How To Remove Polish From Wood Floors

Removing polish from wood floors can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it yourself with a little patience and the right supplies. Here are the steps on how to remove polish from wood floors:

1. Gather your supplies. You will need the following supplies:

Denatured alcohol
Mineral spirits
Clean rags or towels
Steel wool (0000 grade)
Vacuum cleaner
Wax stripper
Wood floor cleaner
Polyurethane
Paint brush or roller

2. Prepare the floor. Move all furniture and rugs from the floor. Vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris.

3. Test the denatured alcohol in an inconspicuous area. Dip a clean rag into the denatured alcohol and rub it in a small area of the floor. Wait a few minutes and then wipe the area with a clean rag. If the finish is not damaged, you can proceed to the next step.

4. Apply the denatured alcohol to the floor. Dip a clean rag into the denatured alcohol and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping. Apply the denatured alcohol to the floor in small sections, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe the floor with a clean rag as you go.

5. Rinse the floor with mineral spirits. Once you have applied the denatured alcohol to the entire floor, rinse it with mineral spirits. Dip a clean rag into the mineral spirits and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping. Wipe the floor with the mineral spirits, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe the floor with a clean rag as you go.

6. Sand the floor. Once the floor is dry, sand it with 0000 grade steel wool. Sand in the direction of the grain, and be careful not to sand too hard. The goal is to remove any remaining polish.

7. Vacuum the floor. Vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris.

8. Apply a wax stripper. Apply a wax stripper to the floor according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to remove any remaining wax or polish.

9. Rinse the floor with water. Once the wax stripper has had time to work, rinse the floor with water. Dip a clean rag into the water and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping. Wipe the floor with the water, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe the floor with a clean rag as you go.

10. Apply a wood floor cleaner. Apply a wood floor cleaner to the floor according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to clean and protect the floor.

11. Apply polyurethane. Once the floor is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane. This will help to protect the floor from wear and tear.

12. Allow the floor to dry. Allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it or moving furniture back into the room.