Tired of wax buildup on your laminate floors? Learn the safest, easiest methods to remove it without scratching or damaging the surface—your floors will look brand new again!
Unlike other floors, laminate doesn’t need waxing—it already has a strong protective layer. If wax spills, wipe it up immediately to avoid extra cleaning hassle. For stubborn buildup, try these simple techniques to restore your floor’s shine!
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For recent wax stains or build-ups in an affected area
Paper towels and Clothes Iron or Hair Dryer Technique
What you will need:
- Clothes iron/hair dryer
- Paper towels
What you will need to do:
Any wax that has been smeared or potentially penetrated any surfaces you may want to use a paper towel to blot the wax, after heating it with a hair dryer or hot water.
Alternatively, you may want to use a clothes iron. Using the iron, put it on the lowest steam setting and cover the affected area of laminate floor with paper towels.
Then run the iron over the paper towels. The wax should be absorbed through the paper towels and most of the wax should be removed.
Be sure to wipe the area clean using a microfibre cloth, to get rid of any residual wax.
Vinegar and Water Technique
What you will need:
- Plastic windshield ice scraper
- Hair dryer
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Bucket
- White cloths
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What you will need to do:
Before cleaning the wax, make sure the wax has cooled. Do not wipe off warm wax/resin off, as you will end up spreading it, or permeating the surface when you try to wipe it.
Wax on laminate flooring can be removed by using a windshield scraper for ice, especially if it is thick wax, as most of it can come straight off.
You can harden the wax by applying a bag of ice to the wax, then scrape it off. By removing the largest parts of the wax, it allows the next steps to be a lot easier.
Use a hair dryer to heat the wax in order to soften it. This allows the wax to be removed by the scraper more easily.
Mix two cups of white vinegar per one gallon (4.5L) of warm water in a bucket. Then using a clean cloth, dip the cloth in the solution and work the solution into small sections of the wax if possible.
The solution should strip the wax and remove it after using a cloth on the affected area. Make sure you do not scrub back and forth. Make sure to rub the cloth only in one direction.
Be sure to rinse the cloth regularly using clean water from the tap after cleaning the wax from the surface. Dry any moisture left behind using a paper towel after you have removed the wax from the laminate flooring.
For even stronger and more stubborn wax build-up
Acetone, Nail Polish Remover or Paint Thinner Technique
What you will need:
- Acetone, nail polish remover or paint thinner
- Cotton bud or cotton pad (dependent on the affected area)
Tougher wax stains can call for a stronger cleaning solution. Acetone, nail polish remover or paint thinner is a great way to remove very stubborn wax from laminate flooring.
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What you will need to do:
Apply some of the acetone, nail polish remover or paint thinner to a cotton bud or pad and work it into the area. Repeat this until the wax has been removed from your laminate flooring.
Once you have finished make sure you wipe the floor with a clean microfibre cloth.
Another alternative method that is especially good for getting rid of candle wax or wax such as crayon, is using rubbing alcohol. Remember to repeat these steps for tougher stains.
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General Laminate Floor Cleaning and Upkeep for the Floor
Using a floor cleaner that is safe for laminate floors (always check the label), spray the floor cleaner onto a damp microfibre mop.
By applying it directly to the mop, it leaves your floors looking less dull and reduces the streak marks that are left when applying it directly to the floor.
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Additional tips
Do not use ammonia on laminate flooring. It is good at removing wax, however it can strip away the protective sealant used in laminate flooring and be detrimental to your floor with repeated use.
Do not wash cloths used to remove wax in the washer, as the wax can build up in the washing machine.
Do not use any abrasive cleaning pads, as this may leave scratch marks and damage the laminate flooring.
Be careful to not use a laminate floor cleaner that contains wax, as some floor cleaning products do! – make sure to read the label when buying these products.
Vacuum regularly, as to prevent debris build-up. This build-up of dirt and debris can cause scratches on your floor, which may be facilitated by the build-up of wax and oils on your floor.
Do not clean the floor with oil soap, as this can also cause a build-up of dirt due to the oils in it and cause your floors to look dull.
It is also advised that you do not use steam mops on laminate flooring, because some laminate floors aren’t as resistant to moisture, so it is best to check if that is the case.
Some steam mops claim they are safe; however, it may be important to check the guidelines for your laminate floor care.
Make sure to vacuum the floor before removing any wax using the steps mentioned above, to ensure that any residual dirt is removed from the cracks/joints of your wooden floor, aiding future wax removal.
Depending on your vacuum it is recommended that you do not use a beater bar attachment when vacuuming your floor. This is because this attachment is used predominantly for carpets.
This will create a dull-looking appearance on your floor, so it is best that you stick with a hard floor attachment.
Read product labels to see if they are appropriate for your floors, also check if they are ‘manufacturer-approved products’. This is to make sure that you get the best products for your floor from the start to avoid issues with cleaning in the future and giving you a nice, shiny floor!
Make sure to clean your laminate floors with a mop every 1 or 2 weeks. Regular cleaning will prevent natural wax build-up from skin oils and other oils.
Keeping your floors looking shiny and clean!
These oils and wax can accumulate quite easily, so it is very important to keep on top of cleaning, because the longer floors go untreated, the more laborious they are to clean!
If mopping proves to be ineffective, it might be best to purchase a new mop. It is recommended that you purchase a microfibre mop if you have laminate floors, because they are known to be very effective at getting wax and dirt residue off.
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Best Laminate Flooring Cleaning Product to Use for Laminate Floors
Weiman 121 Hardwood Floor Cleaner is advised to clean laminate floors, as well as tile and stone. It also works well to remove scuff marks on laminate flooring and is sure to remove any wax build-up or stains.
It is also scented, so note that any added ingredient applications may possibly damage the protective coat it provides.
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Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove those nasty candle-wax stains caused by overrunning candles or an unnoticed mishap; a misuse of a waxy floor cleaning product that has caused your floor to go dull; or gradual wax build up over time from not regularly cleaning your floors, you can get rid of that waxiness on your laminate floors by using the tips provided in this article.
Remember, make sure to keep on top of cleaning your laminate floors and use the correct cleaning products on them to prevent dirt and wax build-up!
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
