Flooring — FAQ
What's the difference between floor stripper and floor cleaner?
Floor cleaners remove dirt and grime from the floor surface. Floor strippers contain powerful solvents that dissolve and emulsify layers of old wax, polish, and sealers down to the bare floor. Using stripper when you only need cleaner damages your floor's protective layers.
Can I use floor stripper on hardwood or laminate flooring?
No. Standard floor strippers will destroy hardwood finishes and laminate wear layers. Only use products specifically labeled as hardwood floor finish removers. For laminate, replacement is often the only option—strippers penetrate seams and cause swelling.
How long does floor stripping take for a typical DIY project?
A 200 square foot kitchen requires 2-3 hours total: 30 minutes prep, 15 minutes application, 10-minute dwell time, 45 minutes agitation and removal, and 30-60 minutes rinsing. Larger areas or heavy buildup can double these times. Plan for ventilation drying time before resealing.
Do I need to neutralize the floor after stripping?
Most modern strippers are self-neutralizing, but always verify with the product label. We recommend a final rinse with clean water and pH test strips. If pH reads above 9, apply a neutralizing solution (often vinegar-water mix) before polishing to ensure proper new finish adhesion.
Is ammonia-free floor stripper less effective?
Not significantly. Modern ammonia-free formulas use alternative alkaline agents that perform within 10-15% of traditional ammonia-based strippers. For DIYers, the safety trade-off is worth it—reduced fume exposure, no toxic gas risk if mixed with bleach, and safer for households with children or pets.
How much floor stripper do I need for my project?
Calculate your square footage, then multiply by 0.5 ounces per square foot for concentrate (at standard dilution) or 1 ounce per square foot for ready-to-use. Add 20% for heavy buildup or multiple layers. Example: 500 sq ft needs 2.5 gallons diluted solution, so buy one gallon of concentrate.
