Laminate floors scratches will disappear in seconds with food item that 'works wonders'

The winter can be hard on wooden floors (Image: Getty Images)

A busy winter of increased footfall, muddy boots and festive celebrations can wreak havoc on our homes, leaving behind scuffs and scratches on wood and laminate floors.

Before you reach for expensive repair kits or call in the builders, the experts at Online Carpets have revealed that the answer you might just be closer to home.

A tasty cupboard staple, a humble jar of mayonnaise can work miracles on minor scratches in wooden floors. With its unique blend of oil, protein, and vinegar, it's the flooring hero we never knew we needed.

While it's not a cure-all for deep damage, this simple home remedy can rejuvenate your floors' shine for a fraction of the cost.

The flooring gurus explain: "While using mayonnaise to repair scratches on laminate floor might sound ridiculous, it contains rich oils that can work wonders on the scratched wood."

While it may sound surprising, mayonnaise can help repair scratches (Image: Getty Images)

"Simply apply a small dollop of mayonnaise onto the scratch and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight. The oils will seep into the wood, helping minimise the appearance of imperfections," the experts said.

For those with laminate floors, they caution: "If using on laminate floor, you should only wipe the mayo on the scratch, rather than letting it sit, as the oils could potentially end up damaging the protective coating.

"Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth, and repeat the process until your flooring looks renewed."

Repairing minor blemishes is not only cost-effective but can also prolong the life of your flooring while maintaining its polished appearance.

Other DIY remedies suggested by experts include:

Walnuts can also work wonders on wooden floors (Image: Getty Images)

Walnuts

These can work miracles on scratched wooden floors due to their natural oils.

Simply rub a walnut kernel over the scratch in circular motions, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff with a soft cloth. The oils penetrate the wood, concealing scratches and leaving your floor looking refreshed.

The expert advised: "After applying, let the walnut sit for a few minutes before buffing the area with a soft cloth. This will leave you with a smoother, less noticeable scratch and refreshed laminate floors."

Olive oil and vinegar

A simple mixture of olive oil and vinegar can both clean and repair scratched wooden and laminate floors. Combine one part vinegar with two parts olive oil in a small bowl, then dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently rub it onto the scratched areas.

The vinegar helps clean the surface, while the olive oil hydrates the wood, helping to make scratches less visible. Finish by wiping away any residue with a damp cloth and then wipe over again with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

Coconut oil

This is great for cooking and also, great for tending to scratches on laminate floor.

This household essential could work wonders in breathing new life into scratched wood, thanks to the deeply moisturising nature of coconut oil which aids in restoring shine and reducing the visibility of scratches. "Simply warm a small amount of coconut oil in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or between your hands and then massage it onto the damaged area," suggest the pros.

Banana peels

Banana peels feature next with the inside filled with natural oils and potassium, perfect for tackling surface scratches on wooden floors or laminate. Just apply the inside of the banana peel onto the scratch using circular motions, follow up with a damp cloth to clean any leftovers, and finish with a dry cloth to polish the area.

Commenting on these inexpensive and eco-friendly methods, James Higgins, flooring expert at Online Carpets, said: "These five household items are incredibly cost-effective and environmentally-friendly ways to help treat scratches on your wooden floors and help restore their beauty.

"While these solutions are best for minor scratches they offer a practical alternative to expensive commercial products that typically include harsh chemicals."