1. Step 1 Determine whether the floor has already been treated.

2. Step 2 Choose a wax or finish. If your floor has never been treated, you can select any wax or finish product intended for the material your floor is made from.

3. Step 3 Determine where you plan to wax and remove everything from that area. Put up signs in public areas to let people know the area will be off limits for at least 8 hours.

4. Step 4 Determine whether you need to strip your floor. If your floor has not previously been treated with wax or finish, you can skip straight to Waxing the Floor.

5. Step 5 Buy a floor stripping solution suitable for your floor. Having determined what type of finish is on your floor by following the instructions for Preparing the Floor, buy a stripping solution that will remove that type. Also make sure the stripping solution is safe to use on hardwood, or whichever material your floor is made from.

6. Step 6 Either vacuum or sweep your floor with a dust mop or broom

7. Step 7 Chemicals in the solution can be dangerous to the skin or create toxic fumes so use safety gear