You can use baking soda for shallow, surface scratches from dining room storage (no exposed wood), but it won’t work for deep scratches from dining room storage.
How to Use It Effectively
Mix equal parts baking soda and olive oil (or coconut oil) to make a thick, non-abrasive paste.
Apply a small amount of the paste to the scratch with a soft cloth.
Rub gently in the direction of the wood grain for 10–15 seconds—don’t scrub hard, as baking soda’s mild grit can damage the finish if overused.
Wipe away excess paste with a clean, dry cloth and buff the area lightly to blend.
Limitations to Note
It only hides or minimizes light scratches from dining room storage by filling tiny gaps and nourishing the finish.
It can’t fill deep scratches from dining room storage (where wood is exposed) or repair damaged finish layers.
Avoid using baking soda alone (without oil) or using a runny paste—this increases the risk of scratching the wood’s surface.