If you have hardwood floors throughout your house, what a luxury! They’re beautiful, classic and often antique.
However, they require a lot of care. For one, you have to clean them carefully, treat them, and wax them. Then you also need to polish wood floors every few months to maintain the glossy look and prevent damage.
We’ve got the best hardwood floor polish products on the market to share with you. With these picks, your hardwood floors will look as good as new.
The Best Hardwood Floor Polish of 2022
We’ve spent hours researching customer reviews, expert advice as well as the products themselves. With this information, we bring to you the list of the 10 best hardwood floor polishes on the market.
1. Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Polish
Best Natural Hardwood Floor Polish
The Quick Shine hardwood floor polish is formulated with pure, natural, plant-based carnauba. It’s free from aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, fragrance, paraben, phthalate and gluten. The EPA approved it as a safer choice product. If you’d prefer a more natural option for a wood floor polish — this is our recommendation.
The Quick Shine polish brings back richness of color and the original beauty of your hardwood floors. Whether they’re new or vintage, make them more durable with this product.
It adds a protective layer, fills in small scratches and evens out the appearance of your floors.
Once applied with a floor mop in even strokes, it dries to a high gloss in only 30 minutes. After that, it’s totally safe for your kids and pets to run back into the room.
Pros
- Natural and safer choice.
- Brightens colors.
- It makes the floor more durable.
- Fills in minor scratches.
Cons
- More expensive option.
- Low luster shine.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors only |
| Toxicity | Natural option |
| Wood Floor Type | Sealed hardwood only |
| Ease of Use | Easy to apply — use slightly damp floor mop in even strokes |
| Size | 64 ounces |
2. Method Wood Polish, Almond
Best Smelling Hardwood Floor Polish
If you want a polished and scented finish, then check out the Method Wood Polish in almond scent. It leaves a rich, nutty smell behind which is quite cozy! It’s not overly sweet and doesn’t linger for too long. Customers love this unique scent choice, stating that it smells like a cake or pastry. Yum.
This is also a great polisher for your wood floors. It works on wood furniture and cabinets, too.
It uses plant-based oils and polishers to give your floors a streak-free shine.
It comes in a handy spray bottle — made from recycled and recyclable plastic — so you can apply it easily. Bring out the inner beauty of your hardwood floors with the Method Wood Polish.
Pros
- Cozy almond scent.
- Works on floors, furniture and cabinets.
- Made with plant-based oils and polishers.
- Handy spray bottle.
Cons
- Bottles prone to leaking.
- Lackluster shine.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors, cabinets and furniture |
| Toxicity | Skin irritant |
| Wood Floor Type | Finished wood only |
| Ease of Use | Very easy — spray and wipe with a soft cloth |
| Size | 14 ounces |
3. Howard Products Wood Polish & Conditioner
Best Hardwood Floor Polish for Pets
If you have pets, you’ll be familiar with how their running around can scratch up your hardwood floors. You’ll probably need to polish the floors more often, but with a product that is safe for pets. That’s where Howard Products wood polish & conditioner comes in.
You should keep your pet out of the room while applying this product. Avoid inhaling vapors and fumes, too. But once the scent has been ventilated — it’s safe for your dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, whatever, to come back into the room!
The reason this is also a good idea for pet owners is that you can use it on furniture, too. If your pup jumps up and scratches your kitchen cabinets or wooden doors, you can use this product to restore and polish the wood.
Pros
- For all wooden furniture and finished floors.
- Adds a protective coating.
- Moisturizes wood so it doesn’t dry or deteriorate.
- Gets rid of watermarks.
Cons
- Doesn’t leave a shiny, glossy finish.
- Doesn’t fill in scratches.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Anything with a wood finish |
| Toxicity | Harmful if inhaled |
| Wood Floor Type | Any finished or unfinished wood |
| Ease of Use | Easy to apply with a soft cloth |
| Size | 16 ounces |
4. Mop & Glo Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
Best Multipurpose Hardwood Floor Polish
It’s likely that hardwood isn’t the only type of flooring in your house. If you’re looking for a multipurpose hardwood floor polish, we recommend the Mop & Glo multi-surface floor cleaner.
