What Are Floor Strippers?

Floor strippers are professional cleaning chemicals formulated to remove existing floor finish, wax, and accumulated buildup from hard flooring surfaces. They are commonly used as part of commercial floor restoration and refinishing programs when routine cleaning and maintenance are no longer sufficient to restore the floor’s appearance.

Commercial floor strippers work by breaking down layers of old finish so they can be removed before new floor finish is applied. Depending on the facility and flooring system, stripping may be performed using floor machines, stripping pads, wet vacuums, mops, and other professional floor care equipment.

Floor stripping is commonly performed in schools, healthcare facilities, retail environments, offices, hospitality properties, and other facilities with finished hard floors. The appropriate stripping product and procedure depend on the flooring material, existing finish, number of finish layers, and facility maintenance requirements.

FAQ's

How often should commercial floors be stripped and waxed?
There is no universal schedule for stripping and refinishing commercial floors. Frequency depends on foot traffic, flooring type, existing finish, cleaning practices, appearance standards, and how effectively the facility’s ongoing floor maintenance program protects the finish.
What is the difference between floor stripper and floor cleaner?
Floor cleaners are generally designed to remove routine dirt and soils during regular maintenance. Floor strippers are formulated to break down and remove layers of floor finish or wax in preparation for refinishing.
How long should floor stripper sit before scrubbing?
Dwell time varies by product, concentration, floor condition, and amount of finish being removed. Allowing sufficient dwell time can help the stripper break down existing finish, but the solution should not be allowed to dry on the floor. Always follow the product label for specific dwell-time instructions.
Do you have to neutralize a floor after stripping?
The required procedure depends on the floor stripper and flooring system being used. After stripping, floors generally need to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared so no stripper, old finish, or residue remains before new finish is applied. Facilities should follow the stripper and floor finish manufacturers’ instructions before recoating.