Janitor how-to

How to Strip and Wax a Floor

Fresh finish protects floors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fresh finish protects floors. In short: clear; apply; scrub, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clear the area.

  2. Apply stripper.

  3. Scrub.

  4. Rinse well.

  5. Let dry.

  6. Apply thin coats of finish.

Safety reminders for janitors

  • Use wet floor signs
  • Never mix chemicals
  • Lift safely
  • Wear gloves

SDS · Dwell time · Color coding · High-touch surface · Wet floor sign · Microfiber: see the full janitor glossary.

More janitor how-to guides

Learn this in Janitor trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz