Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500362
06/24/03
Vinyl Floors - Removing Old Wax
If too many layers of wax build up, especially in
non-traffic areas, floor may discolor or look yellowed.
Removing all the wax requires harsher cleaning than
ordinary cleaning, and should be done no oftener than
once a year, and not that often when not necessary.
You can buy commercial wax removers, some made to
remove certain types of waxes, or use a homemade
solution. If you know the brand of wax on the floor,
follow directions on its label for removal.
If you want to make a cleaner:
1. Mix from 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ammonia (start with less
and add more if needed) and one cup laundry detergent in
1 gallon warm water.
2. Test in an inconspicuous area to see if it softens the
wax film. After several minutes, the area where the
solution has been applied with a sponge mop should turn
cloudy and soften.
3. Then scrub that area with a stiff brush, electric
scrubber or very fine steel wool pads to loosen old wax.
4. Repeat process in another area until entire floor is
stripped of wax.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.
6. After drying thoroughly, apply one or two coats of wax
depending on conditions of floor, drying between coats
according to wax instructions.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Wisconsin
Extension bulletin Maintaining Your Home: Care of Vinyl
Flooring.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
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