The last time I did a full wax job, I ended up crouched on the floor with a toothbrush, cursing whoever invented baseboards.
That line hit home—baseboards and corners are where wax jobs go to die. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sworn at the molding in my old houses. Honestly, it’s enough to make a person consider wall-to-wall carpet, and I *hate* carpet.
I’ve tried the oil-under-wax thing, too, and yeah, it’s a pain. You get a couple weeks of that perfect sheen, then suddenly there’s a traffic path worn down to bare wood and the rest is still sticky. And if you’ve got pets? Forget it. I had a lab for years—her claws absolutely destroyed my entryway finish no matter what I used.
Hardwax oils are interesting, though. I was skeptical at first—seemed like another “miracle” product that wouldn’t stand up to real life. But after flipping a few places where the previous owners had used Osmo or Rubio Monocoat, I started to come around. They’re not bulletproof, but they’re a heck of a lot more forgiving than straight wax. You can spot-repair scratches and traffic spots without having to redo the whole floor, which is a game-changer if you’re not trying to live with a project for weeks.
That being said, they’re not totally maintenance-free. You still have to clean up spills fast, and if you’re expecting that glassy, polyurethane look, you’ll be disappointed. But for a “lived-in” vibe that doesn’t feel sticky or plasticky, they’re the best compromise I’ve found so far.
Curious if your neighbor’s “pure oil” floors ever feel greasy in summer? I’ve noticed some oils never quite cure all the way, and in humid weather, it gets weirdly tacky. Maybe I just haven’t found the right brand. Also, did you notice any color change with the hardwax oils? In some of these flips, I’ve seen the wood darken up more than expected after application.
baseboards and corners are where wax jobs go to die
Ain’t that the truth. I swear, whoever designed baseboards must’ve hated people with knees. I’ve had the same issue with “pure oil” floors getting tacky in humid weather—almost like walking on a slightly melted crayon. Ever tried buffing it out with a microfiber mop? Sometimes helps, sometimes just makes it shinier and still sticky. Also, did you notice any weird smells after applying hardwax oils? One batch of Rubio left my place smelling like linseed for a week... not exactly the spa vibe I was hoping for.
Baseboards are the ultimate test of patience, honestly. I once spent an entire afternoon on my hands and knees with a toothbrush trying to get wax out of those little grooves—never again. And yeah, the humidity thing is real. I had a client with a gorgeous old oak floor, and every summer it turned into this weird sticky slip-n-slide near the windows. We tried buffing, airing out, even one of those fancy “dry mops,” but it just ended up looking shinier and still felt gummy underfoot.
About the smell—totally get what you mean. I used Osmo Polyx once and my studio smelled like a salad dressing factory for days. It’s wild how some oils linger way longer than others. I’ve heard citrus-based cleaners can help, but then you’re just trading linseed for lemon... not sure which is worse. Sometimes I wonder if the old-school varnishes had it right, even if they were a pain to apply.
Baseboards are my nemesis too—those grooves seem to attract every bit of dust and wax in the house. I totally get the frustration. I’ve spent hours with a tiny brush, only to have the corners still look grimy. Sometimes I think the old finishes were just more forgiving, even if they took forever to apply and smelled like a chemistry set.
The humidity thing is wild. My place is over a century old, and every summer the floors get a little tacky, no matter what I use. I’ve tried both wax and oil, and honestly, neither is perfect. Wax looks beautiful but is a magnet for dust and takes forever to buff out. Oil finishes are easier to maintain, but that lingering smell... yeah, it’s a trade-off.
You’re not alone in the struggle. Sometimes I just remind myself that a little imperfection adds character—these old floors have seen it all.
I hear you on the baseboards—mine are the old, super-detailed kind, and I swear they were designed by someone who hated future homeowners. I’ve tried everything from microfiber cloths to those little vacuum attachments, but the grooves just hang onto the dust like it’s their job.
Humidity’s a beast, too. Last summer, I thought I’d finally nailed the finish with a budget-friendly oil, but then the stickiness crept back in. I’m starting to think it’s just part of living in an old house. The wax does look great for about a week, but then it’s back to square one with the dust and buffing. I’ve even considered just letting the floors go a bit “rustic”—less stress, more time for other projects.
Has anyone tried those newer water-based finishes? I keep seeing them pop up as a low-odor, quick-drying option, but I’m skeptical about durability, especially with kids and a dog running around. Curious if they’re worth the switch or just another marketing gimmick...
