How to Strip and Wax Floors

Floor stripping and waxing works by first breaking down old finish layers using solutions used in commercial cleaning and powered scrubbers, then applying several thin coats of fresh wax to rebuild protection and restore gloss. The result gives you floors that look professionally maintained and hold up better against everyday foot traffic and wear.

In a commercial environment, clean floors are part of your brand image. Whether you manage an office building, medical facility, retail store, school, or multi-tenant property, your floors make a first impression before anyone speaks to your staff.

Over time, even well-maintained floors look worn. Foot traffic creates scuffing, dulls wax layers, and high-traffic paths become darker than the surrounding areas. When mopping and routine cleaning no longer restore the shine, the solution is simple: professional floor stripping and waxing.

In this guide, we’ll explain what stripping and waxing involves, why it matters in commercial spaces, and why outsourcing this service is often the most cost-effective and reliable option.

What Is Commercial Floor Stripping and Waxing

Commercial floor stripping and waxing is a specialized service designed to restore, protect, and improve floor appearance—especially in busy commercial areas.

Here’s the difference between the two steps:

Floor stripping removes old wax layers, embedded grime, and buildup that causes the floor to look cloudy or uneven.
Floor waxing (finishing) applies fresh protective coats that leave a clean, uniform shine and help guard against wear.

This service is commonly performed on:

VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) – one of the most common commercial floors
Commercial vinyl flooring (depending on the finish type)
Sealed linoleum floors in some facilities

A professional provider will assess the floor type, traffic level, and current condition to choose the correct products and method.

Why Floor Stripping and Waxing Matters

In commercial spaces, floors take more abuse than most people realize. The result is not always immediate, but it becomes noticeable quickly, especially under bright office lighting.

Common Issues in Busy Commercial Settings

Wax buildup that turns yellow or dull
Visible “traffic lanes” in hallways and entryways
Scuff marks from shoes, carts, and equipment
Stains near breakrooms, restrooms, and service areas
Slippery spots from uneven finish wear
A floor that looks “dirty” even after cleaning

Professional floor stripping and waxing resolves these problems and resets the surface to a clean, polished baseline.

Key Benefits of Professional Stripping and Waxing

Improves your facility’s appearance instantly. Professional stripping removes dull buildup and traffic stains, while fresh wax restores a clean, consistent shine across the space.

Reduces long-term floor damage and replacement costs. A durable finish protects flooring from daily wear and extends its lifespan, helping prevent expensive repairs or early replacement.

Improves cleanliness and makes routine maintenance easier. A smooth, sealed surface resists dirt and scuffs, making daily cleaning faster and more effective.

Creates a polished, professional environment for visitors and staff. Bright, well-finished floors strengthen first impressions and reinforce a high standard of care.

Provides a protective finish designed for commercial wear. Commercial-grade wax adds a barrier against heavy foot traffic, rolling equipment, and moisture while helping maintain shine longer.

Professional Floor Stripping and Waxing Service: What to Expect

When you hire a commercial cleaning company, you are not just paying for shine. You are paying for process, equipment, and predictable results.

Here’s what a professional service typically includes:

1. Site evaluation and floor assessment

A professional team will evaluate:

Floor type (VCT, vinyl, sealed surfaces, etc.)
Wax buildup and surface condition
High-traffic zones and problem areas
Timeline requirements (after-hours, weekends, overnight)

This helps them create a plan to protect your facility and reduce disturbance.

2. Safe preparation and area protection

Commercial floor work requires controlled access. A cleaning company will typically:

Block off work zones.
Place wet floor signs and safety markers.
Protect walls, baseboards, and nearby furniture.
Work around sensitive areas (offices, equipment zones, entrances)

3. Professional stripping process

Professional stripping removes old layers of finish completely. This is necessary for a clean, even result.

A trained crew will:

Apply commercial-grade stripping solution.
Use professional scrubbing equipment to lift old wax.
Detail corners, edges, and buildup points
Remove residue efficiently so the floor is fully clean.

The intention is more than to clean the floor, but to create the right surface so the new finish bonds properly.

4. Neutralizing and rinsing the floor

One of the most important parts of the process is removing all stripper residue. If this step is rushed or skipped, wax can fail, leading to peeling, cloudiness, or uneven gloss.

Professional teams follow a rinse/neutralizing process that ensures:

No chemical residue remains.
The surface is clean and ready for finishing.
The finish coats will cure evenly.

5. Applying high-quality commercial floor finish (wax)

Waxing in a commercial environment is not about a quick shine. It is about durability.

A professional cleaning company will apply:

Thin, even coats (instead of heavy layers)
Multiple layers for long-term protection
A consistent finish across the entire area

When Should Commercial Floors Be Stripped and Waxed?

The frequency depends on your building usage and traffic level.

General commercial service schedule

High-traffic public areas: every 3–6 months
Standard office suites: every 6–12 months
Low-traffic areas: annually or as needed

If the floor looks dull even after cleaning, it is typically time to restore the finish.

Best times to schedule the service

To keep business operations smooth, most companies schedule stripping and waxing at these times:

Overnight
After business hours
Weekends
Holiday closures

Professional cleaning providers are equipped to meet these off-hour requirements with minimal interruption.

Conclusion

Clean, glossy floors send a clear message: your business is skilled, well-managed, and attentive to detail. Professional floor stripping and waxing restores that shiny surface while protecting the surface from daily wear.

If your facility has visible scuffing, dull traffic lanes, or wax buildup that routine cleaning cannot fix, outsourcing the service to a trusted commercial cleaning company is the fastest and most effective way to bring your floors back to life without disrupting your operations.

Typically, the drying and curing process allows areas to reopen within a few hours. Planning services after business hours or during low-traffic periods can further minimize disruption to daily activities.

Ready to Restore Your Floors?

If you’re noticing worn traffic lanes, dull shine, or heavy scuffing in your facility, Affiliated Building Maintenance is ready to help!

Contact Affiliated Building Maintenance today to schedule professional commercial floor stripping and waxing and give your building the polished, well-maintained look your tenants, employees, and clients expect!

Call us: 480-813-6021