How to Make Floors Shine Without Wax
Favored for their shiny, natural appearance, hardwood floors visually enhance any interior space. All hardwood floors become dirty, however, and, if neglected, eventually lose their sheen. Tiny dust and dirt fragments commonly transfer from shoes onto hardwood, eroding its shiny finish over time.
While deep cleaning removes grime and often improves hardwood’s appearance, the wood still may lack luster. Wax adds sheen to hardwood floors, but it eventually builds up and forms unsightly residue on hardwood. Fortunately, simple products are capable of making hardwood shine without the need for wax.
Things You Will Need
- Dust mop
- Dishwashing liquid
- Stirring utensil
- Mop bucket
- Mop
- Soft towels
- 1-cup vegetable oil
- 1-cup white vinegar
- Bowl
- Clean cloth
Tip
Substitute a broom for the dust mop.
Warning
Do not expose lacquered or shellacked hardwood to the mopping solution or any moisture.
Spot-test the homemade polish on the hardwood to avoid damage.
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Move all furniture off the hardwood floor, if possible. Otherwise, push the furniture against the walls.
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Remove abrasive particles from the hardwood using a dust mop. Glide the dry mop smoothly over the entire floor.
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Prepare a deep-cleaning mopping solution consisting of two drops dishwashing liquid dissolved in 1 gallon of warm water. Mix the soap solution in a mop bucket.
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Apply the solution to the hardwood using a mop. Wring the mop thoroughly before gliding it smoothly over the floor. Refill the solution once it becomes mucky.
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Buff the entire hardwood surface with soft towels, thoroughly absorbing the solution. Rinsing the hardwood is unnecessary as additional moisture may damage the wood.
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Examine the hardwood for shine. If cleaning the hardwood didn’t leave it shiny enough, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of vinegar within a bowl.
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Rub a thin coat of the homemade polish evenly over the hardwood using a clean cloth. Buff the hardwood to a shine.
The Drip Cap
- Favored for their shiny, natural appearance, hardwood floors visually enhance any interior space.
- While deep cleaning removes grime and often improves hardwood’s appearance, the wood still may lack luster.
- Glide the dry mop smoothly over the entire floor.
- Prepare a deep-cleaning mopping solution consisting of two drops dishwashing liquid dissolved in 1 gallon of warm water.
- Apply the solution to the hardwood using a mop.
References
Writer Bio
April Dowling first started writing in high school and has written many news articles for newspaper and yearbook publications. She is currently pursuing a career as an online writer and affiliate marketer. Dowling writes for several websites and keeps many blogs.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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