4 Methods Of Polishing Wood Floors

Are you looking for homemade methods for polishing wooden floors? You should know that you already have some very effective natural options in your home. Vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and dish soap, for example, all work!

In this article, you will discover 4 methods that simplify this task. We give you the recipes and also some important tips to keep the wooden floors looking perfect and in good condition for a long time. Keep reading to learn more about it!

4 methods to polish your wooden floors

Wooden floors give any room in your home a warm, rustic and cozy look. Although they require specific care, they also promise a long life if we treat them properly.

By applying the right techniques, you succeed in giving the wooden floors an ideal appearance. You just have to polish them with the specific products we will mention below, which are mostly natural and homemade. By doing this, you also avoid being unnecessarily exposed to the inhalation of toxic components.

1. Vinegar and Essential Oil

Combining vinegar with essential oil is one of the best solutions to keep your wood floors looking flawless and shiny. First, vinegar is a natural household ingredient that people often use to clean their homes.

We also choose to combine it with some essential oil to camouflage the scent. At the same time, this helps to simply and pleasantly aromatize the room.

• 83 ml vinegar (¹⁄3 cup)
• 250 ml water (1 cup)
• 15 drops of essential oil of your choice (lemon, orange, mint, eucalyptus, lavender oil, etc.)

2. Olive oil and vinegar

The second method we would like to suggest is to combine two basic cooking ingredients that you are sure to find in your kitchen: olive oil and vinegar. If you like, you can also add essential oils of your choice to create a more pleasant aroma.

The mixture of oil and vinegar is ideal for a thorough cleaning. At the same time, it gives a lot of shine to the floor. However, if the manufacturer recommends not using water for this type of wood, then only use the first two ingredients. Just pour the following into a spray bottle and then mix well.

• 60 ml olive oil (4 tablespoons)
• 20 ml white vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• 500 ml water (2 cups)

3. Olive oil and lemon juice

In this third method of polishing wood floors with natural ingredients, we recommend replacing vinegar with lemon juice. This citrus fruit is characterized by its great disinfecting power, its fresh aroma and its ability to add shine thanks to its enzymes.

• 60 ml olive oil (4 tablespoons)
• 30 ml lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
• 250 ml hot water (1 cup)

4. Dishwashing Liquid and Vinegar

Finally, a practical and homemade method, although less natural than the previous one, is to mix dishwashing liquid with vinegar. This option is best for wood floors that are not very fragile and contain a lot of dirt.

• 125 ml vinegar (½ cup)
• 15 ml dish soap (1 tablespoon)
• 2 cups of water

Tips for polishing your wooden floors

In addition to using the products listed, it’s a good idea to keep other tips in mind when polishing wood floors. For example, you should carefully sweep or vacuum the surface.

This is necessary to remove accumulated dust. Once you have chosen a method for cleaning the floor, you should also consider the following indications:

• Before polishing wooden floors, you must clean them completely. You can sweep it with a broom or if there is dust or fine particles, you can also use the vacuum cleaner.
• If you notice that the wood is too slippery due to an excess of oil, you can wipe it dry.
• It is essential that after polishing the floor you wait for it to dry completely before stepping on it. You can find a way to block the passage to prevent accidents, especially if there are children or pets in the house. If at any time liquid is spilled on your floor, you should clean it up immediately to avoid permanently damaging the wood.
• When adding essential oils, make sure they are pure and of high quality. Do not use synthetic essences marketed only for flavoring, as they can damage the wood.

Conclusion

Now you know 4 homemade methods for polishing wooden floors that will keep them in good condition for a long time. These last tips will also help you to make cleaning more effective and the result much shinier. So give them a try and you’ll see the results right away!