How To Strip and Polish Vinyl Floors | DIY Guide

We all agree that vinyl floors are more durable and low maintenance. Not only are vinyl floors elegant, but they also give an attractive look to your place. However, as nothing lasts, your Vinyl floors can also lose luster. If your flooring looks dull and is in need of a touch-up, this DIY guide on stripping and polishing your floors can work wonders. In fact, with the help of a floor polisher in Auckland, you can effortlessly bring back the beauty of your vinyl floors and make them shine like new again.

Tools and Materials Needed to Strip and Polish Vinyl Floors

To get started, you need to gather a few tools and materials for stripping and polishing your vinyl floors. Here’s what you will need:

• Floor Buffer or Polisher
• Stripping Solutions (Specially Formulated for Vinyl Floors)
• Neutral PH Cleaner
• Microfiber Sponge or Mop
• Brush (Soft-Bristle)
• Clean and Lint Free Clothes
• Protective Gear (Gloves, Glasses, Boots and Mask)
• Plastic Sheeting (To Protect the Surrounding Areas)
• Floor Polish for Vinyl Floors
• Floor Sanders
• Buckets

Step 1 – Preparation

To start the process, remove all the furniture, floor fittings, and obstacles from the space. Think of it as clearing the path for your floor’s transformation. Moreover, it will make the process easier for you and ensure you cover all the areas on the floor.

After that, vacuum the floor to remove any dust, dirt, or loose debris, ensuring you have a clean area to work with.

Vacuuming basically helps eliminate surface-level contaminants and prepares the floor for deeper cleaning. For this purpose, make sure you use the correct attachments or settings based on the type of flooring you have.

In fact, it is essential before applying any cleaning solution to the floor because applying the solution on a dirty floor can result in dirt getting spread around.

As a result of this step, you will see that this process maximises the effect of the cleaning solution and ensures that your efforts result in a more pristine floor.

Step 2 – Stripping

The next crucial part is stripping. For this purpose, find a commercial vinyl floor stripper suitable for your type of vinyl.

Next, divide the floor into small sections and apply the stripping solution using a mop or a sponge. Allow the solution to sit for a specified time as per your manufacturer’s instructions. It will allow the old wax coatings from the floor to penetrate effectively.

Above all, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dilution ratios and application methods.

Step 3 – Scrubbing

Once the stripping solution does its wonder, use a soft bristle brush and clean water to scrub the floor gently. To clarify, when it comes to scrubbing a vinyl floor after applying the solution, it is crucial to follow some guidelines to ensure effective and safe cleaning. Here are some important things to consider:

• Choose a soft bristle brush or a suitable floor scrubbing brush with medium stiffness. Avoid using a stiff or abrasive brush.
• Work in small sections to manage the scrubbing process effectively. For this purpose, you can divide the floor into small sections with a removable marker or tape and work on one at a time. It will also ensure the solution doesn’t dry out before scrubbing.
• Regularly rinse the brush in clean water to prevent the buildup of residue or polish on the bristles.

Keep in mind that each type of flooring material may have specified care instructions. Thus, it is crucial to consult the guidelines given by the manufacturer or recommendations for the best cleaning practices.

Step 4 – Rinsing

After scrubbing the entire floor nicely, it’s time to rinse off the vinyl floor. For this purpose, fill a bucket with clean water and take a fresh mop to remove any remains from the floor. Keep in mind that using dirty water and not changing it regularly can leave streaks or a cloudy film on the floor.

Thus, keep changing the water as it gets dirty to make sure you are spreading any residue around.

Here is a pro tip, when mopping the floor, make sure you do it in a back-and-forth motion and avoid applying excessive pressure or water because it can damage the floor or seep into the seams.

Step 5 – Drying

After rinsing off the floor, allow it to air dry completely. For this purpose, turn on the fans or open the windows for good ventilation to speed up the drying process. In fact, you can even use a dehumidifier if available. Let the floor dry completely before proceeding with any further tasks. It can take around a few hours to overnight, depending on the humidity level, temperature, and size of the floor.

Above all, check the floor for dampness before proceeding. Check visually or touch the floor if necessary to make sure it is completely dry. If you detect any areas that are still damp, allow them some more time and air to dry entirely.

Ensuring that the vinyl floor is fully dry will make the further process easier and provide you with a clean space to work on.

Step 6 – Sanding

The next step is sanding, which is also one of the most crucial steps before giving your floor a new shine.

For this purpose, thoroughly inspect your vinyl floor and look for any scratches or cracks. After that, find the best type of sander for floors and sand your floor gently to smooth out the surface nicely.

However, don’t do this process aggressively, as excessive sanding may damage your vinyl floors.

Following the sanding process, either sweep the floor or use a vacuum to remove any residual sanded particles.

Step 7 – Polishing

Now your floor is ready to get the new touch and restore its shine to new. Above all, this step is going to be the most satisfying.

For this purpose, choose a floor polish that is best suitable and compatible with your type of vinyl floors. It may be a hard decision; thus, it is advisable to get in touch with an expert and use their expertise.

Apply the polish on the floor in even layers using a clean mop or a floor polisher. For this purpose, you can again divide the space into small sections like we did while stripping to avoid leaving any streaks.

Make sure that you follow the instructions as laid down by the manufacturer.

Step 8 – Finishing

Once you have applied the floor polish all over the area, let it rest and dry completely. It may take a few hours, or you may even have to leave it overnight.

Meanwhile, make sure that no one walks on the newly polished floor to prevent any potential damage or smudging of your efforts.

Once the polish has completely dried, use a slightly damp, clean cloth to buff the floor and enhance its shine. Take your time to cover the entire area, and do not leave out any corners.

In fact, it will also help you remove any excess polish and have a smooth finish to your vinyl floor.

Tips for Successful Stripping and Polishing Vinyl Floors

Now that you know the complete step-by-step process to strip and polish vinyl floors, here are a few tips that will make sure that you get the best results:

• Prioritise Safety: Always keep your safety first on your priority list. To clarify, wear safety gloves, masks, and boots to avoid getting in contact with any chemicals that may harm your skin.
• Patch Test: Before redoing the entire space, test your stripping solution and polish on a small patch. It will help you to make sure that the products you buy are suitable for your vinyl floors.
• Follow the Instructions: It is crucial to follow all the instructions laid down by your manufacturer. We think we know everything, but we are only humans, and we might forget some small things that play a major role in the process.
• Choose the Right Products and Tools: Always select high-quality products like stripping solution polish to avoid floor damage or poor results. Use specifically formulated products, and do not experiment with cheap products.
• Allow Proper Ventilation: When working with any chemical solutions or polish, make sure that the area is properly ventilated. This helps to dissipate fumes and prevent the buildup of chemical odours in the room.
• Protect Baseboards and Walls: Use painter’s tape or protective coverings to shield the baseboards and walls from potential splashing or drips. It will help you to protect them from any damage to the surrounding surfaces.
• Lit the Area Before Working: Having adequate lighting is crucial to ensure that you can see the floor clearly while working. It will help you in identifying any missed spots or areas that need extra attention.

Conclusion

The ease and affordability of vinyl flooring have made it a part of almost every home in Auckland. However, vinyl floors need care and maintenance just like any other flooring. So it is important to strip and polish it when it shows signs of wear and tear. Hire professional floor polishers in Auckland to enhance the beauty and lifespan of your vinyl flooring. This will surely enhance the beauty of your home!