How to Strip Wax from Tile Floor

Waxing your tile floor can give it a beautiful shine, but over time, the wax can build up and make your floors look dull. If you want to restore the shine to your tile floors, you’ll need to strip the old wax off before applying a new coat. Here’s how to strip wax from tile floor:

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 you’re getting the right product for your type of tile floor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to strip wax from your tile floor:

Clear the room. Remove any furniture or other items from the room so you have plenty of space to work.
Ventilate the area. Open windows and doors to provide plenty of ventilation. Wax stripper can be strong-smelling and can cause irritation if you inhale too much of it.
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 cover the entire floor with a thin, even layer of the stripper.
Let the stripper sit. Allow the stripper to sit on the floor for the amount of time recommended on the label. This will usually be between 10 and 15 minutes.
Scrub the floor. Use a scrub brush to scrub the floor, paying special attention to any areas with built-up wax. You may need to use some elbow grease to get the wax off.
Rinse the floor. Use clean water and a mop to rinse the floor thoroughly. Be sure to remove all traces of the wax stripper.
Dry the floor. Use clean rags or towels to dry the floor completely.

Conclusion

Stripping wax from your tile floor can be a bit of a chore, but it’s worth it to restore the shine to your floors. With the right supplies and a little elbow grease, you can have your tile floors looking like new again in no time.

FAQ

Q: How often should I strip the wax from my tile floor?

A: It depends on how much foot traffic your floors get. In general, you should strip the wax from your tile floor once or twice a year.

Q: Can I use a steam cleaner to strip the wax from my tile floor?

A: No, you should not use a steam cleaner to strip the wax from your tile floor. The heat from the steam can actually melt the wax and make it harder to remove.