Waxing your vinyl floors can give them a beautiful shine, but over time, the wax can build up and make your floors look dull and dingy. If you want to restore your floors to their original shine, you’ll need to strip the wax off first. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need a few supplies:
- Wax stripper
- Bucket
- Mop
- Scrub brush
- Clean water
- Clean rags or towels
You can find wax stripper at most home improvement stores. Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it’s safe for use on vinyl floors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to strip the wax off your vinyl floors:
- Clear the room. Remove all furniture and other items from the room so you have plenty of space to work.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor. You want to remove as much dirt and debris as possible before you start stripping the wax.
- Mix the wax stripper. Follow the instructions on the label to mix the wax stripper with water in a bucket.
- Apply the wax stripper. Use a mop to apply the wax stripper to the floor. Be sure to work in small sections so the stripper doesn’t dry out before you have a chance to scrub it.
- Scrub the floor. Use a scrub brush to work the wax stripper into the floor. You may need to use some elbow grease to get the wax off, especially if it’s built up over time.
- Rinse the floor. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire floor, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You may need to rinse it more than once to make sure all the wax stripper is gone.
- Dry the floor. Use clean rags or towels to dry the floor completely. You don’t want any water left on the floor when you start applying new wax.
Conclusion
Stripping the wax off your vinyl floors may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it to restore your floors to their original shine. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the wax stripper label carefully, and take your time to make sure you get all the wax off.
FAQ
Q: How often should I strip the wax off my vinyl floors?
A: It depends on how much foot traffic your floors get. If you have a lot of people coming and going, you may need to strip the wax off every 6 months to a year. If your floors don’t get much traffic, you may be able to go longer between wax-stripping sessions.
Q: Can I use a steam mop to strip the wax off my vinyl floors?
A: No, you should not use a steam mop to strip the wax off your vinyl floors. The heat from the steam can actually melt the wax and make it harder to remove.
Q: Do I need to use a special cleaner to clean my vinyl floors after I’ve stripped the wax off?
A: No, you don’t need to use a special cleaner. Just use a mild detergent and warm water to clean your floors. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
