Article: Having determined what type of finish is on your floor by following the instructions for Preparing the Floor, buy a stripping solution that will remove that type. Also make sure the stripping solution is safe to use on hardwood, or whichever material your floor is made from. If you can't find a product that specifically matches the type of finish previously used on your floor, try out a "universal" floor stripping solution on a small corner of your floor to test it. Remove all dust and debris from the area using a dust mop if you have one, or a broom if not. Put on clean footwear afterward to prevent further dust from getting on the floor. Chemicals in the solution can be dangerous to the skin or create toxic fumes. Work in a well ventilated area and protect yourself with gloves, long sleeves and pants. Use goggles and a respirator mask for large stripping jobs or poorly ventilated areas. The respirator mask should be labeled as an organic vapor blocker. A heavy duty trash bag allows for easy cleanup and lets you use the bucket for other purposes later. Follow the instructions on the floor stripping solution to determine how much you need, and whether to dilute the solution with water. Have a mop ready. The trash bag is especially essential for mop buckets, since you don't want to later clean your floor with residual floor stripping solution. A "strip mop" is a specialized mop that will do a more effective job, but any mop will do. You don't have much time to apply and remove the stripping solution, so it's important to have a second mop handy for cleaning up. The first mop will be too saturated with stripping solution to use for cleaning purposes. Stripping solution makes the floor slippery, so plan your route in advance to avoid having to walk over it. Scrub the floor evenly and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, but do not allow it to dry. Try to agitate the finish with your mop as you apply the stripping solution. The stripping solution should change color as it removes and mingles with the finish over the next few minutes. If you are stripping a large floor, do so in small sections so the stripping solution doesn't dry. For large jobs, an auto scrubber or rotary machine is recommended, as it will do a thorough job pulling up all the finish. If using an auto scrubber, scrub the area leaving the squeegee tool up (not in use). If using a floor machine or burnishing machine, use the stripping pad attachment. Large jobs may require multiple stripping pads. You can use a doodle pad for this or a long handled razor blade tool such as a poll scraper. If you don't want to buy a specialized tool, any sharp flat blade such as a putty knife will do the job. Without stepping on the slippery floor stripping solution, use the blade to work the wax away from edges, where the stripping solution and mop have difficulty pulling off the finish. You may need to scrub the baseboard as well, if it has picked up wax residue. You can purchase a special baseboard stripping pad if you are using a floor machine. Do this after the finish has been worked off but before the solution has dried. If you worked in the stripping solution with an auto scrubber, simply lower the squeegee attachment and pick it up again. Otherwise, you'll need a wet vacuum to remove the solution. If a section begins to dry out, pour a little water from your clean water bucket to keep it wet. Rinse several times to ensure all stripping solution is removed. You can add a stripping neutralizer to your water to ensure the next wax will adhere properly. If you don't want to buy one, simply wash it thoroughly several times. You can use an auto scrubber or floor machine for this step as well, as long as you change the pad beforehand. Don't use the same pad you used to apply or wipe up the stripping solution. Thoroughly clean any tools used, including the interior of machinery hoses and tanks. If left uncleaned, the stripping solution will dry into a hardened mess and ruin your tools. Don't move on to waxing your floor until it is completely dry, or the wax may not attach properly. You can put a fan in the room to hasten the drying process.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Buy a floor stripping solution suitable for your floor. Either vacuum or sweep your floor with a dust mop or broom. Use safety gear. Line a bucket with a trash bag and fill with stripping solution. Fill a second bucket with clean water and a second mop. Use a mop to apply floor stripping solution from the far end of the floor to the exit. Use an auto scrubber or floor machine to work in the stripping solution (optional). Scrape wax from the edges and corners of the floor. Remove the stripping solution and finish with a wet vacuum or auto scrubber. Wash your floor using the clean mop and water bucket. Wash all tools used. Let your floor dry completely.