Wood, stone and laminate flooring needs to be regularly waxed and cleaned to ensure long life and a hygienic environment. The frequency of waxing and cleaning floors is dependent on how much foot traffic the area receives. Experts recommend most areas be cleaned and waxed every six months.
Typical costs:
Professional cleaners offer floor cleaning services that include stripping, waxing, sealing and buffing floors. Typically, the cost is dependent on the square footage of the location. The Janitorial Store, a membership-based organization of janitorial service owners, offers an average price list[1] for a business that contracts ongoing stripping, waxing and buffing services. On average (based on a 1,000-square-foot business), scrubbing a floor costs $11-$31; machine stripping is $20-$60; applying a floor finish is $15-$20; and applying a sealer is $15-$20.
Residential floor cleaning rates are typically charged by room. Most rooms typically range from $80-$120. For example, Stanley Steemer[2] charges $96 for a bathroom and $99 for a family room. Expect minimum charges of $90-$150.
Buffing and stripping machines can be purchased for residential or commercial use. Typically, buffing and stripping machines cost $100-$1,500. For example, online retailer Clean Freak provides a variety of devices and supplies[3] for floor care. The Commercial Floor Stripping package[4] costs $962 and includes a stripper/buffer, two containers of wax and extra buffing pads.
Propane buffer/stripper machines typically cost $4,000-$7,000. The Onyx Triple Brush Propane Stripper with a 17 horsepower engine costs $5,102.
Renting a buffing and stripping machine typically costs $35-$60 per day. The Home Depot's tool rental division, for example, rents a floor buffer and polisher[5] for $36 per day.
Floor cleaning businesses generally provide free estimates for commercial and residential services. Typically, floor cleaning service should include machine stripping, cleaning, waxing and buffing.
Floor buffer machines typically include an owner's manual, a warranty and the machine itself. Some machines are sold in packages that include cleaning and polishing solutions and extra buffing pads.
Additional costs:
Stripping and buffing machines need replacement pads, stripping solutions and buffering compounds. Replacement pads typically cost $6-$10. Stripping solutions cost $15-$25 per gallon. Floor wax typically costs $20-$50 per gallon. Retailers such as Floor Buffers[6] offer a full range of floor-cleaning supplies and replacement parts.
Discounts:
Atlanta-based Janilink has weekly specials[7] that frequently include floor cleaning machines and supplies.
The DIY Network has tips for cleaning[8] tile, wood and vinyl floors.
Shopping for floor cleaning:
The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association business directory can help customers find a certified, professional cleaning service.
The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, which certifies cleaning businesses, offers tips for selecting the right cleaning professional and an international directory[9] of certified professional cleaning businesses.
Keeping Floors Clean[10] , a blog by experienced cleaning professionals, offers tips on selecting the right floor cleaning machine.
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