Let It Shine: The Best Floor Polishes
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Pro Shot Industrial Re-Newing Floor Polish -
Bona Hardwood Floor Polish -
Weiman High Traffic Hardwood Floor Polish -
Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish -
Pledge Wood Floor Polish -
Buyer's Guide
Cleaning your floors can be a daunting task, but taking the time to do so and finishing with a fresh coat of floor polish afterward can leave your home looking like a whole new place. Using floor polish can be hard work, yet it is often rewarding and can be one of the most effective tools out there to give the inside of your household the “facelift” it might be due for.
These best floor polishes of 2022 were chosen based on their ability to remove scratches, dulled looks, and streaks to greatly improve the appearance of your floor. In addition to that, they were picked for their ability to dry quickly and cover at least 300 square feet of space with not only a new shine but a protective layer as well. Read on for our favorite products and a buyer's guide to aid you through the buying process.
Comparing the Best Floor Polishes of 2022
Pro Shot Industrial Re-Newing Floor Polish - Best Floor Polish Overall
As far as floor polishes that last the longest, Pro Shot Industrial Re-Newing Floor Restorer has some of the best longevity compared to its competitors as one use of this product can last you several months. It does a great job of filling in scratches and bringing some life back to the more dull areas of your floors without leaving behind a sticky residue after it is applied. This product works well on all types of surfaces and can take care of up to 500 square feet with just one bottle, leaving behind a protective layer to help keep new marks and scratches away. Previous customers were amazed at how shiny and clean their floors looked after using this pick, so rest assured it will leave you more than satisfied with its results. This polish isn’t harmful to children or animals and works the best when applied to floors with the help of a sponge, but it still dries completely within about an hour.
Bona Hardwood Floor Polish - Runner Up
Bona Hardwood Floor Polish is made by a Swedish company that has been around for over nine decades, so this is a quality product that has stood through the test of time. It’s specifically designed for use on hardwood floors and is recommended to be used every two to three months to keep them looking great. As far as eliminating signs of wear and scratches, it is extremely effective and uses a very sturdy urethane high gloss shine for its finish. This is also non-toxic and GREENGUARD certified polish that completely dries within an hour after its application, and does not leave any waxy buildup or residue after use.
Weiman High Traffic Hardwood Floor Polish - Honorable Mention
Weiman High Traffic Hardwood Floor Polish & Restorer is specifically formulated to put some life back into your hardwood floors as it effectively removes any scratches or damage to their appearance with the aid of a Micro-Filling technology. This polish applies a nice protective layer that prevents new marks from forming too quickly which prolongs the renewed look of your floor. This pick is said to cover at least 500 square feet of surface and doesn’t leave any sticky residue or texture after it completely dries. Weiman High Traffic Hardwood Floor Polish & Restorer is formulated for homes with lots of feet running through them, and its non-toxic formula is safe to use around both children and pets. It is also one of the cheaper options on the market so you won’t be breaking the bank each time you want to treat your floors to a makeover.
Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish - Consider
One of the nice things about the Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish product is the 64 oz bottle can typically cover up to 1200 square feet of area in one shot. This pick is a very rich and long lasting polish that gives floors a great protective glow on it to eliminate existing scratches and prevent any additional signs of wear after each use. It has an easy to use container with a squirt spout that allows you to use it as needed without creating more messes or additional containers to mix it in either. This polish is ideal for a variety of different surfaces including wood, tile, vinyl, ceramic, and stone, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not it will work for any part of your home. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish is also a safe substance to use around animals and kids and dries completely in just about an hour.
Pledge Wood Floor Polish - Best Floor Polish
SC Johnson Pledge Floor Care Multi-Surface Finish is one of the best floor polish and finishers on the market, as its reputable brand promises to get rid of scratches and last longer than most of its competitors thanks to its premium wax finish. This product is easy to use and can take care of up to 500 square feet of any regular surface, and also applies a protective acrylic layer to prevent further damage or marks to your floors. This polish is safe to use around youngsters and animals, as it’s formulated without any harmful ingredients. Another benefit of this pick is the fact that you won’t have to deal with sticky floors after each use and it dries fairly quickly within an hour after its application. It is a little pricier than some of the other polishes out there, but that can be justified by how well and effective this item is.
Buyer's Guide
We all wish to have a clean and shiny floor 24/7 without wiping it every few hours. Scratches, ordinary cleaning, daily wear and tear, and foot traffic will eventually make floors dull. Fortunately, just a little maintenance can go a long way to bring back the shine of your hardwood. Whether you want to get rid of an awful residue or wipe away the signs of wear and tear, the best floor polishes will come in handy. We have created this detailed buyer's guide to help you make an informed decision.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Floor Polish
There are a few characteristics to look for in the floor polish, including:
Value for money
You'll probably have to polish your floors again if you have used the polish once. Make certain that the product you select is cost-effective.