It cleans, shines and protects hardwood, vinyl, marble, linoleum, ceramic, no-wax and tile floors. So your entire house can be cleaned, polished and protected from water and scratch marks.
It has the concentration of three household cleaning products in one. It then polishes your floors so they glisten in the light. Lastly, it protects your floors from everyday damage like furniture, pet, and shoe scratches. Your floors will also be safe from food and drink spills and plant leakage.
You won’t smell ammonia or bleach when applying this product either. In fact, it even leaves behind a fresh mint scent so that your house smells super clean!
Pros
- Cleans, polishes and protects floors.
- Compatible with hardwood, vinyl, marble, ceramic and other floor types.
- Fresh mint scent.
- Long-lasting shine.
Cons
- Contains methoxydiglycol, an unsafe chemical (2).
- Might leave a streaky finish.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Hardwood, vinyl, marble, ceramic, linoleum, no-wax and tile floors |
| Toxicity | Contains methoxydiglycol, an unsafe chemical |
| Wood Floor Type | Any |
| Ease of Use | Easily apply with a damp cloth, mop or sponge then rinse |
| Size | 32 ounces |
5. Bona Hardwood Floor Polish
Best High Gloss Hardwood Floor Polish
Some people like a more matte polish — others like a high gloss. If that’s you, then the Bona Hardwood Floor Polish is something to reach for.
When you polish wood floors with this product, prepare yourself for a dramatic transformation. This will shine up your floors like no man’s business. It also adds a protective layer after filling in scratches. So if dull floors are your problem, this is the solution.
One bottle covers 500 square feet of flooring. You can use it on unwaxed, unoiled or polyurethane finished wood floors.
This product is also certified by Greenguard, meaning it has low indoor chemical emissions, making it a safer choice for you and your family.
Pros
- High gloss finish.
- Adds a protective layer.
- Fills in scratches.
- Greenguard certified.
Cons
- Builds up if you use it too frequently.
- Slippery.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors only |
| Toxicity | GREENGUARD Certified |
| Wood Floor Type | Unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors |
| Ease of Use | A bit time-consuming. Work in small sections with a damp microfibre mop |
| Size | 32 ounces |
6. Rejuvenate Professional Wood Floor Restorer
Best Hardwood Floor Polish for Engineered Hardwood
If you have engineered hardwood, you can still get those floors polished! Use the Rejuvenate Professional wood floor restorer on engineered hardwood as well as wood and hardwood floors.
All it takes is one application and one hour of your time to achieve a glossy finish to your floors.
This product polishes floors, restores glossy shines, and protects the floor. So if you have a lot of foot traffic on your floors, this is a great choice. It will protect the floors from further damage between applications.
The product claims to fill in scratches, but customers find that it doesn’t do this. So keep this in mind.
However, it’s a non-toxic, polyurethane-based formula that covers up to 525 square feet per bottle.
Pros
- Good for engineered hardwood.
- Dries within one hour.
- Shines, polishes, and protects floors.
- Non-toxic formula.
Cons
- Slippery for about six hours after application.
- Doesn’t fill in scratches, despite claims.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors only |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Wood Floor Type | Sealed wood, hardwood and engineered hardwood |
| Ease of Use | Easily apply with a microfiber mop going with the grain |
| Size | 32 ounces |
7. Rejuvenate Shine Refresher Hardwood Polish
Best Hardwood Floor Polish for Scratches
Unfortunately, hardwood floors can get pretty scratched. Whether that’s from moving furniture, energetic pets or even vacuuming. The Rejuvenate Shine Refresher hardwood polish is our top pick for polishing those scratches away.
It’s designed to instantly remove scratches on hardwood floors, as well as linoleum, tile, vinyl and other floor types. It does this by filling in the scratches, then coating them with a protective layer. Finally, it seals the floors and protects them against UV rays that can fade hardwood.
Honestly — your floors will look as good as new with this product!
