Recently bought a foreclosure, needs some finishing on previous owner projects. They have laid Brazillian Hardwood "Tiger Wood" down in living, dining and foyer areas. It is coated with aluminum oxide i believe. But they also put 1 coat of wax on it, which is spotted, flaking and peeling. When you walk on the floors, leaves smudges behind. How can I get the wax up with out damaging hardwood floors? I have actually took a putty knife and some bleach water, penetrated through the wax and slowly peeled it away with harming the hardwood. Is there a quicker way to only pull up the wax? And also will I have to recoat it with something after it is pulled up? Any suggestions on helping my hardwood?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sevenbelles,

Going to have to figure out if it's laminite or engineered flooring.
Endineered may be able to be refinished.
Laminite never ever should have been waxed.
Try ammonia and water on a rag and see what it does to strip it. Make sure to wear gloves and open up the windows.

dont use ammonia, it will strip the finish as well as the wax. most finishes, from what I've read , are water base and if so ammonia should be avoided. mineral spirits will strip wax, and will have to be removed even if you refinish the floor. I would also avoid a putty knife, it will gouge the floor if you slip.Stick with the mineral spirits and elbow grease

Mineral spirits is highly flamable!!
Be very careful. Cut off the water heater and stove.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecaption,

well i actually finished my dining room today, the floor is a real wood not laminate. I have managed to pull up all the wax on the dining room, uncovered a few scratches but atleast it looks new. No smudges or cloudy spots. I mopped it and it looks brand new, even changed colors, the wax was so filthy, it made it dark. Now I have red tones..... But still would like to find a better and faster way to strip it with out using any harsh chemicals that may strip the color. The water and soft scrub w/ bleach seems to work, it pulls only the wax up. Plus i am cleaning as i go.LOL. Just wish it wasnt a back breaker! Any other suggestions?

Joe's right, I forgot about mineral spirits flamability. You might try Dawn detergent with a grease solvent already formulated into it. It might be a good idea to rent a floor scrubber also, it'll make the job easier