Hardwood floors that are surfaced with lacquer, shellac, or varnish finishes require a separate cleaning agenda than that of polyurethane floors. Although fairly similar, shellac or lacquered hardwood needs a more detailed approach to cleaning and care. You see, these finishes are not water or moisture resistant, so hardwood floors are not protected from spills or wear and tear. It is recommended to seal lacquer or shellac-surfaced hardwood floors with a protective liquid or paste floor wax.
Continue reading to learn safe methods for cleaning shellacked, varnished, or lacquered hardwood flooring, and who to call for affordable hardwood floor installation and replacement in Indianapolis.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips
There are two primary methods that are both safe and effective for cleaning lacquered or shellacked hardwood floors. Both methods use techniques that are unique to cleaning specialty flooring, so acute attention and concentration is required. Only solvent-based cleaners and polishes should be used when cleaning or treating shellacked, varnished, or lacquered wood floors. All other OTC cleaners are generally water-based and may fade, weaken, or buckle hardwood. Since solvent-based chemicals are flammable, it is important to only use them in well-ventilated spaces.
Here are two key methods to cleaning finished hardwood flooring:
Method One
➀ Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
➁ Apply a One-Step Floor Cleaner or Polish (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of Floor
➂ Use a Wax Applicator Pad to Rub Product into the Wood Floor
➃ Always Rub in the Same Direction of the Natural Wood Grain
➄ Use a Clean Cloth to Wipe Away Leftover Residue
➅ Use a Microfiber Towel to Buff Floors in a Circular Motion!
➆ Buff Until Floors Shine!
Method Two (Recommended)
➀ Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
➁ Use a Dry Wax Applicator to Apply Liquid Floor Cleaner (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of the Floor
➂ Apply By Rubbing in Along the Natural Direction of the Wood Grain
➃ Continue by Applying Remaining Cleaner to All Sections of the Hardwood Floor
➄ Allow the Previous Sections of Flooring to Sit and Soak in the Product
➅ Come Back to the First Section Cleaned and Wipe Away Leftover Residue
➆ Do this for All Remaining Sections in the Order they were Cleaned
➇ Buff Surface of Flooring with a Hardwood Floor Polisher
➈ Buff Away Streaks with a Microfiber Towel until the Floorboards Shine!
Hardwood floors last a very long time with good care, but at some point, they will have to be replaced. Hardwood floor replacement is a wise investment that can increase your property value and drastically enhance your interior appeal. When this time comes, be sure you choose a licensed general contractor who specializes in hardwood flooring. They will have the tools, training, and resources necessary to provide professional advice, comprehensive service, and outstanding results.