Hardwood floors are one of the most beloved features in Southern homes because they add warmth, character, and timeless charm. But over time, even the most beautiful planks can start to look dull, dry, or scratched, especially in high-traffic areas. The good news is that you may not need to sand or refinish them to bring back that natural glow. With the right tools, products, and a little bit of know-how, you can easily revive your hardwood floors and restore their luster.
Before you jump into any DIY treatment, it’s crucial to understand what kind of floor you’re working with. The type of wood and finish—whether it’s polyurethane, wax, or oil—determines which products and techniques will enhance your floors and which might do more harm than good. We spoke with flooring experts to walk you through exactly how to assess, clean, treat, and protect your hardwood floors so they look their best for years to come.
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Know Your Floor’s Finish
Before you start reviving your hardwood floors, it’s important to know your floor’s finish—is it polyurethane, wax, and oil finish, or something else? “The outermost layer of the floor determines what methods will revive a dry, cracked floor or cause a slippery mess,” explains Carly Harrington, owner of Floor Coverings International of South Atlanta.
“Most homes in the Southern U.S. built in the 1950s and earlier have solid red or white oak hardwood floors,” says Harrington. If you’re unsure what type of hardwood floor you have, Harrington suggests taking a picture of your floor and then doing a reverse image search to figure out which wood species you have. It’ll work “even if it is something more exotic like Brazilian cherry, walnut, or maple,” she says.
According to Ashley Biscan, Interior Design and Trend Expert at Floor & Decor, it’s essential to understand your hardwood before venturing into any DIY projects that could potentially worsen flaws or create new, costly damage. “Before attempting any level of restoration, it’s best to call in the professionals to weigh in on the anatomy of your hardwood flooring for particulars: type, age, wear layer, finish, and the list goes on,” suggests Biscan. “When it comes to foundational elements in your home, quality starts at the source. Purchase from a reputable retailer so you know the exact specs of the materials and how to care for them.»
What You’ll Need
Broom or vacuum (with beater bar off)
Microfiber mop
Mild, pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner (like Bona or Rejuvenate)
Soft cloth or sponge
Step-By-Step Guide To Reviving Hardwood Floors
First, you need to thoroughly clean your floors including sweeping, vacuuming, and/or mopping.
Determine the wear or top-most layer of your floor—does it have polyurethane still there? If not, use a citrus, oil-based conditioner to restore depth, fight dryness, protect against staining (oil and water don’t mix!), and repel dust.
If your hardwood floors do have polyurethane still there, Harrington suggests using a shine restorer formulated for hardwood floors like Bona or Rejuvenate to add a protective layer on top of that remaining finish to revive.
Fill in any deeper scratches or dents with a wax wood repair kit to match.
After treatment, use the maintenance tips below to keep it looking good.
Natural Remedies And Homemade Options
According to Harrington, lemon or citrus oil can help restore depth and shine—but only on floors where the polyurethane has worn off over time. “Otherwise, oil will just make the floor slippery and collect dust if it cannot soak into the wood,” explains Harrington.
“Vinegar is a bad idea, as the acidity can damage the protective layer on factory or onsite finished floors and can dry out unfinished floors. Oil-based treatments on unfinished floors are great at restoring depth to dried-out planks and providing stain and dust protection,” she explains.
How To Maintain That Like-New Look
There are many ways you can keep your hardwood floors looking new and fresh, both weekly and seasonally. According to Harrington, these include:
Sweep or vacuum first—Start by removing loose debris from the floor’s surface. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner with the rotating beater bar turned off (suction and stationary brush only).
Cleaning solution—Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners as they can damage the protective layer or leave a residue. Some trusted well-known brands are Bona as well as Rejuvenate which can be found in most stores and online. Look specifically for the hardwood cleaner.
Dry mop—Use a microfiber mop and your spray cleaner. Avoid excessive water.
Spot cleaning—»For stubborn stains, apply a bit of the cleaning solution directly to the area and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge,» explains Harrington. «Do not leave the liquid to ‘soak’ as that will likely cause staining that will require sanding to remove.»
Prevention is key—To maintain your floor’s longevity, use doormats at entryways to trap dirt and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor. Consider a no-shoe policy, too.
Chair/furniture protection—Use protective pads on the bottoms of chairs and furniture to prevent scratching when moving or rearranging furniture. «Office chairs with rolling wheels should be rubber and not hard plastic,» warns Harrington. «Place a chair mat under all rolling wheels to prevent damage to the floor.»
Temperature and humidity—Maintain a consistent indoor temperature and humidity (35%-55%) to prevent excessive expansion and contraction.
Sunlight—Rearrange your rugs and furniture periodically to allow the floor to age evenly. «Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can soften the tone of different species to varying degrees and accelerate the oxidation and aging of wood, leaving dark or light spots depending on the species,» says Harrington.
Trapped water—Be careful not to allow water to run under rubber-backed and plastic mats and become trapped. It is better to use fabric mats to allow moisture to evaporate through the mat.
Steam mops—Avoid steam mops on hardwood floors. Excessive heat and moisture can damage the flooring. «We recommend steam mops on tile only—not on other flooring types,» says Harrington.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I revive hardwood floors without sanding?
“Depth and dryness can be restored to aged solid hardwood floors with an oil-based solution—we particularly like lemon oil due to the pleasant odor and citrus oil component that helps to penetrate and preserve dry floors,” explains Harrington. “Mop it on with a microfiber mop and let it dry. Don’t use a furniture polish, as some formulations can leave floors slippery.”
What’s the best product to make hardwood floors shine?
Professionals can purchase hi-shine formulas from janitorial services, but anyone can buy products like Rejuvenate that spread on with a fiber mop and dry with a protective shine.
How do I fix scratches without refinishing?
Light scratches in just the poly can be remedied with a ‘restoring’ product like Rejuvenate. Deeper scratches can be made less visible with a commonly available wax repair kit.
Is vinegar safe for hardwood floors?
If you need to use a small amount of vinegar due to the particular nature of the stain, such as oil, do so only in the affected area. “Vinegar is acidic and can cause damage to the finish on hardwood floors,” explains Harrington. “It is not recommended as part of your regular cleaning regimen.”
How often should I use polish or restorer?
Only as needed. If you keep your hardwood floors free of debris and dry, they will serve you for decades. There’s nothing that beats the natural beauty of a well-maintained hardwood floor.