Waxing the floor and polishing it protects it, creates a non-slip surface and makes it more beautiful and shiny. Provided you apply the product correctly and have no problem rewaxing once or twice a year, you can create a durable, shiny surface. To do this, once you had to rub a specific paste resting on your hands and knees, but nowadays you just need to buy a wax that you can pass on the floor with a cloth, without wasting too much time.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the Floor
Step 1. Determine if the surface has already been treated
You should pass the wax on a floor that has already been subjected to this procedure; in fact, surfaces of this type tend to wear out and, over time, get dirty. First, try to understand what kind of product was used: natural (called "wax") or synthetic (called "polish"). Is the previous owner unable to tell you? Then over examine the floor:
- If the floor is not shiny or shiny and you can feel the material it is made of by touching it with your finger, it has not been treated.
- Wipe a cloth dipped in white spirit or paint thinner over a small area of the floor. If the rag turns yellow or brown, it has been waxed.
- If the cloth does not collect any residue, the floor has been polished with an artificial product instead.
Step 2. Choose an artificial wax or polish
If the floor has never been treated, you can select any product suitable for the material that composes it. Polyurethane is a popular solution and gives a shiny effect, but every single product has slightly different characteristics, so do your research and determine the result you want to achieve. Has the floor already been treated? You will have to make the correct choice based on the procedure that has been followed:
- The wax is difficult to remove completely, because it is absorbed by the wood. Consequently, the floor is not suitable for receiving a synthetic polish, unless you hire a professional to completely remove the wax layer. On the other hand, the new wax can be applied without difficulty after removing the previous one, otherwise you can pass it directly on the old layer in case it is only scratched, not dirty.
- If the floor has been polished with a synthetic product, you can use a polisher after placing an abrasive disc. This way, you can remove part of the product and then apply another layer to improve the appearance of the floor. If you can't figure out what polish it is or prefer to use a different one, you will need to completely remove the old layer before proceeding.
- If you don't want to remove the layer created by the previously applied product, you can use a water-based silicone polish instead of wax. Just sweep the floor and then apply several layers of this product with a cloth.
Step 3. Remove all furniture and objects from the floor
Determine which parts to wax and remove everything in the room. In public places, put up signs to inform people that it will be impossible to access these spaces for at least eight hours.
For an extra bit of caution, tape the edges of adjacent areas to protect them from wax, especially if it is rugs or carpets
Step 4. Determine if you need to remove the product previously spread on the floor
If it has not been treated with waxes or polishes in the past, you can proceed directly to applying the solution. If it has been coated with wax but the old layer has only a few scratches and has not faded, you can still apply the wax right away. If not, you should continue to remove the old polish from the sections that still have it.
Part 2 of 4: Remove the Old Polish
Step 1. Buy a wax remover suitable for your floor
After understanding what product was used thanks to the instructions in the “Prepare the Floor” section, buy a solution that can remove the polish and is safe on this type of material.
If you can't find a product that specifically suits the type of polish you used previously, give it a try with a universal solution to get rid of it. Try it on a corner of the floor before using it
Step 2. Vacuum the floor, otherwise sweep it with a dust cloth or broom
You will be able to remove all the dust and dirt from the area with an antistatic cloth, but if you don't have it a broom is enough. Afterwards, put on clean shoes to avoid leaving further traces.
Step 3. Think about your safety
The chemicals contained in the wax remover can be dangerous to the skin or generate toxic fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area and protect yourself with gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Use goggles and a breathing mask if it's a job that will take a long time or you'll be doing it in a poorly ventilated room.
The mask should be designed to block organic vapors
Step 4. Line a garbage pail with a bag and fill it with wax remover
A sturdy, heavy bag allows you to easily clean the container and reuse it later. Follow the instructions on the package to understand how much you need and whether to dilute it with water. Keep a rag handy.
- The garbage bag is especially important for mop buckets, because in the future you certainly don't want to find yourself cleaning the floor with de-waxing residue.
- You can buy a classic mop with fabric strips, otherwise use any mop for the floor.
Step 5. Fill another bucket with clean water and take out a second rag
You don't have much time to apply and remove the wax remover, so it's important to have an extra cloth in order to clean up. The first will be soiled by the wax remover: you cannot use it for cleaning.
Step 6. Use a rag to spread the wax remover from one end of the room to the other
This product makes the floor slippery, so plan your route in advance to avoid stepping on it. Rub evenly and wait for the wax remover to work for 5-10 minutes, but do not let it dry out.
- Try to rub the polish with the cloth as you apply the wax remover. A few minutes after application, this product changes color because it mixes with the polish and removes it.
- If you are cleaning a large area, work one section at a time so that the solution does not dry out.
Step 7. Use a scrubbing machine to dissolve the solution and remove it (optional)
If it is a particularly demanding project, such a machine (or a polisher) will process the product to remove the polish. In fact, it is a tool that removes everything with accuracy.
- If you are using a scrubber drier, scrub the area using the appropriate rotary brushes or discs.
- If you are using a polisher, place the sanding disc. More demanding jobs may require several.
Step 8. Rub the wax from the edges and corners of the floor
You can use a sponge to do this, otherwise take an object that has a blade and a long handle, such as a scraper. If you don't want to buy a specialized tool, any sharp, flat item, like a putty knife, will do. Without going over the floor made slippery by the wax remover, use the blade to remove the wax from the edges, where it is difficult to remove the finish with this product and the rag.
Baseboards may also need to be scrubbed if they have collected wax residue. You can buy a dedicated disc for this part in case you use a washer dryer
Step 9. Remove the wax remover and finish with a steam vacuum or scrubber dryer
Do this after removing the product, but before the solution has dried. If you worked it with an automatic machine, just pick it up after placing the right accessory. Another option is to use a steam vacuum cleaner.
