How Does Wax Build Up on Floors?
- Wax is used on floors for many reasons. One reason is that wax preserves floors. Another reason is that wax gives floors a shiny appearance that makes them look like new. Waxed floors are also easier to clean. Some people even wax no-wax floors to get the same results. There are many kinds of flooring: ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum, stone floors and hardwood floors. In most cases all these floor types can be waxed. Problems arise when people wax the floor too often or use too much wax or the wrong type of wax.
- The main cause of wax build up is frequent waxing which creates layers of wax. Waxy build up is the yellowing or discoloration of the floor. In the high traffic areas of a room, the wax wears away more quickly than in low traffic areas. This results in low traffic areas getting wax build up. The type of flooring you have should determine how often you wax and what type of wax you use. One of the best things you can do for your floors is to know exactly what kind of flooring you have. The are a wide variety of woods, tiles and stone used for floors. Some materials are more absorbent than offers. You should also find out what wax is already on the floor when you move into a new house or apartments. Use only waxes suitable for your flooring. Follow the instructions on waxing labels. Learning about how to care for the wood or tile flooring you have can greatly reduce wax build-up.
- There are special cleaners or wax removers available that remove this build-up. You can also create your own cleaning solution. One homemade wax remover is to use one cup of laundry detergent with one gallon of water. (Some people use vinegar instead of detergent.) Add 1/2-cup of ammonia or up to 1-cup of ammonia as needed. Apply the solution to the floor with a mop and wait ten to fifteen minutes for the wax to soften. Strip the wax from the floors using a stiff brush, steel wool pads or a scrubber. After moping up the solution if the floor still looks dull or yellow, reapply the solution. Do one small areas of the floor at a time. After stripping the floor, wait until the floor is completely dry before waxing. Some experts suggest waiting a week. It is best to strip the wax off only once a year.
- You have a few options when it comes to waxing your floors. One option is to reapply wax only to the high traffic areas where the wax has worn away. If you have removed all the wax, then you will need to wax the entire floor. The floors must be clean before you apply any wax. The type of flooring you have determines what cleaners to use. After cleaning the floor, rinse using water and a mop to get rid of any residue of cleaner left behind. Let floor dry completely before waxing.
- There are two types of waxes. One requires buffing and the other does not. Floor buffing involves using a buffing machine with a soft cloth or buffing pad attached to it. The machine creates repetitive circular motions that polish, buff and wax the floor. It is a lot easier and less time consuming if you don't buff the floors afterward. But buffing gets much better results and makes the wax last longer. Whatever wax you use, be sure to apply a very thin layer.