Make sure that you let it dry completely before walking across as normal. Otherwise, you can create new scratches in the protective layer. If this occurs, you can sand the floor back, vacuum, use a wood floor cleaner, and reapply the product.
Pros
- Fills in and coats scratches.
- Compatible with many floor types.
- Adds UV protection.
- Non-toxic and covers 1400 square feet.
Cons
- Difficult product to use and distribute evenly.
- The protective finish can scratch if walked over before fully dry.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors only |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Wood Floor Type | Slate, cement, cork, hardwood, laminate, stone, ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo |
| Ease of Use | Finicky and tedious to apply |
| Size | 32 ounces |
8. Howard Products RF6016 Restor-A-Finish
Best Hardwood Floor Polish for Dark Floors
If you have dark floors, the Howard Products Restor-A-Finish is a top choice! It comes in a range of colors. The options for dark floors include dark walnut, dark oak, ebony brown, and mahogany.
This product polishes floors but also blends out minor scratches, blemishes and abrasions. So your floors will look a million times better than before!
It’s very easy to use. Just wipe it on and off with a microfiber cloth. It restores your floors, but does not remove the existing finish so you can keep your floors ultra protected.
With this polish, you can maintain the antique-ness of your floors or other wood furniture. And yet, you also say goodbye to heat rings, water damage, sun fade, oxidation and smoke damage.
We do recommend wearing a protective mask and gloves while using this product. Once applied, leave the ventilated room until the fumes disperse. Don’t let pets or kids around this product while in use.
Pros
- Nine color options.
- Blends out minor blemishes and scratches.
- Easy wipe-on, wipe-off application.
- Doesn’t remove the existing finish.
Cons
- The effect doesn’t last too long.
- Strong smell.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Anything with a wood finish |
| Toxicity | Harmful if inhaled, but safe once dried |
| Wood Floor Type | Any, as long as it’s been previously finished |
| Ease of Use | Wipe-on, wipe-off |
| Size | 16 ounces |
9. Orange Glo Hardwood Floor 4-in-1
Best Hardwood Floor Polish and Cleaner
We think a 4-in-1 floor product is a yes, please! The Orange Glo Hardwood floor is a great choice if you’re looking for a hardwood floor polish and cleaner.
Multitask with this product. It cleans your floors, polishes them, protects and revitalizes. You don’t need to do four long steps anymore — this product does the hard work for you.
The product instructions recommend using this monthly to keep your floors in tip-top condition. However, some customers only use it every few months. Keep an eye on your floors to see when they require a top-up.
First, this product cleans away dirt and grime. Then it fills in scratches, builds up a water protective layer before leaving a long-lasting shine.
Caution
Keep away from children. It contains solvent plasticizers and wax emulsions and is harmful if swallowed.
Pros
- 4-in-1 solution.
- Dries in less than 15 minutes.
- Safe for pets (wait until floors are dry before letting them back in the room).
- Covers 375 square feet.
Cons
- Easy to get residue build-up if used too frequently.
- Not very shiny.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Hardwood floors only |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed, safe once dried |
| Wood Floor Type | Polyurethane sealed hardwood floors |
| Ease of Use | Easily applied with a damp mop — air dries |
| Size | 24 ounces |
10. Pledge Floor Gloss Liquid
Best Budget Hardwood Floor Polish
On a budget but still want polished floors? No problem. The Pledge Floor Gloss Liquid costs less than $10 and is an amazing product.
Your floors will be looking brand new again when you use this polish. You can use it on sealed wood floors, laminate floors and no-wax floors. Do not use this on unsealed surfaces.
It leaves a glossy protective finish. So those areas where you have high traffic in your home are protected. Scuff marks, scratches and dirt won’t settle here anymore.
If shiny floors are what you’re after — then this is a quality choice. It delivers a glossy finish on floors. But customers are also using this for cosplay costumes, scale models, and wood furniture.
Pros
- Budget option.
- Revamps floors so they look as good as new.
- Works for laminate floors, too.
- Protects floors.
Cons
- Off-putting smell.
- Not recommended for dark floors.
