Introduction

As a post-95s who just moved into a new apartment, I've been driven crazy by various floor problems. Honestly, I wish I had known these repair tricks before renting, which would have saved me from potential trouble with the landlord. Fortunately, I've now mastered some incredible techniques that I'd like to share with you. Did you know that many seemingly troublesome floor issues can actually be easily fixed with some household items, without spending big money on professional repairs?

Tennis Ball to the Rescue

Last month while gaming, I accidentally scraped my chair, leaving a very noticeable scratch on the wooden floor. My heart sank as I started calculating how much it would cost to hire a professional. But while browsing Xiaohongshu, I surprisingly discovered an amazing solution: all you need is a tennis ball.

Let me tell you about this method in detail. First, find a fuzzy tennis ball, preferably new, as new balls have fluffier felt. Then get a mop handle and secure the ball to its end. I wrapped it with tape several times to make sure the ball wouldn't fall off. Then comes the magical moment: gently rub the tennis ball back and forth over the scratch, using light pressure, don't push too hard.

At first, I was skeptical about this method, but after a few minutes of rubbing, I was amazed! Those heartbreaking scratches gradually became lighter until they were almost invisible. The tennis ball's felt is perfect for the job - it removes scratches without damaging the floor itself. Best of all, you don't have to crawl around on the floor scrubbing anymore - it's truly a lazy person's miracle tool.

Carpet Salvation

Speaking of carpet problems, they can be really frustrating. When I first got my new carpet, I carelessly placed a super heavy bookshelf on it. When I wanted to change its position later, I found several deep and ugly dents in the carpet, which was really annoying. Later, I saw a Bilibili creator share an interesting method using ice cubes.

Here's how it works: First, place a few ice cubes on the dents - medium-sized ones, as too large will create too much water. Then just wait for the ice to melt naturally. During this time, you can browse your phone or watch shows - just leave it alone. Amazingly, as the melted ice is absorbed by the carpet fibers, those flattened fibers gradually return to their original state, making the dents less noticeable. I was absolutely stunned the first time I tried this - it's just incredible!

Just remember to dry the carpet with a hair dryer afterward to prevent mold. It's also best to do this on a sunny day so the carpet dries faster.

As for those annoying carpet wear spots, I have a professional-grade solution. First, gather these tools: small scissors, carpet-specific glue (I bought mine on Taobao for a few dozen yuan), wax paper, and a thick book. Here's the process: carefully trim the messy carpet fibers with scissors, being gentle to avoid over-cutting. Then apply a thin, even layer of carpet glue to the trimmed area - don't use too much or it will clump. Cover it with wax paper, then place the thick book on top.

This process requires patience, as you need to wait one to two hours for the glue to completely dry. I usually set an alarm to remind myself. When time's up, carefully remove the book and wax paper, and you'll find the carpet restored to its former glory, looking like new.

Wooden Floor Revival

Recently, when I had a party at home, my friends moved the sofa around, leaving several deep dents in the hardwood floor. I nearly cried, thinking I'd never get my deposit back. But while frantically searching for solutions, I discovered a method that's practically miraculous.

This method uses things you already have at home: a spray bottle, a clean towel, and an iron. First, spray water on the dented area - just enough to dampen it, not soak it. Then take the towel, wet it with warm water, wring it until it's semi-dry, and place it over the dent. Now it's time for the iron - set it to medium heat (too hot will damage the floor) and gently iron over the towel.

The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes, during which you should occasionally check the dent's recovery. Amazingly, under the heat and steam, the wood fibers slowly expand, making those deep dents increasingly shallow. I could hardly believe my eyes when that dent that almost cost me money just disappeared.

Just note that this method mainly works for solid wood floors - don't try it on laminate flooring. Also, be sure to control the temperature and timing while working - don't rush, or it might backfire.

Practical Advice

After sharing all these repair techniques, prevention is still most important. Some damage, even if repairable, will leave traces. I now have protective pads under all furniture legs at home - coffee tables, chairs, sofas, nothing was spared. These protective pads can be bought on Taobao for just a few yuan each, but they save a lot of trouble.

Regular floor waxing and maintenance is also important. I used to think it was troublesome, but it's actually not that complicated. Just buy some floor wax online and follow the instructions. Waxed floors not only look more lustrous but are also more wear-resistant and less prone to scratches.

Most importantly, develop good habits, like not walking on wooden floors in high heels, and lifting furniture instead of dragging it when moving. These small details might seem trivial, but when maintained long-term, they can prevent a lot of floor damage.

Now, the first thing I do when I get home is change into slippers - a habit formed after learning many lessons the hard way. This is especially important on rainy days, as water marks from shoes can easily leave stains on the floor.

Final Thoughts

While writing this article, it occurred to me that there are still many useful household tips waiting to be discovered. Everyone encounters various household problems, and instead of figuring things out alone, it's better to share experiences. Like when I first tried using a tennis ball to remove scratches, I was just giving it a shot, and surprisingly, it worked so well.

Now, every time I look at my restored floor, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. Those problems that once gave me headaches have all become minor issues. Honestly, if I had known these techniques earlier, I wouldn't have wasted so much time and energy.

I hope my experiences can help others who are troubled by floor problems. If you have any useful repair tips, feel free to share them in the comments. After all, many hands make light work, and your experience might help someone else!