Neighbor-envy-inducing and gleaming wood floors are a point of pride for any homeowner. Keeping wood floors glistening is all about knowledge. We are sharing how to polish wood floors correctly without the fluff.
This isn’t just about adding sheen that can disappear over time. Our guide here is meant to protect your investment. This guide will help you learn how to make wood floors shine and make your family ooggle and oggle.
Table of Contents:
- Preparing Your Wood Floors for Polishing
- Polish Hardwood with a Surface Finish
- Waxing with a Penetrating Finish
- Natural DIY Polish Recipes
- Maintaining a Floor Polish
- FAQs about how to polish wood floors
- Conclusion
Preparing Your Wood Floors for Polishing
Before polishing, deep clean your floors. This isn’t a regular sweep-and-mop. Remove all furniture and rugs. Clean thoroughly—sweep, vacuum, then mop.
Use a sponge mop with commercial wood floor cleaner or dish soap and warm water. Warm water helps loosen caked-on debris, but ensure all soap residue is removed before polishing.
A final once-over with a clean, damp mop catches any remaining residue. Ensure the floors dry completely before you begin the polishing process.
Buff Hardwood and Know Your Finish
Not all wood floors or floor finishes are the same. Polishing surface-finished floors (sealed with urethane or polyurethane) is a simple wax buff then dry process.
Use standard wood floor cleaning products, available in different sheens. If your floors have a penetrating finish, skip to the waxing section.
Penetrating finishes absorb deep down and require different care. To determine your floor's finish, carefully scrape an inconspicuous area with a knife. Dry completely before resuming normal activities.
Polish Hardwood with a Surface Finish
Start in a corner farthest from the door to avoid getting trapped. Pour a small S-shaped amount of wood floor polish directly onto the floor.
Using a flat-head mop with a microfiber pad, spread the polish following the wood grain. Work in small sections to prevent the polish from drying.
Apply thin coats to promote even drying and avoid puddles. Let it dry for at least an hour before carefully walking on the floor.
Allow a full 24 hours before resuming normal use and replacing furniture. Use furniture pads to prevent scratches when moving furniture back.
Waxing with a Penetrating Finish
Waxing is more labor-intensive than polishing. Paste wax is often used for penetrating finishes. Apply a thin, even coat of paste wax with a lint-free cloth, following the wood grain.
Let it dry until hazy. Use a buffing machine with a polishing pad to work the wax in. Buffing helps restore the wood's glow.
For extra shine, attach a polishing cloth to the buffing machine. Don’t polish your floors in hot or humid weather.
Natural DIY Polish Recipes
DIY polishes can enhance your cleaning routine. Test your polish in a hidden area first. Here are a few recipes you can use for smaller areas.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil & Vinegar | 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp white vinegar 2 cups warm water 10-15 drops essential oil (optional) |
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and spray onto your mop before applying. |
| Black Tea | 2 quarts boiling water 2 family-sized black tea bags |
Steep tea bags, squeeze, cool, and apply with a mop. The tannins enhance wood color. |
| Oil & Lemon | 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 cups warm water |
Combine in a spray bottle, shake, and spray on mop before applying. |
Don't forget to buff after using DIY polish. For large areas or commercial wood flooring, this can be time-consuming. Doormats can minimize dirt.
Maintaining a Floor Polish
Once your floors shine, keep them that way. Use furniture pads under furniture to prevent scratches. Avoid wearing heels indoors.
Doormats and regular rug cleaning help reduce tracked-in dirt. Clean floors retain their shine longer. This is especially helpful in high-traffic areas.
FAQs about polishing wood floors
How do I get my hardwood floors to shine again?
Regular cleaning and polishing is key. Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop weekly with a gentle cleaner. You can add sheen by polishing every few months.
Consider natural solutions like vinegar and olive oil. For deeper shine, wax and buff periodically. Floor polish can help add sheen, too.
What is the best way to polish a wood floor?
The best method depends on your floor’s finish. For surface finishes, use quality polish and a microfiber mop. Apply thinly and evenly, following the wood grain. Penetrating finishes need waxing and buffing.
Always test in an inconspicuous spot first. This will let you know if you have chosen the right product.
Should I wax or polish my hardwood floor?
This depends on the finish. Surface finishes benefit from polishing, while penetrating finishes should be waxed. Wax on a surface finish can cloud the floors. A scratch test in a hidden spot will tell you which type of floor you have. A scratch test can also be helpful if you are cleaning laminate floors, instead.
Does Murphy’s oil soap make hardwoods shine?
Murphy’s Oil Soap and Bona products can leave a residue that dulls shine over time. Choosing a cleaner designed for hardwood floors is a better approach when cleaning. Adding a shine is a completely different product category than Murphy's Oil.
Conclusion
Maintaining handsome hardwood requires regular care, whether you have a surface or penetrating finish. Regularly deep clean to remove dust buildup. Avoid moisture buildup from harsh chemicals.
With the right approach, your wood floors will stay elegant and shiny for years. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when choosing a floor cleaner. Test a small, inconspicuous area with a cleaning pad and your chosen product to confirm it’s safe for your floor.
