Over time, commercial floors can lose their clean, polished look, even with regular cleaning. Dull shine, dark traffic paths, and buildup that won’t come off with mopping are common signs that deeper maintenance is needed.
Our commercial floor stripping services remove old layers of wax and finish, giving your floors a fresh starting point. Once stripped, floors can be properly cleaned, refinished, and protected so they look better and last longer.
Why Floors Need to Be Stripped
Even when floors are regularly cleaned, floor finish does not wear evenly. High-traffic areas wear away their protective layer faster, while lesser-used areas continue to hold onto older layers. This ultimately causes cloudy patches, dark traffic lanes, and an uneven shine over time.
Stripping helps by:
- Removing built-up wax and old finish
- Dirt that has been trapped below ground.
- Creating a smooth, clean base for a new finish
- Helps keep floors cleaner between regular cleanings.
- Extending the life of the flooring itself
Quite often, a strip and refinish can make a world of difference in the appearance of a floor, at a fraction of the price of replacement.
How to Tell If Your Floors Need Stripping
Not every floor needs to be stripped right away. Some clear signs it may be time include:
- A hazy or cloudy look that doesn’t improve with cleaning
- Dark or dull traffic lanes
- Finish that’s peeling, flaking, or wearing through
- Floors that look dirty again soon after being cleaned
- Uneven shine across the surface
If normal cleaning isn’t making a difference anymore, stripping is often the missing step.
What the Floor Stripping Process Looks Like
While the details vary slightly depending on the floor type, professional floor stripping usually follows a similar process:
1. Preparing the Area
Furniture and equipment are moved out of the space, and the floor is swept or dust-mopped to remove loose debris.
2. Applying the Stripping Solution
A commercial-grade stripping solution is applied to break down old wax and finish. It’s left on the floor just long enough to work without damaging the surface underneath.
3. Machine Scrubbing
Floor machines scrub the surface to lift the softened finish and grime that’s built up over time.
4. Removing Residue and Rinsing
The stripped material is removed, and the floor is thoroughly rinsed to ensure no residue is left behind.
5. Drying and Inspection
Once the floor is dry, it’s checked to make sure it’s clean and ready for the next step.
6. Applying New Finish
Fresh coats of floor finish are applied to protect the surface and restore a clean, even appearance.
How Often Should Commercial Floors Be Stripped?
There’s no single schedule that works for every building. How often stripping is needed depends on foot traffic, floor type, and how well the floor is maintained day to day.
As a general rule:
- Very high-traffic areas may need stripping about once a year
- Moderate-traffic areas may require this type of cleaning every 12 to 24 months
- Low-traffic areas may require carpet stripping only where there is visible buildup.
Cleanings and floor maintenance can help extend the time between stripper treatments.
Why Professional Floor Stripping Matters
Floor stripping is not a job that should be undertaken by the individual. This procedure requires highly concentrated solutions, equipment, and skills. On the contrary, improperly carried out floor stripping may cause floor damage by deteriorating the adhesive or creating slippery floors.
A professional will ensure that:
- The right products are being utilized for your specific flooring
- Finish is removed evenly without harming the surface
- Floors are properly neutralized before refinishing
- The space will be left tidy, safe, and ready for use
It is one of those areas where experience truly does count.
Where Commercial Floor Stripping Is Most Common
Floor stripping is highly recommended for:
- Office buildings
- Schools and educational facilities
- Medical and health care areas
- Retail stores
- Industrial and warehouse settings
Anywhere floors see consistent foot traffic and need to maintain a professional appearance, floor stripping plays a vital role in maintaining the floors over a long period.
Is Floor Stripping the Right Next Step for Your Facility?
Perhaps the floors in your home or office appear well-worn despite frequent cleanings, and you are wondering what you can do to revitalize them. In such situations, floor stripping may very well be what they require.ABS & CBS offers commercial floor stripping and refinishing that is built around your needs and your schedule. Reach out, and our staff would be happy to assess the job and give you their recommendation.