Hardwood floors add a timeless beauty to any home, but caring for them can be tough, especially if they’re waxed. Waxed floors require a different cleaning approach than most other types of hardwood flooring. So, what’s the best way to clean waxed hardwood floors?
To clean waxed hardwood floors, start by using a vacuum cleaner to pick up dust and debris. Then, clear leftover dirt and grime stains using a cleaning solution for wood floors. Apply Restor-a-Finish, followed by a thin coat of paste wax. Finally, let the floor dry and use a thick towel to buff it.
As gorgeous as they are, waxed hardwood floors can be a headache to maintain. They require consistent care and routine cleanings, and you need to be familiar with the products that are okay to use — and those that aren’t. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know.
How to Clean Waxed Hardwood Floors
When cleaning waxed hardwood floors, you’ll need some essential supplies and a lot of elbow grease.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need to gather the following supplies, to begin with:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Wood floor cleaner (on Amazon)
- Paste wax (on Amazon)
- Restor-a-Finish (on Amazon) in the appropriate shade
- Rubber gloves (on Amazon)
- Old pair of cotton socks
- Floor buffer
- Old cotton towel
Steps for Cleaning Waxed Hardwood
Once the supplies are ready, it’s time to start cleaning your wood floors. Here are a few easy-to-follow steps:
- Prepare the floor for cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up dust, pet hair, or debris.
- Clean off everyday dirt and grime stains using a water-soluble cleaning and maintenance concentrate formulated for wood floors. Apply the cleaning solution with a damp — not drenched — mop, then dry the floor with a microfiber cloth.
- Apply Restor-a-Finish to your floor using an old sock, especially if you haven’t been maintaining the floor regularly. This will help bring back your floor’s color and make it look brand new. Give the product around an hour to sink in and dry.
- Apply a thin coat of paste wax to the wood using a different sock. Spread the wax evenly, covering the wood with a very light coat. Work the wax into the floor following the grain of the wood, and let it sit for 30–45 minutes to dry completely.
- Once the floor is dry, use a thick towel to buff it. This helps work the wax into the hardwood to help provide a protective layer against moisture, dust, and dirt. You can also use an electric buffer if you have one on hand.
- Take the time to admire how your floor looks. You’ll definitely see a difference if you haven’t cleaned it in a while!
Materials to Avoid Using on a Waxed Hardwood Floor
Here’s a rundown of the products you should never use on your waxed hardwood floor:
Wet Mop
When cleaning waxed hardwood floors, it’s best to keep it simple. Too much water can damage the finish and the wood, so opt for a slightly damp mop and wipe away any excess water. This way, you can still clean stains without the risk of ruining your floor.
Any product that calls for a bucket and mop probably isn’t ideal for wood floors. However, if you still prefer a mop, look for one that squeezes out excess water, such as the O-Cedar Easywring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket System (on Amazon).
Ammonia
Ammonia is a pungent chemical with many uses in your home. Still, you should never use it on waxed hardwood floors as it can cause irreparable damage to the surface of the wood and break down the lignin that binds the wood together.
Steam Cleaners
Using steam-cleaning devices on waxed hardwood floors isn’t recommended, as wood tends to absorb moisture easily due to its porous nature
Using steam cleaners can leave too much water and heat on the floor, resulting in cupping and long-term damage to the wood.
Bleach
When it comes to tough stains on your waxed hardwood floor, it’s best to avoid using bleach as it can cause long-lasting discoloration.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Though hydrogen peroxide isn’t as strong as bleach, misusing it can still cause discoloration of your waxed hardwood flooring.
Liquid Polish
Be on the lookout for many liquid polishing products that claim to be safe for wood floors.
They may contain a considerable amount of wax and oils that make your floors shine at first but eventually lead to a buildup of sticky residue that can cause them to become dull and discolored.