Soil stripping

What cleaning equipment do I need to strip my floor?

For best results, using a single-disc floor scrubber or an automatic scrubber-dryer with appropriate cleaning pads will save significant time. The advantage of an automatic scrubber-dryer is that it provides the same mechanical cleaning action as a single-disc floor scrubber, while also offering simultaneous vacuuming of the stripping solution. You can also rinse the floor by running a scrubber-dryer over it with clean water. If the room is not suitable for an automatic scrubber-dryer, a single-disc floor scrubber remains the stripping machine, but it will need to be used in conjunction with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner .

My floor is discolored after stripping.

In this case, it is essential to change products and refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheet for the flooring, which sometimes recommends solvent-based rather than alkaline formulations, for example. Discoloration can also be related to the age of the flooring, and in this case, a lower dilution will be necessary to promote mechanical action. Certain solvent-based formulas with a slightly lower pH, such as Taski Jontec Linosafe, will be perfectly suited.

How to remove a protective emulsion without damaging the floor?

To remove a protective emulsion (thermoplastic wax) without damaging the flooring, it is essential to choose a stripper suitable for the type of flooring. A standard alkaline stripper (pH 10–12) is suitable for most PVC, vinyl, and thermoplastic floors. For more delicate floors such as linoleum or limestone, a slightly alkaline stripper like Taski Jontec Linosafe is preferable to avoid any surface alteration. The dilution recommended in the technical data sheet must be followed: too high a concentration can cause yellowing or discoloration. Apply the diluted product, let it work for 5 to 10 minutes without allowing it to dry, then work with a low-speed floor scrubber (150–200 rpm) equipped with a black or brown pad. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and check the rinse pH with a test strip before reapplying wax.

Which paint stripper should I choose for vinyl or PVC flooring?

Vinyl and PVC flooring are among the most sensitive to strong alkaline products. For these floor coverings, it is advisable to select a no-rinse stripper with a moderate pH (pH 9–11 in diluted solution), such as SR25 or Taski Jontec No. 1. These formulations are designed to dissolve the protective emulsion without damaging the coating's plasticizer, which is responsible for the floor's flexibility and colorfastness. Avoid solvent-based strippers or products with a pH above 13 in neat solution, which can cause irreversible swelling or discoloration. Always consult the flooring manufacturer's technical data sheet: some manufacturers recommend specific formulations approved for their flooring.

What dilution is needed for a professional floor stripper?

The dilution of a professional floor stripper depends directly on the level of soiling and the type of emulsion to be removed. Generally, recommended concentrations range from 1:5 (intensive stripping, old or thick emulsion) to 1:20 (routine maintenance or light first coat). It is essential not to overdose: too little dilution (product too concentrated) does not improve stripping effectiveness but increases the risk of damaging the floor and makes rinsing more difficult. A poorly rinsed stripper residue will soak into the coating and prevent proper adhesion of the new wax, causing a "floury" effect (wax that crumbles into powder). Always refer to the product's technical data sheet and perform a test on a small area before any large-scale application.

Can a floor stripper be used without a single-disc floor machine?

Using a single-disc floor scrubber or automatic scrubber-dryer is highly recommended as it ensures the uniform mechanical action essential for effectively removing the protective emulsion. However, for small surfaces or inaccessible areas (corners, baseboards, confined spaces), manual application is still possible with a suitable stripper. In this case, apply the diluted product using a squeegee or microfiber flat mop, leave it for the recommended contact time (generally 5 to 10 minutes), then scrub vigorously with a scouring brush or a manual abrasive pad. The result will be less even and require more effort than with a machine, and several passes may be necessary for thick layers of emulsion. For regular cleaning or surfaces larger than 20 m², investing in a single-disc floor scrubber remains the most efficient and least demanding solution.

How can I check that my rinsing is correct?

A simple method involves applying a little clean water to various points on your surface and placing a pH test strip or litmus paper on each spot. These types of strips, used to test the pH of swimming pools, are readily available. If your pH strip indicates a pH that is still alkaline, it is essential to repeat the rinsing process, otherwise the wax will not adhere properly in the next phase.

I applied my wax but it's turning to dust: flour?

It's likely that, assuming the product quality isn't the issue, your rinsing phase wasn't carried out correctly. In this case, the stripper residue embedded in the floor is resurfacing and attacking the emulsion.

What color disc should I use to strip my floor?

Generally, the standard black stripping disc is preferred, but a preliminary test should be carried out. Alternatives include brown, blue, or green for very delicate floors.
Conversely, for stronger stripping, Hi Pro stripping discs allow for deeper action.