How to Remove Old Wax from a Hardwood Floor Finish

Keep your wood floor looking new by removing old wax and applying a fresh coat.

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners. Many people rip up carpeting in order to reveal a home's original wood flooring. Wood floors are capable of handling a multitude of household sins, such as spills, scratches and stains. However, to ensure that your hardwood floor can withstand daily use and abuse, you must first make sure that the floor's finish is in good condition.

Instructions

1. Put on gloves to protect your skin. Saturate a cloth with mineral spirits and wipe a small section of your hardwood floor. Go in the direction of the grain.

2. Scrub any particularly stubborn areas of the floor with the steel wool. Apply just enough pressure to remove only the old wax, but not enough to damage the wood.

3. Continue applying mineral spirits to small sections of the floor until you have removed the old wax from your entire floor.

4. Clean the floor using a wood cleaner and hot water to remove the mineral spirits from the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Before applying a new coat of wax, consider renting a large floor sander to prep the floor.

References

• National Wood Flooring Association: Renewal and Repairs
• Hardwood Installer: Remove Waxes From Old Hardwood Floors
• LifeTips: Wood Floor Maintenance