When and How to Polish Wood Floors

Polishing your hardwood floors can breathe new life and add an extra layer of protection to them. Read here on when and how to polish wood floors!

Wood floor installation costs, on average, $6-$12 per square foot. A 1000 sq ft wood floor will cost around $6,000-$12,000. Protecting an investment like this is imperative.

You should have a regular floor cleaning schedule. Polishing your floors is a simple addition to your maintenance routine, too. When you polish wood floors, it can bring them back to life.

But, how often do you need to polish your floors? What is the correct way to complete this task? Read on to learn how and when to polish your hardwood floors.

When to Polish Wood Floors

Plan to polish your floors every 2-4 months. How often you polish will depend on the traffic in the rooms with wood floors. Regular polishing will keep your floors protected and will fill scratches.

Prep Your Floors for Polish

Before you polish your floors, clean them first. Remember, only polyurethaned floors can handle a mop with water; waxed floors cannot! Make sure you dry all the water from the floor after mopping.

After ensuring your floors are clean, you need to move all the furniture out of the way. Don’t forget to move the rugs, too! Vacuum your floor again after moving the furniture to remove any more dust and debris.

Next, you will buff the floor using a microfiber cloth. Work in a circular motion until your floor is shiny. You can also rent a buffing machine for this step.

How to Polish Wood Floors

Choosing the right polish for your floors is an essential step in the polishing process. A water-based polish is best for polyurethaned floors. Other finishes need a wax-based polish.

If this is your first time using a new polish, test a small area before applying the polish to your whole floor. It will let you know how your wood floor will react to the polish in a less visible area.

Apply the selected polish to the floor and wipe with a microfiber cloth in 3’x3’ sections. You can either do this by hand or attach a microfiber cloth to your mop. Follow the polish bottle instruction to ensure you do not damage your floors.

Finishing Your Floors

Allow the polish to dry all the way. You can tell it is dry because it will not be tacky. It is best to wait at least 6 hours (and up to 24 hours) for it to dry.

Block off the area so that nobody walks on the floor until it’s dry. If you have pets, keep them off the floor for 24 hours. Wear only socks on your floors until 24 hours have passed.

Move your furniture and rugs back in after the 24 hour waiting period.

Breathe New Life Into Your Floors!

Polishing your floors will keep them looking new for years to come. If you have the tools and the time, you can polish wood floors on your own. Protect wood flooring from daily wear and tear with polish.

If it all seems to be a bit much, call in a professional! Contact Desert Tile and Grout Restore today for a free estimate on cleaning and polishing your wood floors!