. Cover the area to be treated with it and let it absorb for at least one to two days before wiping it off.
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8. For Deep Scratches in Wooden Furniture: Toothpaste and Oil
Toothpaste not only makes your teeth shine but can also benefit your furniture. The polishing effect comes from the tiny abrasive particles. Mix the toothpaste and vegetable oil in a 2:1 ratio, then rub it into the scratch, let it sit, and finally wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Also interesting: How to Remove Scratches from the Sink
9. Ironing Out Dents and Scratches in Wood
It may sound a bit unconventional, but it actually works on untreated or oiled solid wood. Warning: Do not try this on lacquered wood and always proceed with extra caution!
Place a sufficiently large cloth soaked in water over the area so that an iron can fit on it. Then place the hot iron on it until the area is dry. The swelling should make the scratch disappear.
By the way: Just as scratches can be removed this way, you can also use the trick to eliminate stubborn stains in wood.