Want Shiny Hardwood Floors? Here’s How to Rejuvenate Them

via Rejuvinate

There’s nothing quite like the look of hardwood floors, but over time they can start to look dull, especially in high-traffic areas. Built-up dirt and scratches, cleaning product residue and UV and moisture exposure can all lead to worn-out finishes.

Luckily, it can be relatively easy to rejuvenate hardwood floors. Usually all it takes is a little elbow grease and a couple of hardwood-floor-specific products.

“If the dullness persists, refinishing the floor with a polish or restorer, such as Rejuvenate Professional Wood Floor Restorer, will bring back its luster,” says Alan Dewberry, owner at Tile Factory Direct. “It works especially well on unwaxed, polyurethane-finish wood floors.”

Hardwood floor treatments, such as Rejuvenate, fill in scratches and restore glossy shine, while also protecting them from wear and tear. Rejuvenate is good for high gloss look, while others are better for satin and matte finishes.

Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, recommends Weiman Hardwood Floor Polish and Restorer. “Weiman’s reputation is longstanding and one of the best,” he says.

Before settling on any product, however, check the floor manufacturer’s recommendations. Next, here’s how to rejuvenate that gorgeous hardwood floor.

How to Revitalize Floors

You can revitalize your hardwood floors in just a day. Here’s how:

1. First, give your floor a good cleaning. Move your furniture out-of-the-way if possible, and remove rugs. Clean the floor with a cleaner designed for use on hardwood floors. You want to make sure the floors are free of any dirt, grime and residue as this will help the revitalizer get into all the pores and light scratches.

If surface scratches or dull spots are visible, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper to smooth it out, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean.

Let the floor dry completely before moving on to step two.

Here’s how to clean your hardwood floors with natural products.

2. Next, apply the revitalizer according to the package instructions. Revitalizers are milky white, but don’t worry—it will dry clear. Note that revitalizers work best on hardwood floors that are sealed with polyurethane (which most will be).

“If you’re unsure about the finish or the best method, test on a small, hidden area first,” says Sokolowski. “Also note that for heavily worn floors, professional refinishing may be a better option.”

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3. Use your mop to spread the revitalizer on the floor. Make sure it’s spread evenly to cover every corner. Don’t leave any puddles.

4. Once the revitalizer is spread evenly, let it dry fully before you move furniture back in place or allow foot traffic on the floors. Most revitalizers dry within about 45 minutes. You should wait 24 hours before putting rugs back down.

When the revitalizer is dry, your hardwood floors will be shiny, smooth and look like new. The finish should last a couple of years with average wear and tear.

Never do these 10 things to your wood floor.

Revitalizers are not recommended for laminate, stone, tile or vinyl surfaces.

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Next, find out whether your floor needs waxing.

FAQ

How can I maintain the look of my hardwood floors after reviving them?

Regular cleaning is the foremost way to preserve the snazzy look of your hardwood floors. “Keep floors dust-free by using a microfiber cloth to gently wipe them down,” says Sokolowski. “This will prevent dirt buildup that can scratch the surface.”

Also, you’ll want to:

• Use soft-bristle brooms or vacuum cleaners with hardwood floor attachments to prevent scratches.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals; instead, clean with natural, gentle cleaners specifically designed for hardwood. Especially avoid acidic cleaners, says Sokolowski.
• Place mats at the room’s entrance to reduce tracked-in dirt and scratches.
• Use furniture pads to protect against scuff marks, scratches and dents.
• Promptly attend to any damage.
• Be mindful of moisture and clean up spills quickly, to prevent water damage.
• Maintain a stable humidity level in your home so the wood doesn’t warp or dry out. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help, says Sokolowski.

How much does it cost to replace hardwood floors?

It depends on the type of wood and labor costs in your location, but most homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $12 per square foot, including material costs and installation, says Dewberry. Exotic or premium wood options can drive costs higher, as can subfloor repair or leveling.

“It is always advisable to seek more than one estimate from licensed contractors to ensure a reasonable price,” he says.

About the Experts

• Alan Dewberry is a a flooring expert and owner at Tile Factory Direct in Adairsville, Georgia, where he has worked for 22 years.
• Alicia Sokolowski is President and CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company and products manufacturer in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Forrest Webber is owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama, which specializes in floors, plus other aspects of home cleaning.