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Yes, vinegar and water can strip wax. For a DIY wax stripper, mix about a quarter cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water. You can also mix one cup of cream of tartar, one cup of white vinegar, and one gallon of water. Before using it on a large area of the floor, you should test it in an inconspicuous place to make sure it works like you want it to.

To properly maintain and care for hardwood floors without damaging the finish, establish a regular cleaning routine. Sweep with a broom or microfiber dust mop daily, or vacuum weekly, to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface; be sure to clean in tight corners and under furniture. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, but avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as this can damage the wood. You can further protect your floors by placing mats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture and putting felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. For long-term care, refinish the floors as needed to keep them looking their best.

Buffing will only remove scratches at the surface level of your flooring. You may also need to apply hardwood floor wax to restore the wax layer. To remove deeper scratches, you’ll need another floor repair method like sanding; however, if you sand the floor, you’ll also need to stain and seal it.

If your floor is still sticky after mopping, chances are you used too much or too little of the cleaning solution. Using too little won’t get all of the grime off, but using too much can leave its own residue. Refer to the cleaning solution’s instructions and dilute it as directed.