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Complete Floor Waxing Guide: Is It OK in Rentals? Proper Methods and How to Choose by Flooring Type

Learn the correct way to wax floors and how to choose the right wax for each flooring type. This guide also covers key considerations for rental properties, along with the pros and cons.

Last updated: About 1 min read

Floor waxing is effective for protecting flooring and maintaining its appearance, but for rental properties, the cost is generally the landlord's responsibility. This guide explains how to choose the right wax for each flooring material and how to apply it properly.

What types of flooring are used in rental properties?

FlooringFeaturesWaxing suitability
Wood flooringBeautiful grain and easy to clean. Vulnerable to waterYes
Floor tileMade of PVC and highly durableYes
Cushion flooringAffordable and highly water-resistant. Prone to dentsDepends on the type
CarpetComfortable to walk on but difficult to cleanNo
TatamiTraditional Japanese flooring. Prone to dust mitesNo

Is it acceptable to wax floors in a rental property?

Under restoration guidelines, deterioration of wax is treated as the landlord's responsibility unless it results from inadequate tenant care. If you want to wax the floor, consult the landlord or property manager in advance.

What is the correct process for floor waxing?

  1. Prepare the area:Move furniture and protect areas where wax should not be applied with tape
  2. Remove old wax:Use a stripping agent to remove the old layer and prevent dark buildup
  3. Apply new wax:Apply from the back of the room toward the front and let it dry for 10 to 30 minutes
  4. Remove the protective tape:Remove the tape after the floor has fully dried

What are the benefits of floor waxing?

  • Helps prevent scratches and stains
  • Makes dirt easier to remove and routine cleaning easier
  • Leaves the floor glossy and makes the room look brighter
  • Synthetic resins increase the coefficient of friction, making the floor less slippery

FAQ

Q. How often should floors be waxed?

About once every six months is a good guideline. In high-traffic areas, waxing every three to four months is more effective.

Q. Is it better to do it myself or hire a professional?

If it is your first time or you are unsure, hiring a professional is the safer option. The cost is roughly several thousand yen to 10,000 yen per room.

Q. Can wax also be applied to cushion flooring?

Some products are suitable, but check the compatible flooring materials before use.

Daisuke Inazawa, President & CEO of INA&Associates Inc.

Author

President & CEOINA&Associates Inc.

President & CEO of INA&Associates Inc. Leads real estate brokerage, rental leasing, and property management across Greater Tokyo and the Kansai region. Specialises in income-property investment strategy and advisory for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Daisuke Inazawa is the President and CEO of INA&Associates Inc., a Japanese real estate firm headquartered in Osaka with a Tokyo branch. He leads the company's three core businesses — real estate sales brokerage, rental leasing, and property management — across the Greater Tokyo Area and the Kansai region.

His areas of expertise include investment strategy for income-generating real estate, profitability optimisation of rental operations, real estate advisory for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and institutional investors, and cross-border real estate investment. He provides data-driven, long-horizon advisory to investors in Japan and overseas.

Under the management philosophy "a company's most important asset is its people," he positions INA&Associates as a "people-investment company" and is committed to sustainable corporate-value creation through talent development. He also writes and speaks publicly on leadership and organisational culture in times of change.

He has passed eleven Japanese professional qualification examinations: Licensed Real Estate Broker (Takken), Certified Real Estate Consulting Master, Licensed Condominium Manager, Licensed Building Management Supervisor, Certified Rental Housing Management Professional, Gyōseishoshi Lawyer (administrative scrivener), Certified Personal Information Protection Officer, Class-A Fire Prevention Manager, Certified Auctioned Real Estate Specialist, Certified Condominium Maintenance Engineer, and Licensed Moneylending Operations Supervisor.

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker (Takken)
  • Certified Real Estate Consulting Master
  • Licensed Condominium Manager
  • Licensed Building Management Supervisor
  • Certified Rental Housing Management Professional
  • Gyōseishoshi Lawyer (Administrative Scrivener)
  • Certified Personal Information Protection Officer
  • Class-A Fire Prevention Manager
  • Certified Auctioned Real Estate Specialist
  • Certified Condominium Maintenance Engineer
  • Licensed Moneylending Operations Supervisor