As vinyl and linoleum floors wear out over the years, the wax helps to maintain their luster and protect them from further wear, damage and scratches. You can also use it on wood, tile and epoxy resin ones. However, bear in mind that over time it tends to build up and take on a yellowish tint. As a result, the floor looks dirty even after cleaning it. To remedy this, remove the old wax layer before applying a new one. Before removing it, move the furniture to the area to be treated, sweep the floor and use the mop to remove dirt and debris.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Wax Buildup from Vinyl and Tile Floors
Step 1. Remove the old wax from the vinyl with dishwasher detergent and ammonia
Use a sponge mop to pass a solution consisting of 7.5 liters of hot water, 240ml of bleach-free powdered dishwasher detergent, and 480ml of ammonia. Let it sit on the floor for a couple of minutes. Then scrub gently using the mop or a brush, then absorb the excess liquid. Make another pass with clean warm water, using the sponge or brush to remove any residual wax.
- You will likely have to hand scrub in the corners and near the baseboards.
- Dry the floor with old cloths or rags.
Step 2. Use a solution of water and ammonia
Pour 120ml of ammonia into 7.5L of hot water. Use this mixture to clean your vinyl or tile floor. Let it sit for at least ten minutes so it can loosen the wax build-up. Dry the floor with old rags.
- Repeat if necessary to completely remove the wax.
- Use warm water to clean epoxy floors. Mix 120 ml of ammonia and 7.5 liters of hot water and mop the solution with a hard foam head.
Step 3. Use ammonia, hot water, and laundry detergent on the tiles
Clean the floor with 180ml ammonia solution, 240ml laundry detergent and 3.8L warm water. Let it sit for about ten minutes. Scrub the floor with an abrasive sponge or stiff bristle brush. Then make a pass with clean water.
- Dry the surface with cloths or rags before applying a new layer of wax.
- Try the same method of removing wax on tiles using a solution based on 240ml white vinegar, 240ml ammonia and 3.8L warm water.
Step 4. Scrub the vinyl floor with carbonated water
Pour it directly onto part of the surface. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush or abrasive sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then pat dry.
Step 5. Remove the wax from the stone tiles with a floor remover
Choose one specially formulated for the type of your tiles. Apply a generous amount to one section of the floor. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then scrub vigorously with a wire brush. Wipe with a rag and wash with clean water to remove any residue. Repeat this process until you have scrubbed and cleaned the entire floor.
- You can apply the pickling agent with a floor sander equipped with an abrasive washer.
- Try to remove the pickling agent with a wet vacuum cleaner or a normal vacuum cleaner equipped with a squeegee attachment.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Wax from Linoleum
Step 1. Apply cream of tartar and vinegar solution
Pour 240ml cream of tartar into 3.8L white vinegar, stirring until the powder dissolves. Pass the solution on the floor and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Hand scrub a portion of the surface in circular motions using a nylon scourer. Clean with a damp cloth or sponge, then move on to the next section.
Repeat the same operation on all areas that have accumulated wax
Step 2. Try an isopropyl alcohol solution
Mix 3 parts of water and 1 parts of isopropyl alcohol. Before removing the wax with this compound, put on a pair of rubber gloves and open the windows to ventilate the room. Apply the solution to the floor and scrub with a stiff bristle brush or nylon scrub sponge.
Step 3. Rinse and dry
After using cream of tartar and vinegar or isopropyl alcohol mixture, wash the floor with clean warm water. Dry it with old cloths or rags. Once dry, you can apply fresh wax.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Wax from Wood Floors
Step 1. Use odorless white spirit
Rub it into the wood. You can also use fast drying solvent naphtha. Scrub the old wax using old rags or fine steel wool.
Step 2. Absorb and dry
After scrubbing the wax, remove it along with the white spirit or solvent naphtha using clean, soft rags. Dry the floor with old towels or cloths. Prevent damage by making sure the floor is completely dry. Finish by applying a new coat of wax and buffing the floor.
Step 3. Take security measures
Air the room as you scrub the floor and dry. Wear rubber gloves when scrubbing and handling rags and steel wool. If you use solvent naphtha, protect your eyes with protective lenses. Rinse the rags you used and place them in an airtight container before throwing them at a toxic waste disposal site.
Advice
- On the market you can find various products that are used to remove wax from the floor. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you choose a suitable one for your floor type before trying it out.
- You may want to remove the layers of wax a couple of times a year to prevent them from building up. The more they pile up, the harder it is to get rid of them.
