The Lunar New Year is approaching, and it’s time to spruce up your home and welcome in the festive season. If your ceramic tile flooring has seen better days, with scratches and scuffs, don’t fret about the cost of replacing it. Try these easy and effective methods to refresh your tiles and give them a brand-new look!
1 Remove Scratches with a Clay Pipe
Materials Needed
- 1 piece of clay pipe (the orange-red variety)
- A small amount of water
Tip: You can purchase or source clay pipes from construction sites.
Instructions
Remove Scratches from Tiles
Step 1: If your pipe is too large, break it into smaller pieces for easier handling.
Step 2: Dampen the scratched area of the tile with a small amount of water.
Step 3: Using moderate pressure, rub the clay pipe over the scratched tile. The clay will act like an eraser, removing the scratches and restoring the tile’s surface.
The friction will create dust that fills in the scratches, significantly reducing their appearance by up to 80%. This method works for both light and deep scratches on ceramic tiles or glass tiles.
2 Use Candle Wax to Remove Scratches
Materials Needed
- White candle wax
Instructions
This method is ideal for minor scratches. First, rub the white candle wax gently over the scratched area of the tile. Continue until the wax fills the scratches. Then, use a thin piece of rubber to remove the excess wax from the tile’s surface. Wait for about 5 minutes before cleaning the floor with a damp cloth to reveal a smooth, scratch-free surface.
3 Mix Paint, White Cement, and Fine Sand to Remove Scratches
Materials Needed
- White cement
- Water-based paint (match the color to your tiles)
- Fine sand
Instructions
Step 1: Create a thick paste by mixing equal parts of paint, cement, and sand. You can adjust the proportions depending on the severity of the scratches.
Step 2: Apply the mixture to the scratched area of the tile.
Step 3: Using gloves, firmly press the mixture into the scratches and rub it in until the scratches disappear.
Step 4: After about an hour, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any excess mixture. By now, the scratches should be almost entirely gone.
4 Protect Your Floors from Scratches
Protect Your Floors from Scratches
While the above methods can effectively remove scratches, it’s also important to take preventive measures. Here are some tips to keep your floors scratch-free:
Use soft pads under heavy objects to reduce friction and make them easier to move.
When moving heavy objects, place a mat or cloth underneath, protecting both the object and the floor from scratches.
Regularly clean and maintain your floors to keep them in good condition.
For motorcycles, keep them clean and use rubber pads under the kickstand or a rubber mat to park on to prevent scratches.
With just a few simple tools and some elbow grease, you can easily remove scratches from your ceramic tiles. Save this guide and give these methods a try to welcome the new year with a fresh and scratch-free home!