Scratches in wood are annoying! However, a viral home remedy trick promises quick relief. We tested ourselves whether a walnut can actually replace a professional repair.
A brief moment of inattention – and then it happened: the felt covering under the chairs had slipped and the chair legs left unsightly scratches in the parquet. What to do?
Before I ordered an expensive repair kit or called a professional, I wanted to look for simple solutions first. I came across a surprising tip: A walnut can hide scratches in the wood.
The trick sounded almost too simple to work – but since I happened to have a walnut at home, I gave it a try. Spoiler: I was pleasantly surprised!
How can a walnut remove scratches in wood?
The trick sounds strange at first – but it has a simple background. Walnuts contain natural oils that can act as a kind of polish. If you rub the nut over a damaged area, the oil can visually “fill in” the scratch and make the surface appear darker.
The result: The scratch doesn’t disappear completely – but it’s significantly less noticeable.
This is how the walnut trick works step by step
All you need for this anti-scratch hack is a walnut.
- Remove the walnut from the shell and cut it in half
- Gently rub the walnut over the scratch
- Allow to absorb briefly so that the oils can take effect
- Polish with a soft cloth and remove any residue
Important: The trick works best on superficial scratches, not on deep grooves or damaged paint.
Alternative method: Iron trick against wood scratches
Another commonly recommended home remedy hack is, according to “Solid natural furniture” the use of a rag and an iron.
A slightly damp cloth is placed on the scratched area and the hot iron is placed on it for about a minute. The combination of heat and moisture can cause the wood to swell slightly, making the scratch appear significantly weaker or even disappear completely.
Be careful with these home remedies
Not every internet tip is a good idea. Experts often advise against using agents such as mayonnaise or black tea – they can cause stains or permanently discolor the wood. Instead of repairs, this sometimes makes the damage worse.
Conclusion: Cheap trick – but not suitable for every type of damage
A walnut isn’t a miracle cure, but it was a quick and inexpensive solution to my minor scratches. I was able to save myself the repair kit and especially the expensive sanding of the parquet. It is absolutely recommended for superficial scratches!
However, if there is deep damage to the parquet, professional help is usually essential.
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