Repairing wood floors depends on the type of surface. Remember: Always use the wood flooring manufacturer's recommended cleaning, repair, and finish products when known.

The following problems & cures are for surface finishes, the most common type of wood floor finish today.

Problem	Repair
Cigarette Burns	Most burns can be treated with touch up kit. Rub with fine steelwool or fine-grit sandpaper, stain as needed, touch-up to finish. If the burn is too deep a section of the floor may have to be replaced. A competent wood floor contractor is strongly suggested in this scenario.
Chewing Gum	Apply a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit until it is brittle enough to crumble off. The plastic bag keeps the melting ice from getting water on the floor. Clean the area as needed after ice application.
Crayon	Apply a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit until it is brittle enough to crumble off. The plastic bag keeps the melting ice from getting water on the floor. Clean the area as needed after ice application.
Candle Wax	Apply a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit until it is brittle enough to crumble off. The plastic bag keeps the melting ice from getting water on the floor. Clean the area as needed after ice application.
Dark Spots	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.
Dents	Large dents require professional repair. For small dents where the wood fibers are not broken, cover with a dampened cloth and press with an electric iron to draw fibers up. Be careful not to let the iron touch the bare floor.
Food Stains	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.
Grease / Oil	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.
Ink Stains	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.
Mold / Mildew	Use a cleaner specifically developed for urethane finishes. If the mold or mildew lies underneath the surface finish, sanding and refinishing the area will be required. You may want to call a professional for refinishing the surface.
Pet Stains	Pet stains require sanding and refinishing. Light stains can be lessened to almost being unnoticeable with sanding and refinishing. Deeps stains can not be repaired effectively and will require replacing the affected boards. As a rule, the darker the color, the deeper the stain.
Scratches	Repair scratches with a touch-up kit for urethane finishes. These are available from most wood flooring retailers. Small surface abrasions (the scratch will be white in color) can be touched up with a small amount of "Endust" on a soft cloth. Wipe Endust in the scratch in the of the scractch to bring back the floor to its original color.
Separation	Separation between wood planks or strips is usually caused by dryness. The choice is to live with it or add humidity to the air during dry periods. Adding humidity could be as simple as boiling off a pot of water or buying a portible humidifier. The most effective solution - but also the most expensive - is to add a humidifier to the furnace.
Shoe Scuffs	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.
Termites	First, a pest control service must get rid of the infestation. You will need to have your whole house disinfected of the termites. Then, a professional will need to be called in to replace damaged sections.
Water Spots	Use a cleaner specifically recommended for urethane finishes. Follow the floor manufacturers recommendations when known. For stubborn spots, scrub using the urethane cleaner and a scrub pad made for urethane floors.