Waxing hardwood floors is a long time method of preserving their beauty and enhancing their longevity. While modern finishes like polyurethane have become more common, many homeowners still prefer the warm glow and natural feel that a wax finish can provide. However, knowing how often to wax your hardwood floors is key to maintaining their appearance and function without overdoing it. Mike’s Custom Flooring will highlight how to determine the best waxing schedule for your hardwood floors.

Understanding the Need for Waxing

Waxing is not merely about making your hardwood floors shine, it’s about protection. A good layer of wax can shield the wood from spills, stains, and minor abrasions. It also helps to keep the wood hydrated, preventing it from drying out and cracking over time. However, unlike urethane finishes, which seal the wood from the top, wax soaks into the wood and then hardens, forming a protective surface that can be renewed and buffed.

Determining the Frequency of Waxing

The frequency of waxing your hardwood floors depends on several factors including the level of foot traffic, the type of wood, the age of the floors, and the climate of your home. Here are some general guidelines:
• High Traffic Areas: Floors in high-traffic areas, like living rooms, hallways, and entryways, are exposed to more wear and tear. These areas might need to be waxed as often as every 3-6 months to maintain their protective layer and sheen.
• Moderate to Low Traffic Areas: Floors in bedrooms or dining rooms typically experience less foot traffic. These areas can be waxed less frequently, generally once every 6 to 12 months.
• Rarely Used Areas: Areas that are seldom used, such as guest rooms, may only need to be waxed once a year or even less frequently, depending on the condition of the floor.

Signs That Your Floors Need Waxing

Beyond sticking to a schedule, there are visual signs that can signal it’s time to wax your hardwood floors:
• Dullness: If your floors have lost their luster and look dull even after cleaning, they might need a fresh coat of wax.
• Water Spots: If water spills no longer bead on the surface but instead seep into the wood, the existing wax layer has likely worn off.
• Scratches and Scuffs: While wax can’t protect against deep scratches, a good wax layer can minimize the appearance of superficial scratches and scuffs.

Hiring a Professional Hardwood Flooring Contractor

Hiring a professional to wax your floor is often the best choice. There are a number of considerations and steps when rewaxing your hardwood floor. The floor must be deep cleaned first. Next it is very important to apply the right types of wax for your floor’s wood type. Next the applying of the wax must be done properly as well as buffing the floors. To ensure your hard wood floor are waxed right, consider hiring a professional hardwood refinishing service.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Repairs, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA

Waxing your hardwood floors is an excellent way to preserve and enhance their beauty. By following a regular waxing schedule tailored to the usage of your floors and watching for signs of wear, you can keep your hardwood looking splendid for years. For expert hardwood floor installation, refinishing and more, call Mike’s Custom Flooring today.