Minor scratches often can be buffed away using steel wool or progressively finer sandpaper grits. Restrict your sanding to the scratched area, feathering only slightly into the surrounding surface. Sand or buff only in line with the wood grain.

Polyurethane finishes are difficult to sand--try using a scouring pad dipped in mineral spirits or a sanding screen. Never wax a floor that has a polyurethane coating--this will negate your ability to re-coat the floor in the future.

If paste wax will adhere to the finish, you can use it to hide scratches, and the wax is available in clear, honey tone, or brown to match most wood floors. Wood-repair wax sticks may help to fill deeper scratches and dents.

You can sometimes raise small dents by placing a few drops of water on them, allowing the wood to swell back to its original shape. Applying mild heat with an iron or heat gun helps this process along.