How to remove old wax from a wood floor

After removing wax from your floors, you have two finishing options:

1. You can wax the floor again. You will, nonetheless, have to remove the old layer of wax in order to apply a fresh one. This may involve stripping the surface right back if several coats of wax have been applied on top of each other over the years.

2. Alternatively, if you are looking to change up the style of your old waxed floor, you might want to apply another product that is easier to care for, such as oil or varnish. In this case, you will have to remove all wax and sand down the wooden floor before applying your new finish. Stains, oils or varnish will not adhere to wax.

Steps

1. Removing the wax

2. Sanding the wooden floor

Your first step will be to choose a product to remove the wax. You'll find a range of special cleaners designed to break down the wax. Some products may have to be diluted in water while others can be applied directly.

• Dilute the product, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Do not use too much product at the risk of damaging the wood.

• Test out the product on a small area before applying it to your entire floor, because you never know!

• Rub the product in with a soft cloth so that it penetrates deep into the wax coating.

• Start at the far end of the room and work your way back to the door, covering small areas as you go.

• Leave the product to work for the amount of time set out in the instructions.

• Wipe the surface down with a soft and dry cloth to remove the wax residue.

A word of caution

You must never leave water on wooden floors. If you do, the floor may absorb the water which will cause it to become misshapen after a few weeks. If your product needs to be diluted in water, be sure not to use too much.

Once the floor is dry and wax free, you can proceed to applying a new layer or wax to protect it. Alternatively, you can apply a new finish.

If you've opted for a stain followed by a varnish or oil, you'll need to start preparing your wax-free floor for the new product.

It is essential to sand your floor in preparation.

Sanding allows you to open up the pores of the wood allowing the product penetrate the material properly. This will help to provide the best protection for your wooden floor.

• Sand the entire surface of the floor using a sander to work with the direction of the wood grain.

• Don't forget the edges!

• Use a fine grit sandpaper (120 to 180). You can also use sandpaper and a sanding block to work by hand but it will be a long and tiresome task.

• Next, vacuum all the dust from the floor before you proceed to applying your first coat of primer.

And there you have it: your floor is ready for your choice of finish!

Required skills

Using a wax remover to remove wax from a wooden floor is a straightforward task that just about anyone should be able to complete.

Sanding requires a little more attention and a few basic skills.

Time required

Half a day

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Wax remover

• Bucket

• Soft cloth

• Sander

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Protective gloves

• Mask

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.