Are your hardwood floors looking dingy and dull even after you sweep, vacuum and mop? You know it’s clean but is something looking off? It’s likely a build-up of improper acrylic wax on the surface of the wood that has been applied to your floor. But what does that mean exactly? Find out what floor wax does to hardwood floors, how to prevent problems and even restore your hardwood if it’s looking a bit washed-out.
Why Do People Use Wax on Hardwood Floors in the First Place?
Wax is often used to create a protective coating that can fade or even hide the appearance of small imperfections like scratches and scuffs and keep dirt and liquids from harming your wood floor’s finish. Applying coat after coat of wax to keep your floors looking shiny can have your floors end up looking cloudy instead. Over time, coats of wax can build up, making your floors appear dirty even when they’re not. This sets the stage for floors acting like a magnet for dirt, oil and bacteria.
At Aladdin, we do not apply wax but instead us a polyeurathane woodfloor finish to seal and protect floors that will not require wax. Proper finish can prolong the life of your hardwood longer than they would without a finish.
How Can You Prevent Wax Build-Up?
Let’s talk prevention. First, invest in some high-quality, proper floor finish specifically designed for hardwood floors. And while any over-the-counter products might seem convenient (like acrylic-based wax products Rejuvenate or Quickshine), they can actually do more harm than good. Avoid water-based or acrylic-based waxes or finishes – they can not only leave your floors with a weird white film but even damage unfinished wood.
Second, remember the golden rule: less is more. Use just the right amount and correct finish recommended. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If your floors are already suffering from a serious case of wax build-up, it might be time to call in the pros. Professional hardwood floor cleaning can remove wax build-up, clean and sanitize your floors and reseal them with an appropriate polyeurthane finish that can last up to three to ten years depending on the finish selected.
You’ve invested in your hardwood, and we can help you take care of it properly to last for decades to come. Contact us today to get started on your floor wax removal and cleaning.