How To Remove Floor Wax From Tile (The Professional Way)?
Ever wonder why your tile flooring is looking dull? Are you worried about that yellow staining on your floors? All this is due to the accumulation of dirt and wax over time. You can simply give your tile flooring a new and improved look by removing wax. We are here to guide you through the process.
Steps To Get Started On Removing The Floor Wax
Before getting started, there are certain steps that you need to take care of:
Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
Vacuum the area to get rid of all of the dust.
Properly apply tile cleaning solutions to make the wax-removing process much simpler and easier.
Rinse the area and repeat the whole process a few times.
Which Chemicals Are Needed To Remove Wax From Floor Tiles?
Since wax can settle deep into your tiles, you need strong chemical agents to remove it.
Which Chemicals Or Products Are Used For This?
There are tons of products available in the market that can be used; these include:
MicroScrub:
This is a safe and potent cleaner. It is made out of the latest Nano technology with no acids involved. This cleaner can be used along with a floor stripper to enhance cleaning. It is non-flammable and non-toxic and effectively removes any resistant stains.
Super-Stripper Floor Wax Remover:
This floor wax cleaner contains a mixture of polymer and acrylic. It is eco-friendly and does not emit any unwanted fumes. Moreover, it is a concentrated mixture that needs to be diluted first with water and then used.
Quick-Shine Deep Cleaner/ Wax Remover:
This is a high-end floor cleaning agent formulated on water polymer technology. It comes in an 800ml bottle that can be diluted to make 3 gallons. This cleaner can remove old wax, dirt, and stains and doesn't give off any hazardous fumes. It's very efficient, and it starts its work minutes after application and removes the toughest stains in no time.
Is There Any Scraping Involved?
Most of the wax buildup will get removed after application with a professional wax remover. The tougher the stains, the stronger the solvent you should use. However, some old wax buildup is difficult to remove, and some corners are hard to reach. In such cases, scraping that area might come into use.
The area you want to scrape should first be treated with a cleaning agent. Use a mop to apply the solution. Leave the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to penetrate deep into the wax. This will make the wax soft and easy to remove.
Next, start scraping gradually and slowly. Don't be too vigorous, as it can damage the underlying tile. Scraping can be done with the pointed end of a screwdriver, an old toothbrush, or a stiff scrubbing brush. You can attach a damp cloth on the ends if you are worried about your flooring getting damaged. After finishing this work, remove the cleaning agent and clean the area with water.
Commercial Floor Strippers
While commercial floor strippers can get the job done quicker and better, they can cost around $400 to $30,000. So you can get one depending on your budget. These high-duty machines will reach the toughest spots and remove the stains quickly. Mini-commercial floor strippers are good for homes as you don't have to get many areas covered. They come with one of the three power options: electric, battery, and fuel-powered.
Some of the best strippers available are:
BravePro Floor Stripper
This powerful floor stripper can easily remove hard-stuck wax, VCT, and other unwanted stains. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry. It comes with a 6-inch and 10-inch straight blade and adjustable handles. It has a special blade control system. This floor stripper also has a wheel scraper blade that keeps the wheels clean.
Trusted Clean Floor Scrubbing Buffer
This is tailor-made for scrubbing hard surfaces. It comes with a pad holder and a powerful 1.5 HP motor. It has a 20-inch scrubbing head. It's easy to use and weighs only 101 pounds. Also, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Clean Freak's Commercial Floor Stripper
This is a high-end floor stripper that delivers some amazing cleaning results and is easy to use and handle. It has a rotary 17 inches buffer, a 4-gallon tank to hold the cleaning solution, and a 17-inch pad driver. It also has 10 stripping pads for optimum usage.
How Long Will It Take To Remove The Wax From My Floors?
This solely depends on the amount of area that is involved. Removing wax is a challenging task. Big projects like schools and hospitals will consume an entire day because the cleaning liquids must be applied and left to penetrate the wax-build up. After this, stripping agents can be used to scrub the wax away.
Removing wax at home can be achieved in 4 to 6 hours if you do it yourself. Of course, extra help can get the job done quicker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing floor wax from tiles can be daunting, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. Deep floor cleaning at least once a month is recommended to prevent wax accumulation. This buildup can be removed by purchasing wax cleaning agents to dissolve the wax. Moreover, commercial wax strippers are another effective option that helps remove tough stains and make the work easier and faster. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and to wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection.
How To Remove Floor Wax From Tile - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Old Wax Damage Floors?
Wax can build up over time on floor surfaces and cause significant damage. It not only ruins the appearance of the floor but also makes the cleaning process more difficult. Wax doesn't get cleaned off by normal cleaning, and you have to use a proper stripping solution or cleaning mixture to remove it. Furthermore, old wax can remove years of the durability of your flooring, making them wear out quicker.
What Solvent Will Dissolve Wax?
Mineral spirits can dissolve wax. These are mild solvents that will cause the wax to become soft and easy to remove. You can use other stronger solvents if it doesn't do the trick. These include acetone, lacquer thinner, acetic acid, etc. You can make homemade mixtures as well that will dissolve the wax buildup. Simply mix 2 gallons of water, dishwashing detergent, and ammonia, soak this up in a sponge or cloth, and apply it to the floor.
How Do You Remove Old Hard Wax?
Removing old hard wax that has accumulated over time takes time and energy. You can try removing it by making a strong homemade mixture of ammonia, vinegar, and water. If this does not do the trick, use an ammonia-based cleaning agent.
Can I Remove Floor Wax Stains?
Removing floor wax stains can be a real hassle. First, try removing them with a mixture of water, ammonia, and washing detergent. If they don't get removed, then use a stronger detergent. For extra stubborn stains bleaching agents such as chlorine can be used. In all these processes, ensure you wear latex gloves for safety precautions, as strong solvents can damage your hands.