Some polishes only require one application, while others require two, three, or even four coats to work well. So, after deciding on the number of coats your floors will require, calculate the cost.
Wax buildup
Because polishes are wax-based, they may leave a layer on your hardwood floors. To avoid residue, choose a polish with minimal buildup and scrape it off at regular intervals. It's a good idea to clean the floors completely before polishing them. It will not only help you avoid accumulation but also ensure that the surface has an even shine and a smooth appearance.
Easy application
Look for any usage directions before selecting a hardwood polish. Because you're not employing a pro, you'll want to choose a polish that's simple to apply and won't leave marks.
You'll also need to choose an applicator and, if necessary, a buffer. If you're doing it for the first time, you should also consider the drying time to know how much time you have to cover an area without going over it.
Finish
You should be aware that each floor polish has a unique finish. Not every polish will give you a high-gloss finish. The type of finish that is best for you is also determined by how active and slippery your floors are. Some high-gloss finishes won't make your flooring slick, while some low-gloss finishes will. A patch test is the most excellent way to figure out what kind of finish you'll get and whether you'll enjoy it.
Drying time
The time it takes for the initial coat to dry varies depending on the polish. A polish that isn't given enough time to dry will appear streaky and patchy on even the smallest areas of flooring. Also, if you're looking for multiple coats, make sure you wait between each one to achieve the best shine. Otherwise, the polish would leave a milky appearance on the floor.
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Floor Polish for Your Home?
Compatibility
Not all polishes are compatible with all types of flooring. Some products on the market are made of many acids, which can cause the outer coats of a laminate floor to deteriorate, harm its luster and sheen, and reduce its overall quality.
If the manufacturer doesn't specify whether a polish is safe for laminate flooring, look at the acid concentration or read laminate floor polish reviews. You can also perform a spot-cleaning test to check if it causes any discoloration to your floor.
Luminosity
The main goal of floor polish is to give your floor a shiny gloss and brilliance. If you want a high-gloss finish, go for a high-gloss formula; if you prefer a matte finish, go for a low-gloss formula.
Residue
When you are done polishing your floors, and they are dry, always check to see if the product left any residue. If it did, take care of it quickly to avoid buildup or other issues.
Why Should You Consider Polishing Your Floors?
You might be wondering why you should polish your floor in the first place. Let us explain some of the basic benefits of polishing your floors.
Protection
To begin with, polishing your floor on a regular basis helps to preserve it by protecting it from scratch marks and stains caused by spills, daily foot traffic, and other damage.
Improved appearance
Polishing your floors, in addition to cleaning them, adds a layer of gloss. It can help restore its original shine and make it look immaculate and polished if it has become dull over time.
Security
Have you ever slipped and fallen amid a restaurant due to a slick floor? We've all been there before! Polishing and waxing floors can help us avoid awkward situations in the future by providing an extra bit of grip. As a result, you may move about more freely and securely without fear of slipping.
Should You Clean Your Floors on a Regular Basis?
It is recommended that you vacuum or dry-mop your floors at least once a week. Preventing scratches and discoloration on the floor by keeping a proactive approach to dust and trash removal improves and maintains the appearance.
Wet mops should not be used to clean hardwood floors because they can cloud the wax finish and damage the wood. Hardwood flooring should only be dry-cleaned as a rule of thumb. If any water or other liquid spills on the floor, wipe it with a moist cloth right away and then dry it. Under no circumstances should spilled liquids be left on a hardwood floor over long periods.
If you notice any stains or discolorations, use a delicate cloth and a specialist hardwood floor cleaner on the affected area only. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then wipe again with a dry cloth.
Floor Polish FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a high-gloss floor polish and a low-gloss floor polish?
A. A high-gloss finish is extremely shiny, making the floor reflect a lot of light and possibly feel slick. Instead of a high-gloss finish, use a low-gloss finish if you don't want the light to reflect as much or if you're worried about slipperiness.
Q. When should hardwood floors be polished?
A. The frequency with which you should polish will vary depending on the product. Pay close attention to the condition of the shine. In most cases, you'll need to polish every two to four months. If it's in a high-traffic area of your home, you may need to polish it more frequently; if it's in an empty room, you likely need to polish it less frequently.
Q. How do you keep polished floors looking good?
A. Cleaning is self-evident. Sweeping or mopping daily helps to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. Your polished floor will shine like a diamond if you clean it once or twice a week with an approved cleaning solution.
