Cleaning Old Waxed Hardwood Floors

Don t overwax a wood floor.

Cleaning old waxed hardwood floors.

Be sure to use the correct type of wax for your floor and finish. Waxed floors are very sensitive to basic acidic as well as solvent cleaners. Use floor wax to revitalize and deep clean worn floors. In case any water or other liquid spills on the floor wipe it immediately with a damp cloth and then wipe dry.

Avoid using wet mops for cleaning hardwood floors as it can result in clouding the wax coat or damaging the wood. 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. Next sprinkle a few drops of water onto a worn area of the floor to test the soundness of the finish. Before purchasing your cleaner keep safety in mind lest you budget for another floor.

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. 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. I could take my nail and scrape off the bona. The waxed surface makes the wood floor more resistant to chemicals and wear than an oiled floor.

Often a waxed wood feels softer and a little more slippery than an oiled wood floor. My floors were left in a cloudy haze. I tried the bona wood floor refresher on my hardwood floors a few years ago. 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.

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 had really poor results. Always apply floor wax to go with the grain of the wood. As a rule of thumb only dry clean your hardwood flooring.

For example some types of modern hardwood flooring have a sealed surface that should not be waxed. Use neutral floor cleaners it is advisable that you only use cleaners that have been designed purposely for cleaning waxed floors. I spent many hours on my hands and knees trying to get all the refresher off. These finishes require a water based polish instead.

Dust clean things to think about when you dust and clean your waxed wood floor. Avoid applying fresh wax before the old wax coat has worn off as over waxing hardwood floors can result in unsightly wax build up. It can be difficult to see and feel the difference between a waxed and an oiled floor. If it looks dull try buffing your hardwood floor instead.

If your floor is real hardwood lightly sand it then apply a new finish to restore the wood s natural beauty.