Floor waxing makes the interiors of a building look impeccable. When the floors of a commercial property shine, they create a strong first impression on clients and guests. This is why business managers should mandate waxing floors on a regular basis.
Not all floor types should be waxed. Here are three types of flooring that require waxing.
All hardwood floors need periodic waxing as it helps seal the porous surface, hide scratches, and resist stains.
Unglazed floor tiles are sealed and waxed right after being installed to help bring out their color, enhance their finish, and protect them from stains. Then, every one to two years, strip the wax and clean the tiles before reapplying polish.
Unlike vinyl tiles that come with a factory finish, VCT needs waxing right after it is installed. Thereafter, every six to 12 months, it must be stripped and re-waxed to maintain its luster.
These types of flooring should not be waxed:
Why is this important? Because wax will not stick to a dirty floor. Make sure to sweep or vacuum the entire room, including corners and under furniture. Then follow up with a good wash. To do this: take a mop, dampen with water, and wash the floors. After mopping, allow the floor to dry completely before applying wax.
Apply paste wax with a cheesecloth or a soft cotton cloth. Liquid waxes and acrylic floor finish should be applied with a sponge mop or a mop stick that is fitted with a microfiber pad. For stone sealers, apply with a paintbrush or paint roller.
Starting from the center of the room, apply a thin layer of wax and continue in a circular motion waxing outward.
Most often than not, applying a single layer of wax won’t be enough to achieve a stellar finish. When floor waxing with multiple layers, wait for the previous layer to harden first before waxing again. Please read the instructions on the label to determine how long it would take for the wax to dry. In most cases, it takes an hour for the wax to dry.
Stripping and waxing commercial floors is a learned skill. Unfortunately, your in-house janitor might not have the proper training to handle the job, which can lead to mistakes. Some of these mistakes can lead to serious damage, which is why hiring a professional commercial cleaning company is your best option for maintaining floors.
Here are five common mistakes when waxing commercial floors.
1. Not waxing enough
With all that foot traffic abusing the floors on a daily basis, regular waxing becomes a necessity. Floor wax is designed to protect floor surfaces, so they do not break down easily. Make sure to schedule waxing with a commercial cleaner biweekly or monthly to keep those floors in tip-top shape.
2. Floor waxing with the wrong equipment
Floor waxing is more than just applying wax and spreading it on the surface. The job requires sophisticated equipment such as a defoamer, wet/dry vacuum, and polisher – which you may not have. Fortunately, commercial cleaners are equipped with the right tools to do the job right.
3. Waxing the wrong floor
As mentioned earlier, different types of floor surfaces require different types of treatment. The chemicals and equipment used to clean a VCT floor are not the same as those for stone. However, with in-depth knowledge about different flooring surfaces, commercial cleaners can recommend the best method for cleaning them.
4. Applying harmful chemicals
Some chemicals are so harsh that they strip the wax off and damage the fragile floor surface. Flooring such as granite, marble, and linoleum tile should not be treated with strong cleaning solutions.
One common mistake is failing to dilute the stripper and applying more chemicals than needed. Again, a professional cleaner would know when it is safe to apply chemicals on certain floor surfaces.
5. Not putting safety first
Your custodial staff may not be as meticulous when it comes to workplace safety; whereas, commercial cleaning companies will always put safety first. This includes wearing protective gear for stripping and waxing, such as goggles, gloves, and nonslip footwear. Professional cleaners also block off the cleaning area with safety cones so as not to disrupt your business.
Clearly, hiring a commercial cleaning company helps ensure that no rookie mistakes are made and best results are achieved. Here at Prestige, our team delivers superior floor waxing services that make floors look better and last longer. Contact us today at 714 224 0301 to book our services or know more about how we can partner with your business.
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