Cleaning Old Waxed Hardwood Floors

Be sure to use the correct type of wax for your floor and finish.

Cleaning old waxed hardwood floors.

For example some types of modern hardwood flooring have a sealed surface that should not be waxed. Next sprinkle a few drops of water onto a worn area of the floor to test the soundness of the finish. Use floor wax to revitalize and deep clean worn floors. Always apply floor wax to go with the grain of the wood.

The waxed surface makes the wood floor more resistant to chemicals and wear than an oiled floor. In case any water or other liquid spills on the floor wipe it immediately with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. My floors were left in a cloudy haze. If your floor is real hardwood lightly sand it then apply a new finish to restore the wood s natural beauty.

These finishes require a water based polish instead. To clean old hardwood floors start by using a plastic spatula or dull putty knife to scrape off any dried paint gum or other hardened materials. I have waxed wood floors from the 1750s and i don t know how to clean them every product says do not use on wax floors what can i do. As a rule of thumb only dry clean your hardwood flooring.

Waxed floors are very sensitive to basic acidic as well as solvent cleaners. Deep clean heavy dirt and grime buildup. It can be difficult to see and feel the difference between a waxed and an oiled floor. I had really poor results.

If it looks dull try buffing your hardwood floor instead. Before waxing hardwood floors carefully clean the surface with a broom or mop to remove any dust or dirt that could get trapped in the wax and impact the finish. Dust clean things to think about when you dust and clean your waxed wood floor. My floors were only a few years old i just wanted to shine them up.

If a surface finished hardwood floor still looks dingy or dull after dusting deep clean it with any ph neutral wax free and petroleum free cleaner such. Avoid applying fresh wax before the old wax coat has worn off as over waxing hardwood floors can result in unsightly wax build up. Avoid using wet mops for cleaning hardwood floors as it can result in clouding the wax coat or damaging the wood. This is no mystery to me but the stores now only carry pre finished floors and don t appreciate the beauty of a old waxed floors like we do.

Often a waxed wood feels softer and a little more slippery than an oiled wood floor. I could take my nail and scrape off the bona. I tried the bona wood floor refresher on my hardwood floors a few years ago. Use neutral floor cleaners it is advisable that you only use cleaners that have been designed purposely for cleaning waxed floors.

Don t overwax a wood floor.