How Do You Remove Floor Wax – DIY or Hire a Professional?

If your floors are looking dull, scratched, or unevenly shiny, chances are it’s time to remove that old floor wax and start fresh. But should you grab a mop and go DIY—or call in professional floor cleaning services?

Whether you manage a busy office, a medical facility, or a retail space, maintaining your floors isn’t just about appearances—it’s about longevity, safety, and savings. 

In this blog, we’ll break down how to strip and wax a floor properly, the pros and cons of DIY vs professional services, and what type of care different floors and industries really need.

What Is Floor Wax and Why Does It Matter?

Floor wax (often a synthetic polymer finish today) acts as a protective layer that enhances the shine of your floors while shielding them from scratches, spills, and scuff marks. 

It’s a key part of any long-term floor care strategy, especially in commercial settings.

Floor waxing improves traction, reduces wear in high-traffic areas, and gives your space a clean, professional look. 

However, it’s only effective when maintained properly—this means regularly stripping and reapplying wax when it becomes worn or uneven.

What’s Involved in Stripping and Waxing Floors?

Stripping and waxing floors is a multistep process that removes old wax, deep cleans the surface, and applies new protective coatings. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Stripping: The old wax is chemically broken down using a floor stripper.
• Neutralizing: The residue is removed, and the surface is brought to a neutral pH.
• Waxing: Multiple coats of floor finish are applied and left to cure.

Preparing for a strip and wax job often involves clearing the space, moving furniture, and taping off baseboards or sensitive equipment. 

If you’re prepping an office, it’s smart to coordinate with your staff to schedule downtime or after-hours service.

Proper floor stripping not only restores shine—it helps prevent slips, trips, and falls by eliminating uneven buildup that can cause surface irregularities.

Know Your Floor: Material Matters

Before you dive into stripping and waxing floors, it’s crucial to understand your surface type:

• Linoleum Flooring: This natural material is durable, but sensitive to harsh strippers. Professionals use gentler, linoleum-safe products to avoid damage. See our guide for all the details to properly take care of a linoleum floor.
  
  ✅ Fact: Linoleum floors can last over 40 years with proper care, including regular stripping and waxing.
  
• Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT): A common commercial flooring type that responds well to waxing and can hold up to frequent maintenance.
  
• Wood Floors: Special care is needed to avoid water damage and preserve finish—learn how to strip and wax wood floors without harming the grain.
  
• Concrete and Sealed Surfaces: May require polishing rather than waxing, depending on the sealant.

DIY Floor Wax Removal – Is It Worth It?

Thinking of removing floor wax on your own? For small, low-traffic spaces, DIY might be manageable. Here’s what to consider:

Pros

• Lower up-front cost
• Full control over timing
• Good for basic home applications

Cons

• Time-consuming and labour-intensive
• Requires access to commercial floor cleaning supplies
• Mistakes can lead to permanent damage or safety risks
• You’ll need to rent or buy a floor maintenance machine to do it right

DIY floor stripping often doesn’t produce the same level of shine, protection, or durability that professionals achieve—especially in commercial environments.

Why Hire Professional Floor Cleaning Services?

For commercial spaces, professional hard floor cleaning services are the smart, long-term choice. Here’s why:

• Experience & Training: Pros understand how to care for commercial flooring across all material types and industries.
• Proper Equipment: Industrial-grade machines, pads, and waxes deliver deeper, longer-lasting results.
• Customized Plans: Maintenance frequency is tailored to your industry and traffic level.

✅ Fact: In high-traffic commercial environments, floors may require stripping and waxing every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. 

Hiring professionals also helps reduce liability by ensuring floors meet safety standards. 

That translates into fewer injuries, less downtime, and lower long-term costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Strip and Wax Floors?

The cost of stripping and waxing varies based on several factors:

• Total square footage
• Number of wax coats required
• Type and condition of flooring
• Furniture removal or prep work

Average Pricing (Canada):

• $0.80–$2.00 per square foot, depending on floor type and buildup.
• DIY? You’ll still need to purchase wax, stripper, PPE, pads, and likely rent a burnisher or scrubber.

While DIY may seem cheaper, professional floor care services offer long-term value by extending floor life and minimizing maintenance errors.

Industry Needs: One Size Does Not Fit All

Different businesses require different approaches to flooring maintenance:

• Offices & Business Parks: Quarterly or bi-annual floor waxing may be sufficient.
• Medical Clinics: Must meet sanitation and slip-resistance standards; often waxed more frequently.
• Retail & Schools: High foot traffic = more frequent stripping and waxing (every 3–6 months).
• Warehouses: May require heavy-duty finishes and specialty floor maintenance machines.

That’s why commercial floor maintenance isn’t just a task—it’s a strategy tailored to your specific space.

Post-Wax Floor Care: Tips to Protect Your Investment

Once your floors are freshly waxed, protect that shine with smart habits:

• Place mats at entrances to reduce grit and debris
• Use neutral pH cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals
• Schedule routine dust mopping and damp mopping
• Follow a quarterly or seasonal maintenance schedule

These flooring maintenance tips help extend the time between wax jobs and preserve traction.

Should You Remove Floor Wax Yourself or Call a Pro?

If you’re a facility manager or property owner, here’s the takeaway:

• DIY may work for small or residential projects—but it carries risks and equipment costs.
• Professional floor care services ensure safety, shine, and durability while helping you stay compliant and prevent accidents.
• Because stripping and waxing a floor is a restorative process, any mistakes in the process will get captured in the final product (like the wax yellowing if the floor hasn’t been properly neutralized), and it’ll be a huge waste of money to have to do it again. 
• Industries vary—so your maintenance strategy should, too.

Need Help With Stripping and Waxing Floors?

At Metropolitan Building Maintenance, we specialize in professional hard floor cleaning services for offices, business parks, and commercial properties across the Lower Mainland. 

From linoleum flooring to VCT and sealed concrete, we tailor every job to your industry’s needs and budget.

📞 Call us at 778-565-5435
Or contact us online for a free quote

Let’s bring your floors back to life—with zero hassle.