The solvent in mineral spirits breaks down the wax, dissolving the substance enough that you can then wipe it away with a cloth. It’s a labor-intensive process of removal, but once completed, the floor is clear of the old wax and ready for a new finish that restores its shine.
Things You Will Need
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Clean the floor with a dust mop to remove any dirt or debris. Work from the wall located furthest from the entrance of the room and sweep in a single direction only, toward that entrance, to avoid spreading dirt back over already-cleaned areas. Pick up the debris with a dust pan.
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Dampen a clean piece of cloth with mineral spirits. Spread out the damp cloth on the floor in a 3-by-3-foot section. Wait about three to five minutes for the mineral spirits in the cloth to penetrate the wax.
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Wipe the mineral spirits and the wax from the floor using a second damp rag. Examine the floor after wiping to determine if there is any further sign of the wax. If so, apply the mineral spirits a second time and use a piece of steel wool to scrub away any remaining wax.
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Clear away the wax one section of floor at a time until you’ve completely removed all traces of wax from the floor.
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Wash the floor with a wood floor cleanser and a mop to remove any residue of the mineral spirits. Rinse with clean water then pat the floor dry with a clean piece of cloth.
The Drip Cap
- A waxy buildup on your hardwood floor tends to mar the appearance of the floor.
- The solvent in mineral spirits breaks down the wax, dissolving the substance enough that you can then wipe it away with a cloth.
- Pick up the debris with a dust pan.
- Wash the floor with a wood floor cleanser and a mop to remove any residue of the mineral spirits.