Waxing & Deodorizing
Proper waxing protects floors and enhances shine, while deodorizing eliminates odors for a fresh, clean environment. Follow these steps for best results.
1. Waxing Floors (Vinyl, Tile, Concrete, Hardwood)*
A. Preparation
✔ Sweep & Mop – Remove dirt and debris with a microfiber mop.
✔ Deep Clean – Use a floor stripper (if old wax is present) and scrub with an auto-scrubber or stiff brush.
✔ Rinse & Dry – Remove all residue and let the floor dry completely (1-2 hours).
B. Applying Floor Wax
- Choose the Right Wax:
- Vinyl/Tile: Acrylic floor finish (water-based).
- Concrete: Concrete sealer or wax (for polished floors).
- Hardwood:* Only use wax designed for wood (avoid polyurethane-coated floors).
- Application Steps:
- Use a wax applicator mop or microfiber pad.
- Apply thin, even coats (2-3 layers recommended).
- Let each coat dry 30-60 minutes before reapplying.
- Avoid foot traffic for at least 4 hours (24 hours for heavy use).
C. Maintenance Tips
- Buff periodically to restore shine.
- Reapply wax every 3-6 months (high-traffic areas may need it sooner).
⚠ Warning: Do not wax laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or pre-finished hardwood with polyurethane—use a polish instead.
2. Deodorizing Floors & Rooms
A. Neutralizing Odors
- Baking Soda Treatment
- Sprinkle on carpets, let sit 15+ minutes, then vacuum.
- For hard floors, mix with water and mop.
- Vinegar Solution (Great for pet odors & mildew)
- Mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 gallon warm water and mop.
- Let air dry (smell dissipates quickly).
- Enzyme Cleaners (For urine, food, or organic odors)
- Spray Nature’s Miracle, OdorGone, or Bac-Out on affected areas.
B. Air & Surface Freshening
- Essential Oils – Add a few drops (eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree) to mop water.
- Commercial Deodorizers – Use Ozium, Febreze, or Zorbx for lingering smells.
- Charcoal Bags – Place near odor sources to absorb smells naturally.
C. Preventing Future Odors
- Place walk-off mats at entrances to trap dirt.
- Clean spills immediately to avoid staining/smells.
- Use HVAC filters with odor-neutralizing carbon.
3. Recommended Products
| Task | Best Products |
|---|---|
| Floor Wax | Zep High-Traffic Floor Finish, Bruce Hardwood Wax, Spartan Floor Wax |
| Odor Removers | Nature’s Miracle (pets), OdorGone (general), Ozium (air sanitizer) |
| Deodorizing Mop Solutions | Pine-Sol, Murphy Oil Soap, Method Squirt + Mop |
Safety Tips
✔ Wear gloves & ventilate the area when using chemicals.
✔ Test products in a small area before full application.
✔ Avoid waxing slippery floors in high-traffic zones (use non-slip finishes instead).