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Congrats! You made the decision to strip and wax your floor. That “wet” glossy look will enhance your facility’s appearance and give a long-lasting shine to your flooring. In an effort to get the maximum return on your investment, we have put together a “rule of thumb” list which will greatly help in keeping that shine lasting for as long as possible. Hopefully, you will find them useful. As usual, your Interworld representative is on standby to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Why Floor Maintenance Matters

Your facility’s floors are more than just a surface—they’re a reflection of your business. A well-maintained, glossy floor creates a welcoming impression, enhances safety by reducing slip risks, and extends the life of your investment. Neglecting maintenance, however, can lead to dullness, scratches, or even costly repairs. Stripping and waxing is a great start, but it’s the ongoing care that preserves that ‘just-finished’ look. At Interworld Cleaning, we’ve seen firsthand how proper maintenance saves our clients time and money—here’s how you can do the same. Follow these tips to maximize your floor’s shine and durability, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

Entrance:

  • Make sure to lay rugs (if you haven’t done so yet) at the entrance doors (inside and outside) – to keep dirt, mud, and salt out as they can cause damage and become embedded into the wax. Interesting fact -“You need 12 to 15 feet of matting at the door to stop about 80 to 85 percent of the dirt.”
  • Have the rugs swept/vacuumed daily and changed out weekly

Daily:

  • No-Harsh Chemicals (such as bleach, Fabuloso and etc) at any point as they can deteriorate the wax
  • Sweep floors as often as you can, at least 1 x per day
  • Use PH Neutral Floor Cleaners to mop the floors
  • Mop the floors at least 1 x per day while changing the mop head regularly
  • Avoid cross-contamination when possible by refiling the mop bucket several times during each service
  • Pick up right away any water/liquid spills to prevent potential liability and corrosion of the floor finish

Weekly:

  • Scrub floors with neutral ph cleaners using an auto-scrubber at least 1 x per week
  • Make sure the auto scrubber has the correct scrubbing pads

When mopping daily, stick to pH-neutral cleaners—think products like Diversey Stride or 3M Neutral Cleaner—because harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can strip wax by breaking down its protective polymers. Sweep first to remove abrasive dirt, which acts like sandpaper on your finish. For weekly auto-scrubbing, ensure your machine uses the right pads: red pads are gentle enough for routine cleaning, while black pads are too aggressive and better suited for stripping. These small choices make a big difference in maintaining that glossy shine. Pro tip: change your mop head after each use to avoid spreading grime, and refill your bucket midway through larger spaces to keep the water clean. Consistency here pays off in the long run.

Not all floors face the same challenges. In a busy retail store, you might need to mop twice daily to tackle spills and foot traffic, while an office could get by with once. Warehouses often deal with grease or tire marks—here, a slightly stronger neutral cleaner and quarterly top scrubs can keep the wax intact. Restaurants, meanwhile, might need extra attention near kitchens to prevent grease buildup from dulling the finish. Tailor your schedule to your space: high-traffic areas demand more frequent care, while low-use zones can stretch maintenance intervals. Unsure what fits your facility? Consult your Interworld representative for a custom plan that keeps your floors shining.

Monthly:

  • Spray Buff or Rejuvenate using the correct floor product to bring back that wet glossy shine

Quarterly:

  • Top scrub to remove any scuffs/stains/scratches and/or marks that are on the floor
  • Apply at least 2 coats of new floor finish to protect the floor

Semi-annually:

  • Strip and wax

Even with the best care, issues can pop up. If your wax starts yellowing, it might signal old finish buildup—schedule a top scrub sooner to refresh it. Stubborn scuffs that resist spray buffing? Try a small amount of neutral cleaner with a soft cloth before escalating to a machine. Uneven shine often points to inconsistent wax application; a fresh coat after a thorough scrub can even it out. For peeling wax, check your cleaning products—harsh chemicals might be the culprit. Persistent problems like deep scratches or dull patches? Don’t DIY too long—our team at Interworld can diagnose and fix it fast. Catching these early keeps your floors looking pristine and avoids bigger headaches down the line.

The right tools elevate your maintenance game. Use a microfiber dust mop for daily sweeping—it traps dirt better than brooms. For mopping, a flat microfiber mop head cuts through grime without leaving streaks; work in a figure-eight motion for even coverage. Change your mop water often to avoid redistributing dirt, especially in high-traffic zones. Auto-scrubbers are great, but pair them with a quality neutral cleaner for best results. These simple upgrades save time and keep your floors pristine with less effort—small tweaks, big impact.

Hire Our Disinfection Services in & near Baltimore, MD

Are you looking for floor cleaning services in & near Baltimore, MD? Have you ever thought about hiring perfect commercial cleaning services? Our commercial cleaning company is the best option. As a result of our years of experience and hard work, you will receive quality services that meet your expectations. We have the most experienced commercial cleaners who can bring you some of the best results in floor cleaning services.

With these tips, your freshly stripped and waxed floors can stay glossy and durable for months. Start with solid entrance mats, stick to a daily and weekly routine, and don’t skip those quarterly touch-ups. Have a trick that works for you? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it! For expert help in Baltimore, MD, Interworld Cleaning is just a call away. Our experienced team is ready to tackle your floor care needs, from routine maintenance to full strip-and-wax services. Let’s keep your floors shining together—reach out today!

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your facility’s traffic. For most commercial spaces, stripping and waxing every six months keeps floors looking sharp. High-traffic areas like retail stores might need it quarterly, while low-use offices could stretch to annually. Watch for signs like dullness or heavy scuffing—if the shine’s fading fast, it’s time. Our Interworld team can assess your space and recommend a schedule that fits.

No, stick to pH-neutral cleaners. Vinegar is acidic and can etch the wax, while Pine-Sol’s harsh chemicals can break it down over time, dulling your floors. pH-neutral options, like Diversey Stride, clean effectively without damaging the finish. It’s a small switch that saves you from costly rewaxing down the line.

Uneven shine usually means the wax wasn’t applied consistently. First, try a light scrub with a neutral cleaner and a red pad to smooth it out, then apply a thin, even coat of finish. If that doesn’t fix it, old wax buildup might be the issue—schedule a top scrub. For stubborn cases, give us a call at Interworld; we’ll get it sorted fast.

Check the dirt. If you’re sweeping less grime off your floors daily, your mats are trapping it well—12 to 15 feet of matting stops 80–85% of debris. Look for wear, too; frayed or soaked mats need replacing. Vacuum them daily and swap them weekly to keep them effective. It’s your first line of defense for that glossy finish!