With hardwood floors, you hardly go wrong. Most hardwood floors are pretty eye-catching and can go with any decor. Be it modern, traditional, country, etc.
Hardwood floors can be fixed almost anywhere in the house except the bathroom and kitchen. Rooms with a high incidence of water splashing might not be the best for hardwood floors. But how do you keep these floors shiny? We are going to look at the best hardwood floor polishes that will help keep your floor shiny.
Types of hardwood floors
Table of Contents
- 1 Types of hardwood floors
- 2 Solid or Engineered Hardwood Floor?
- 3 Floor Polish
- 4 Best Hardwood Floor Polishes
- 4.1 1. Bona Hardwood Floor Polish – High Gloss
- 4.2 2. TriNova Hardwood Floor Polish and Restorer
- 4.3 3. Rejuvenate Hardwood Floor Polish
- 4.4 4. Weiman Wood Floor Polish and Restorer
- 4.5 5. Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Polish
- 4.6 6. Howard Products Hardwood Floor Polish
- 4.7 7. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish and Polish
- 4.8 8. Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver
- 4.9 9. Restore-A-Floor Floor Finish, Wood Polish, and Hard Wood Floor Wax
- 4.10 10. Shark Wood & Hard Floor Polish – High Gloss – 28 oz
- 5 Conclusion
The two major types of hardwood floors are:
Unfinished Hardwood
Let’s assume you have a decoration pattern in your head. You desire a particular style of interior décor with peculiar colors.
Naturally, you’d want the hardwood floor to match the colors you have in mind. This is where unfinished hardwood flooring becomes the preferred option.
If you want a customized stain applied on your hardwood floor before the finish, you should consider unfinished hardwood flooring.
If you insist against better judgment to install hardwood flooring in your kitchen, then unfinished hardwood flooring should be your choice.
Finished Hardwood
Finished hardwood comes ready-made. There’s absolutely no reason to sand or apply any finish to it. It takes a relatively short time to install.
You must plan your entire décor to match the flooring because it cannot be customized.
Solid or Engineered Hardwood Floor?
Solid hardwood flooring is 100% wood and is usually slightly thick. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times because it’s solid wood.
It is vulnerable to changes in humidity and moisture levels. It is not recommended for places with low humidity.
Engineered hardwood flooring is often the preferable option for a high moisture level or floor heating system.
This is because engineered wood flooring systems have a pretty high tolerance for moisture and heat.
There are various species of hardwood floors. Species of hardwood floors mean the kind of trees the wood was gotten from.
Some of the best species include Oak flooring, Maple flooring, Brazillian Cherry, Bubinga, Wenge, Cork, et cetera.
Floor Polish
Floor polish improves on the various surfaces of our hardwood floorings. Floor polish offers protection to the hardwood floors by providing an extra coat layer for the floor.
It also beautifies the hardwood floors by making them look shiny, new, and clean. Floor polish is a protective wax covering scratches and other damages done to our wooden floors.
Floor polishes are applied periodically to maintain the beauty of our hardwood floors. Floor polishes provide a less expensive way to keep our hardwood flooring looking all new and beautiful. Writing this article, we discovered the best hardwood floor polishes available.
Best Hardwood Floor Polishes
1. Bona Hardwood Floor Polish – High Gloss
- Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- High gloss finish
- Additive inhibits the growth of unwanted particles
- Adds a protective layer & fills in micro-scratches
- Evens out the appearance of the floor
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This floor polish is one of the most widely used hardwood floor polishes. Many professionals in the hardwood industry recommend Bona Hardwood Floor polish for our hardwood floors.
It is certified by Greenguard. It fills in the usual micro-scratches and shields against wear and tear.
How to apply Bona Floor Polish
Like other floor polishes, you need to rid your floors of dust and debris. Besides vacuum cleaning, you must clean the floors using a good floor cleaning liquid.
- Shake gently before use.
- Pour some of your Bona hardwood polish on the floor and spread it using a mop stick.
- Work on a section at a time and avoid stepping foot on it till it is dried.
- Spread the floor polish on the wooden planks evenly.
- Leave it for 1 hour before walking over.
Advantages
- It is GreenGuard certified. This means it has been tested for over 10,000 harmful chemicals volatile organic compounds (VOC) and found to be free of those harmful chemicals. It is a massive advantage if you take your health seriously.
- Bona is recommended by both users and professionals alike. It is of such high quality.
- It is pretty durable. You apply once in a few months.
- It takes fewer minutes to completely dry.
2. TriNova Hardwood Floor Polish and Restorer
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This also comes highly recommended by several users. It is a high gloss finish made specifically for your flooring.
If you are looking to undo the scratches on the surface of your floor, this wood flooring is not recommended for you. It brings out the natural shine and gloss of hardwood.
TriNova Hardwood Floor Polish is pretty easy to apply. It only requires your everyday tools such as your mop. Spread the TriNova Hardwood Polish and Restorer on your cleaned hardwood floors using a mop.
After that, wait for the polish to dry. This polish takes approximately 60 minutes to dry completely. A single application is enough, according to the manufacturers. You can choose to apply more than once if you like. The ball lies in your court.
