Are you tired of scrubbing and waxing your floor over and over again? If so, this guide is for you! In this blog post, I will teach you how to remove heavy floor wax build up using two methods – chemical solutions and physical scrubbing.
Also, provide some final thoughts to make the best decision for your floor cleaning needs. So what are you waiting for? Start cleaning your floor like a pro today!
Wax Removal Equipment
- Mop or scrubber
- Bucket
- Brush, sponge, or cloth
- Cleaner (natural or chemical)
Method 1: Chemical Solutions
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove wax from your floors, an industrial floor wax remover is the best option. These chemical products are sold in convenient spray-bottle form and work on different types of flooring types.
For example, most chemical solutions, the AX-IT Plus Floor Stripper, come with pre-labeled instructions that you should follow carefully. Each product has specific instructions and unique active ingredients.
Following these guidelines will ensure that your floor wax removal project goes smoothly and quickly.
Here are the steps on how to remove wax buildup with a chemical floor stripper:
1. Clean the surface
Sweep and inspect the tiles. Clear any furniture or obstacles from the area. You can use a floor stripper to remove the stain(s).
2. Dilute the product
Each floor stripper comes with instructions on how to dilute it properly. You should test the strength of the stripper on a small surface that is not visible after mixing the stripper successfully. Then, when you have discolored or bled your floor, you either use too strong a solution or the wrong kind of stripper.
3. Apply stripper
Start by pouring the floor stripper into a bucket or container and mopping it onto the floor. The floor stripper should not be allowed to dry on the tiles. Let the stripper sit for 5-10 minutes after mopping the surface.
4. Scrub the floor
Scrub the floor to renew and brighten its appearance. The wax buildup will need to be removed by either manual or electric scrubbing in order to restore the floor’s original shine. Work carefully in areas with less foot traffic and are more prone to wax build-up; this process will gradually reveal a brighter surface.
5. Discard the remaining wax
After applying floor wax, use a floor squeegee to remove the excess. Next, use a dry/wet vacuum to suck up any residual wax and dry up the floor.
6. Rinse
After stripping the floor, use a neutralizer to remove all residual stripper or wax. To dry the water, use the dry/wet vacuum once more. After rinsing your floor twice, use a vacuum to dry the solution completely. To prevent the wax from peeling off when reapplied, remove all residual floor strippers.
7. Completion test
Make sure all residual wax and stripper are removed before rewaxing. You can go about this in two ways.
- Allow the floor to dry on a dark-colored towel. If white residue is on the surface, your stripper has not removed all wax. Therefore, you may need to repeat.
- Alternatively, you can let the floor dry. Then, apply a putty knife to the flooring. Repeat the entire process if you notice any wax on it.
Method 2: Homemade Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts cream of tartar, white vinegar, and hot water in a bucket. Apply the solution to the floor with a mop and let it sit for a few minutes until it softens.
Apply a circular motion to the surface using a scrub brush. You can also use steel wool to remove wax. Lastly, mop the floor with clean water and rinse the solution.
Method 3: Homemade Ammonia Method
Pour one gallon of warm water into a bucket or container and add one cup of laundry detergent and one cup of ammonia. Make sure you saturate your floor thoroughly. For effective wax dissolution, let the solution sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the floor in a circular motion with an ultra-fine steel wood pad or stiff brush. To remove any residue left behind after cleaning, mop the floor.
Method 4: Hire a Professional to Strip and Wax Your Floors
Heavy wax buildup can be a real pain to remove on your own. Not to mention, it can be costly and time-consuming to try and clean it all up yourself. That’s why it’s important to seek out professional help.
Many different types of professionals can help you clean and wax your floors – from floor stripping and waxing services to steam cleaning and restoration.
Make sure you do your research first – trust is key when investing. Then, once the job is complete, clean everything up correctly, so the floors look their best for years to come!
