How to Clean Waxed Concrete Floors by Buffing

Use a buffer to clean concrete floors

Wax is often applied to hard floor surfaces such as linoleum and concrete to produce a shiny surface as well as protect the floor from damage. Over time and with excessive foot traffic the waxed surface of the floor becomes dull. The solution is buffing the floor, which will restore the brilliant shine and remove the top layer of wax containing the scuffs and stains. The new wax revealed after removal is shiny and looks like new.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Floor buffing machine
• Red buffer pad

Instructions

1. Sweep the entire floor with a broom to remove all grit and dirt. For large concrete floors, a push broom makes the job much quicker and easier.

2. Insert a red buffer pad onto the floor buffer as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. Most buffers have an attachment that can be placed over the center post and twisted secure. The buffing pad is then set on the floor and the machine sits on top of it. All buffing pads are color coded to indicate abrasiveness. The red buffer pad is an all-purpose pad for cleaning.

3. Plug in the buffer and hold the handle tightly with one hand while turning the buffer's power switch on with the other hand. Some power switches are activated by pressing with the foot.

4. Squeeze the trigger on the buffet handle to make the buffing pad rotate. Move the floor buffer over the entire surface of the waxed concrete floor in a slow, steady motion.

Tips & Warnings

• Floor buffers can be purchased or rented at home improvement and janitorial supply stores.

• Apply new wax no more than once every six months.

References

• Godwin Architecture: Wax Floor Maintenance
• You Tube: Buffing Machine Floor Maintenance Video