How To Remove Scratches On Ceramic Tile Floors

By  Kathy Adams

Things Needed

  • Soft cloths

  • Non-gel toothpaste

  • Water

  • Non-abrasive powdered cleanser

  • Paper plate or shallow bowl

  • Nylon scrub pad or toothbrush

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While ceramic tile is designed to be a durable, easy-to-clean floor covering, it's still prone to scratches. A sharp edge on a metal chair leg may cause a scratch in the tile's finish; sliding a heavy appliance across the floor can do the same thing. In many cases, the scratch can be repaired with items you already have on hand. A severe, deep scratch or crack, on the other hand, may require replacing the individual tile.

Step 1

Clean up any small debris near the damaged area, such as gravel tracked in from outdoors, to avoid causing additional scratches on the tile.

Step 2

Wipe the scratched area down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.

Step 3

Apply a dab of non-gel toothpaste to a damp cloth. Buff the scratched area gently with the cloth. Wipe the area down again with a fresh damp cloth to see if the scratch disappeared.

Step 4

Pour a small amount of non-abrasive cleanser onto a paper plate or shallow bowl. Add just enough water to give it a paste-like consistency.

Step 5

Dip a soft cloth into the cleanser paste, and rub the paste over the scratch. Wipe the area again with a damp cloth to remove the cleanser.

Step 6

Remove any stubborn portion of the scratch with a bit of toothpaste or cleanser paste, rubbing the area with a nylon scrub pad or a toothbrush. Wipe the area down once again with a damp cloth.

Tip

Pick up small bits of debris on the floor, such as gravel, whenever you see it to prevent additional tile scratches.

Use furniture leg pads under tables and chairs to prevent the furniture from scratching the floor. An area rug placed under a table or whole seating area is another way to protect the tile.

Car wax provides a bit of protection for a previously scratched tile.

Warning

Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive scrubbing tools such as steel wool on ceramic tile, as either may scratch the tile.

References

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