How to Make Unfinished Wood Floors Shine

October 3, 2023 0

Do you have unfinished wood floors that could use a little love and attention? Wood floors, when well-maintained, can be beautiful and timeless. Not only will they bring a sense of warmth to any room, but they also increase the value of your home. However, unfinished wood isn’t always easy to maintain and care for—especially if it hasn’t been treated with the right materials or kept up on regular cleanings.

If you’re looking to bring out the natural beauty of your unfinished wood floors, here are some tips on how to make unfinished wood floors shine.

In this blog post, we are going to show you how to make those tired looking wooden floors shine like new! Read on for our simple guide on caring for unfinished wood floors.

What Will You Need?

Vacuum Cleaner
Broom
Dustpan
Soft Cloths or Mop (preferably microfiber)
Mineral Spirits
Hardwood Floor Cleaner (pH neutral)

Once you have these items ready, proceed to the following steps.

10 Easy Steps on How to Make Unfinished Wood Floors Shine

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly

The first step in bringing out the shine in your unfinished wood floors is to start with a clean surface. Begin by using a vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan to remove any dirt, dust, or debris on the floor. Make sure to pay attention to corners and along the baseboards. Next, take a soft cloth or mop (preferably microfiber) and lightly dampen it with water. Wipe the entire floor to remove any remaining dust or dirt.

Step 2: Use Mineral Spirits

For unfinished wood floors that are exceptionally dirty, you may need to use mineral spirits as a cleaning solution. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently wipe on the surface of the floor. Make sure not to oversaturate the wood, as this can cause damage.

Step 3: Apply a Hardwood Floor Cleaner

After removing the harsher dirt and grime with mineral spirits, it’s time to apply a hardwood floor cleaner. Remember, opting for a pH-neutral cleaner is vital to avoid damaging the wood. Dampen a soft cloth or mop with the cleaner and pass it over the floor. Work in small sections and make sure to follow the grain of the wood, ensuring a deep and even clean. This step helps to restore the natural shine to your unfinished wood floors.

Step 4: Let the Floor Dry

Once you’ve finished with the hardwood floor cleaner, allow the floor to air dry naturally. It’s crucial to take your time with this process because any remaining moisture on the wood can damage it. You can open windows or use fans to circulate the air to speed up the drying. Remember, never use heat to dry the floor, as it can cause the wood to warp. The floor should regain some of its natural shine when it is arid.

Step 5: Buff the Floor

After the floor is arid, it’s time to buff it. Buffing the floor helps to bring out the wood’s natural shine and removes any remaining cleaning residue. Use a soft cloth or a buffing pad and move toward the wood grain. Spend some time in each area to ensure a thorough buffing. After buffing, your unfinished wood floors should start to shine.

Step 6: Apply a Wood Conditioner

The next step to make your unfinished wood floors shine involves applying a wood conditioner. This product further cleans the surface and prepares it for finishing by opening the wood’s pores. Just apply a thin coat using a soft cloth, making sure to move toward the wood grain. It’s always good to first test the product on a small, inconspicuous area.

You can purchase wood conditioners from your local home improvement store or online. After applying, let the conditioner absorb and dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Apply a Wood Finish

Applying a wood finish is the seventh step in making your unfinished wood floors shine. Wood finishes can enhance the beauty of the wood and provide a protective layer that helps retain the shine. Multiple types of finishes are available, including oil-based, water-based, and wax-based.

Each type has pros and cons, so choosing the one that suits your needs and preferences is best. Apply the finish evenly using a brush or a roller, following the direction of the wood grain. Allow it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Applying two or more thin coats rather than one thick one for the best results is always a good idea. After the finish has dried, your wood floor should have a renewed shine.

Step 8: Buff the Floor Again

After the finish has dried completely, it’s time to buff the floor once more. This step helps to even out the finish and further enhance the shine. Use a clean, dry, soft cloth or a buffer pad. Always remember to buff in the direction of the wood grain. This step can be repeated if necessary to achieve the desired level of shine. By the end of this step, your unfinished wood floors should be sparkling.