If you have inclinations towards a natural finish, this may not be the best option for you. This polish leaves your hardwood floor looking shiny but can also make the floor slippery, which is a leading cause of domestic accidents.
Pros
- It’s pretty easy to use and apply on hardwood floors
- It boasts of a one-time application, though subject to your verification
- Excellent at restoring old hardwood floors.
Cons
- It’s pretty slippery
- Some users opine that distorts depth perception.
3. Rejuvenate Hardwood Floor Polish
- Wood floor restoration and polishing formula fills in scratches, restores glossy shine and protects hardwood flooring
- Bonds to existing finish to resist stains and spills with no waxy build up
- Pour on and mop application with our microfiber mop bonnet seals and protects wood floors for years
- Perfect for all residential and commercial hardwood floor restoration and polishing projects. It’s not recommended to use Rejuvenate Professional Floor Restorer on laminate, tile, stone, vinyl or any other flooring surface
- One bottle covers up to 525 sq. ft. and dries within 45 minutes | Proudly Made in America
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is one of the best hardwood floor polishes available. Rejuvenate Professional wood floor polish is often used to fill in scratches on our hardwood floors, restores the hardwood gloss, and protects the hardwood flooring.
It creates a bond with the existing finish on your hardwood floors to resist stains and spills with no build-up of wax.
Rejuvenate professional wood floor polish is perfect for all residential and commercial hardwood floors. It is pretty easy to apply on hardwood floors.
It requires little time and effort. You don’t have to get all stressed out to get the best quality your floors deserve.
Pros
- Perfect for commercial and residential hardwood floors.
- A single bottle can cover a large area.
- You can purchase it in a pack of two
- It takes a shorter time to dry
Cons
- Do not remove any scratch marks.
4. Weiman Wood Floor Polish and Restorer
- RESTORES AND SHINES HARDWOOD: Instantly rejuvenates finished hardwood floors with a brilliant, natural suppleness & sheen that extends the life of wood floors and leaves them looking like new!
- MICRO-FILLING TECHNOLOGY FOR SCRATCHES: Our Micro-filling technology removes scratches on high traffic hardwood floors while forming a protective scratch resistant layer. It doesn’t just fade existing scratches; it contains a micro-filling technology that prevents new ones from forming!
- MULTIPLE USES: Can be used on any finished hardwood surface, rejuvenating a shine that leaves no sticky residue
- SAFE AROUND CHILDREN AND PETS: This "ready to use" formula can be used around kids and pets without causing harm
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Use with Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner to experience long-lasting results. All Weiman products are proudly manufactured in the USA.
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This hardwood floor polish is specifically formulated to guarantee long-lasting results and a beautiful shine.
This product is designed to remove scratches while forming a protective scratch-resistant layer on your floor. This polish can be used on any finished hardwood surface.
The Weiman Polish doesn’t contain harmful volatile organic compounds, so it’s safe to use around kids or pets.
It does not require mixing or special processing. It is excellent for those who don’t like to get stressed.
One obvious shortcoming of this product is that it takes too long to dry. It takes an average of one hour for you to wait to recoat. If you are in a hurry, or you’re naturally impatient, the Weiman Wood Floor Polish and Restorer is not for you.
However, if the slightly slow drying time doesn’t bother you, this product does an excellent job reducing the scratches and other deformities on most wood floors.
Pros
- It is affordable
- It contains plant-based ingredients, which makes it safe for children and pets.
- Versatile formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- It takes a longer time to dry.
5. Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Polish
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This hardwood floor polish, though controversial, makes the list of one of the best hardwood floor polish available. This multi-purpose product cleans, shines, protects, and revitalizes your floors.
The 4-in-1 product gives you good value-for-money, and it’s effortless to apply. It comes with clear instructions on the label, making it one of our best hardwood floor polishes. Monthly usage of this product is required for an ultimate glossy finish.
This multi-purpose product is often praised for its durability: it lasts longer than others. It is also excellent for homes with pets and lots of human activities. It leaves your home smelling fresh, just like oranges. It is not slippery, so it minimizes domestic accidents.
Sadly, we cannot vouch for the safety of the Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Polish as some users have raised genuine concerns about the ingredients used in the making of this product.
The ingredients are not correctly listed on the label, prompting some users to become suspicious. Some environmental groups have also raised issues regarding the ingredients used.
Pros
- It’s got a refreshing scent
- Multi-purpose product
- It is durable
- It is affordable
Cons
- Vague ingredient list
6. Howard Products Hardwood Floor Polish
- Polishes all wood surfaces to a soft luster with a protective coating of Carnauba Wax and Beeswax
- Introduces conditioning oils that “feed” the wood and helps keep it from drying and fading
- Enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain in finished and unfinished wood
- For use on antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wood doors and trim, etc.
- Helps to prevent further drying of the wood and deterioration of the finish. Contains no silicone or linseed oils
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is known as one of the best floor polishes available. Customer reviews on this product are pretty positive.
Howard Products Wood Polish is a perfect way of offering protection and luster to hardwood floors, furniture, antiques, and cabinets.
This product introduces conditioning oils that help the wood while providing a protective coating of beeswax and carnauba wax.
