Important Facts for Stripping and Waxing of Floors

When it comes to keeping your building looking clean, professional, and safe, few tasks are as important—or as overlooked—as regular floor maintenance. One of the most effective ways to protect and enhance commercial flooring is through the stripping and waxing of floors. 

This process doesn’t just restore shine; it protects your investment, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent costly repairs down the line.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what stripping and waxing entails, what to expect during the process, and why hiring a professional is the smart choice for any business.

What Is Stripping and Waxing of Floors?

Stripping and waxing floors is a multi-step floor care procedure designed to remove old layers of finish, clean deep into the surface, and then apply new coats of wax to restore protection and shine.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Stripping: Using a commercial-grade stripper and a floor maintenance machine, professionals remove built-up wax, dirt, and grime from the floor’s surface.
2. Neutralizing & Cleaning: Once stripped, the floor is neutralized to remove any chemical residue.
3. Waxing: Multiple coats of high-quality wax are applied, drying between each layer to build a smooth, glossy finish.

This process doesn’t just improve the look of your floors—it adds a protective layer that prolongs their life and improves safety.

What Types of Flooring Can Be Stripped and Waxed?

Not all floors are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of common surfaces suitable for this service:

• Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT): Extremely common in offices, schools, and healthcare settings.
• Linoleum Flooring: Eco-friendly and durable, but requires specific products to avoid damage.
• Rubber Flooring: Often used in gyms and industrial spaces; can be waxed with specialty products.
• Sealed Wood Floors: While wood needs extra care, how to strip and wax wood floors properly depends on the finish—this is best left to professionals.

Each material has its own compatibility with wax and floor strippers, which is why choosing the right approach is essential.

Industry-Specific Floor Maintenance Needs

Different industries come with unique demands when it comes to floor care services:

• Offices: Typically need floor waxing every 6–12 months.
• Healthcare Facilities: Due to strict hygiene requirements and high foot traffic, floors may require stripping and waxing as often as quarterly.
• Retail Stores: High traffic and visual appeal demand more frequent maintenance.
• Industrial Facilities: Require robust finishes to handle heavy machinery and chemical exposure.

Customizing your floor maintenance plan based on your industry ensures both aesthetics and durability are maintained for your needs. 

Tools of the Trade – Machines, Waxes, and Green Products

Professionals use specialized equipment and products to deliver high-quality results:

Types of Floor Machines

• Low-Speed Buffers: Ideal for stripping wax and dirt.
• High-Speed Burnishers: Used to polish and shine floors.
• Auto Scrubbers: Great for cleaning large areas efficiently.

Types of Floor Wax

• Acrylic Wax: Most common and cost-effective.
• Urethane-Reinforced Wax: Offers extended durability, ideal for high-traffic zones.
• Specialty Waxes: Designed for rubber or wood flooring, ensuring proper adherence and finish.

Green Floor Care Products

Environmentally friendly products are available for both stripping and waxing. These are:

• Non-toxic and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Safer for people and pets
• Ideal for buildings seeking LEED certification or following green policies

Using eco-friendly commercial floor cleaning supplies shows your commitment to sustainability while protecting your indoor air quality.

How to Prepare Your Office for a Strip and Wax Job

Preparation plays a huge role in how smoothly the service goes, and depending on the agreement, you might pay for the janitorial company to do this for you, but if not– 

Here’s what to expect:

• Clear the Space: Remove all furniture, mats, and movable items from the floor area.
• Plan for Downtime: Allow time for waxing and curing—typically a few hours, or overnight for large areas.
• Communicate with Staff: Let your team know which areas will be inaccessible and why.
• Ventilation: Professionals may set up fans and/or open windows to help speed up drying and reduce odour.

Preparing properly helps ensure the floor cleaning services are both effective and efficient.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Floor Waxing

Attempting to strip and wax a floor on your own may seem cost-effective—but it often leads to damage, uneven finishes, and even safety hazards. Professional floor care services come with:

• Expert knowledge of flooring types and compatible products
• High-performance machines for even application
• Faster turnaround and longer-lasting results

Professionals also have access to commercial floor maintenance equipment and know how to deliver results that meet safety and aesthetic standards.

How Floor Cleaning Services Prevent Slips and Falls

One of the major benefits of routine floor maintenance is improved safety. Over time, dirt buildup and worn finishes can reduce traction, making slips and falls more likely. 

Proper waxing restores grip and helps prevent injuries—especially in high-traffic or wet areas.

Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level, resulting from slips and trips. 

Regular professional floor cleaning services help reduce these risks significantly by maintaining the smoothness of the surface and by removing debris and recoating with wax to improve the slip-resistant properties. 

How Much Does It Cost to Strip and Wax Floors?

The price of stripping and waxing floors varies depending on:

• Square footage
• Type and condition of flooring
• Number of wax coats required
• Furniture removal and prep work

On average, costs range from $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot. 

While this may seem like an expense, consistent maintenance helps avoid costly floor replacements and improves your building’s overall appearance—saving money over time.

Long-Term Value of Consistent Floor Maintenance

Routine stripping and waxing of floors is a smart investment. 

Not only does it extend the life of your flooring, but it also:

• Enhances professional image
• Improves employee and customer safety
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs

Whether you manage an office, retail space, or healthcare facility, a proactive floor care plan helps protect your assets and your people.

Choosing the Right Floor Care Partner

Not all professional hard floor cleaning services are created equal. 

When selecting a vendor, look for:

• Experience with your flooring type
• Use of green-certified products
• Licensed and insured technicians
• Flexible scheduling and transparent pricing

A trusted partner will help you create a custom maintenance schedule based on your building’s needs and traffic levels.

Working from the Ground Up

Knowing what to expect during the stripping and waxing of floors helps you plan better, save money, and extend the life of your floors. From the right tools and waxes to green products and industry-specific routines, each detail matters when it comes to maintaining commercial floors.

For reliable, professional, and eco-conscious floor cleaning services, trust a team that understands your flooring inside and out.

Need expert help with your office maintenance or commercial office cleaning? Contact Metropolitan Building Maintenance at 778-565-5435 for dependable service across the Lower Mainland.