PROPERTY NEWS - The warmth of wood makes it an attractive addition to every home. 

But whether it's a scratch on your favourite table, or scuff marks caused by furniture on your pricey wooden floor, your heart may sink when you first notice that ugly gash. 

Shh…we have a secret tip to banish it for good!

Get out the crayons
No, it isn't for a little art therapy to banish your blues! 

Try to find a wax candle or crayon in a good colour match to the damaged wood.

Warm the crayon so it's soft, then really work it into the scratched area. 

Use an old credit card to scrape away the excess wax, then buff the surface with a cloth.

Treat the wood to a good polish, and you'll find the scratch is far less discernible - if you have a good colour match, it may even be impossible to pick out!

Prevention is better than cure
Wood that's well treated is less likely to scratch than wood that's been allowed to dry out. 

While varnished wood often needs no 'feeding', be sure to regularly inspect the varnish and make sure the coating is tough and uninterrupted.

For wood preserved with other methods (oils and waxes are the most common), be sure to regularly reapply the treatment to keep a robust, well-moisturised surface across the whole area.

Photo: www.howtocleanstuff.net

Well cared-for wood is an investment that keeps on delivering in warmth, beauty and robustness, so be sure to take care of your wooden pieces and floors.

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