Self Help

Self-polishing wax in liquid form, sometimes combined with a cleaning compound, is easily put down. Just a light buffing with a soft mop or cloth polisher brings up the desired shine. This self-polishing wax is not as permanent as the hard wax type, but is renewed readily on a newly washed floor without special stripping, as is the case with hard wax. The self-polishing wax is water soluble, therefore not suitable for use on wood floors.

Polishing wax in paste form, much more durable, is renewed by occasional buffing. The wax comes in light and dark shades, is best put down with an applicator, thus eliminating knee-action scrubbing. After spreading the wax, allow it to remain for a half hour or so for the thinner to evaporate, then buff with nylon pads in an electric floor polisher (can be rented by the day at supermarkets).

Apply the wax in a very thin coat, or you will end up with a sticky surface that is difficult to clean. Waxes tend to become yellow after a time, giving the floor an undesirable cast; strip off the old wax before putting on a new coating.