Top 15 Best Liquid Wax for Hardwood Floors in 2024
Each product on my list of the top 15 best liquid wax for hardwood floors can help you restore the shine and look of your hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are timeless and authentic, but they can wear out, scratch, or lose shine.
There are two types of wax for floors – solid wax and liquid. Solid wax can be difficult to apply. Instead, I recommend giving a chance to liquid wax.
Solid V.s. Liquid Wax for Hardwood Floors
Solid wax that comes in a paste form was more popular in the past. You can use solid wax for the unvarnished hardwood floor, genuine linoleum, unfinished cork, and even concrete. This is much more challenging to apply, but the shine can last longer than the shine from the liquid wax.
On the other hand, liquid wax is easy to apply with a mop or a towel, dries relatively quickly, and leaves a brilliant shine. Once you get used to regularly waxing your floor, you will experience all benefits of liquid wax.
Benefits of Waxing Your Floor
Once you apply the wax coating on the floor, it starts to dry, and it leaves a protective coat that has many advantages.
Waxing your floor can help you restore your old hardwood floor, protect it from scratches, prevent stains, prolong floor lifespan, and improve the look of it.
Accordingly, I highly recommend you to wax your floor every several months to keep your floor look beautiful and safe from any damage.
Here Are The Best Liquid Waxes for Hardwood Floors:
Let’s have a quick summary of all the best liquid wax for hardwood floors. You can turn to the list for short descriptions and general impressions, but I recommend moving on to my reviews for a bigger picture of each product.
- Best Overall – Minwax High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Easy to apply, high gloss, crystal clear finish, one coating lasts from three to six months” - Best Budget – Weiman Natural Shine Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“No sticky residue, moderate shine, half an hour dry time, removes and prevents scratches” - Best Shine – Bona High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Two coatings provide excellent shine and protection, high coverage rate, quick dry time, the eco-friendly formula” - Easiest to Apply – SC Johnson 00125 Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Convenient bottle, no leaking, easy to apply, doesn’t need buffing, protective and shiny finish” - Most Durable – Dura Finish Neutral Color Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Satin luster finish, durable formula, penetrates the wood and restores it, requires buffing” - Best for Restoring Old Floors – Rejuvenate High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Fills the deep scratches, shiny finish, easy to apply, the non-toxic formula” - Best for Wet Look – GreenFist Conditioned Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Easy to apply by hand or by machine, hydrates wood and restores the authentic wet look” - Best Natural – Howard Products FW0016 Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Beeswax and Carnauba wax mix, has useful oils for restoring faded wood, thick formula” - Best Commercial – BWC Company 32 Ounces Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Based on carnauba wax, silicone-free formula, suitable for all wooden surfaces, removes dirt and old wax” - Best for Oil-Finished Hardwood – Rust-Oleum Natural Tone Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Water-resistant formula, linseed oil-free, easy to apply, suitable for variety of wooden surfaces” - Best for Removing Stains – Lundmark Carnauba-Based Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Cleans and waxes the floor at the same time, easy to apply, durable moderate shine finish” - Best All-Floor – Safeguard Self-Polishing Hardwood Liquid Wax
“Suitable for all floor in your house, quick-drying formula, water, and scuff resistant, prevents wear and tear” - Best for Sealed Hardwood Floors – Holloway House 27 Ounces Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Prolongs the life span of sealer, buffing removes scuffs, long-lasting high-shine finish” - Best Value – Green Gobbler Ultra High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Three coats for ultra-high shine, great coverage, and simple application” - Best Protection – Fiddes Water-Resistant Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
“Prevents water stains and protect wood deterioration, dries quickly, moderate shine”
Best Liquid Wax for Hardwood Floors Comparison Chart
In addition, to help you choose the best liquid wax for hardwood floors; I created a simple comparison table where you can find the primary features of each model to compare the products.
Top 15 Best Liquid Wax for Hardwood Floors Reviews 2022
Now, let’s see more information about the best liquid wax for hardwood floors. Some products offer better shine, while others have better longevity and need fewer coatings. Check the reviews and find the one that matches your needs.
