Real wood floors need to be sealed before polish is applied using sealant specifically for the job. Similar to varnish they penetrate the wood creating a smooth and very touch surface for emulsion polish to be applied to. Simply clean and re-seal any area worn down by foot traffic; always follow the instructions on the sealant for the best results.
Spray burnishing or buffing is a popular modern technique that focuses on maintenance rather than cleaning; maintain the surface and less cleaning care will be needed. A high speed floor polishing machine used regularly will harden the surface of the polish and help protect the wood underneath, most models have integral vacuums which will take care of any dust and debris at the same time.
Over years polish will wear down more in high traffic areas but not close to the walls which can build up and discolour requiring stripping. Using an alkali stripping agent to soften the polish it can then be scraped off with a scrubbing machine and any residue taken care of by an upright vacuum cleaner; it’s important to wear protective clothing as floor stripper can be harmful. When re-applying polish it can make sense to apply less at the edges to avoid future build up.
