Cleaning waxed surfaces – vinegar dissolves the wax, and should not be used to clean waxed furniture. However, vinegar is a reliable option for removing an old coat of wax from a surface. To clean waxed surfaces, a wax cleaning solvent should be used instead.
To remove any small traces of wax that remain or stains from colored wax on light wood finishes, dip a soft cloth in a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water. Wring the cloth well so it is just damp. Wipe the surface following the grain of the wood.
Remove furniture wax with soda
You can remove old furniture waxwith hot water and soda. Prepare a solution of hot water and a cupful of soda. Put an old cloth on the floor to catch the furniture wax. Pour the hot soda water over the surface that requires treatment.
Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.) Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or pick a cleaner that's made specifically for hardwood flooring.
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners that can strip wood of its natural oils, vinegar provides a more delicate approach. It's effective enough to cut through grease and grime, but gentle enough to preserve the integrity of the wood.
Mix one cup of distilled white vinegar in one gallon of water in a bucket. This solution breaks down the remaining wax and prevents further buildup. Use a microfiber mop into the solution and wring it out.
To tackle the stubborn remnants of wax, moisten a clean cloth with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the affected area, allowing the solvent to dissolve the remaining wax. It's crucial to test the chosen solvent on a small, inconspicuous area of your wood floor first to ensure it won't damage the finish.
Put your hair dryer on medium heat and begin melting the wax. As it softens, dab the wax with a white paper towel. Continue dabbing with clean parts of your towel until the wax no longer transfers. For remaining wax residue, wipe the area with hot, sudsy water and a clean cloth.
It will fade over time, but if you're looking for a quick fix, be prepared for an imperfect finish. You can get products like wax remover that make this process easier but you'll still need to scrub.
How it works. The Goo Gone spray gel is safe to use on many surfaces, including clothing, plastic, finished wood, cars and carpet. According to the product description, it works on pretty much everything sticky. Think: gum, glue, paint, tape residue, tree sap, candle wax and more.
Gently heat the hardened wax with a hairdryer on a low or medium setting to make the wax pliable and soft (but not melted). Then, watch as it easily peels away. Finish the job by using a vinegar solution or an all-purpose cleaner to wipe away any lingering smudges or wax residue.
Acetone and isopropyl alcohol can both disolve waxes, bees wax, ear wax, floor wax.
Hardwood Floors, Wood Furniture, and Other Wood Surfaces: Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can damage hardwood floor finishes, causing them to look dingy. Use either a cleaner specifically made for hardwood floors or a mix of soap and water.
Glass, Metal, & Wood:
Once it's melted, blot up as much as you can using a dry soft cloth. For wood surfaces - Remove any remaining wax with a soft cloth soaked in a solution mix of 1/2 cup of white vinegar and one cup of water.
Another great option often used by car detailers is alcohol wipes containing a small amount of alcohol like IPA to easily wipe away wax from the paintwork. When using a cleaning product to remove wax, you may need to repeat the wash a couple of times to guarantee the best results.
First, wait for the wax to harden. Then, use a dull knife to scrape off as much of the wax as possible. Next, place a brown paper bag over the remaining wax and iron it on low heat until the wax transfers to the paper. Finally, wipe away any residual wax with a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar.
(The Fire Doll team recommends Dawn.) Dilute a few drops of dish soap with very hot water, soak a towel with the solution, and gently dab at the stain—do not rub or scrub, as that can make the residue sink deeper into the fibers—until it's gone.
Alcohol interacts with wood surfaces, acting as a solvent when it touches wood. Solvents dissolve wood finishes, including staining and varnishes. It does so by stripping away the top layer of the furniture. This can significantly damage the integrity, aesthetics and value of the piece.
Follow with several applications of Acetone applied with gray scotch bright pads to scrub the surface. Then strip the surface. You want to remove as much wax as possible before sanding to minimize the risk of driving the wax into the grain of the wood from the friction of sanding.
To remove old wax, you can use a commercial wax remover or a homemade solution of vinegar and water. Apply the remover or solution to a small section of the floor and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the wax. Then, use a soft cloth or scrub brush to gently lift the wax.
Don't use vinegar or baking soda.
Many DIY home cleaning solutions involve the use of vinegar or baking soda, but these are, in fact, the worst things you can apply to your wood floors. They actually damage and dull the polyurethane, which can irreparably ruin them.