If a section begins to dry out, pour some water from the bucket containing the clean one to keep it moist
Step 10. Wash the floor using the clean mop and water
Rinse several times to make sure you have removed all of the solution. You can add a neutralizer of this product to the water to make sure the next coat sticks properly. Don't want to buy it? Just rinse thoroughly several times.
You can also use a washer dryer for this step, provided you change the disc first. Do not use the same one you used for applying the product
Step 11. Wash all used tools
Clean them carefully, including the internal parts of the pipes and tanks of the machines. Leaving them dirty will cause the solution to dry out and harden, ruining them.
Step 12. Let the floor dry completely
Do not start waxing until it is completely dry, otherwise this product will not adhere well. You can turn on a fan in the room to speed up the process.
Part 3 of 4: Wax the Floor
Step 1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you are using a synthetic polish instead of wax
Floor wax is a natural product that is absorbed by the pores of the wood. If you are trying to create a similar result using a synthetic solution, which binds to the material, you must follow the specific directions on the package.
Polyurethane, the most popular polish nowadays, should be turned over and then applied as quickly as possible from one side of the room to the other. The layers must be overlapped in order to keep the floor moist. You should put on a vapor mask and turn on a strategically placed fan as you go
Step 2. Sweep the floor and wash it until it is as clean as possible
Use a microfiber cloth to pick up all the dirt and even the smallest debris. Anything you don't remove will likely get fixed by the wax, so it will stay there until you remove it.
Step 3. Use a new cloth or wax applicator
Never use an old rag, no matter how dirty it looks. Cloths that have also been used to clean the floor will likely introduce residue into the wax, ruining the result.
Step 4. Line the mop bucket with a garbage bag and fill it with floor wax
This prevents the product from sticking to the bucket and spoiling it for future use. If you will be using a wax applicator, you can skip this step. These rags are specially designed to absorb the product directly through the external surface that comes into contact with it during application.
Step 5. Soak the rag in wax
Dip the cloth in the wax or pour the product on the side of the applicator that will come into contact with the surface. If the rag drips, you should fix it by using the wringer from the mop bucket or pressing it against the inside of the bowl. Do not squeeze it too much: the goal is to moisten it with wax, it must not be dry or dripping.
Step 6. Apply the wax to one small section of the floor at a time
Proceed from one end of the room to the other so you don't step on the waxed parts to get out. If you try to apply too much wax on one area at a time, you will likely overlook small spots or spread it unevenly.
- If the first layer is too thick, all the wax may not set properly. Be careful not to let excess drip on the floor and use only a damp, not soaked cloth.
- Once you have evenly covered a section of the floor, make sweeps in the same direction to achieve a smooth look. Now, you can move on to the next section.
Step 7. Wait for it to dry completely
It should take about half an hour, but you may have to wait longer for particularly humid areas. After letting it air dry for 10 minutes, you can turn on a fan in the room to make it quicker, but don't point it directly at the surface. This could interfere with the action of the wax.
Read the wax label to learn more about the expected drying time
Step 8. Apply other layers in the same direction
After the first coat has dried completely, go over the wax again. Remember to do this in sections and plan how you will move from one end of the room to the other without stepping on it.
- The packaging of the product you bought should specifically tell you the recommended number of passes. If not, roll out no more than three or four thin ones. Stop if the wax starts to turn yellow.
- Do not step on the surface or place objects after the last pass for eight hours: this will allow you to obtain a perfect result.
Step 9. Wash all tools immediately
If you let the wax dry, it will be extremely difficult to remove. Wash them well with warm soapy water in case you want to use them again.
Step 10. Polish the floor several times if the wax indicates this to you
Many products do not require it and make surfaces shiny with a single pass. Others require the use of an applicator or polisher instead. Don't have specialized equipment? Just use a simple clean, porous cloth to polish the floor using circular motions.
- Tie the cloth around the head of a mop if you don't want to polish by resting your hands and knees on the floor.
- You can place a sanding disc in the polisher and use it to finish the floor.
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of a Polished Floor
Step 1. Regularly reapply the wax to the surface
Parquet should receive a new coat of wax every 6-12 months. Vinyl floors should be polished every six months and the same goes for ceramic or stone floors.
Step 2. Do not use rags soaked in the product and never wash the surfaces you have waxed on with water
The components of this solution are not waterproof, so water could damage the wood. Instead, fix the stains with a damp paper towel. Vinyl or non-parquet surfaces can be cleaned with a damp, not soaked cloth.
This rule does not apply to wood treated with polyurethane, which can be washed using a cloth moistened with a mix of 1 liter of water and 60 ml of vinegar
Step 3. Polish the floor if the gloss fades
Use a porous cloth or polishing cloth to restore brightness to a dull surface. This step should not be necessary for instant application waxes.
Step 4. Scrub the wax when it turns yellow or fades
If you don't want to do it manually, use a polisher after placing a slightly abrasive disc; pass it in order to remove this small piece of wax.
- You should apply a fresh layer or two of wax after removing the faded one in order to recreate a well protected surface.
- This should not be necessary for several years, provided the floor has been properly treated.
Advice
- A polisher is useful in order to refresh the floor between a coat of wax and the other. Polishing the surface removes the marks and renews its brilliance. You can also coat the polisher brush with a special cap and use it to clean carpet.
- Waxed floors are easily damaged by dirt. As a result, sweep and wash the surface regularly, using a detergent suitable for polished floors. Place rugs in front of each entrance to the house to pick up dirt from shoes or ask your family to remove them before entering.
- If you were only able to partially remove the old polish solution from the floor, repeat the process. In case the wax remover is not as effective, you will need to replace it with a stronger one.
- If you plan on buffing another surface a couple of days later, put the wet mop head in a garbage bag and close it to keep it moist.
