How to Fix the Wax Surfacing on Hardwood Floors

Wax serves as a protective coating as well as a glossy finish on hardwood floor, but only so long as the wax costing is undamaged by wear and overapplication. When damaged, the wax begins to take on a dirty appearance, dulling the look of your floor and no longer absorbing the minor scratches and scrapes that may occur. Fortunately, fixing the wax surface isn’t a difficult process. With a bit of effort, you can strip the existing damaged layer and place a new layer onto the wood, restoring the glossy appearance of the floor and extending its use.

Soft bristle broom
Rubber gloves
Fine steel wood
Mineral spirits
Rags
Hardwood floor wax

Instructions

- 1
  Clear away any dirt or debris from the floor using a soft bristle broom.
- 2
  Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Dip a piece of fine steel wool in mineral spirits, and then wring it out until it is damp but doesn't drip.
- 3
  Scrub the surface of the hardwood floor with the steel wool, working in the direction of the wood grain to remove the wax on the wooden planks. Use light pressure on the wool, allowing the mineral spirits, rather than the force of your scrubbing, to break down the wax.
- 4
  Rinse the floor with clean water, and then pat the hardwood planks dry with a clean rag.
- 5
  Place a small amount of hardwood floor wax onto the center of a rag, just enough to create a quarter-sized circle. Rub the wax onto the hardwood planks, moving with the grain of the wood. Continue rubbing until the cloth is dry. Reapply more wax, creating a light surface that will dry to a slight greyish haze.
- 6
  Buff the hazy layer of wax with another clean rag, using a circular motion to create a shine on the floor.

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