How to Remove Smudge From Hardwood Floor

Written By
Mia Carter
Mia Carter
Published: Oct 27, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Some cleaning methods are ineffective, while others will damage the hardwood floor and finish, so it's vital to use the proper tools and method when removing smudges and scuffs from a hardwood floor.

Things You Will Need

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Sponge with "magic eraser"
  • Paper towel
  1. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water in a small bowl. For a small smudge, you'll only need about one teaspoon of baking soda.

  2. Dampen a "magic eraser" sponge or a normal sponge with a "magic eraser" surface on one side) in the sink and squeeze out the excess water.

  3. Dampen a paper towel and ring out the excess water.

  4. Dip a corner of the sponge in the bowl of baking soda and water solution and rub the smudge in a circular motion to remove the scuff mark. Re-dip the sponge if the smudge is large and requires more scrubbing.

  5. Wipe the area with the damp paper towel to remove traces of the baking soda and water solution.

  6. Look at the site of the scuff mark or smudge at a 45-degree angle to determine if traces of the smudge still remain. If traces of the mark are still present, repeat steps 4 and 5.

The Drip Cap

  • Hardwood floors are prone to smudges and scuffs from shoes, wheels on toys, and from items that are slid across the floor.
  • These smudges won't disappear with normal mopping, which leaves residents trying other methods to remove scuff marks.
  • Dampen a "magic eraser" sponge or a normal sponge with a "magic eraser" surface on one side) in the sink and squeeze out the excess water.
Mia Carter

Mia Carter is a CBS News Radio broadcast editor and script writer in Boston. She has more than 10 years experience as a newspaper editor, print journalist, broadcast journalist and Web writer. She is an online editor of mind and soul…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.