What Is Floor Stripper Used For? A Complete Guide to Professional Floor Care

Maintaining clean, polished floors is one of the most important parts of facility maintenance — but over time, layers of wax, finish, and dirt can dull the shine and make floors harder to clean. That’s where floor stripper comes in. This powerful cleaning solution is designed to remove built-up coatings and restore your flooring’s original appearance. Whether you manage a school, healthcare facility, or commercial space, understanding what floor stripper is used for — and how to use it safely — is key to keeping your floors looking professional and lasting longer.

What Is Floor Stripper?

A floor stripper is a chemical solution formulated to dissolve and remove old floor finishes, sealers, and wax. It works by breaking down the bond between the floor’s surface and the finish layer, allowing janitorial staff to strip away the buildup before applying a fresh coat. This process is an essential step in professional floor maintenance, especially for resilient flooring like vinyl, tile, and linoleum.

In short, floor stripper prepares the surface for refinishing — giving your floors a clean slate for a new, durable, and glossy protective layer.

What Is Floor Stripper Used For?

Floor stripper is primarily used to remove old wax, polish, and buildup from floors that have lost their shine or become discolored. It helps restore the floor’s natural texture, improves adhesion for new finishes, and enhances the overall appearance of the facility.

Common Uses Include:

• Removing old wax and sealers from vinyl composite tile (VCT) floors.
• Preparing surfaces for re-coating or refinishing.
• Eliminating embedded dirt, scuffs, and residue that standard cleaners can’t remove.
• Restoring traction on floors that have become slippery due to wax buildup.

In commercial cleaning, floor strippers are essential for deep maintenance cycles — typically performed several times per year depending on foot traffic and surface wear.

How Floor Strippers Work

Floor strippers contain a combination of solvents, surfactants, and alkaline agents that dissolve the chemical bonds in wax and floor finishes. Once the product softens the coating, it can be easily removed using a floor machine, mop, or scraper. This process reveals a clean surface ready for resealing or waxing.

Most commercial-grade floor strippers are concentrated and require dilution with water before use, depending on the strength of the buildup.

Different Types of Floor Strippers

Not all floor strippers are the same — the best option depends on your facility’s flooring material, environment, and maintenance schedule. Here are the most common types:

1. Traditional Solvent-Based Floor Strippers

These are the most powerful formulations, used for heavy wax buildup or industrial settings. Solvent-based strippers quickly break down multiple finish layers and work well on tough surfaces like VCT or terrazzo floors.

• Best for: Large facilities and high-traffic areas.
• Advantages: Fast-acting and highly effective on thick coatings.
• Considerations: Requires proper ventilation and PPE due to strong fumes.

2. Low-Odor or Low-VOC Floor Strippers

Designed for use in schools, hospitals, and offices, these floor strippers minimize chemical odor and emissions while still removing finish effectively.

• Best for: Environments with strict air quality or safety standards.
• Advantages: Safer for staff and building occupants; more eco-friendly.
• Considerations: May take longer dwell time to achieve full removal.

3. No-Rinse or Rinse-Free Floor Strippers

No-rinse floor strippers simplify the cleaning process by eliminating the need for a water rinse after stripping. This saves time and reduces labor costs for janitorial teams.

• Best for: Facilities needing quick turnaround cleaning.
• Advantages: Reduces labor and water use; ideal for routine maintenance.
• Considerations: May not remove extremely thick or old finishes as effectively as traditional formulas.

4. Green or Eco-Friendly Floor Strippers

These products use biodegradable, low-toxicity ingredients that are safer for both workers and the environment. Green floor strippers meet eco-certification standards while still providing solid cleaning power.

• Best for: Sustainable facilities and LEED-certified buildings.
• Advantages: Low odor, non-corrosive, and safer to handle.
• Considerations: May require more dwell time or mechanical agitation for tough buildup.

How to Use Floor Stripper Safely and Effectively

1. Prepare the area: Remove furniture, signage, and obstacles. Post wet-floor warnings.
2. Mix according to directions: Dilute the floor stripper as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Apply evenly: Mop or pour the solution onto the floor and let it dwell for 5–10 minutes (avoid drying).
4. Agitate: Use a floor scrubber or stripping pad to loosen old finish layers.
5. Remove residue: Wet vacuum or mop up the slurry completely.
6. Rinse (if required): Allow the floor to dry before applying new sealer or wax.

Safety Precautions

• Always wear gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes when using floor stripper.
• Ensure proper ventilation during use to prevent inhaling fumes.
• Follow dilution ratios carefully to avoid damaging flooring materials.
• Never mix floor strippers with other chemicals or cleaners.

When to Use Floor Stripper

How often you strip floors depends on traffic levels, cleaning frequency, and the type of floor finish used. Most facilities benefit from stripping and refinishing floors every 6–12 months. However, high-traffic areas like lobbies or restrooms may require quarterly maintenance to keep surfaces looking polished and professional.

Final Thoughts: The Foundation of Long-Lasting Floors

Floor stripper is the first step in revitalizing tired, dull, or worn floors. By removing layers of old wax and buildup, it restores your flooring’s appearance and creates the perfect foundation for new finish coats. Regular stripping and refinishing not only improve aesthetics but also extend the lifespan of your flooring investment.

Shop Professional Floor Strippers at Innov8 Supply

At Innov8 Supply, we provide commercial-grade floor strippers designed for powerful performance, safety, and efficiency. Whether you need a heavy-duty solvent formula or a low-odor eco-friendly option, our products make floor maintenance faster and more effective.

Shop today and discover the best floor stripper for your facility — because cleaner floors start with the right foundation.