How to Make Homemade Wax Remover

Wax buildup can occur on vinyl tiling from residue left behind by wax-based floor cleaners. To properly re-wax a vinyl floor and make it shine, the buildup must be removed. According to the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS), floor waxes contain hazardous chemicals that can irritate eyes, skin and lungs and possibly cause stress to the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Eco-friendly alternatives to chemical wax-removing solutions can be found in your kitchen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Club soda
• Dry cloths
• Vinegar
• Mop

Club Soda Wash

1. Pour a small amount of club soda onto the floor.

2. Use a mop to scrub the club soda into the areas of the floor affected by waxy buildup. Club soda can be used on the entire floor if necessary.

3. Let the club soda sit for about five minutes.

4. Wipe the floor clean with a dry cloth.

Vinegar Wash

5. If the club soda fails to remove all of the wax, continue with a vinegar wash. Vinegar has a strong odor, so this process should be used only if the club soda did not adequately clean your floor.

6. Mix about a half-cup of white vinegar with a half-gallon of water.

7. Use a mop or a rag to scrub the floor with the vinegar mixture. Let it soak for about five minutes.

8. Wet a clean cloth and wipe the floor clean. Let the floor air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• For linoleum tiles, mix three pans of water and one pan of rubbing alcohol. Use a mop to spread the mixture over the entire floor, then wipe clean with a wet cloth.
• When removing wax from linoleum flooring with rubbing alcohol, wear gloves and keep the area ventilated.

References

• Simply Saving
• HMIS Material Safety Data Sheet
• Castle Building & Remodeling: Maintaining Vinyl Floor Covering