How to Wax Hardwood Floors Keep hardwood floors looking beautiful by protecting them with regular waxing. Here's what you need to know about waxing hardwood floors, the supplies you need, and the secrets to success. Share your take on this idea!Upload your photo here. Wax is used to seal and protect beautiful hardwood flooring. Choose water-base finishes in the correct type of wax for your floor and its finish. Follow wood manufacturer and finish label directions to protect your floor without having a dangerously slick surface. Use nonskid rug pads under all rugs and runners to avoid accidents. See below to learn about the different types of floor wax. Choose old-fashioned wax in a can for unvarnished hardwood floors, true linoleum, unfinished cork, and concrete. Do NOT use paste wax on no-wax floors, vinyl, or urethane-finished floors. Apply by hand for a long-lasting shine. Moisten a soft lint-free cotton cloth (such as an old T-shirt) and wring it almost dry to prevent the cloth from absorbing too much wax.
Apply the wax lightly and evenly (per package instructions), working it into the surface. If you prefer soft wax, use the liquid equivalent of paste wax. As the waxed surface dries, it will appear cloudy. Buff to a shine with a clean towel, an electric polisher, or a terry cloth-covered sponge mop. Liquid Wax or Oil Use liquid wax or oil on unvarnished hardwood, linoleum, or unfinished cork. It is easier to apply than paste wax, but the finish doesn't last as long. Do NOT use on no-wax floors, vinyl, or urethane-finished floors. Dampen a soft lint-free cloth, a mop, or the pad of an electric floor polisher to prevent the wax from soaking in. Apply polish evenly and lightly. As it dries, the solvent evaporates, leaving the polish. When dry, buff the floor with a clean towel, an electric polisher, or a sponge mop covered with a terry cloth towel. Water-base silicone polishes can be used on all floors EXCEPT unsealed wood, cork, or linoleum. This is the only type of polish suitable for urethane-finished surfaces.
Apply these long-lasting polishes in several thin coats rather than one heavy coat, which is difficult to dry. To apply, dampen a clean mop head. Pour the polish onto the mop and pour some of the polish directly on the floor. Spread the polish evenly to avoid bubbles in the liquid. Allow the polish to dry, and buff the floor with a clean towel, an electric polisher, or a terry cloth-covered sponge mop. Apply second and third coats to high-traffic areas, buffing after each coat dries. Avoid spattering polish onto baseboards or walls because it stains paint and wallcoverings. More About Caring For Wood Floors How to Remove Stains from Wood Floors How to Clean Hardwood Floors Are you the"Queen of Clean" or the "Don't Judge Me Girl"? Find outand get tips tailored to how you prefer to clean. Start the Cleaning Personality quiz now! Follow these tips to find out how to clean wood floors. Routine maintenance and using the proper hardwood floor cleaner makes cleaning hardwood floors a breeze and will keep your floor looking beautiful for years to come.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR Vacuum, sweep or dust mop your hardwood floor once a week, or more, if needed. The vacuum head must be brush or felt. Use recommended Bruce hardwood floor cleaners. HOW TO MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR Wipe up spills immediately. Use interior and exterior doormats at entrances to collect dirt and moisture and prevent them from being tracked onto the Area rugs are recommended in front of kitchen sinks, at all pivot points, and within high traffic areas. The rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. Place runners and area rugs (with slip-resistant backings) along high traffic areas. Keep animal nails trimmed to prevent finish scratches. To prevent surface damage, avoid rolling heavy appliances and furniture on the floor. Use plywood hardboard or appliance lifts, Use Armstrong® Residential Floor Protectors under all furniture legs. Replace hard, narrow furniture rollers with wide rubber rollers.
Keep the relative humidity in your home between 35% and 55%. Protect your floor from direct sunlight. Use any of the following products (or products similar in nature) to clean your hardwood floor: ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes and oil soaps, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials such Allow water to stand on your floor for any length of time – wipe up immediately. Walk across your floor in poorly maintained shoes with heel taps, spike heels or with any sharp object protruding from your Allow furniture to rest on the floor on small metal tips or hard domes. Use rubber, foam back, or plastic mats as they may trap moisture and possibly discolor your floor. Use vacuums with beater bars or hard heads while cleaning wood floors. Spills and Tracked-in Dirt Apply Armstrong® Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner®* or Bruce® Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner* lightly to the surface and
wipe with a sponge mop or a soft cloth. Excess cleaner that does not evaporate immediately should be dried with a clean towel. No rinsing is necessary. Spots Caused by Food, Water, Animals, Grease, Crayon, Ink Spots, Rubber Heel Marks Apply Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner to a clean soft cloth. Rub the area to remove the stain or spot. More stubborn spots may require additional cleaning with mineral spirits, followed by cleaning with Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner. Chewing Gum and Candle Wax Apply a sealed plastic bag filled with ice on top of the deposit. Wait until deposit becomes brittle enough to crumble off. After deposit has been removed, clean entire area with Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Use Armstrong® Touch-Up Kit or Bruce® Touch-Up Kit in smaller areas. Apply Armstrong® Restore Hardwood Floor Finish, or Bruce® Fresh Finish™, or Bruce Fresh Finish™ Low Gloss when larger areas
Individual planks, strips, or parquets that are heavily gouged or damaged can be replaced by a professional flooring installer. If needed, the entire floor can be refurbished by applying one or more coats of Armstrong Restore Hardwood Floor Finish or Bruce Fresh Finish or Bruce Fresh Finish Low Gloss. Expansion Cracks and Squeaks Hardwood floor dimensions will be slightly affected by varying levels of humidity within your home, so it’s important to control humidity levels within the 35-55% range. To protect your investment, follow these recommendations. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage in hardwood floors due to low-humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions. Humid (or Wet) Season Proper humidity levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water from tracking during periods of inclement weather.