HOW DO I STRIP AND WAX A COMMERCIAL FLOOR?

David Bergman, President, Mobile Janitorial Supply - 2023 Feb 15th

Stripping and waxing a commercial floor is an important task that helps to maintain the appearance and durability of the flooring. This process involves removing the old wax and dirt from the surface of the floor, then applying a new coat of wax to protect the surface. Here are the steps to follow when stripping and waxing a commercial floor:

  1. Prepare the area The first step to stripping and waxing a commercial floor is to prepare the area. This involves removing all furniture, mats, and other objects from the floor. You should also put up caution signs to prevent people from walking on the wet wax.
  2. Strip the old wax The next step is to strip the old wax from the surface of the floor. To do this, you will need a commercial floor stripper solution, a mop, and a stripping pad. Start by diluting the stripper solution with water, then apply it to the floor using the mop. Let the solution sit on the floor for the recommended amount of time (usually 10-15 minutes) to allow it to loosen the old wax. Then, use the stripping pad to scrub the floor, removing the old wax and dirt. Once you have removed all of the old wax, use a wet vacuum or mop to remove any remaining residue.
  3. Rinse the floor After stripping the old wax, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining residue or chemicals. Use a clean mop or wet vacuum to ensure that the floor is completely clean and free of debris.
  4. Apply new wax Once the floor is clean and dry, it is time to apply a new coat of wax. You will need a clean mop and a new wax solution for this step. Start by pouring the wax solution onto the floor and spreading it evenly using the mop. Be sure to apply a thin, even layer of wax to ensure that it dries properly. Allow the wax to dry completely before applying additional coats.
  5. Buff the floor After applying the new wax, it is important to buff the floor to give it a smooth and glossy finish. Use a high-speed floor buffer with a buffing pad to buff the surface of the floor. Move the buffer in a circular motion to ensure that the entire surface is buffed evenly.
  6. Allow the wax to cure Finally, allow the wax to cure for the recommended amount of time (usually 24-48 hours) before allowing foot traffic on the floor. During this time, be sure to keep the area free of debris and moisture to ensure that the wax cures properly.

All materials for stripping and waxing can be found at: www.mobilejanitorialsupply.com