Howard Products Wood Polish can be used on both finished and unfinished wood to help preserve and keep the hardwood floor from drying out, fading, or even cracking.
Pros
- It can be used for different surfaces, including floors as well as antiques, tables, cabinets, doors, and more.
- It is completely capable of rejuvenating your floor to a soft luster.
Cons
- Howard Wood Polish has to be used in a well-ventilated area because it contains quite a few harmful substances, and it’s also flammable.
7. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish and Polish
- EASY TO USE | READY TO USE: Quick and easy application - Apply to clean, dry floor for a renewed finish and lasting polish
- USE FOR MOST FLOOR SURFACES: Specially formulated for use of hardwood, laminate, LVT-Luxury Vinyl Tile, LVP-Luxury Vinyl Plank, tile and stone floors
- PROTECT AND RENEW: Adds a protective layer filling in micro-scratches and evening out the appearance of the floor
- PREMIUM FLOOR CARE: Free from aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, fragrance, paraben, phthalate and gluten
- SAFER CHOICE: Recognized by the U. S. EPA Safer Choice Program - safer for kids, pets and our environment
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This multi-surface polish takes the 8thspot on our best hardwood floor polishes list. Quick Shine Hardwood Polish is used for hardwood floors, vinyl, stone, and laminate tiles.
It comes in a squirt bottle. It’s fast and easy to use since all you have to do is squirt it on the floor and polish the floor with a mop. When done, your floor will have a rich and deep glow, making it look as good as new.
It is primarily plant-based, so it is safe for kids and pets. In some cases, it causes a thick build-up on the floor.
The best solution for this is to ensure that you buff it thoroughly so no marks will be left on the surface.
8. Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver
- Requires no sanding or special preparation
- Stronger and more durable than a Polish
- Leaves a crystal-clear finish that won't change the Color of your floor
- Provides beauty and protection for 3-6 months
- Dry time: 2 hours for light foot traffic; 24 hours to replace furniture
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This comes with a low-gloss finish. It is specifically designed for those who do not want their floors excessively shiny. This is an excellent alternative to the high gloss floor polish.
It has a water-based formula with low Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC) and odor. All you need is a single coat before the effects can be apparent.
No special preparation or equipment is required since you can apply it directly to your hardwood floor.
9. Restore-A-Floor Floor Finish, Wood Polish, and Hard Wood Floor Wax
- Specially formulated floor finish and polish works on all hard floors: hard wood floors, laminate, marble, vinyl, and more
- Easy-to-apply with any sponge mop or floor polish applicator – no need for a floor polisher machine
- Concentrated floor renewer and floor polishing formula covers up to 600 sq. feet
- Restore and rejuvenate floors – no need to replace hard wood floors and paneling
- Effectively fills in scratches and rejuvenates dull spots, , sealing old and new floors to a clear, brilliant, shine and a polished finish
Last update on 2022-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Restore A Floor Floor Finish rejuvenates your floors without the need for complex machinery.
Restore A Floor is excellent for floor cleaning because it does not require any unique equipment to use it. It is easy to use with a regular sponge or polish applicator.
Restore A Floor created this cleaner to work on all floor types, including marble, laminate, and wood. This floor finisher fills in scratches and brings your floor back to life.
It will shine in all dull spots. It helps seal floors, no matter their age. Before you consider replacing your floor, restore it with Restore A Floor. This restorer is concentrated, and one bottle handles a 600 square foot area.
Pros
- Seals your floor no matter its age
Cons
- You cannot use this on unfinished floors
10. Shark Wood & Hard Floor Polish – High Gloss – 28 oz
Last update on 2022-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Shark Wood And Hard Floor Cleaner is a brilliant hardwood floor product that combines non-toxic ingredients for a dazzling luster.
Rejuvenate your wood flooring by restoring its natural look and making it shine. It is designed to provide the best hardwood floor finishes.
The polish and restorer give you an even finish without streaks. You don’t have to spend lengthy hours waiting for the floor to get dry.
It is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about breathing in nasty chemicals. It is a high gloss hardwood floor polish.
Pros
- Simple to use – spray it directly onto hardwood floors.
- A good quality product that regularly gets mainly 5-star ratings.
- It is pretty safe does not contain harmful compounds.
Cons
- It causes a build-up of wax after numerous layers and must be stripped.
Read: Best floor cleaning liquids
Conclusion
This sums up the list of the best hardwood floor polishes. After reviewing the top brands and looking up customer reviews of the various products available, we arrive at this list.
We needed a hardwood floor polish devoid of toxic fumes that would end up causing harm to ourselves, kids, and pets.
A polish that is safe to use and effective. A polish for those who like a high gloss finish and those who prefer a low glossy polish. We tried to highlight the pros and cons of the hardwood floor polish we listed to make correct decisions whenever we decided to polish our floors.
We also touched on the various types of hardwood floors, the source of the different kinds of hardwood floors.
The eleven hardwood floor polish listed above constitutes what we believe to be the best hardwood floor polish available. It is up to you to decide which product you think is the best.
This article is not an endorsement of any product, and it was strictly compiled for research purposes.
