#008 - Mixing Floor Strippers

When mixing floor strippers, always use the manufacturer recommended instructions. Strippers are designed to be mixed weaker (more water) for cost effectiveness or stronger (less water) for more effective stripping. Manufacturers usually don't recommend mixing any stronger than 1:2 or 1:3 meaning 1 gallon of stripper to 2 or 3 gallons of water respectively.

A common misconception among our industry includes the thought that if stripper can be mixed stronger, it must work better using it without mixing water. This is WRONG. Using stripper straight, believe it or not, will cause problems. Two  things happen when doing so; hydroplaning and lack of suspension. In explanation, when using stripper without enough water, the floor machine will hydroplane. This hydroplaning will keep the machine from making proper contact with the floor, in turn leaving un-stripped floor finish behind. Furthermore, water is a suspension agent and therefore helps to suspend emulsified wax as the stripper works to continue emulsifying further layers of wax. Without this water, the floor stripper dries out prematurely on the floor and creates an issue.

Remember:

1) Make sure you use the manufacturers recommended dilution. Most strippers are mixed 1:5 (25oz. of stripper to 1 gallon of water).

2) Let the stripping solution stand on the floor for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes depending on the buildup.

3) Do not let the stripping solution dry out. Re-apply solution prior to scrubbing as needed.

If you would like to contact LSS Inc. or see more of our products, please call (800) 632-6333, or by email at staff@lssclean.com