Step 9: Maintain the Shine

Once you’ve achieved the desired level of shine, it’s important to maintain it. Regular cleaning and proper care can keep your unfinished wood floors shining long. Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning – stick to pH-neutral cleaners. Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent water damage, and consider laying down rugs in high traffic areas to prevent wear and tear.

It’s also advisable to reapply the finish once a year or as required, based on the level of usage and wear. Keeping up with these maintenance steps will ensure your wood floors continue to shine beautifully.

Step 10: Regular Inspection and Prompt Repairs

Finally, ensure that you regularly inspect your unfinished wood floors for any signs of damage. This includes chips, cracks, stains, or areas where the finish has worn off. If any damage is detected, address it promptly. Depending on the severity, this could involve sanding and refinishing a small area, or if necessary, seeking professional help. Regular inspection and timely repairs maintain the shine of your floors and extend their longevity.

With these steps, knowing how to make unfinished wood floors shine and keep them that way is easy. Enjoy your gleaming, beautiful wood floors!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Regular Cleaning: Regular sweeping or vacuuming is crucial to maintaining the shine on unfinished wood floors. Dust and dirt can dull the wood’s natural luster.
Use the Right Products: Use specifically designed wood floor cleaners instead of harsh chemicals or detergents that can strip the wood of its natural oils and shine.
Avoid Water Damage: Minimize the use of water while cleaning. Excessive water can seep into the wood, causing it to warp and lose its shine.
Polish With Tea: Oddly enough, brewed tea, when cooled, is an excellent natural agent to make unfinished wood floors shine. The tannic acid in tea brings out the wood’s natural shine.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Wood floors lose their shine with poor air circulation in the room. Open windows or use fans to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup on the wood’s surface.

These additional tips can help maintain your unfinished wood floors’ shine and ensure they remain beautiful for years.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Avoid Using Vinegar: While vinegar is a popular natural cleaner, it’s acidic and can damage the wood’s surface, causing it to lose its shine.
Stay Away From Wax: Wax might make your floors shine temporarily, but it can build up over time and dull the wood’s natural look.
Never Use Abrasive Tools: Scratching the surface of your floors with hard-bristled brooms or steel wool can cause permanent damage and loss of shine.
Avoid Wearing Shoes Indoors: Shoes, especially high heels or those with hard soles, can scratch the wood and cause dents, leading to a less glossy finish.
Steer Clear of Excessive Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause discoloration and dullness over time. Use curtains or blinds to control the amount of sunlight that hits your floor.

Avoiding these common mistakes will assist in maintaining the natural shine of your unfinished wood floors for longer.

What is the Best Oil for Unfinished Wood Floors?

The best oil for unfinished wood floors would be a natural, non-toxic option that penetrates the wood and enhances its natural beauty. Some popular choices include tung oil, linseed oil, or Danish oil. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product label and avoid using excess oil, as it can also cause buildup and dullness over time.

Additionally, it’s essential to regularly clean and remove any excess oil from the surface of the wood. This will help maintain the shine and prevent a slippery surface.

In conclusion, with proper care and maintenance using the right products and techniques, unfinished wood floors can retain their shine for many years. Avoiding common mistakes and following these additional tips can also help prolong their beauty.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that how to make unfinished wood floors shine can be a challenge, but with the right amount of effort and knowledge, it is possible. For wooden floor maintenance to succeed, use proper cleaning strategies with quality products for the best results.

You can keep your unfinished wood floors beautiful for years with good upkeep and care. Taking a little extra time out of your day can make all the difference in maintaining shine on any wood floor material.

It’s important to remember that each type of hardwood or laminate floor will require different cleaning tools and solutions, so understanding the best methods for your particular surface is essential if you want them sparkling clean like new again!

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.