The state of your floor plays a major role in the overall feel and look of the room. Dull, stained, and worn floors that have seen better days can detract from the interior design of a space. They can make a space feel dirty and poorly maintained even if this isn’t true.
However, you don’t have to replace your floors to improve the perception of the space. Stripping and waxing floors restore them to their former glory. It’s an effective way to preserve and restore floors that are exposed to constant wear and tear.
Below, we explore how to strip and wax a floor the right way.
The Process
The equipment used is dependent on the size of the space and the state of the floors. Be sure to remove all unattached furnishings and leave the space as clear as possible for easy cleaning. Wear personal protective equipment including goggles, gloves, and a face mask.
Be sure to open the windows to ventilate the space. The process is completed in two parts:
Part 1: Floor Stripping
- This involves the use of a finish stripper. The type of stripper used will depend on your floor type. The wrong stripper can cause damage especially when cleaning hardwood floors.
- Clean the floor using your preferred method.
- Apply finish stripper to the floor. Be careful to use the right stripper for the floor type. Start from the part of the floor furthest from the exit. Allow the stripper to soak through. This can take anywhere between 15 to 60 minutes.
- Use an electric floor scrubber to remove the floor finish and sealers. You will also need a wet vacuum to suck up the moisture and debris. You may be able to rent this equipment if you have none of your own. Use other tools such as toothbrushes, to scrub those tight spaces.
- Use a squeegee to remove excess moisture. Mop the floor with clean water and allow it to dry.
Part 2: Floor Waxing
Waxing provides a protective coating on the floor. Different waxes provide different finishes. Choose the wax that is designed for use on your floor type and provides the finish you seek.
- Use a clean mop to avoid introducing dirt into a new layer of wax. Dip the mop in a bucket of wax and use the mop to apply the wax to the floor. Work in sections to ensure an even finish.
- Allow the wax to dry completely. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
- Apply additional layers of wax. Allowing the wax to dry completely after each application. Allowing layers to dry completely also helps to avoid the buildup of excess wax. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the number of layers required to achieve the desired finish.
- Buff the floor using a burnishing machine to achieve an even, attractive glossy finish.
The Best Solutions for Restoring and Preserving Your Floors
Improper stripping and waxing of floors can result in costly damage. So what’s the best way to strip and wax a floor? The best way to restore and preserve your floors is by contacting professional residential and commercial floor stripping and waxing services. Professional services are equipped with the right equipment, cleaning solutions, skills, and knowledge to ensure the best results.
At Mighty Green Carpet Cleaning we provide professional floor stripping and waxing services designed to protect your floors while restoring them to their former glory.
Contact us today to learn more about our floor stripping including how much strip and wax floors cost and to schedule your cleaning.