1. Minwax High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Overall)
The Minwax liquid wax has a polyurethane formula with a nice high gloss finish. The dry time is about two hours.
One bottle of the product has 32 fluid ounces. The expected coverage is around 175-225 square feet per quart.
You can use it on dull hardwood floors that need rejuvenating or have scratches. The best way to apply this Minwax product is to use a clean painter’s pad and the results will last around three to six months.
I like how this Minwax liquid wax leaves a clear, glossy finish that doesn’t make my floor orange or darken it.
Avoid this product if you laminate the floor, and use it only for genuine hardwood floors.
Key features:
- High gloss finish
- Polyurethane formula
- Two hours dry time
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Better protection than polish
- Doesn’t change the authentic color of the floor
Cons
- The improper bottle cap can cause leaking
Product specifications:
Brand | Minwax |
Finish | Clear, High Gloss |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwood floor only |
Check how to restore your hardwood floor without sanding using this Minmax wax:
2. Weiman Natural Shine Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Budget)
This Weiman liquid wax features micro-filling technology that removes and hides all scratches. Besides, the formula provides protection and prevents future scratching.
Moreover, it doesn’t have a sticky residue, and you can use it on all finished hardwood floors.
The formula is safe for pets and small kids, and it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
The first coating shine is moderate, but you can improve it by adding a layer or two with an average dry time of 30 minutes.
Key features:
- No harsh chemicals
- Ready-to-use formula
- Prevents future scratches
Pros
- Quick-dry time
- No sticky residue
- One-step application
Cons
- You need more layers to achieve a high shine
Product specifications:
Brand | Weiman |
Finish | Natural, moderate |
Number of coatings needed | 2-3 |
Surface recommendation | Finished hardwood floor surfaces |
3. Bona High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Shine)
If you want a dramatic change on your old, dull floor I recommend buying this Bona liquid wax for the hardwood floor. The formula has an exceptional, high-gloss finish, but protects your floor as well.
One bottle of 32 fluid ounces is enough to cover 500 square feet of floor.
The Bona liquid wax formula is Greenguard certified and has low VOC emissions. The Bona liquid wax makes your old floor look like new and is suitable for pets and children.
Besides, you should leave the formula to dry out for at least an hour before you walk on it, and wait for the next day to put the furniture back.
Furthermore, I recommend applying at least two coatings for the best results.
Key features:
- High shine finish
- Evens the floor out
- No harsh chemicals
Pros
- Restores old floors
- Adds protective layer
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Best results with Bona special pad, but you have to buy it separately
Product specifications:
Brand | Bona |
Finish | High shine |
Number of coatings needed | 2 |
Surface recommendation | All unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors |
Watch the review of this Bona product on dark hardwood floors:
4. SC Johnson 00125 Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Easiest to Apply)
This liquid wax for hardwood floors from SC Johnson, model 00125 is so easy to apply in one step. The bottle’s design is very convenient. Because of it, there is no leaking, the product gets out easily, and with precision.
What I love about the SC Johnson wax is that you don’t need to buff it out, like some other liquid wax. Only one coating will make the floor will look brand new.
One bottle has 22 fluid ounces.
The formula provides a long-lasting shine that protects the floor from minor scratches at the same time.
Key features:
- One bottle – 22 fl oz
- One-step application
- Cleans and polishes the floor
Pros
- Easy to apply – no buffing
- Durable finish
- One layer provides excellent results
Cons
- Harsh smell
Product specifications:
Brand | SC Johnson |
Finish | Moderate shine |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwood floor only |
5. Dura Finish Neutral Color Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Most Durable)
This liquid wax from Dura Finish offers a rich and satin luster finish to hardwood floors. The formula is available in neutral and coffee-brown color, however, I prefer the neutral one. It keeps the authentic color of the floor and provides a wonderful finish.
You can use it to restore your floors occasionally or as a finish coating on the new floors.
One gallon of product covers around 2000 square feet. After you apply one layer of wax, you should leave it to dry overnight for the best results.
If you have any heavily damaged parts on the floor, you might need an additional layer to even the floor out.
