STRIPPING PROCEDURES

Stripping is the process of removing old wax or finish from the floor.  Stripping is required when the floor becomes unsightly (i.e. dirty, discolored, yellow or grey) and can no longer be restored to original appearance.   Floors should be stripped when converting to a harder finish than is already on the floor (such as a non-buffable finish over a buffable finish).

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU STRIP?
WHEN AND WHY STRIP?
     Discoloration, Worn out slippery floors
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND MIX PROPERLY
    The effects of over/under dilution
HAVE A PLAN, AND WORK THE PLAN
    Work from the point farthest from the water source.
TEST THE DILUTION RATIO
80/20 RULE APPLIES
DWELL TIME
NO RINSE/NEUTRALIZATION
PRODUCTS
    Choose the right product to match equipment and maintenance style
BASEBOARD STRIPPER
DILUTION CONTROL STRIPPERS
    There are three basic methods for stripping floors: Conventional, No Rinse, Mop Strip

1. Wet Floor Signs
2. Wet Mops with Handles
3. Mop Buckets and Wringers
4. Edging Tool
5. Rotary Floor Machine or Automatic Scrubber
6. Stripping Pad
7. Wet Vacuum

1. FLOOR STRIPPER

1. Dust mop the floor using the dry cleaning procedures.
2. Position wet floor signs.
3. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling cleaning chemicals.
4. Fill the mop bucket with FLOOR STRIPPER solution following directions on the product label. 
5. Fill the second mop bucket with clear rinse water.  If using an automatic scrubber, fill it with clear rinse water.
6. Liberally apply FLOOR STRIPPER solution to an area approximately 10' x 10'.
7. Allow to dwell 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.  (Some floors may requirer longer dwell times if heavy build-up exists.  Do not allow stripper solution to dry on the floor.  Re-wet if necessary.) 
8. Scrub floor with floor machine using the appropriate stripping pad.  Scrub small areas at a time.  Some automatic scrubbers can be used instead of the floor machine.  Scrub the floor first without vacuuming up the solution.
9. Use the edging tool to strip corners and other areas where the machine cannot reach.
10. Pick up the slurry with wet vacuum, mop or automatic scrubber.
11. Apply a liberal amount of clean rinse water to the floor with a clean wet mop or from the automatic scrubber.  Pick up with mop, wet vacuum or automatic scrubber.  Repeat this process until rinse bucket stays clean.
12. Allow the floor to dry completely before removing wet floor signs.
13. Clean all equipment and return to storage area.

• Always wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
• Use cool water when diluting products.
• Always add stripper to water. Never water to stripper.
• Use caution signs as floor surface may become extremely slippery.
• Use both sides of the mop.  Turn the mop over, keep mop on the floor and gently fold over to avoid splashing walls, baseboards, carpet, etc.
• Change solution frequently.  Dirty solution cannot clean the floor.

1. Wet Floor Signs
2. Wet Mops with Handles
3. Mop Buckets and Wringers
4. Edging Tool
5. Rotary Floor Machine or Automatic Scrubber
6. Stripping Pad
7. Wet Vacuum

1. FLOOR STRIPPER - NO RINSE

1. Dust mop the floor using the dry cleaning procedures.
2. Position wet floor signs.
3. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling cleaning chemicals.
4. Fill the mop bucket or automatic scrubber with FLOOR STRIPPER solution following directions on the product label. 
5. Fill the second mop bucket with clear rinse water.
6. Liberally apply FLOOR STRIPPER solution to an area approximately 10' x 10'.
7. Allow to dwell 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.  (Some floors may requirer longer dwell times if heavy build-up exists.  Do not allow stripper solution to dry on the floor.  Re-wet if necessary. 
8. Scrub floor with floor machine or automatic scrubber using the appropriate stripping pad.  Scrub small areas at a time.
9. Use the edging tool to strip corners and other areas where the machine cannot reach.
10. Pick up the slurry with wet vacuum, mop or automatic scrubber.
11. Using the clear water bucket and a clean wet mop damp mop the lines or marks left by the edges of the squeegee.
12. Allow the floor to dry completely before removing wet floor signs.
13. Clean all equipment and return to storage area.

1. Wet Floor Signs
2. Wet Mops with Handles
3. Mop Buckets and Wringers
4. Edging Tool
5. Stripping Pad
6. Wet Vacuum

1. FLOOR STRIPPER - NO RINSE

1. Dust mop the floor using the dry cleaning procedures.
2. Position wet floor signs.
3. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling cleaning chemicals.
4. Fill the mop bucket with FLOOR STRIPPER solution following directions on the product label. 
5. Fill the second mop bucket with clear rinse water.
6. Liberally apply FLOOR STRIPPER solution to an area approximately 10' x 10'.
7. Allow to dwell 3-5 minutes.  (Some floors may requirer longer dwell times if heavy build-up exists.  Do not allow stripper solution to dry on the floor.  Re-wet if necessary. 
8. With the same wet mop, re-wet the floor working your way back into the slurry to reduce any slippery conditions. 
9. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes more.  Scrub small areas at a time.
10. Use the edging tool to strip corners and other areas where the machine cannot reach.
11. Pick up the slurry with wet vacuum or mop.
12. Using the clear water bucket and a clean wet mop damp mop the lines or marks left by the edges of the squeegee.
13. Allow the floor to dry completely before removing wet floor signs.
14. Clean all equipment and return to storage area.