I need some advise on how to economically repair this.
How to fix footprints in freshly waxed floors.
You may have to do the entire boards affected so as not have it look like a blotch.
You are going to have to rub with sandpaper the footprints and restain.
The water opened the grain where you stepped and allowed the stain to penetrate more and become darker.
Spray small area wipe with a good thick grade of paper towel and wipe with a second paper towel and all the marks will be gone it is very hard work but looks great when whole floor is done in this manner.
The latter option is best for waxed.
To remedy this try a different cleaner or use less cleaner.
Some floors are more prone to streaking than others but these tips should help.
Apply painters tape around the edges of the entire boards affected.
You need to get down on your knees with a sprayer bottle of vinegar and water.
Been there not good first you want to power buff the footprints with a medium pad with just a little water no chemicals until they are no longer visible then wax the spot you worked on once that dries wax the entire floor again.
Remember water and a tiny bit of glass cleaner is more than enough to get the floors clean.
If using a wax mop spread the wax using an overlapping side to side figure eight pattern.
Wax floors are great because they last forever and you can easily fix any.
Just buff the footprint areas with a heavy duty pad until you can t see any defect and then apply new wax and buff lightly.
How do i fix this before i put poly on the floors.
Then apply the finish restorer with a mop or by spraying it on the floor using a spray bottle.
Hot water a heat gun plastic scraper and sponge or scrub pad are your weapons of choice.
You can also buff the floors dry with an absorbent towel after you are done mopping.
Start the procedure by sweeping and vacuuming any loose dust.
Spread an even thin coat over a 5 foot by 7 foot area.