Remove Waxes From Old Hardwood Floors


Techniques in removing wax buildup on older hardwood floors will vary and depends largely on the amount actually used over the years. What also may be unknown is what types of cleaners have been used or if there may be an older finish under the wax.

My Handy Stripper Worked for Furniture

Most chemical type strippers will not work well with hardwood floors. Techniques in how to is another unknown non professionals should avoid. Taking care of that priceless antique you brought back to life is different from flooring. Floors that are gapped may not be successfully removed of all wax residue. Over the years wax gets pushed into crevices by constant reapplying and buffing. Any new finish applied eventually will come into contact with the older waxes, bubbling or pealing can occur. In situations like this it may prove better to stay with a waxed floor.

Testing. Why Remove The Wax?

Testing for waxed finishes is as simple as applying some water droplets to the floor. If they bead up, your finish is wax. Waxed floors are often a maintenance headache, requiring more care than that of newer oil and water based finishes. Remember your mother or grand mother who may have slid around on older floors by buffing with old socks on? It may have been great exercise, but was often tiring and labor some.

Many people today are turning to newer finishes on old floors that do not require hard work to maintain. However, the biggest obstacle is removing the old waxes first as any new finish will not bond properly.

Types Of Removal

For floors that haven't been coated heavily (some Bruce hardwoods fall into this category) odor free mineral spirits can be applied to a steel wool pad placed on the bottom of a floor buffer. If the floors are beveled, hand scraping will be required to remove buildup in crevices. Follow up cleaning is vital to make sure the waxes have

been removed. Many suggest a thorough floor cleaning with mineral sprits and clean rags at least twice.

Major Wax Buildup

Larger heavily waxed floors may require very rough sanding with a drum sander. Professionals differ on what sanding grit should be used with some as low as 36. What also may be unknown is what was under the wax. Older shellac finishes may be under years of wax buildup.

Be Careful Of Miracle Hyped Products

If in doubt it doesn't hurt to call in a professional that has experience with older floor restoration. We do not recommend any easy solution type products unless thoroughly investigated. What may sound too good to be true may only prove to be a band aid, with further problems down the road.

Related Pages:

• Hardwood Floor Finishes
• New Floor Finishes. Satin, Gloss, Matte?
• Cleaning Wood Floors
• Hardwood Floor Scratch Repair
• Hardwood Repairs. General Page