Cleaning Waxing Old Hardwood Floors

Next sprinkle a few drops of water onto a worn area of the floor to test the soundness of the finish.

Cleaning waxing old hardwood floors.

For example some types of modern hardwood flooring have a sealed surface that should not be waxed. However if your home features unsealed wood flooring. Deep clean heavy dirt and grime buildup. In between waxings fade superficial imperfections by buffing.

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. Be sure to use the correct type of wax for your floor and finish. How to clean and maintain engineered prefinished hardwood floors.

Hardwood floor cleaning and maintenance steps. 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. Hot water can dissolve wax especially if it contains vinegar ammonia washing powder or a similar cleaning agent but no flooring manufacturer would recommend using it. These finishes require a water based polish instead.

Then i clean the kitchen floor weekly and in other rooms twice a month. Floor installer michael dittmer who lives outside chicago dispatches a robot vac daily to keep an eye on his entire first floor. 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. Before purchasing your cleaner keep safety in mind lest you budget for another floor.

Wood floors are usually prized by homeowners for the warm natural look that they give to any room. Avoid applying fresh wax before the old wax coat has worn off as over waxing hardwood floors can result in unsightly wax build up. Waxed floors are very sensitive to basic acidic as well as solvent cleaners. Care should be taken because only those safe to the waxed wood floors are suitable.

As a rule of thumb only dry clean your hardwood flooring. Leaving hot water on your flooring long enough to dissolve wax is just asking for the water to seep through the cracks swell the wood and ruin your floor. In most households wood floors should be cleaned at least four to six times a year. Use safe disinfectants some people may prefer to have a disinfectant when cleaning.