Cleaning and restoring a hardwood floor includes standard mopping, vacuuming, steam cleaning and floor buffing. Floor buffers are industrial-strength machines available for rent or purchase at hardware or home repair stores and they can provide a better polish and a higher shine than standard home cleaning methods. Prior to using the floor buffer machine, sweep the hardwood floor well to remove excess dirt and debris that might otherwise get ground into the wood floor during the buffer process, which could cause scratches and damage.
Attach 100-grit sanding paper to the floor buffer or use the provided abrasive pad, if one comes with the buffer.
Set the buffer on the floor and turn the unit on. Gently move the device in circular motions over the floor, keeping the buffer in constant motion. Do not hold the buffer over one area for more than a few seconds, as this may cause damage to the floor.
Turn off the buffer when sanding is complete. Use a vacuum or broom to remove the dust created from the sanding process.
Dampen a mop or large cloth or towel and gently swab the floor to clean the surface.
Apply a wood gloss finish, available at most hardware or home repair stores. Allow the gloss several hours to dry and apply a second coat. Allow to dry completely.
Place the included buffer pad on the buffer and run the buffer over the floor in circular motions. This will even out the surface and remove any rough areas. Apply a wood polish to the floor and allow to dry completely.
Place the included sheep wool pad on the buffer machine and run the buffer over the floor in circular motions. This will provide a high-gloss finish to the floor.