How to Remove Old Wax Off Tile Flooring

Though most tile does not require waxing to maintain its shine and look, linoleum and some kinds of vinyl may require it. Frequent cleaning is essential to prevent dirt and stains from building up in the wax coating. Aged wax can turn yellow and look dull or dirty, despite the best care and maintenance. When this happens, you should strip the old wax. There’s no need to buy harsh industrial products; you can use common household items such as vinegar or ammonia, based on the type of tile floors you’ve got.

Open any windows to ventilate the area where the floor is situated.

Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. For vinyl flooring, combine 1 cup of ammonia with 1/2 gallon of hot water in a bucket. For true linoleum flooring, combine 1 gallon of white vinegar 1 cup cream of tartar at the bucket.

Apply the solution to the tile flooring with a mop and let it sit for 5 minutes to loosen the old wax buildup.

Scrub the floors with a nylon scouring pad and wash away any excess solution with a moist cloth or sponge.

Mop the floors thoroughly with clean water to rinse. Dry the flooring with a towel and apply a fresh coat of wax if desired.

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