Best Floor Wax For Wood Floors

Floor wax is a type of protective coating that is applied to wood floors to help protect them from wear and tear. It can also give floors a beautiful shine and make them easier to clean. There are many different types of floor wax available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will discuss the different types of floor wax and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Types of Floor Wax

There are two main types of floor wax: paste wax and liquid wax. Paste wax is a thick, creamy wax that is applied to floors with a cloth or brush. It is more difficult to apply than liquid wax, but it provides a more durable finish. Liquid wax is a thinner, more liquid wax that is applied to floors with a mop or sponge. It is easier to apply than paste wax, but it does not provide as durable a finish.

In addition to paste and liquid wax, there are also a number of other types of floor wax available, including:

Carnauba wax is a natural wax that is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree. It is a very hard wax that provides a high-gloss finish.
Beeswax is a natural wax that is produced by bees. It is a soft wax that is easy to apply and provides a warm, inviting glow.
Synthetic waxes are man-made waxes that are often used in commercial applications. They are durable and easy to maintain, but they can be more expensive than natural waxes.

Choosing the Right Floor Wax

When choosing a floor wax, it is important to consider the following factors:

The type of wood floor. Different types of wood floors require different types of wax. For example, hardwood floors should be waxed with a hard wax, such as carnauba wax or paste wax. Softwood floors, such as pine or fir, should be waxed with a softer wax, such as beeswax or liquid wax.
The amount of traffic. If your floors receive a lot of traffic, you will need to choose a wax that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. A hard wax, such as carnauba wax or paste wax, is a good choice for high-traffic areas.
The desired finish. Different types of wax will produce different finishes. For example, carnauba wax will produce a high-gloss finish, while beeswax will produce a warm, inviting glow. Choose a wax that will produce the finish you desire.

Applying Floor Wax

Once you have chosen a floor wax, you will need to apply it to your floors. The following steps will help you apply floor wax correctly:

Clean the floor. Before you apply wax, it is important to clean the floor thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the wax from adhering properly.
Apply the wax. Apply the wax to the floor in a thin, even coat. Use a cloth or brush to apply paste wax, and use a mop or sponge to apply liquid wax. Work in small sections and overlap your strokes.
Let the wax dry. Allow the wax to dry completely before walking on it or moving furniture back into the room. Drying times will vary depending on the type of wax you are using.
Buff the floor. Once the wax is dry, buff it with a soft cloth or buffer to bring out the shine.

Maintaining Waxed Floors

Once you have waxed your floors, it is important to maintain them properly to keep them looking their best. The following tips will help you maintain waxed floors:

Sweep or vacuum regularly. Sweeping or vacuuming your floors regularly will help to remove dirt and debris that could scratch or damage the wax finish.
Damp mop occasionally. Damp mopping your floors occasionally will help to remove any dirt or debris that cannot be removed by sweeping or vacuuming. Be sure to wring out the mop thoroughly before mopping the floors, and use a mild cleaning solution.
Reapply wax as needed. Over time, the wax finish on your floors will wear away. When this happens, you will need to reapply the wax. The frequency with which you need to reapply wax will vary depending on the type of wax you are using and the amount of traffic your floors receive.