How To Remove Wax From Hardwood Floors

Looking to restore your beautiful and valuable hardwood floors that have been covered in layers of wax? Wax buildup can be frustrating, making floors look dull, slippery and difficult to clean. No worries! We’ve got you covered with this simple step-by-step guide. With the right materials and this guide at hand, you’ll be able to get your hardwood floors looking good as new in no time!

Mineral spirits vs Wax remover

Many people think that mineral spirits and wax removers are interchangeable, but this isn’t true. Mineral spirits are solvents used to thin oil-based paints, lacquers, varnishes, and other coatings. A wax remover is specifically made to eliminate both old and new wax buildup. However, depending on the type of wood and finish, it can damage the finish of your wood floor and the wood itself. Using a wax remover is therefore more risky than mineral spirits to remove wax from hardwood floors. Generally, wax removers are not recommended for unsealed hardwood floors because they should be diluted with water. This watery solution has to sit on the floor for a period of time. Excessive water on your hardwood floors can cause buckling or cupping. Therefore, any product that requires a lot of water to be applied is something we don’t recommend for hardwood floors.

That’s why we prefer mineral spirits over a wax remover when in doubt about the wood type and finish.

Steps to remove wax from a hardwood floor

Products you need:

• Mineral spirits
• Cloth or rag
• Vacuum
• Mop
• Scrub brush
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Step 1: Clean the floor

First, vacuum the floor to remove any dirt and debris. Then, clean the floor using a hardwood floor cleaner with a damp mop. Make sure you don’t wet the floor.

Step 2: Test an inconspicuous area

Before using mineral spirits on the entire floor, test a small inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t harm the finish or the wood itself. If the test is successful, move on to the next step.

When working with mineral spirits, always wear protective gloves and eyewear. Open your windows to let in fresh air to avoid toxic fumes.

Step 3: Remove the wax in a 3-foot by 3-foot area

Start by taking a cloth or rag and saturate it with mineral spirits. Gently rub the waxed area in a circular motion. When the mineral spirits are applied, scrub the floor with a scrub brush. Remove the gooey wax that comes off with a clean rag. If necessary, apply some more mineral spirits. Continue this process until the wax has been removed. Once all the wax has been removed, dry the floor with a clean rag.

You should see the difference between the treated area and the part of the floor you haven’t done yet. The treated area will be shiny and less dull.

Step 4: Proceed with the rest of the floor

Once you’ve removed all the wax in a 3-foot by 3-foot area, repeat the same process for the rest of the floor.

Step 5: Mop the floor

Once you’ve removed the wax from the entire floor, use a mop and some warm water to rinse away any remaining mineral spirits residue. Make sure to wring out the mop very well so that it is only damp and not wet. Excessive water can damage your hardwood floor and make it buckle. 

Step 6: Let the hardwood floor dry

Let the hardwood floor dry overnight in a well-ventilated area. This is important to prevent any damage to the wood or finish. Allow the floor to air dry before walking on it.

Now it’s up to you to decide whether to apply a new, fresh layer of wax or not.

Removing wax from hardwood floors may seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s actually quite simple when you know the right steps. With a few household items and a little bit of elbow grease, you can restore your floors to their former shine. 
Remember to rub gently, carefully apply mineral spirits and warm water, and use clean rags to dry the surfaces. By following these steps, you can keep your hardwood floors free from wax buildup and make them look beautiful for years to come.