Key features:
- Available in two colors
- Satin luster finish
- Suitable for maintenance or as a finish coating
Pros
- Extremely durable formula lasts over six months
- Penetrates the wood and protects the floor
- Suitable for heavily damaged floors
Cons
- Can be hard to buff the product
Product specifications:
Brand | Dura Finish |
Finish | Satin luster |
Number of coatings needed | 2 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwood, tile floors |
6. Rejuvenate High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best for Restoring Old Floors)
This Rejuvenate liquid wax penetrates into the wood and easily fills in all scratches. It is a quick and easy solution for restoring the old floor and dramatically changing the floor’s appearance.
You can apply it by using a micro-fiber mop. One bottle of the product contains 32 fluid ounces and is enough to cover 500 square feet of the floor.
The formula is safe to use on all commercial hardwood floors, and you should avoid it on vinyl, laminate, or stone floors.
The Rejuvenate liquid wax bonds with the finish of your floor and improve the look of it. Besides, it prevents staining and further scratches.
Occasionally, with liquid wax, you risk ending up with wax build-up, but it isn’t the case with the Rejuvenate product.
Key features:
- Deeply penetrates the wood
- One hour dry time
- Suitable for old floors
Pros
- Non-toxic formula
- Quick-drying
- Easy application
Cons
- Wears out quickly
Product specifications:
Brand | Rejuvenate |
Finish | High gloss |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Check how easy is to use this Rejuvenate liquid wax:
7. GreenFist Conditioned Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best for Wet Look)
This floor wax from GreenFist quickly hydrates your dry and dull floor. It is easy to use, and despite being intended for use with the machine, you can get great results with hand-buffing.
The wax features environmentally-friendly formula and has low VOC emission. The GreenFist product is a multi-purpose product.
Additionally, you can use it to clean your hardwood floor, restore the original wet-look gloss, and removes marks and scratches.
Key features:
- Biodegradable formula
- Can be spread and buffed with hand or machine
- Requires three or four coats
Pros
- Brings back authentic wet look
- Environmentally-friendly
- Hydrates wood
Cons
- Requires lots of coats
Product specifications:
Brand | GreenFist |
Finish | Wet look |
Number of coatings needed | 3-4 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwood floors |
8. Howard Products FW0016 Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Natural)
This liquid wax from Howard Products is great for all wooden surfaces, including hardwood floors, doors – and furniture. The formula is based on Beeswax and Carnauba wax.
The combination of the two provides a beautiful satin luster finish and a highly protective coating for your floor. You can use the Howard Products wax on both finished and unfinished floors and probably expect great results.
The regenerative and nurturing formula prevents the wood from further deterioration and drying. Because it contains oils, the formula feeds the wood and, after a few uses, can make a significant difference in old wood restoration.
Moreover, you can use it on antique furniture as well.
Key features:
- Contains nurturing oils
- Beeswax and Carnauba wax combination
- Suitable for unfinished and finished floors
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- No silicone
- Improves the look of faded wooden surfaces
Cons
- Thick formula can be challenging to spread around
Product specifications:
Brand | Howard Products |
Finish | Satin Luster |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wood doors, and trim, etc |
Watch the video review of the Howard liquid wax on scratched wood:
9. BWC Company 32 Ounces Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Commercial)
This BWC liquid wax cleans, protects, and waxes all hardwood floors or any other wood surface.
Furthermore, the packaging is sturdy and won’t leak – always a plus for professionals working with wood. The formula is based on high-quality carnauba wax.
It spreads quickly and easily. Besides, expect the best results after applying two thin layers of product. The formula dries relatively quickly and is free of silicone.
The BWC liquid wax has high coverage and removes dirt as well.
Key features:
- Silicone-free formula
- Even application
- Suitable for all wood surfaces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great packaging
- Removes dirt and old wax
Cons
- Better results on finished wood
Product specifications:
Brand | BWC Company |
Finish | High shine |
Number of coatings needed | 2 |
Surface recommendation | Tile, hardwood floors |
10. Rust-Oleum Natural Tone Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best for Oil-Finished Hardwood)
The formula of this Rust-Oleum wax is safe to use on a variety of bare or oil-finished surfaces. Therefore, the application is easy – wipe the product on the surface, and then buff it out for the satin luster finish.
