Floors are a foundational investment in your facility—one that impacts safety, appearance, and overall building value. Yet, without regular care, floors can lose their shine, become worn, and cost your business far more than just curb appeal. One of the most effective ways to maintain flooring, extend its lifespan, and ensure a clean, polished look is to regularly strip and wax your floors.

If you’ve ever wondered how often you should strip and wax your floors, or how to build the right floor care schedule for your business, this guide provides all the insights you need.

Why Strip and Wax Your Floors?

To “strip and wax your floors” means to remove the old layers of wax, dirt, and grime using a stripping agent, then apply fresh coats of wax to restore shine and protection. This process does much more than make your floors look clean; it forms a barrier against dirt, spills, scratches, and moisture. When done on a regular schedule, stripping and waxing can:

  • Prevent permanent stains and embedded dirt
  • Protect against moisture damage and staining
  • Minimize scratches, dings, and scuff marks
  • Improve the safety and appearance of your facility
  • Extend the lifespan of your flooring, saving money in the long run
strip and wax your floors

How Often Should You Strip and Wax Your Floors?

The frequency at which you should strip and wax your floors depends on several key factors, including:

  • Type of Facility: High-traffic environments such as schools, hospitals, and retail spaces may need more frequent attention than a small office.
  • Level of Foot Traffic: More foot traffic means more wear and tear, leading to faster wax breakdown.
  • Type of Flooring: VCT (vinyl composition tile), linoleum, and some other hard surfaces are best maintained with a regular strip and wax schedule.
  • Facility Use: Facilities subject to spills, chemicals, or moving equipment (like cafeterias or manufacturing plants) may need more frequent care.

General recommendations:

  • Most facilities: Once or twice per year
  • High-traffic areas: Three to four times per year
  • Low-traffic areas: Annually

The best way to determine the ideal frequency for your specific building is to consult with a floor care expert or your facility service manager. City Wide Facility Solutions can assess your floors, consider your unique challenges, and develop a custom maintenance plan that maximizes your investment.

The Process: What to Expect When You Strip and Wax Your Floors

  1. Preparation: Furniture and fixtures are moved out of the area. The floor is thoroughly swept and prepped for stripping.
  2. Stripping: A chemical stripping agent is applied and allowed to sit, breaking down the old wax and embedded dirt. This usually takes about fifteen minutes.
  3. Removal: The old wax and debris are scrubbed and removed with professional equipment.
  4. Rinsing and Drying: The floor is thoroughly rinsed to remove all chemicals, then allowed to dry completely.
  5. Wax Application: New coats of wax (also called finish) are carefully applied in thin, even layers.
  6. Curing: The wax is left to cure, typically overnight. The area is blocked off to ensure a smooth, durable finish.
  7. Return to Service: Most floors can be walked on the next day, though heavy traffic should be avoided for at least 24 hours.

Timing:

  • Small to medium facilities: 1–2 days
  • Large schools, hospitals, or commercial spaces: Up to a week, depending on square footage

Key Benefits of Regular Floor Stripping and Waxing

  1. Protects Your Investment: Routine strip and wax services prevent the buildup of grime that can permanently damage floor surfaces. This proactive care extends the life of your floors and avoids the high cost of premature replacement.
  2. Enhances Curb Appeal and First Impressions: Shiny, well-maintained floors instantly elevate your facility’s appearance. Clean floors are one of the first things customers, tenants, and employees notice when entering your space.
  3. Improves Safety: Smooth, well-waxed floors resist dirt and moisture, reducing slip hazards and making cleaning more effective.
  4. Reduces Maintenance Time and Costs: Floors that are regularly stripped and waxed are easier to clean daily, reducing labor and cleaning supply costs.
  5. Boosts Tenant and Employee Satisfaction: People enjoy working or living in a facility that looks clean and well cared for. Investing in professional floor care shows that you value your property and its occupants.

How to Build a Custom Strip and Wax Floor Schedule

  • Assess Your Floors: Determine the age, material, and current condition.
  • Evaluate Traffic Patterns: Map out high, medium, and low-traffic zones.
  • Consult with Experts: A City Wide Facility Solutions manager can help you plan a cost-effective schedule tailored to your needs.
  • Monitor Results: After each strip and wax, observe how quickly the floors lose their shine. Adjust frequency as needed.
  • Combine with Routine Maintenance: Daily sweeping, mopping, and spot cleaning will extend the benefits of your strip and wax schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stripping and Waxing Floors

How do I know when my floors need to be stripped and waxed?

Signs include dullness, yellowing, visible scratches, or areas where dirt can’t be removed by regular cleaning.

Can I strip and wax my floors myself?

DIY is possible for very small areas, but commercial and large-scale floor care require professional equipment, products, and expertise to avoid damage and ensure safety.

Does stripping and waxing work on all floor types?

No. This process is best for VCT, linoleum, and certain sealed hard surfaces. Natural stone, hardwood, and ceramic tile require different care.

City Wide Facility Solutions: Your Floor Care Partner

At City Wide, we don’t just strip and wax your floors—we offer comprehensive facility maintenance solutions. Our experienced facility solutions managers assess your space, recommend the right services, and build a proactive schedule that protects your investment and keeps your building looking its best.

We also provide:

Conclusion: Protect Your Facility’s Value With Proactive Floor Care

Regularly strip and wax your floors to maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment. This investment pays off in improved appearance, longer floor life, and reduced repair costs. For expert advice and tailored service, schedule a consultation with City Wide Facility Solutions—your trusted partner in comprehensive facility care.