How To Polish Hardwood Floors And Make Them Shine

Hardwood floors often attract attention for their elegant yet classic look. Unfortunately, like anything else, their beauty wears away after a certain time. It is, however, straightforward to polish your hardwood floors and make your home look beautiful again! This guide will help you, no matter if you’re a novice or experienced DIYer – we’ll walk you through each step needed to get the job done in the right way. Your hardwood floors will regain their lovely shine.

Should you use polish or wax?

The question of whether to polish or wax your hardwood floors depends on the type of finish they have. If your floors have a protective surface, typically a waterproof layer like urethane, polishing will certainly offer considerable advantages. On the other hand, for floors with penetrating finishes, such as tung oil or unsealed wood, wax instead of polish is the best choice. It’s important to know for sure what type of floor finish your hardwood floors have in order to properly care for them and ensure their longevity.

Not sure what kind of floor finish you have? There are two quick and easy tests to find out. The first one is to gently rub the floor surface. If you can feel the wood texture and it feels a bit oily, it is probably a penetrating finish. A urethane finish on the other hand will have a smooth feeling. The second test is to scratch an inconspicuous area on the hardwood floor with a coin or sharp knife. If the scratching causes chips to appear, it’s most likely a urethane finish. Smudging can indicate a penetrating finish.

Steps to Polish Hardwood Floors

Products and Tools:

• Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Microfiber mop or cloth
• Flat-surface mop
• Hardwood floor polish
• Buffer or floor polisher (optional)
• Clean, dry towels

Step 1: Clean the Floor

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any loose debris. Then, use a hardwood floor cleaner and a microfiber mop or cloth to clean the floors thoroughly. Make sure to wring out the mop or cloth so that it is damp, not wet. It is important to use a hardwood floor cleaner that is specially formulated for hardwood floors as regular household cleaners can damage the floor’s finish.

Step 2: Remove Stubborn Stains

If there are any stubborn stains on the floor, like pet stains or water stains, you should first remove them. For other stains, you can use a hardwood stain cleaner. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a clean towel and rub the stain until it is completely removed. Be careful not to use too much water on the floor, as this can cause water stains, or worse, water damage like buckling and crowning.

Step 3: Apply Hardwood Floor Polish

Once the floor is clean and dry, pour a small amount in an S-shape on the floor itself. Apply the polish in a thin, even layer with a flat-surface mop, working in small sections of the floor.

To achieve the best results, work in sections and let them slightly overlap. Give the polish plenty of time to dry. For optimal shine, apply an extra coat but wait at least two hours between each application. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on applying and drying time. 

Step 4: Buff or Polish the Floor (Optional)

If you want your hardwood floor to be even more shiny, you can use a buffer or a floor polisher to buff the floor. Be sure to use a clean, dry machine pad or cloth. If you don’t have a buffer or floor polisher, you can achieve a similar effect by using a clean, dry towel and rubbing the floor vigorously.

Step 5: Maintain the Floor

Now that your hardwood floors are shiny and looking new, it’s important to maintain them. Clean the floors regularly, and avoid wearing shoes with sharp heels or walking on the floors with dirty or wet shoes. Place mats at the entryways to help prevent dirt and debris from getting on the floors.

Making your hardwood floors shine again requires some effort, but the results are well worth it. By using the right products and tools, you can make your floors look brand new again. Remember to clean the floors thoroughly, apply the polish in thin, even layers, and maintain the floors regularly. 
With these easy steps, you will have beautiful, shiny hardwood floors for years to come.