How to Wax Tile Floors

Wax can build up over time, however, so it is important to remove the old wax coating and clean the floor thoroughly before adding an additional wax layer.

1. Pour the vinegar and cream of tartar into the bucket and agitate with the scrub brush. Scrub the tile floor in a circular motion until the wax coating is gone. Put the dry towel under the tap to wet it, then wring it out. Go behind yourself with the dry towel, wiping down each section after you remove the wax. Continue for the entire floor.

2. Empty the bucket and rinse it out. Fill the bucket with warm water and squeeze in 2 squirts of dishwashing liquid. Lower the mop into the water and agitate by lifting the mop up and down until the water is sudsy. Mop the entire floor with the soapy water to remove any vinegar residue or leftover floor wax. Empty the bucket, rinse it, then fill with warm water. Go over the floor with the warm water and mop to rinse it. Let the bucket, mop head and floor air dry.

3. Open the bottle of floor wax and pour it into the dry bucket. Dip the mop head into the floor wax and drag it along the floor, starting along the wall farthest from the door. Apply the wax in even coats, one strip at a time, walking back and forth across the room and toward the door. Let the first coat dry for an hour and apply a second coat. Let that coat dry for two hours before moving furniture back into the room.