How to Strip a Vinyl Tile Floor

Vinyl floor tiles may need to be stripped periodically.

Vinyl tile floors need to be sealed or waxed regularly to prevent them from fading or scratching over time. When too many layers of sealer or wax have built up on the floor, the tiles may begin to appear yellow, or to flake. When this happens, the vinyl floor should be stripped down to the bare tiles before another layer of sealer can be applied. Vinyl tile stripping products are on the market, but many of them give off harsh fumes. Therefore, rubbing alcohol may be the better choice for a stripper.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Bucket
• Mop
• Floor agitator with stripping pad

Instructions

1. Mix three parts water and one part isopropyl alcohol in a large bucket. Mop this mixture onto the vinyl tiles and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes.

2. Fit the floor agitator with a stripping pad and set it to a low speed. Run the agitator over the floor in large circles, taking care to reach all areas of the vinyl.

3. Mop the floor with plain water to remove any remaining wax and the alcohol solution. Allow the tiles to dry completely before adding a new coat of wax or sealer.

References

• Parish Supply: Procedures for Stripping Vinyl Composition, VAT and Terrazzo
• Tipking: Strip Wax from Linoleum and Vinyl Floors