How to Strip and Wax Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Think of everything we put our floors through—dirt and water tracked in on our shoes, pets and toddlers making messes, the inevitable spills and splashes of food and drinks. It is no wonder that floors need to be cleaned, swept, and maintained regularly. 

If you have hardwood floors, learning how to strip and wax floors will help to keep them in great shape. Use our step-by-step guide to stripping and waxing floors to maintain long-lasting shine and protection.

How to Prep to Strip and Wax Floors

Preparing to strip and wax floors requires gathering a few supplies and doing a thorough cleaning. Supplies include:

• Wax stripper

• Wet-dry vacuum

• Clean cloths

• Steel wool

• Mop and bucket

• Dry mop

• Face masks

• Putty knife

• Rubber gloves

• Electric floor buffer (optional rental)

After gathering your supplies and tools, remove all furniture and decor from the room and clean the floor thoroughly.

How to Strip and Wax a Floor 

Stripping and waxing a floor can be a time-consuming process, but it is worth it to protect wood floors and keep them looking great for years to come. 

Stripping Your Floors 

To strip the floors, start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on the floor stripper container. Put on a face mask and apply the wax stripper in a three-foot-square area. Start in the back corner of the room to make sure you are not boxed in. After applying the wax stripper, use the wet-dry vacuum to remove the stripper and floor wax. If there are difficult areas with stubborn wax, you can use steel wool to scrub the remaining wax from the floor.

After removing, use the wet mop to clean the floor and remove all residual stripper and wax. Finally, dry mop the area to remove any lingering dust and let everything dry thoroughly. To accelerate the drying time, open windows and use a fan.

Apply Your Floor Wax

When the floor is dry, work in three-foot-square sections and apply the floor wax. If you choose a solid wax, use a putty knife and microfiber cloth, smoothing it as you go. If you choose a liquid wax, apply about a teaspoon to the section you are working on and spread it with a floor mop around the area. 

Liquid wax is typically easier to apply than solid wax, but the finish may not last as long. Solid wax is more difficult to apply and should be done by hand rather than using a mop, but the finish tends to last longer. Regardless of what type of wax you choose, allow it to dry before determining if you need to apply additional coats. 

Wearing a face mask can protect you from hazardous smells, and knee pads will make it more comfortable to work on the floor. Note: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting.

Buff the Floors 

Once you have allowed time for the wax to dry completely (check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended drying time), it is time to learn how to buff wood floors. Using a soft towel or mop, buff the floor in a circular motion. If you want to save some time and energy, you can rent an electric floor buffer. Wait at least eight hours before walking on the floors or replacing the furniture.

When Should You Strip and Wax Your Flooring?

Wood flooring is incredibly durable and a popular choice for both its appearance and ability to hold up to daily wear and tear. That said, wood flooring will show wear and tear eventually in the form of dull spots, scratches, and scuffs. If your floor was finished with wax (you can tell by gently scraping the surface with a coin or fingernail to see if a waxy substance builds up), then stripping off the old wax and applying new wax will give it a beautiful refresh.

In some cases, you can strip and wax your flooring every six months to two years, which allows you to restore hardwood floors without sanding them, but the actual time between waxing will depend on the amount of activity in the home. Empty nesters likely will not need to refinish their hardwood floors as often as families with small children and pets. 

Tips for Maintaining Stripped and Waxed Floors

Follow these tips to keep your freshly waxed floors looking great:

• Enforce a “no-shoe” policy in your home.

• If areas of the floor start to fade or look dingy, use a dry cloth to complete a spot-buff.

• Re-wax your floors every six months to two years, depending on the floor wax manufacturer’s suggestions.

How Much Does It Cost to Strip and Wax Wood Floors?

Most contractors charge by the square foot to strip and wax wood floors. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 to $1.75 per square foot for professional services. This breaks down to $63 to $188 to hire a flooring professional to wax and strip 125 square feet of wood flooring. Be aware that some contractors will charge a minimum service call fee, even for small jobs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

With the right tools and equipment, reinvigorating your floors is a doable DIY project. If the floor stripping and waxing process seems too complicated or time-consuming, contact a local hardwood floor refinishing company to complete the project for you. Before hiring a pro, get project price quotes from multiple local companies to find the best deal possible.