Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning
Wear those heels proudly -- floor scuff marks can't stand up to these remedies.Sure, now the home-care market is permeated with cleaning solutions. But there was a time, before technology took over, that we relied simply on good ol' fashioned elbow grease and know-how for cleaning our homes. We may have newer, more advanced options, but there's something to be said about the methods that have stood the test of time. So, we've decided to put old-school cleaning techniques to the ultimate test -- pitting them against high-tech, modern-day cleaning solutions. Our second installment in this series? How to clean scuff marks.
The Problem: Scuffs happen. And in a busy household they tend to happen everywhere -- and often. I'm a high-heel wearer, and so are countless of my friends, so it seems no matter what I do, my floors are covered in scuff marks. But it doesn't stop there. Somehow my baseboards and walls get covered in marks as well. They may be annoying to clean, but at least it's easy -- whether you opt for the old or new solution.
Old Solution: Baking soda seems to be the remedy for nearly every pesky problem our ancestors encountered. And it still stands up to the job. Simply mix a smooth paste (think the consistency of toothpaste) of baking soda and water and rub it with a soft cloth directly on the marks. It takes a bit of elbow grease for more stubborn marks, but the technique seems to do the trick.
An even more interesting remedy for scuffs is a good, old-fashion tennis ball (the standard light green versions; colored options can leave marks of their own). Following directions from a family member, I cut a small X in the top (about a quarter inch) and inserted the top of a broom handle. Using the ball end of the broom, I rubbed some scuffs with the tennis ball. This, too, took some elbow grease -- but it did the job!
Here are some other techniques that have proven to work:
o. Lighter fluid: Dampen a soft cloth with lighter fluid and rub onto the scuff marks. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry.
o. WD 40: Spray onto a soft cloth or paper towel and rub the scuff marks gently. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
o. Toothpaste: Using firm, circular motions, rub a small amount of toothpaste with a clean cloth onto the marks. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
New Solution: You've heard of it -- and probably used it. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the modern multi-tasking remedy for around-the-house touch-ups. And it's especially effective on scuff marks. I used it on my walls and base boards; it did an excellent job on my baseboards, but seemed to take a bit of the sheen off my high gloss-painted walls, so best to stick with flat surfaces. One downfall of the eraser is that as it wears out it leaves little white "eraser" flakes that need to be cleaned up -- but it is, truly, magical when it comes to getting the job done.
However, best not to use the Eraser on wood floors with a polyurethane finish. Some reviews claim it takes the finish right off. Not too inspired to refinish my floors if this warning is true, I'm just going to take their word for it. You might want to as well.
The Verdict: We vote baking soda. It and the Magic Eraser were about as equally as effective, but baking soda can be used on any surface without concern. Although you do need to clean up after the soda paste, it's a bit easier than the pesky flakes left behind from the Eraser. And because there are so many more uses for the solution (stay tuned!) all you need is to keep a box of baking soda on hand for any cleaning needs and you're set! Plus, you're not adding to the landfill quite as often.
Check out who won the battle -- old or new -- in the art of removing red wine stains!