Wood floors shine with commercial polish, DIY mixes like vinegar/olive oil/lemon for natural luster, or even strong black tea, but the best method depends on your floor's finish (polyurethane vs. wax); the key is to clean thoroughly first and use a damp mop, avoiding excess water, then buffing with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free, glossy finish.
Be sure to follow this easy floor care routine:
7 Easy Ways to Maintain the Shine on Your Floors
You can create one of these natural DIY floor polishes to restore the shine to dull hardwood floors. Olive oil and vinegar. In a clean glass spray bottle, combine two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, and two cups of warm water. Shake well and spray it on the mop.
Murphy® Original oil soap is the one Mom and Grandma used to clean wood to a natural shine. Pull out the bucket and get nostalgic while cleaning wooden floors and furniture, cabinets, tile and linoleum.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
FLOOR OILS
Vinegar and vegetable oil polish
Another straightforward and highly effective solution involves just vinegar and vegetable oil. Ingredients: 1 cup of white vinegar. 1 cup of vegetable oil.
The finish is the protective layer of your wood floors. Since vinegar is an acid, it will actually break down the finish on the surface of your floor, and over time it will reduce the shine, and leave a dull appearance.
Cleaning techniques for removing superficial dullness: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any dust and debris. Then, use a microfiber mop dampened with a gentle hardwood floor cleaner such as Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Cleaner to clean the surface without causing damage.
I prefer wipe on polyurethane. Several coats if to shiney put a semi gloss for last coat. Buff with lemon wax. Very durable and becomes rich in color over time time.
Shoes, pets, and moving or sliding your furniture around are all things that can scratch up your hardwood floors, making them look extra dull. Even if you start with a well-applied finish and take care of your floors over time with regular maintenance, still your best-cared-for floor will start to show its age.
Top Water-Based Polishes for Polyurethane-Finished Hardwood Floors:
The Power of White Vinegar
Diluted in water (one part vinegar to ten parts water), it deeply cleans while leaving a shiny surface. Its acidity helps neutralize alkaline residues that can dull the floor.
By using natural deodorizers like baking soda and activated charcoal, along with frequent cleaning routines, professionals create a home that smells clean and fresh—without compromising the comfort and safety of your pets.
Wood Flooring
No harsh, unknown chemicals here! Peppermint tea contains tannic acids that can improve your immune system, but the acids also help improve the look of your floors by attacking the dirt. Baby oil can work wonders gently buffing away and lifting dirt and grime.
Use a Revitalizing Product. A wood restoring product or revitalizer can help restore a wood floor to its original look. You can usually find these products in a hardware store. Try out the product in an out of the way corner before applying it to the entire floor.
Whether you're cleaning one area or all of your flooring, Murphy® Oil Soap is safe to use on hardwood floors.
Deep Clean Your Floors
Start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose debris. Then, use a hardwood floor cleaner recommended by flooring professionals. Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. A good cleaning can enhance the natural shine and beauty of your hardwood.
Ingredients to Avoid in Wood Floor Cleaners
Deep Penetration - Fractionated Coconut Oil (aka MCT) penetrates wood fibers deeper than tung oil and linseed oil due to its very-low viscosity. The benefit of a more penetrating oil is it provides a deeper barrier from water, for longer lasting protection.
Shine & Moisturise: Olive oil helps condition and moisturise the wood, restoring its natural shine. It provides a protective layer, preventing the wood from drying out and cracking, which is especially helpful for hardwood floors.