It doesn’t have a slippery effect and the finish lasts for several months.
You can also use it to restore old wood. Moreover, the formula is water-resistant and helps to remove stains and scratches.
Key features:
- Water-resistant
- No linseed oil
- Polyurethane type finish
Pros
- Doesn’t change the color of the wood
- Restores and rejuvenates old floor
- Versatile
Cons
- You have to be extra careful to apply only thin and even layer
Product specifications:
Brand | Rust-Oleum |
Finish | Satin luster |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwood, furniture, trim, paneling |
11. Lundmark Carnauba-Based Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best for Removing Stains)
This Lundmark product is somewhere between paste and liquid. It has the durability of the paste products and is easy to apply because of the liquid consistency.
Besides, it is great for cleaning dark spots on your hardwood floors. It provides a beautiful high gloss finish.
The formula is pure carnauba wax and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. Moreover, you can use a dry mop or pad to spread it across the floor.
What I like about this Lundmark product is that it doesn’t catch dust like some other greasy products. When it gets completely dry, it maintains the look for months.
Key features:
- Durable finish
- Carnauba wax formula
- No mopping application
Pros
- Easy to use
- Prevents wood dehydration
- Natural shine
Cons
- Can be hard to buff out
Product specifications:
Brand | Lundmark |
Finish | Moderate shine |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Ceramic tile, kitchen appliances, miniblinds, cabinets, woodwork, and metal surfaces |
12. Safeguard 800 Self-Polishing Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best All-Floor)
If you need an all-floor product that is suitable for your hardwood floors (and all other floor types such as cork, asphalt, sealed concrete, linoleum, hardwood), you can get Safeguard wax.
Rather, the formula is water-resistant and keeps your floor safe from scratches and discoloration caused by the sun.
The wax prevents scuff marks and doesn’t make your floor yellow. Instead, it leaves a moderate shine finish, which is both durable and looks great.
Furthermore, I also recommend it for the high-traffic areas such as the hallway or living room.
The formula dries pretty quickly and spreads around evenly.
Key features:
- All-floor formula
- Dirt-resistant
- Waterproof
Pros
- Easy to apply with a cloth
- Non-yellow formula
- Protective
Cons
- Moderate shine
Product specifications:
Brand | Safeguard |
Finish | Moderate shine |
Number of coatings needed | Not specified |
Surface recommendation | Most commercial and residential flooring |
13. Holloway House 27 Ounces Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best for Sealed Hardwood Floors)
Sealed hardwood floors are easier to clean and they are resistant to water’s damage. Still, they can lose shine or get marks.
Indeed, I recommend getting this Holloway House pure wax to maintain the beautiful appearance of your sealed hardwood floor.
The wax is easy to buff until you get high shine, and won’t make yellow stains on the floor.
The finish is easy to maintain with proper cleaning. Additionally, you can apply a new coat a few times a year.
Besides, the Holloway House purse wax has an affordable price tag.
Key features:
- Buffing removes scratches
- High shine finish
- Neutral color
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Long-lasting finish
- Prolongs the life of the sealer
Cons
- The label doesn’t have an ingredients list
Product specifications:
Brand | Holloway House |
Finish | High shine |
Number of coatings needed | 3 |
Surface recommendation | Vinyl, asphalt tile, linoleum, rubber, terrazzo, or sealed hardwood floors |
14. Green Gobbler Ultra High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Value)
With this Green Gobler product, a little goes a long way. You get one gallon of highly concentrated formula, which is suitable for covering around 2000 square feet. Hence, the formula is thin and easy to spread around.
As it dries, it comes to a diamond finish and looks beautiful on vintage floors. Moreover, the Green Gobler liquid wax protects the floor from minor damage and shallow scratches.
Use a dry cloth to spread the product around and enjoy the results, they will last for several months.
