Industries That Strip and Wax Floors Most Frequently—and Why

When it comes to commercial floor care, one size does not fit all. Different industries place different demands on their flooring—some needing routine cleaning, while others require regular full-service treatments like stripping and waxing. 

At the core of this care is the goal of keeping floors safe, clean, and looking professional. But how often should you strip and wax floors? And why do some industries do it more frequently than others?

This blog explores the industries that most frequently invest in floor stripping and waxing, why it matters, and how smart maintenance decisions can protect your floors—and your bottom line.

Why Stripping and Waxing Floors Matters More Than You Think

Stripping and waxing floors involves removing old layers of finish and dirt, thoroughly cleaning the surface, and applying a new protective wax coating. 

This process revives a dull or damaged floor, enhances its appearance, and creates a protective barrier that guards against moisture, scuffs, and daily wear.

More importantly, regular floor maintenance is a matter of safety. Slippery, worn-down floors are a leading cause of workplace accidents. 

Slips and falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits annually, making them the leading cause of such incidents (source). Stripping and waxing floors regularly can significantly reduce these risks by maintaining traction and cleanliness.

It also saves money. Preventive maintenance can help businesses avoid early floor replacement and expensive structural damage. In fact, the ISSA reports that for every dollar spent on preventative maintenance like floor care, companies save up to $10 in future repairs or replacements.

Different Industries, Different Floor Care Requirements

Every industry has unique requirements when it comes to flooring. 

A hospital floor doesn’t experience the same type of traffic—or demand the same cleanliness standards—as a retail store or restaurant. Understanding your specific needs is key to building a sustainable floor maintenance schedule.

Let’s explore which industries strip and wax floors most often and why.

1. Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, dental offices, and clinics demand rigorous cleaning protocols. 

Floors in healthcare environments must be both hygienic and durable, often made of linoleum or vinyl composite tile (VCT). These floors are exposed to heavy foot traffic, frequent disinfecting, and the movement of equipment—all of which degrade wax coatings faster than in other industries.

Stripping and waxing every 2–4 months is common in medical settings. 

It helps prevent the spread of pathogens and ensures that floors remain slip-resistant and easy to sanitize. Investing in professional hard floor cleaning services ensures compliance with health regulations and minimizes disruption to patients and staff.

2. Educational Institutions

Schools and universities experience near-constant foot traffic from students and staff. 

Gymnasiums, cafeterias, and hallways are particularly hard on floors, often requiring quarterly or semi-annual waxing. Scheduled academic breaks—summer or winter holidays—are the perfect time to complete full stripping and waxing jobs.

Flooring in schools is typically made from VCT or linoleum, both of which respond well to proper waxing. 

With the help of commercial floor cleaning supplies and floor maintenance machines, janitorial teams or external floor care services can restore these high-use areas efficiently.

3. Retail and Shopping Centers

In retail, appearances matter. Shiny, clean floors create a positive first impression and encourage customer confidence. 

Whether it’s a boutique or a large shopping mall, floors take a beating from constant foot traffic, shopping carts, and weather-related debris.

Retail locations often strip and wax floors every 3–4 months to maintain their polished look. 

Beyond aesthetics, regular floor waxing also prevents slips and falls, especially in wet weather, contributing to customer and staff safety.

4. Restaurants and Food Service

The combination of food spills, grease, and moisture makes restaurant floors especially vulnerable to wear and tear. 

Front-of-house flooring must look presentable, while kitchen floors need to meet health and safety regulations. Stripping and waxing floors in these settings may occur every 2–3 months, depending on usage.

Waxing creates a durable surface that resists stains and helps prevent accidents in these high-risk areas. 

To get the best results, restaurants should rely on professional floor cleaning services that use high-grade commercial floor cleaning supplies tailored to greasy environments.

5. Offices and Business Parks

In professional settings, clean floors contribute to brand perception, employee satisfaction, and a healthy workspace. 

While offices don’t experience the same level of wear as healthcare or retail spaces, common areas like lobbies, break rooms, and restrooms require attention.

Office buildings typically schedule stripping and waxing two to four times per year. 

Prepping for a strip and wax job often involves clearing out furniture, vacuuming, and scheduling the work outside of business hours. Working with professional services ensures minimal downtime and a lasting result.

6. Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities

Industrial spaces like warehouses and factories may not seem like typical candidates for waxing, but floor care plays a crucial role in safety and operational efficiency. 

These environments are tough on floors due to heavy equipment, oil, and grime.

Facilities often strip and wax their floors quarterly—or even monthly in high-traffic zones. 

The goal is to maintain a clean, safe, and slip-resistant surface. Durable finishes also make it easier to remove oil and debris, reducing long-term cleaning costs and downtime.

7. Government Buildings and Public Facilities

Courthouses, municipal offices, and public libraries see consistent use and must maintain a clean, professional image. 

Linoleum and terrazzo are common flooring choices in these spaces. Stripping and waxing is usually done seasonally or semi-annually.

Public buildings often have budgetary and safety requirements that call for professional floor care services to maintain compliance and manage costs effectively.

Types of Flooring That Benefit from Stripping and Waxing

Different materials require different care strategies:

• Linoleum Flooring: Durable and common in healthcare, education, and government buildings. Requires specific products and gentle handling during stripping.
• VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile): Found in schools, offices, and retail—ideal for routine stripping and waxing.
• Wood Floors: Requires caution. How to strip and wax wood floors involves using low-moisture methods and specialized wax to avoid damage.
• Concrete Floors: Found in industrial settings. Often sealed, but still benefits from occasional waxing to reduce dust and wear.

Why You Should Hire Professionals to Strip and Wax Floors

Stripping and waxing may seem straightforward, but doing it improperly can damage flooring and leave residues that attract even more dirt. Professionals bring:

• Access to industrial-grade floor maintenance machines.
• Knowledge of flooring types and proper chemical use.
• High-performance commercial floor cleaning supplies.
• Efficient execution with minimal disruption.

Hiring professional floor cleaning services not only ensures better results—it also protects your investment and your reputation.

What to Expect When Preparing for a Strip and Wax Job

A professional team will guide you through prep steps like:

• Moving furniture or scheduling around office hours.
• Taping baseboards or sensitive surfaces.
• Sweeping and prepping the floor before stripping.
• Applying and curing layers of wax—often overnight.

The result is a fresh, safe, and professional-looking floor ready to handle whatever your business throws at it.

Floor Maintenance Is an Investment in Your Business

Whether you manage a busy hospital, a bustling retail shop, or a quiet office suite, your floors make an impression. 

Routine floor stripping and waxing not only protects your surfaces—it safeguards your staff and customers, reduces liability, and saves money in the long term.

Don’t wait until your floors look worn out. Partner with professional hard floor cleaning services and build a maintenance schedule tailored to your industry. Your floors—and your bottom line—will thank you.

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.