Comparing the Best Floor Wax Options for Hardwood Floors

If you’re a hardwood floor fan, like me, then this article is for you! Hardware floors are a nice feature to have in our homes. It can bring a touch of elegance and detail to any house. But, as beautiful as wood flooring can be, they also get worn down by everyday walking, not to mention kids and pets.

It’s nice to know that there’s an easy fix to this problem. Your wooden floors do not have to be dull! They can shine once again with a little bit of hardwood floor polish. Adding floor wax to your wooden floors will keep them in top condition. Good floor polishes are able to restore hardwoods, not only by adding shine but also by filling in ugly scratches.

However, not all hardwood floor polishes are created equally. Manufacturers create polishes that are specifically designed for various flooring types and finishes. That’s why it is so important to select the best hardwood floor polish for your specific floor.

To help you select the best floor wax for your hardwood floors, we’ve compiled a list of the best hardwood floor polishes. This list is meant to ease your buying experience and to help keep your floor looking as fresh as the day they were installed.

Why Wax Hardwood Floors?

As you might imagine, it takes a lot of work to properly maintain a wood floor. Waxing is one of the oldest methods used to protect wood floor surfaces. In fact, it dates back to the early 1900s.

It involves applying a thin coating of clear or colored wax to a hardwood floor before buffing it to a shine using a mixture of solvents and synthetic and/or natural waxes. The wax then hardens into a protective seal that offers a variety of advantages as the solvents in the wax evaporate. The resulting wax film protects the surface from absorbing stains and other contaminants.

Waxing is one of those maintenance tasks that require regular attention. If you are looking to extend the longevity of your hardwood floor, consider adding professional-grade floor wax to your routine. A well-maintained wood flooring is easy to clean, resistant to stains, and looks great. Some other reasons why people choose to wax their floors with hardwood floor polish include:

To protect the floor from spills and stains.
To protect the floor finish.
To minimize the appearance of small surface defects like scratches.
To extend the life of the floor.

Is It Good on All Floors?

Wax or polish is best suited for hardware floors only. If you want to protect a laminate floor, you might choose a waterborne polyurethane, while a concrete floor might benefit from a high-gloss acrylic resin. And if you have a tile floor, you might opt for a clear ceramic sealant, while a stone floor might call for a semigloss enamel.

Although you can wax unfinished wood floors, a hardwood floor that has previously been finished with a penetrating wood sealer, varnish, lacquer, shellac, or oil is the best candidate for waxing because wax can enhance the protective qualities of these finishes.

Waxing hardwood floors isn’t just about aesthetics. A properly applied layer of wax can protect the finish against scratches and stains while adding shine and luster. But there are some things to keep in mind before you start applying the stuff.

First and foremost, make sure your hardwood floor is in good shape. Damaged hardware floors—such as ones with holes, cracks, or large gaps—won’t work well with waxing. In addition, floors that have been exposed to moisture or humidity for extended periods of time won’t work well either.

If you have floors that have noticeable warping, gouging, discoloration, or bulging, first replace the damaged floors before attempting any form of polish. Also, remember that waxes aren’t waterproof, so they won’t help protect a floor that’s already had water damage.

Never wax floors with urethane finishes (which could make it difficult to recoat them with urethane efficiently; instead, use polish) or surfaces marked “no-wax,” such as no-wax linoleum or luxury vinyl made to resemble wood (they come with a factory coating that doesn’t require waxing).

What Type of Wax Should I Use?

Waxing hardwood floors isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting the finish against scratches, stains, and wear. There are many different types of finishes out there, and each type requires a slightly different approach. It’s important to use the appropriate wax for your hardwood floor. When purchasing wax for your floor, take the following into account:

Paste vs. Liquid Wax

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a solid paste and a liquid wax? Well, the difference between the two lies in the wax to solvent-ratio. Solid wax usually has a higher wax content and less solvent. This leads to a thicker consistency that you can apply by hand using a cloth. However, since the product is so thick, you’ll need fewer coats to get the job done.

Liquid wax, on the other hand, has more solvent than wax, and the consistency is, therefore, very thin and flowy. You will need multiple coats to achieve the best results. You can apply the wax to the floor using a mop.

