How to Clean Lacquered or Shellacked Hardwood Flooring

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 Installation 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

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

Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
Apply a One-Step Floor Cleaner or Polish (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of Floor
Use a Wax Applicator Pad to Rub Product into the Wood Floor
Always Rub in the Same Direction of the Natural Wood Grain
Use a Clean Cloth to Wipe Away Leftover Residue
Use a Microfiber Towel to Buff Floors in a Circular Motion!
Buff Until Floors Shine!

Method Two (Recommended)

Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
Use a Dry Wax Applicator to Apply Liquid Floor Cleaner (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of the Floor
Apply By Rubbing in Along the Natural Direction of the Wood Grain
Continue by Applying Remaining Cleaner to All Sections of the Hardwood Floor
Allow the Previous Sections of Flooring to Sit and Soak in the Product
Come Back to the First Section Cleaned and Wipe Away Leftover Residue
Do this for All Remaining Sections in the Order they were Cleaned
Buff Surface of Flooring with a Hardwood Floor Polisher
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.

Hardwood Floor Installation and Replacement

Wood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Wood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis hardwood floor installation you can trust. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides affordable hardwood floor replacement and installation services for both commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, GUARANTEED! Call 317-455-3612 to learn more about our Indianapolis tile flooring services, or to schedule an assessment today.