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How to Restore No-Wax Vinyl Floor Shine in High Traffic Areas

Darla Ferrara

A no-wax vinyl floor sounds great when giving your kitchen or bathroom a makeover. Coated with a substance that gives them a just-waxed appearance, they should cut back on your need to wax floors. For the most part, it works, but even a no-wax floor will eventually dull and lose its luster. This is especially true in high-traffic areas. Little can be done do to prevent the wear on your floor but you can take some simple precautions to protect and give it a boost when needed.

  1. Clean your floor on a regular basis. High-traffic areas may need daily cleaning. This will keep dirt from scratching and dulling the finish. Wipe up spills immediately.

  2. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to one gallon of water in a bucket when mopping. Do not use a strong alkaline cleaner like ammonia. It will soften the wax and cause the floor to become cloudy. Do not flood with water, just damp mop.

  3. Buff the floor with a lamb's wool pad to bring out the shine. Do this weekly in high-traffic areas to maintain the luster.

  4. Use a water-based self-polish wax designed for floors. Do not use a paste furniture wax. It will make the floor slippery. Apply it in a thin, even layer as directed on the bottle. After drying, buff the floor with a lamb's wool pad if necessary to bring out the shine.