Solvent-Based

Ensure that the floor polish you are buying is labeled as solvent-based. Avoid water- or acrylic-based waxes on your hardwood floors; they can lead to a white tinge and can damage unfinished wood floors.

For Use on Hardwood

Check that the label specifies use on hardwood floors. You don’t want to purchase a product that is designed to be used on wood furniture only. These types of wax dry into an ultra-slick coat that can cause your floor to be very slippery.

Also, check to see if the product can be used on finished or unfinished wood floors and apply it accordingly. Be sure to purchase the correct product for your hardwood flooring needs.

Able to Be Buffed

Ensure that the wax you are purchasing is buffable. Avoid a no-buff wax because these waxes attract dirt and the dirt then ‘clings’ to the wax and floor.

Our Top Ten Wood Floor Waxes

The following products were handpicked by our team. We guarantee that the products in the best floor wax product list will keep your floor polished, shiny, and looking brand new.

1. Rejuvenate Wood Floor Polish

The Rejuvenate wood floor restorer is an excellent liquid floor wax option that you can use to revitalize your wood floors. This polymer-based floor polish fills up scratches as well as adds sheen, giving floors a brand-new appearance.

This solution, which also guards your floor against spills and UV fading, received positive reviews from nine out of ten users. The best feature of this polish is that it is effective not only on wood floors but also on laminate, vinyl, tile, linoleum, terracotta, slate, polished stone, and other types of floors.

Make use of a microfiber mop when applying the floor wax. You only need to apply one coat. You can return to the room and enjoy your spotless floor after just an hour of drying time. The rejuvenate floor restorer protects the floor, resists stains, emits no waxy build-up, is nontoxic, and has low volatile organic compounds. It is also more economical because the larger 32-ounce quantity may cover up to 650 square feet.

2. Weiman Hardwood Polish and Restorer

In order to conceal scratches and provide a protective layer that is scratch-resistant, the Weiman hardwood floor polish is manufactured using micro-filling technology. Any finished hardwood surface, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, and laminate floors, can use this product. Your floors will have a long-lasting sheen after only one or two coats of this restorer, and all without the hassle and mess of buffing or refinishing.

There is no preparation necessary for Weiman Wood Floor Polish and Restorer other than cleaning the floor. Before applying the restorer and spreading it with a clean, dry mop, simply sweep the floor, vacuum it, and use the Weiman floor cleanser. For an even simpler application, you can use it with a refillable squirt mop.

3. Bona Professional Floor Cleaner

The Bona hardwood floor polish comes in handy to ensure that the floor is thoroughly clean before applying a shine. The wax is identical to the professional brand that is sold at grocery and hardware stores.

It was created for the cleaning sector. Although it is stronger than other home floor wax brands, it won’t harm your wooden flooring. This Bona cleaner has been specially developed for use on hardwood floors and is pH neutral. With this brand, you won’t have to be concerned about wax build-up or residue.

4. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Polish

With improved durability to handle high foot activity, Quick Shine Hardwood Polish restores the richness, color, and beauty of your hardwood floors. It gives a layer of protection, filling up tiny scratches and bringing your hardwood floors’ appearance into balance.

Quick shine hardwood polish is free of aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, scent, paraben, phthalate, and gluten and is strengthened with pure, natural, plant-based carnauba. It gives your floors the shine they need while keeping your family’s health and safety in mind.

5. Simoniz Ultra High Gloss Floor Finish Wax

This 33% high solid acrylic floor wax & sealer is designed to give your floors a glossy finish and protect them from dirt, dust, moisture, and wear. It is made from 100% polymers and contains no solvents or chemicals.

This product has an easy application process, and it doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind. It is easy to spread and remove, and it dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait too long for your floors to get back to their original look. It is also less expensive than traditional floor products.

You can apply this product on terrazzo, vinyl tile, rubber, concrete, linoleum, sealed wood, and more. Make sure the floor has been well cleansed, scraped, and stripped of any previous finish before applying it. Before putting down the initial coat, as well as any additional applications, the floor must be entirely dry.

When you apply the wax, ensure that you distribute it evenly and in thin coatings. Apply as needed to freshly cleaned or scrubbed floors. You can apply 2-3 coats to unsealed flooring. For stripping, sealing, and finishing, make sure you use a different mop.

