Very few types of flooring can match the warmth and elegance of premium engineered hardwood. The timeless appeal and the natural beauty bestowed by this material upon any home are unparalleled. However, as time passes, daily wear and tear can dull the luster of US flooring in Burbank.
If your hardwood floor loses its shine, don’t worry! You can restore it to its former glory with the right tools and techniques. You’ll also need to put in a bit of physical effort, but you can always hire professionals to do it for you.
In any case, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to polish hardwood flooring.
Get the Tools & Materials
Before anything else, you’ll need the tools for the job and a few raw materials.
- Vacuum Cleaner or Broom – Clean the floors thoroughly to remove surface dust and debris.
- Dust Mop – You’ll need this for deeper cleaning. Use it to pick up any leftover dust or pet hair that may have accumulated.
- Microfiber Mop – The microfiber mop is going to be your best friend throughout the process of polishing. Get one designed specifically for US hardwood flooring in Burbank.
- Polishing Solution – You’ll need a hardwood floor polish manufactured by a reputable brand to restore shine and provide a protective layer.
- Mop or Applicator Pad – You’ll need one of these to apply the polishing solution evenly. Choose an applicator pad or mop that’ll work with the selected product.
- Microfiber Cloth – This piece of cloth will let you wipe away excess polish and ensure a streak-free finish.
Floor Preparation
Once you have the necessary tools and materials, you need to prepare the floors for polishing.
- Clear the Area – Start by removing all furniture pieces and rugs from the room. Doing so will give you unrestricted access to every inch of the floor surface.
- Damage Repair – Look at the floor closely and pinpoint any visible scratches, dents, or loose boards. Sand them gently. Then, fill any noticeable gaps with wood fillers for a smooth surface.
- Clean the Floor – Sweep or vacuum the floors to get rid of loose dust and debris. After that, use a slightly damp microfiber mop and clean the surface with a hardwood floor cleaner. Remember to stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding application techniques and dilution ratios.
- Dry it – Allow the floor to dry completely before moving to the next step. Only then can the polish adhere evenly to the surface without leaving behind any streaks or marks!
Hardwood Floor Polishing
The next bit is exciting! After all, it’s about polishing the floor to restore its original shine.
- Shake the Bottle – Before you start, shake the polish bottle vigorously to ensure the ingredients mix well.
- Apply the Polish – Pour a small quantity of the polish directly on the floor or the applicator pad. Start polishing from a corner and gradually move towards the exit. While doing so, apply the polish thinly in an even coat. Don’t use too much of the stuff!
- Create Sections – Divide the floor into small sections and work on each portion. Take care of one section followed by the next to prevent the polish from drying out before spreading. This process also gives you uniform coverage. Move the applicator pad or mop slowly in a back-and-forth and circular motion.
- Time to Dry – After you apply the polish, give it enough time to dry. Just follow the instructions on the bottle, typically varying between thirty minutes to a couple of hours. The drying time depends on the type of polish used and the brand.
- Floor Buffing – Buff the polish gently with a clean piece of microfiber cloth once the floor dries. This step removes excess polish, smooths out streaks, and gives a beautiful shine.
Final Considerations
As you can see, restoring the shine of US flooring in Burbank isn’t all that difficult. You can do it yourself, provided you’re willing to take some elbow grease. Otherwise, get in touch with a hardwood flooring contractor for faster work and better results.