DIY Floor Stripper

Waxed floors have always been an object of beauty. There is nothing like walking across a freshly waxed floor and seeing your reflection on the floor. The problem with waxed floors is that, over time and after several coats, wax will turn yellow on the floor and create a dingy, dirty look. If this happens, then the wax must be removed through a process called stripping. It can be done with ease, and in as little as a half of a day, depending on the size of the job.

Clean The Floor

Sweep and mop the floor to be stripped. You will need to use a a floor cleaner that will not impede the stripper that will be applied later, usually a mild liquid detergent will do.

Apply The Stripper

Apply the stripper with a sponge mop. The stripper can be purchased from any hardware store. Ask a store employee to help you select the appropriate stripper. Make sure that you purchase enough stripper to treat the entire floor. Follow the directions on the stripper when applying and allow the stripper to set for 5 to 10 minutes.

Scrub The Floor

Use a floor stripping machine to scrub the floor after you have applied the stripping solution. The machine, round at the bottom with a circular disc and pad that will spin around and scrub the floor, will have a long handle with an on and off switch. It will take some getting used to because it will have a tendency to glide across the floor when it is running. Once you have scrubbed the floor thoroughly--the stripping solution instructions will tell you how much scrubbing is necessary--you may remove the solution.

Remove The Stripping Solution

Remove the stripping solution by thoroughly mopping the floor with warm water. Keep the water clean while you clean up the solution. Keep in mind that you will also be mopping up wax as well, so don't be alarmed if there are small chunks mixed in with the used solution.

Resources

• More information on stripping floors.