How To Use A Microfiber Mop For Waxing To Shine Your Floors

If there's one home feature that can add warmth and beauty to any space, it's hardwood floors. And while they're incredibly durable, they are prone to wear and tear over time. When your wood floors start to look dull or dingy, waxing them is a great way to restore both shine and style. Beyond that, the wax also forms a protective seal against stains, scratches, and dings and can keep your wood flooring looking like new. 

There are two types of floor waxes — liquid wax and paste wax — and a number of ways to apply each. For the quickest application, you may want to consider using a microfiber mop, like the Bryquelin Microfiber Flat Mop, to apply liquid wax. It won't absorb as much of the wax as a cotton string mop, and the flat head makes it easy to avoid getting wax along your baseboards.

In addition, microfiber mops are lint-free, so they won't leave behind any pesky fibers in your wax finish. And because they're flat, they are able to get in and out of corners more easily and can spread the wax more evenly. Add the fact that flathead microfiber mops are much lighter than traditional cotton mops, and you can see why many homeowners and pros alike prefer them for applying liquid wax. If you're ready to bring your old hardwood floors back to life with wax, follow these tips to make the application process both efficient and effortless.

Before getting started, note that wax should only be applied to floors that have already been sealed with a protective finish. If you're applying sealant, let it dry completely. If your floors are already sealed, give them a thorough cleaning first. Be sure to open any windows and doors to ventilate the space before applying any wax. You should also wear a respirator mask. For the easiest application, pour your liquid wax into a pump sprayer.

Once your floor is dry, you can "pre-condition" your mop head by spraying some of the wax directly onto it. The idea is to dampen it a bit but not overly saturate it. Then spray a thin layer of wax directly onto a small section of the floor, and spread it around with the mop head. Start at the point farthest from the door, and work toward the exit (so you don't have to walk over any areas that you've already waxed). Move the mop in a non-directional pattern — in other words, swirl the mop head in various directions instead of making back-and-forth movements.

It's best to apply at least three to four thin coats of wax rather than just one thick coat. Simply repeat the process to add additional coats. After the final coat is dry, buff the floor with a mop with a terry cloth head to enhance the shine. Now that your floors are nice and shiny, be sure to maintain them by cleaning up spills immediately, regularly sweeping or vacuuming, and following these mopping tips that will keep your floors looking like new.