How to Bring Back Shine on Hardwood Floors
If the finish on your hardwood floors appears to be undamaged, but they seem a little dull and lackluster, you can buff them out and make them shiny again. Orbital floor buffers are machines of a manageable size, and they use a pad of steel wool to polish the surface of wood floors. They are available to rent at rental centers or home improvement stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Vinegar
- Soft cloths
- Mechanical orbital floor buffer
- Extra-fine steel wool pad
Instructions
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1
Thoroughly vacuum your hardwood floors. Pay attention to any gaps between the floorboards, as well as the perimeter of the room, to ensure all particles of dust and dirt are removed.
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2
Wash the floor using 1/2 c. of vinegar added to a gallon of warm water. Lightly dampen a soft cloth with the solution and use it to wipe up the floor. Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
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3
Install an extra-fine steel wool buffing pad to the orbital floor buffer, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
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4
Begin at the far end of the room. Turn on the machine. As the buffing pad spins, move the machine from right to left and back, in front of you, walking forward as you go. When you reach the end of the room, turn around and come back in the other direction, buffing a new swath of floor as you go.
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Vacuum up any sanding dust and go over the floor with an almost dry, slightly damp cloth. This will remove any minute particles of sanding dust and leave a smooth, shiny finish.
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Tips & Warnings
If desired, apply floor polish recommended by the floor manufacturer. Squirt a little out on the section of floor you are buffing with the orbital floor buffer.
Keep the orbital floor buffer moving at all times when it is running, to avoid damaging the floor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
