Strip & Wax Frequency

Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) is one of the most durable floorings for commercial spaces, but it only stays that way if you take care of it. Without a proper wax coating, VCT becomes dull, yellow, and susceptible to permanent scratches.

So, how often do you actually need to strip and wax your floors?

The General Rule: Every 6 to 12 Months

For most commercial spaces, a full strip and wax—where we remove all the old layers of wax and apply fresh new coats—should happen once or twice a year. However, this depends heavily on your traffic.

Factors That Change the Schedule

• High Traffic (Schools, Retail, Hospitals): You may need a "Scrub and Recoat" (a lighter maintenance version) every 3-4 months and a full Strip and Wax every 6 months.

• Medium Traffic (Office Hallways, Breakrooms): A yearly Strip and Wax is usually sufficient, provided you are mopping regularly with a neutral cleaner.

• Weather Impact (Chicago Winters): Here in the Chicagoland area, salt and snow destroy floor wax. We often recommend a heavy scrub immediately after winter ends to remove salt residue that eats away at the finish.

Signs Your Floor Needs Attention Now

1. Yellowing: The corners look darker than the center of the room.

2. Scratches: You can see deep cuts in the finish where dirt is getting trapped.

3. No Shine: Even after mopping, the floor looks dull and matte.

Why It Matters

Stripping and waxing isn't just about looks; it's about protection. Once the wax wears off, foot traffic starts grinding away the tile itself. Replacing tile is expensive; waxing is affordable maintenance.

Is your VCT looking dull? Dreamers Commercial Cleaning specializes in expert floor stripping and waxing in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs. Call us for a free floor assessment.