Read more: How to remove wax from laminate floor
Getting Rid of Yellow Wax Buildup on Vinyl
There are several ways to remove yellow wax build-up and stains from vinyl. The most effective and long-term method is to use a vinyl cleaner that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Some of the best vinyl cleaners include Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Armor All, and Simple Green. These cleaners break down the waxes and stains, making your vinyl look clean and fresh.
If you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to a cleaner like this, you can also try using a degreaser such as Simple Green or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Just be sure to dilute the degreaser before using it, as it can damage the vinyl if used excessively.
Removing Wax Buildup and Stains from Linoleum Tiles
There are several ways to strip wax build-up and stains from linoleum tile. Here are a few of the most common methods for linoleum floors:
1. Use a solution of water, detergent, and scrubbing agent. Pour the solution onto the stain, and scrub with a brush, sponge, or cloth until the wax is removed. Avoid boiling water or harsh chemicals, as they might damage the tile.
2. Pour a small amount of warm water onto the stain, and sprinkle in a little baking soda. Swish the solution around until the baking soda is dissolved. Scrub with a brush or a cloth until the baking soda is removed, and then rinse with cold water.
3. Pour white vinegar onto the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Scrub with a brush or a cloth until the wax is removed, and then rinse with cold water. Vinegar will also remove grease and other oils from your tile.
4. Mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water, and pour it onto the stain. Swish the solution around until it’s dissolved, then scrub with a brush or a cloth until the wax is removed. Rinsing with cold water will remove any excess vinegar.
How Do You Get Old Wax Buildup Off Hardwood Floors?
1. Rub with mineral spirits & a soft cloth
Pour mineral spirits onto a section of the cloth. Start working the mineral spirits into the wax coating by rubbing in the same direction as the wood grain. Continue working with mineral spirits and clean cloth until all the wax has been removed.
2. Rub with mineral spirits & steel wool
Once the wax has come up on the cloth, and the cloth comes back clean, it is time to move to the next step. Moisten a steel wool pad with the same mineral oil and rub it over the same flooring section.
3. Repeat with the next section
Once the wax layer has been stripped with mineral oil, a cloth, and a steel wool pad, move on to the next flooring section.
4. Mop with hot water
To remove wax buildup, give it a final cleaning by mopping the surface of the wood with hot water. Dry the floor with a dry mop and dry any remaining water before using it to clean the wax from underneath the wax. After that, you can polish it if needed.
Related post: Best mop head for waxing floors
How to Get Commercial Floor Wax Removal Preparations
Getting rid of built-up floor wax in a commercial setting may be more complex than getting rid of it at home since the floors may have different finishes, and wax may stick to other materials (like tile) that require special removal. Additionally, commercial settings may be subject to stricter environmental regulations that require specific methods for the disposal of wax residue.
Some tips for commercial preparation of wax:
1. Identify the type of wax used – Many commercial waxes are designed to resist removal with simple solvents. Use the least aggressive solvent on a small test area if the wax is designed to be removed with a solvent. If the test area shows no signs of damage, proceed to use a more aggressive solvent on a larger test area. Remember to wear protective gear and follow all safety guidelines specific to the solvent being used.
2. Remove as much wax as possible – Once the area is adequately cleaned with the appropriate solvent, removing as much of the wax as possible is important by scrubbing with a stiff brush or using special scraping tools. Always be cautious and protect your eyes and skin from exposure to chemicals.
3. Rinse and dry – Once all the wax has been removed, rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry it off completely before applying any sealers or finishes.
Read more: Can you buff scratches out of vinyl flooring
Final Thoughts
Removing heavy wax buildup can be a chore. but it’s definitely possible with the right tools and techniques. After reading this how to remove heavy floor wax build up step-by-step guide, you can clean your flooring effortlessly and without harmful chemicals! So don’t wait any longer – get started removing heavy wax buildup today!
Perry is a certified professional housekeeper and cleaning specialist with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and hospitals. Her focus is on providing thorough, professional cleaning that meets specific needs.
