How To Remove Scuff Marks & Scratches From Stained Concrete

Concrete floors are a beautiful and low-maintenance flooring choice for your home. You can stain the concrete different shades and colors, giving you several options to match the decor of your home. Since concrete is a hard, resistant surface, concrete floors are also easy to maintain, but these floors are not entirely scratch-proof. Heavy-soled shoes and furniture can create scuff marks, and improper use can lead to scratching.

Step 1

Sweep the entire floor with a broom to remove loose dirt and debris. This will prevent any loose dirt from mixing into the cleaning solution and creating new scratches while you work.

Step 2

Rub a dry, clean paper towel over the scuff marks in quick back and forth motions. Press the paper towel down gently but firmly as you rub the floor. Periodically lift the paper towel and check the scuff mark. Replace the paper towel if the towel starts to tear or separate, or becomes saturated with the scuff mark residue.

Step 3

Place a small amount of fine-grit abrasive on a clean, dry cloth. Gently rub the cloth in small circular motions against the scratch on the floor. The abrasive will remove the surface polish on the floor and lift light scratches. Repeat this process for every scratch mark.

Step 4

Wipe the abrasive off with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Test the flooring for marks. Apply a second coating of fine-grit abrasive if the scratch mark still appears on the floor. Wipe the second coating off with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

Step 5

Buff the floor with a polishing compound made for concrete flooring. Apply a nickle-sized amount of polishing compound to the buffing pad. Gently rub the buffing pad over the area until the polishing compound works into the flooring, and the gleam from the polishing compound no longer appears. The polishing compound will restore any shine or luster lost by using the abrasive to remove the scratches.