Allow each layer to dry for 30 to 60 minutes. Before burnishing, allow the wax 24 hours to dry. Do routine maintenance for the best results.

6. Lundmark Wood Floor Cleaner

The Lundmark Wood Floor Cleaner is an effective wood floor cleaner that removes stains, dirt, and grime from your floors. It also helps prevent future damage by removing excess oil and grease.

The Lundmark floor wax works well for both wooden and laminate floors. It is safe for children and pets, and it leaves no harmful residues behind. You can use this instant shine solution on polyurethane-coated hardwood that has been sealed.

In addition to giving a luxurious gloss, it also gets rid of dirt, filth, bacteria, and other contaminants that have built up over time inside the grooves. Be sure to remove any extra dust, residue, fragments of paper, hair, and other debris before using the Lundmark Wax Hardwood Cleaner by mopping, sweeping, or dusting.

Spray a concentrated amount onto the area and wipe off to remove any remaining sticky residue. When the old cloth becomes dirty, use a new one.

7. Howard Feed-N-Wax

For all hardwood surfaces, this is well-liked floor wax. It gives a protective covering made of beeswax and carnauba wax. The conditioning oils in this wood floor wax prevent the wood from drying out or deteriorating.

It can be applied to both polished and unfinished wood to improve its aesthetics, particularly the depth of the wood grain. Use Feed-N-Wax once a month to prevent your floors from seeming dry. Its effectiveness is due to the combined power of the waxes and orange oil.

It’s simple to apply floor wax. It should first be well moistened on a tiny cloth or pad, applied evenly, and left to sit for 20 minutes. Later, wipe off the excess and then use a clean, soft cloth to buff it.

This product contains petroleum distillate and is combustible, so it should be used in a well-ventilated area. It is also not advisable to use this product in kitchens.

8. Howard Products Restor-A-Finish

There are nine different colors available for the Howard Products Restor-A-Finish. Therefore, if you’re hesitant to find floor wax for your particular colored wood, this is a perfect option!

Walnut, cherry, dark oak, mahogany, neutral, and other hues are among the options. Use the appropriate hue because it is intended to revive the color of fading wood. Even dents and flaws are covered up by it. This will work if you want to restore the beauty of your wood floors.

Before you go as far as to completely strip your floor and start over, use this to restore any existing finishes!

9. Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver

In contrast to polish, this professional wood floor restorer is tougher and more durable and requires no prior preparation other than cleaning.

Your wood floor will have a crystal clear finish after using this product that won’t change the color. For three to six months, Minwax’s reviver will keep your floor protected and bright. It is available in low or high-gloss variants.

All that’s left to do is clean the floor and then apply the floor reviver after removing all the furniture from the space. It only requires one coat and is simple to apply. Because of its water-based formulation, cleanup is considerably simpler. Give Just allow your floor two hours to dry and wait 24 hours before rearranging the furniture.

10. Interstate Woodworks Floor Polish

This natural floor wax truly adds new life to an old faded wood finish and is an excellent choice for those who prefer a traditional look. It has been formulated with beeswax and mineral oil to form a floor polish paste. The formula is designed to protect the surface of the wood while leaving it looking shiny. It can be applied to darker or lighter woods with equally good results.

The product buffs to a smooth, velvety sheen, dries swiftly, and applies easily. It is suitable for all types of wood, including pine, cedar, redwood, and more. The Interstate Woodworks Floor Polish can be used as a wood sealer and polish, and it can also be used as a metal polish. You can also use this product on other wood surfaces, like wooden furniture.

What Waxing Techniques Achieve the Best Results?

To master the three steps of waxing hardwood floors—surface cleaning, application, and buffing—use the advice provided below.

Step 1: Prep The Floor

The first step in preparing your floor for a new wax coat is to remove any furniture and rugs from the room. The surface should be completely void of any objects. Once all the furniture is out of the way, you can move on to the next step.

The best way to prepare wood floors for refinishing is to completely strip the floor down to bare wood. This includes stripping away any existing finish, cleaning up all debris, and sanding the surface smoothly. Once you’ve done this, it’s time to apply a sealer/finish.

