Before installing shoe molding, evaluate redoing or refinishing any floors and painting your walls or baseboard before putting on your shoe molding. If you don’t already have baseboard trim, you should install that before adding shoe molding. Shoe molding is the final touch. Additionally, a carpenter or other professional that’s installing shoe molding might also give you a deal on installing crown molding and replacing other trim if you get them done at the same time.

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.

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.

Distilled white vinegar can help you remove candle wax from surfaces like countertops. You’ll need to scrape off most of the wax and use the distilled white vinegar to help soften and remove the rest and leftover residue. Keep in mind that while it’s possible, using distilled white vinegar isn’t an effective method for removing wax compared to the methods listed above.