Additional Specs
| Versatility | Floors, furniture and crafts |
| Toxicity | Recommended to keep away from children and pets |
| Wood Floor Type | Sealed wood, laminate, and no-wax floors |
| Ease of Use | Easy. Apply, wait then spread evenly with a cloth |
| Size | 27 ounces |
Hardwood Floor Polish Comparison Chart
| Product | Best | Versatility | Wood Floor Type | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Polish | Natural Polish | Floors only | Sealed hardwood | Easy |
| Method Wood Polish, Almond | Fragrant | Floors, cabinets & furniture | Finished wood | Easy |
| Howard Products Polish & Conditioner | Pets | Anything with a wood finish | All types | Easy |
| Mop & Glo Multi-Surface Cleaner | Multipurpose | Hardwood, vinyl, marble, ceramic, linoleum, no-wax & tile | All types | Easy |
| Bona Hardwood Floor Polish | High Gloss | Floors only | Unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished | Tedious |
| Rejuvenate Pro Wood Floor Restorer | Engineered Hardwood | Floors only | Sealed, hardwood & engineered hardwood | Easy |
| Rejuvenate Shine Refresher | Scratches | Floors only | Slate, cement, cork, hardwood, laminate, stone, ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo | Tedious |
| Howard Products Restor-A-Finish | Dark Floors | Anything with a wood finish | Finished wood | Easy |
| Orange Glo Hardwood Floor 4-in-1 | Polish & Cleaner | Hardwood floors only | Polyurethane sealed hardwood | Easy |
| Pledge Floor Gloss Liquid | Budget Polish | Floors, furniture & crafts | Sealed wood, laminate, & no-wax floors | Easy |
Hardwood Floor Polish FAQs
What’s the Best Way to Care for Hardwood Floors?
- Daily: Sweep your floors. This gets rid of surface dirt and dust which can stain and scratch your floor.
- Weekly: Vacuum the floors. You shouldn’t do this every day because of the strong suction but every week, thoroughly vacuum hardwood floors.
- Monthly: Mop. Hardwood floors can’t handle a lot of water, so keep this to a minimum. Don’t soak the floors either; do a light mop.
- Deep cleaning: You don’t need to deep clean hardwood floors often. We recommend once a month or whenever the floors are looking particularly dirty or dull.
Natural Deep Clean
There are many natural methods for deep cleaning hardwood floors. One is simply mixing vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, spritzing your floors and mopping as you go.
How Do I Make My Hardwood Floors Shine?
One of the best hardwood floor polishes can make your floors shine! But between these applications, also follow these tips:
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Sweep daily.
- Damp-mop infrequently with a wood floor cleaner.
- Buff dry with a microfiber cloth so the floors aren’t streaky.
Why Does My Hardwood Floor Look Cloudy?
Cloudy hardwood floors are never pleasant to look at. Here are some reasons why your floors might look cloudy or hazy:
- You didn’t apply your wood floor polish properly. Always follow manufacturer instructions to a tee, and be patient.
- You walked across the floors before they were fully dry.
- You didn’t use quality cleaning products. You might have picked a product that did more harm than good to your floors. That’s why we’re here to help.
- You didn’t use the right product for your floors. For example, don’t use oil-based products on polyurethane sealed wood. They can penetrate and damage your floors.
- You waxed the floors even though they didn’t need to be waxed. This can result in buildup which can look cloudy.
- You used too much moisture. Avoid wet mops — use damp mops instead, and infrequently.
How Do You Remove Dull Film From Hardwood Floors?
If you do have this dull film or cloudy finish, it’s possible to get rid of it.
First, you could try steam cleaning. Make sure to only use this method for sealed floors, though.
Steam cleaning is a chemical-free way to remove the haze or film from hardwood floors. We recommend going quickly so that steam doesn’t build up in areas of the floor for too long.
You could also try cleaning with distilled white vinegar.
Mix together one cup of vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Using a cloth, gently rub the hardwood floors in circular motions to remove the dull film. Once finished, go over the floor with a clean damp cloth to remove vinegar residue.
Lastly, wipe the floor dry with a cloth. Make sure the floor is completely dry before using the room again.