Remember that this is a delicate process, and it could affect the aesthetic of your final floor finish. To strip off old wax, you can use a soft cloth and either some mineral spirits or a commercial wax stripping solution like Trewax Instant Wax remover. You can repeat this step until there is no more wax residue left on the cloth.

You can remove stubborn wax residue with a ball of fine-grade steel wool or some good old sanding paper. If you use sanding paper, use one with a fairly fine tooth to ensure that the surface is smooth and ready for its wax coating.

After you’ve completed this step, you can use a dry mop, preferably with a microfiber cloth pad, a broom, or a vacuum, to clean the floor from any remaining dust or loose wax build-up.

After dusting the floor, if it still seems dirty, use a sponge mop to get rid of the filth. Use a commercial hardwood floor cleanser, such as Bona, or make your own version with one-quarter cup of dish soap and a gallon of warm water. Work in three-foot chunks at a time.

To get rid of any remaining cleaner, mop the floor with water using a damp mop. Now pat the floor dry with a fresh towel.

does wax work on all floors in teal with white star

Step 2: Apply The Wax

Before we get into the ‘how,’ let’s first take a look at the safety precautions. The fumes of solvent-based wax can be quite strong, so always wear a dust mask and some gloves. The glove will keep your hands clean from the sticky mess.

The correct application of floor wax will depend on the type of wax you are trying to apply. For liquid wax, you’ll apply the wax in a standing position using a sponge mop. Whereas for solid wax, you’ll apply the wax in a kneeling position and apply it by hand using a putty knife and a soft, lint-free cloth. Knee pads are recommended when you apply solid paste wax.

With the putty knife, scoop a tablespoon of solid wax onto a soft, lint-free cloth. If using liquid wax, pour or squeeze a tablespoon directly onto the hardwood floor from the can or bottle before dipping the mop head into the wax.

Spread a thin layer of liquid or solid wax with a sponge mop, working in one- to two-foot chunks. Waxing hardwood floors should be done from one corner of the room in the direction of the floorboards. When you’ve finished with your initial batch of wax, add more to the cloth or the floor until the entire room is covered.

Now, let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply additional coats according to the direction. It might take a few coats to get the desired results. Remember to let each coat dry in between. Once the last coat starts to haze over, it is time to start buffing.

Step 3: Buff It Out

To remove solid wax, use a towel, and to remove liquid wax, a sponge mop with a terry cloth head. Rub the cloth or move the mop over two-foot sections of the floor at a time. Beginning in the same area of the room where you started, buff the surface in the direction of the wood grain until you achieve the desired sheen. Do this until you’ve covered the entire floor.

If you’re working with a large area, renting an electric buffer/polisher o smooth either solid or liquid wax speeds things up considerably. Once the floor is completely buffed out, leave it to rest overnight before returning furniture or stepping on it.

That’s it! If you polish your floor correctly, most floor polishes will add a glossy shine with a protective coating to ensure that your wood flooring is in tip-top shape and that it stays that way.

How Can I Keep Waxed Hardwood Floors Looking Great?

Now that we know what wax to use and how to apply wax to our floors, let’s take a look at what we can do to keep our waxed hardware floors looking great:

Keep dust away by dry mopping often or vacuuming.
Keep wet mopping to a minimum. Water is not good for hardwood floors.
Set up regular re-waxing intervals according to the directions on the product you are using. You can also check the floor by rubbing a cloth with mineral spirits on a small section. If there is wax left on the floor, it will show up on the cloth.
Use foot pads on all furniture to keep the floor from being scratched.
If a stain should occur, clean it with hardwood floor cleaner
Do NOT wax too often. You can create a build-up of wax which will make your floor look dingy over time.
Occasional re-buffing of the floor between waxing will restore the luster.

Conclusions

The best way to maintain a beautiful hardwood floor is to regularly apply a quality hardwood floor finish. The key to maintaining this finish is proper application technique. Once applied correctly, the finish will protect the wood against scratches, stains, moisture, and wear.

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to properly care for your hardware floor to get the best value and shine from your floors. We also hope that our list of the best hardwood floor polishes proved helpful.

Please leave a comment if there’s anything else that we can help you with or if you have any questions.

Comparing the Best Floor Wax Options for Hardwood Floors

Why Wax Hardwood Floors?

Is It Good on All Floors?