How To Remove Wax Buildup On Wood Floors

Wax buildup on wood floors can make them look dull and dingy. Over time, the wax can also start to yellow and crack, making the floor look even worse. If you're dealing with wax buildup on your wood floors, there are a few things you can do to remove it and restore the floor's natural beauty.

The first step is to identify the type of wax that has been used on your floor. There are two main types of wax: natural waxes and synthetic waxes. Natural waxes are made from beeswax, carnauba wax, or other natural ingredients. Synthetic waxes are made from petroleum-based products.

If you're not sure what type of wax has been used on your floor, you can do a test. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a clean cloth and rub it on an inconspicuous area of the floor. If the wax dissolves, it is a natural wax. If the wax does not dissolve, it is a synthetic wax.

Once you know the type of wax that has been used on your floor, you can choose the appropriate removal method.

Removing Natural Wax Buildup

To remove natural wax buildup, you will need the following supplies:

Mineral spirits
Clean cloths
Floor buffer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a clean cloth. 2. Rub the cloth over the wax buildup in a circular motion. 3. Continue rubbing until the wax buildup has been removed. 4. Wipe the floor with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining mineral spirits. 5. If desired, you can use a floor buffer to polish the floor.

Removing Synthetic Wax Buildup

To remove synthetic wax buildup, you will need the following supplies:

Denatured alcohol
Clean cloths
Floor buffer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to a clean cloth. 2. Rub the cloth over the wax buildup in a circular motion. 3. Continue rubbing until the wax buildup has been removed. 4. Wipe the floor with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining denatured alcohol. 5. If desired, you can use a floor buffer to polish the floor.

Tips For Removing Wax Buildup On Wood Floors

Always test the removal method on an inconspicuous area of the floor first to make sure it does not damage the finish.
Work in small sections to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Be patient and take your time. Removing wax buildup can be a tedious process.
Once you have removed the wax buildup, be sure to clean the floor thoroughly to remove any remaining residue.
Protect your wood floors from future wax buildup by using a floor wax that is specifically designed for wood floors.