Key features:
- Excellent value
- Diamond-shine formula
- Quick-dry time
Pros
- Easy to spread
- Affordable
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Three layers provide the best results
Product specifications:
Brand | Green Gobbler |
Finish | Diamond shine |
Number of coatings needed | 3 |
Surface recommendation | Terrazzo, vinyl tile, rubber, concrete, linoleum, sealed hardwood, etc |
15. Fiddes Water-Resistant Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax
(Best Protection)
This Fiddes floor wax provides excellent protection from water and prevents stains on the hardwood floor. It comes in a can, and it can be a bit challenging to get the product out. Nevertheless, the results are excellent afterward.
It has a natural sheen to it and restores the previous floor finish. You can use it on any hardwood floor.
In addition, the product is also suitable for cabinets and other wooden objects.
The dry time is short – it needs from 15 to 30 minutes to dry. Then, you need to buff it out to get a beautiful shine.
Key features:
- Water-resistant formula
- 30 minutes of maximum dry time
- Moderate shine finish
Pros
- Natural finish
- Only one coat needed
- Easy to apply with a cotton rag
Cons
- Buffing out can be challenging
Product specifications:
Brand | Fiddes |
Finish | Moderate shine |
Number of coatings needed | 1 |
Surface recommendation | Hardwod floors and finished woodwork |
Follow the application tutorial to get the best results with Fiddes liquid wax:
Liquid Wax for Hardwood Floors Buying Guide
If you still have doubts about which liquid wax for hardwood floor to get, let’s go briefly through things you should consider.
Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they do require special care and maintenance to remain good-looking.
Floor Types
If you don’t know what kind of floor you have, you should talk to professionals and get more information. For example, acrylic wax can cause hardwood floors to stain or fade, or damage unfinished floors.
Likewise, always read labels on the product. The majority of products come with clearly marked appropriate floor types.
Size of the Floor
Before you buy a bottle or a can of liquid wax, check how much floor space you can cover with it. Make sure to have enough products before you start your hardwood floor restoration project.
Number of Coatings
Nowadays, you can find liquid wax for hardwood floors, which has excellent results after only one layer. Do some calculations and compare how many products you need to cover the entire floor, and how many layers are required for the best results.
Besides, bear in mind that adding an extra layer can often provide better protection. If you decide to add two or three layers, make sure to wait until the first coating is completely dry.
Moreover, you can also add additional coating on the entire floor or do some spot-correction.
Finish
Most people prefer high shine when it comes to hardwood floors. Decide whether you want a high-shine finish or a lower, more natural finish.
Occasionally, when the product states that it has a high shine finish, it can require you to add several layers and buff it out until you get the results you want.
I recommend getting a product that doesn’t require so much effort and still comes with satisfying results.
Application
Some floors need to be scrubbed before you apply the wax. If you have never waxed a floor before, I recommend getting a ready-to-use wax that will be easy to apply and won’t need previous floor preparation.
The majority of floor products need to be buffed after they are dry. Some thicker liquid waxes are difficult to buff out evenly and to get the appropriate shine.
Certainly, you can check the reviews to find out how challenging is the buffing process or watch some tutorials on how to buff the floor the best way.
Still, you should always follow the instructions on the application. Occasionally, you need to use a dry or a wet mop, and some waxes have the best results with cotton pads.
Frequency of Use
No matter which liquid wax you choose, you will have to reapply to maintain a good look. Some products need to be applied once a month and others have more durable results.
The optimal frequency of reapplying the wax is around four to six months.
FAQs
Waxing a floor can be intimidating for people who have never done it before. Therefore, let’s answer the most common question about liquid wax and hardwood floors.
My Top Pick
The winner in my search for the best liquid wax is Minwax High Gloss Finish Hardwood Floor Liquid Wax. It has a beautiful shine, simple application, and durable results. Importantly, the impressive formula keeps the authentic look of the floor and improves it.
How do you maintain your hardwood floors? Have you used some of the products from my list? Please share your thoughts in the comments, It is absolutely great to hear from you.
Is it ok to use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner before waxing? After waxing?
Dear Wendy,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can use the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner before and after waxing. It’s specially designed for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors.
Have a lovely day and stay safe.
Kind regards,
Kevin.