Strip Wax Buildup From Floors
As vinyl and linoleum floors age, waxing helps maintain their shine and protect them from further wear, tears and scratches. Over time, however, the layers of wax start to build up. The waxy buildup turns yellow with age, making the floor look dirty even after you just cleaned it. Applying additional wax will only make the situation worse, so you have to strip the old wax buildup before waxing again.
Contents
Steps
Remove Wax Buildup From Vinyl Floors
- Fill a large pail or bucket with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of hot water.
- Mix 1 cup powdered automatic dishwasher detergent and 2 cups ammonia into the hot water. Continue mixing until the detergent is thoroughly dissolved.
- Use a sponge mop to saturate a section of the vinyl floor with the soap mixture, then allow the liquid the sit on the floor for a couple of minutes,
- Scrub the wet area gently using the scrubber edge of the mop.
- Mop up the extra liquid and then move on to the next section of the floor.
- Continue stripping the floor one section at a time until you have finish. Some areas, such as corners and baseboards, may require you to scrub by hand.
- Dry the floor using old towels or rags.
- Wash the entire floor again a section at a time using clear hot water. Use the scrubber edge of the sponge as needed to remove any remaining wax.
- Dry the floor thoroughly a second time using dry towels.
Strip Wax Buildup from Linoleum Floors
- Mix 1 cup cream of tartar into {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of white vinegar. Keep stirring until the tartar dissolves.
- Hand scrub the floor in a circular motion with the vinegar mixture.
- Scrub a small section of the floor and then wipe that section with a dry towel before moving onto the next area.
- Continue scrubbing and wiping a section at a time until you complete the entire floor. Stubborn areas may require repeated scrubbing before all wax is removed.
- Mop the entire floor with plain warm water and then dry it thoroughly with towels.
Tips
- It is a good idea to remove the wax buildup from your floors a couple of times a year to prevent the buildup from getting too thick. The thicker the buildup the more difficult it is to remove.
- There are several products sold commercially to use for stripping wax from floors. Be sure to read the label carefully and make sure the product is safe for use on your floor type before you try it.
- After you strip the wax buildup from the floor, it's ready for a fresh coat of wax.
Warnings
- Some commercial wax stripping products contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous to inhale. Be sure to open windows and ventilate the house properly when using these products.
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