5 Unexpected & Budget-Friendly Hacks to Make Your Wooden Floors Shine

Simplify
by Simplify

Hello, Simplify lovers! Today we'll be revealing some unexpected and budget-friendly ways to get your wooden floors back in tip-top shape and shining like new. If you've been struggling with dull or worn-out floors, fret not! We have five chemistry-backed hacks that will save you money and leave your floors looking fabulous. So, let's dive into these magical tricks and transform your floors with the power of science!


Did your wooden floors suffer some damage? Simplify is here to help!

1. Baking Soda: The Ultimate Scratch Remover


Wooden floors are prone to scratches, but don't despair! Baking soda is here to save the day. Create a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water, then apply it to the scratched area using a soft cloth. Rub gently in a circular motion until the scratch disappears. Wipe away the excess paste with a damp cloth, and voilà! Your floor is as good as new. Baking soda's mild abrasive properties effectively remove scratches without damaging your floor's finish.


2. The Power of Vinegar and Olive Oil


Vinegar has long been hailed as a cleaning marvel, and when combined with olive oil, it becomes an unstoppable force for wooden floors.


Mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle, then apply the solution onto your floor. Buff it in with a soft cloth or microfiber mop to remove dirt, grime, and even some scratches. The vinegar acts as a gentle cleaner while the olive oil nourishes and restores the wood's natural shine.

Using a combination of vinegar and olive oil will work well to get your floors shiny again.

3. Walnuts: The Secret to Fixing Minor Dents


Believe it or not, walnuts can work wonders for small dents in wooden floors. Simply rub a shelled walnut over the dented area, and the wood will absorb the nut's natural oils. This helps the wood fibers swell and fill in the dents, making them less noticeable. It's an eco-friendly, budget-friendly solution that will leave your floors looking great.



4. Tea Bags: Shine and Color Restorer


Tea isn't just for sipping anymore! Steep two black tea bags in a quart of boiling water and let it cool. Then, dampen a soft cloth or mop with the tea and gently wipe the wooden floor.


How it works: The tannins in the tea will help restore the wood's natural color and impart a lovely shine. Plus, the tea leaves' mild acidity helps remove dirt and grime without damaging the wood. Remember not to use too much water, as it can damage your wooden floors.

As weird as it might sound, using tea bags on your wooden floors will actually make a real difference.

5. DIY Wood Floor Polish: Lemon Juice and Vegetable Oil


For an all-natural wood floor polish that will make your floors shine, mix one part lemon juice with two parts vegetable oil, i.e. canola or sunflower oil. Apply the mixture to your floors using a soft cloth or microfiber mop, and then buff it in until your floors gleam. The lemon juice provides a fresh scent and gentle cleaning power while the vegetable oil conditions the wood and restores its original shine.


Your floors can look as pretty as these with just a little bit of effort.

Conclusion


There you have it! Five unexpected and budget-friendly ways to restore the shine and beauty of your wooden floors using simple household items and the power of chemistry.


Give these hacks a try and watch your floors come back to life. Remember to always test a small inconspicuous area of your floor before trying any new cleaning method. Happy floor shining!



This article was co-written using AI and was heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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  • Kris Kris on Jun 12, 2023

    I tried the olive oil and vinegar. Left my floors so slippery. After a couple of sections I diluted with the vinegar to 1/3 and 2/3. Still slippery. Although it’s a beautiful shine I will have to go over the whole space (about 900 sq ft) with something to tone it down.

  • Edythe Bellocchio Edythe Bellocchio on Aug 06, 2023

    I found it to be way too slippery for our taste. I will just use a very small amount of oil mixed into water and lemon juice in a spray bottle.

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