Some homeowners still refer to “waxing” the floor even though natural waxers haven’t been used as a floor finish for some 50 years now. Back in the day, floor finishes were made of carnauba waxes, which come from the leaves of a tropical plant that is native to Brazil. This natural wax emulsion blend was combined with a resin so that when buffed, it produced an incredible shine.
In the late 1940s, synthetic wax/polymer finishes were being manufactured. The first finishes produced a high gloss, but were brittle and turned yellow over time. Floor waxes improved with the additive polyethylene (wax-like plastic), which made the finish more durable, easy to buff, and non-brittle.
Today, synthetic materials are much more commonly used in floor finishes than natural waxes. Polymer finishes are synthetic and water-based and produce a dry, bright finish. But you’ll still find some products that rely on trusted and true materials, which are good for the planet. If you’re looking to give your floors some new life, we’ve compiled a few great options for floor wax.
Easy to use
This floor cleaner from Bona is excellent for unwaxed and finished hardwood floors as it effectively removes dust, dirt and grime to reveal the floor’s natural beauty. Not only is it residue-free, but its pH neutral formula protects against discoloration. The cleaning formula is water-based for fast-drying, and it is also Greenguard Gold certified, which means it’s safe for your family, pets, and planet with very low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions to improve your indoor air quality.
True to its name
This option from Rejuvenate works well in homes, dorms, and apartments, but also for commercial use. Polymer-based, this floor finish fills in scratches and restores shine and luster, making the floor look new again. It also protects against stains and UV rays that cause fading. An easy mop-on application provides up to 50 percent more traction, which makes it a great finish for high-traffic areas like kitchen and hallway floors. It dries in 45 minutes, but lasts for months.
Great for furniture too
You just had your expensive hardwood floor refinished. Now, it’s just a matter of maintaining that newly restored finish. This conditioner from Howard Products is ideal for enhancing the depth of grain while also providing added protection. It’s also highly versatile, as it can be used not only floors, but on furniture, antiques, and cabinets. The benefits of orange oil aren’t just for wood. It’s also excellent for cutting through grease and grime, and its natural fresh and clean scent helps indoor air quality. Combined with mineral oil, it serves to prevent further drying of the wood and deterioration of the finish.
The floor doctor
If you have rambunctious pets or kids who love their toys, this is a go-to product as it contains micro-filling technology, which removes scratches. Furthermore, it provides a protective layer to make your surface scratch-resistant. It rejuvenates any finished hardwood floor with a shine and no sticky residue. After using the cleaner, wait 45 minutes to dry. When using the polish, wait at least one hour between first and second coats. The more coats, the longer the shine will last.
Easy application
This multi-surface cleaner not only produces a great shine, but it’s also very safe for children and pets. It is EPA approved as a Safer Choice Product. It renews and polishes all types of floors, including hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank, tile, and stone. Before applying, make sure the floor has been cleaned and dusted. Simply squirt on the floor and spread with a mop for a quick and easy application. The floor will dry to a gloss in half an hour. This cleaner also adds a protective layer while filling in micro-scratches, evening out your floor with a brilliant shine.
Zac Jones is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Zac is a former broadcast journalist, TV actor, voiceover artist, and executive producer. As a baseball aficionado, he enjoys rooting for Florida’s Tampa Bay Rays.
