We all wish to have a clean and shiny floor 24/7 without wiping it every few hours. Scratches, ordinary cleaning, daily wear and tear, and foot traffic will eventually make floors dull. Fortunately, just a little maintenance can go a long way to bring back the shine of your hardwood. Whether you want to get rid of an awful residue or wipe away the signs of wear and tear, the best floor polishes will come in handy. We have created this detailed buyer's guide to help you make an informed decision.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Floor Polish
There are a few characteristics to look for in the floor polish, including:
Value for money
You'll probably have to polish your floors again if you have used the polish once. Make certain that the product you select is cost-effective.
Some polishes only require one application, while others require two, three, or even four coats to work well. So, after deciding on the number of coats your floors will require, calculate the cost.
Wax buildup
Because polishes are wax-based, they may leave a layer on your hardwood floors. To avoid residue, choose a polish with minimal buildup and scrape it off at regular intervals. It's a good idea to clean the floors completely before polishing them. It will not only help you avoid accumulation but also ensure that the surface has an even shine and a smooth appearance.
Easy application
Look for any usage directions before selecting a hardwood polish. Because you're not employing a pro, you'll want to choose a polish that's simple to apply and won't leave marks.
You'll also need to choose an applicator and, if necessary, a buffer. If you're doing it for the first time, you should also consider the drying time to know how much time you have to cover an area without going over it.
Finish
You should be aware that each floor polish has a unique finish. Not every polish will give you a high-gloss finish. The type of finish that is best for you is also determined by how active and slippery your floors are. Some high-gloss finishes won't make your flooring slick, while some low-gloss finishes will. A patch test is the most excellent way to figure out what kind of finish you'll get and whether you'll enjoy it.
Drying time
The time it takes for the initial coat to dry varies depending on the polish. A polish that isn't given enough time to dry will appear streaky and patchy on even the smallest areas of flooring. Also, if you're looking for multiple coats, make sure you wait between each one to achieve the best shine. Otherwise, the polish would leave a milky appearance on the floor.
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Floor Polish for Your Home?
Compatibility
Not all polishes are compatible with all types of flooring. Some products on the market are made of many acids, which can cause the outer coats of a laminate floor to deteriorate, harm its luster and sheen, and reduce its overall quality.
If the manufacturer doesn't specify whether a polish is safe for laminate flooring, look at the acid concentration or read laminate floor polish reviews. You can also perform a spot-cleaning test to check if it causes any discoloration to your floor.
Luminosity
The main goal of floor polish is to give your floor a shiny gloss and brilliance. If you want a high-gloss finish, go for a high-gloss formula; if you prefer a matte finish, go for a low-gloss formula.
Residue
When you are done polishing your floors, and they are dry, always check to see if the product left any residue. If it did, take care of it quickly to avoid buildup or other issues.
Why Should You Consider Polishing Your Floors?
You might be wondering why you should polish your floor in the first place. Let us explain some of the basic benefits of polishing your floors.
Protection
To begin with, polishing your floor on a regular basis helps to preserve it by protecting it from scratch marks and stains caused by spills, daily foot traffic, and other damage.
Improved appearance
Polishing your floors, in addition to cleaning them, adds a layer of gloss. It can help restore its original shine and make it look immaculate and polished if it has become dull over time.
Security
Have you ever slipped and fallen amid a restaurant due to a slick floor? We've all been there before! Polishing and waxing floors can help us avoid awkward situations in the future by providing an extra bit of grip. As a result, you may move about more freely and securely without fear of slipping.
Should You Clean Your Floors on a Regular Basis?
It is recommended that you vacuum or dry-mop your floors at least once a week. Preventing scratches and discoloration on the floor by keeping a proactive approach to dust and trash removal improves and maintains the appearance.
Wet mops should not be used to clean hardwood floors because they can cloud the wax finish and damage the wood. Hardwood flooring should only be dry-cleaned as a rule of thumb. If any water or other liquid spills on the floor, wipe it with a moist cloth right away and then dry it. Under no circumstances should spilled liquids be left on a hardwood floor over long periods.
If you notice any stains or discolorations, use a delicate cloth and a specialist hardwood floor cleaner on the affected area only. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then wipe again with a dry cloth.
Floor Polish FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a high-gloss floor polish and a low-gloss floor polish?
A. A high-gloss finish is extremely shiny, making the floor reflect a lot of light and possibly feel slick. Instead of a high-gloss finish, use a low-gloss finish if you don't want the light to reflect as much or if you're worried about slipperiness.
Q. When should hardwood floors be polished?
A. The frequency with which you should polish will vary depending on the product. Pay close attention to the condition of the shine. In most cases, you'll need to polish every two to four months. If it's in a high-traffic area of your home, you may need to polish it more frequently; if it's in an empty room, you likely need to polish it less frequently.
Q. How do you keep polished floors looking good?
A. Cleaning is self-evident. Sweeping or mopping daily helps to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. Your polished floor will shine like a diamond if you clean it once or twice a week with an approved cleaning solution.