In the video, Brian cleans a hardwood floor with Bona cleaner, then applies Bona polish with a microfiber pad. Polishing fills fine scratches and refreshes the finish without sanding.

Video by Brian Huie on YouTube. Watch on YouTube

How often: Every 6 months (Brian's schedule)
Video: 38 seconds

How often should hardwood floors be polished?

Brian's schedule is every 6 months. Bona suggests every 2 to 6 months for high-traffic homes and every 6 to 12 months for low-traffic homes.

Cleaning vs. polishing vs. refinishing

Cleaning removes dirt. Polishing fills microscopic scratches and revives the protective finish. Refinishing removes the old finish entirely and replaces it. Bona's polish is not a cleaner, so always clean first.

How do you polish a hardwood floor?

Clear the room, dust, then mop with a hardwood floor cleaner and let the floor dry completely.
Test the polish in a hidden spot first and check it after 24 hours.
Rock the bottle gently, dampen the pad with polish and pour in a small S-shaped line, one section at a time.
Spread with the grain, keep the pad wet, feather the edges and work toward an exit. Do not spread it too thin; a thin coat can look cloudy.
Wait at least an hour before walking on it and 24 hours before heavy traffic.

Safety notes

Do not polish oiled or waxed floors, or newly finished or newly installed floors. Bona's polish is for polyurethane-finished wood.
Use matte polish on extra-matte floors, and keep the polishing pad for polish only.

When to call a pro

When polish no longer brings back the shine, it is time to refinish. With good care, Bona says floors should not need refinishing more than every 7 to 10 years.

Sources

Checked October 2026. Manufacturer instructions for a specific model come first. General information, not a substitute for a licensed professional.

From the Home Care Advice by Brian Huie, a principal broker and Realtor with Compass in Seattle.

Home Care Advice

How to polish hardwood floors