How to remove stains and floor wax from stone floors - Double Stripping Method

In this article, I will share a comprehensive guide to getting rid of stubborn wax and stains on stone flooring. This is a technique that both our professional and DIY customers can use.

So, what is this method called? The Double Stripping Method.

Now, I'm going to show you exactly how to use the Double Stripping Method, step by step.

The Double Stripping Technique is one that we recommend to many of our professional customers and many have seen success with. 

For advice on other floor restoration treatments, check out our blog or send us a message online.

The tools you need to remove stains and wax

First of all, just like the standard wax removal treatment, you need Faber Dec 21 Residue Wax Stripper. 

Faber Dec 21 combines various organic solvents and wetting agents capable of stripping wax from deep within the surface. It is also able to remove a range of substances.

Get rid of:
- Old residues
- Sealants
- Long-standing dirt
- Water or solvent-based treatments
- Oily Stains
- Synthetic or organic waxes 

You will also need Faber Cottosolv for this double wax stripping treatment. 

Faber Cottosolv is a super concentrated alkaline-based degreasing agent for stripping wax, resin and polymers and other treatments regardless of how stubborn they are. This wax stripper is formulated to be especially effective when removing natural, organic or synthetic polymers. 

It can also remove dark oxidation marks, mould, efflorescence and algae from surfaces such as Cotto (as the name suggests), terracotta and other absorbent materials. 

Professional Equipment - 

What is more, for this treatment you will also need a single-disc machine and clean microfibre cloth.

Similarly, we also recommend you have a wet vacuum cleaner.

DIY Equipment -

However, if you don’t have access to a single-disc machine, a large brush or scrubbing pad is suitable. 

A cloth or paper towel is a fine alternative to the wet vac to remove residues. 

How to use the Double Wax Stripping Technique - Remove Wax, Oil and Grease

1. Apply Faber Dec 21

Apply Faber Dec 21 undiluted to the surface, ensuring the entire area is covered. Be sure to evenly and vigorously distribute the wax stripper with a single-disc machine or scrubbing pad. 

2. Leave the product to act

Allow for this wax-stripping agent to act. 

To aid its dissolving action, pass over the surface for about 5 - 10 minutes with your single-disc machine or scrubbing pad.

Doing this will assist the dissolving action of the stripping agent and produce better results. 

Furthermore, for more absorbent surfaces, it may be necessary to apply more of the product to ensure the surface is completely covered throughout the process. 

During the entire double wax stripping treatment, the surface must be covered in a thin layer of solution. 

3. Apply Faber Cottosolv

After 10 to 15 minutes have passed, apply Faber Cottosolv to the surface already covered with Dec 21. 

On absorbent materials such as cotto or concrete, do not dilute Cottosolv. However, on non-absorbent materials such as ceramics and porcelain stoneware, dilute the Cottosolv to 50% in clean water. 

Be sure to thoroughly distribute this alkaline degreaser with a single-disc machine or large brush. Again, you’ll pass over the surface for either tool for about 5 - 10 minutes. 

4. Allow the product to act

Allow the alkaline degreasing agent to act for 10 - 15 minutes. 

To assist in the dissolving action of this product, pass over the surface at regular intervals with a single-disc machine or large brush based on how severe the situation is. This leads to better results. 

Moreover, you may need to apply more of the product on absorbent surfaces to make up for what has been ensured. The entire surface must be covered in a fine layer of Faber Cottosolv during the wax stripping process. 

5. Remove the cleaning residues

After allowing the product to act, remove the cleaning residues present. 

We recommend removing the excess with a wet vacuum cleaner; although, using cloths or absorbent paper towels is appropriate. 

6. Rinse the surface

Pour a generous amount of clean water onto the surface forming an emulsion with the solution already present on the floor. 

Evenly distribute this emulsion with a single-disc machine or large brush and remove any excess. 

Afterwards, use a wet vac again to pick up the residues. 

7. Repeat the treatment

If the results achieved are not satisfactory, repeat the previous steps. 

Now it's Your Turn!

That's how you can use the Double Stripping Technique to strip wax, grease and stains from stone flooring.

Start cleaning your stone surfaces today!

Why do you need Faber Cottosolv to get rid of wax?

For stripping wax, resin, polymers and other treatments there is no better choice than Faber Cottosolv. It is a highly concentrated alkaline-based detergent.  Regardless of how stubborn these residues are, Cottosolv can get rid of wax no matter what.

Powerful yet gentle cleaning action

Firstly, this alkaline cleaning detergent will dissolve organic components on your surfaces. It even works against greasy and oily stains. 

Furthermore, Cottosolv works deep within surfaces to clean them and strip wax residues. This ensures the removal of all resins, polymers and residues; even those that have deeply embedded into floor surfaces. 

This wax remover is also ready for the deep cleaning of high foot traffic areas. 

Despite its effectiveness against wax and stubborn residues, Faber Cottosolv gives floors a gentle cleaning treatment. As such, it won’t change the appearance of surfaces.

Unique Formula

This wax remover is just one of the 250+ products in the Faber range. After over 30 years in the surface care industry, Faber has designed, crafted and tested every one of their products. As a result, each product demonstrates nothing less than top-quality performance and effectiveness. Cottosolv is no exception.

Faber gave this alkaline detergent on unique formula. Its formula actually allows Faber Cottosolv to dissolve organic components. This greatly improves its ability to get rid of wax from acid-sensitive surfaces. 

Moreover, this special formula is very effective for the removal of natural, organic or synthetic polymers. Due to this, it is also effective for restoring surfaces to their original appearance. 

Versatility

Cottsolv also shines due to its versatility. 

This alkaline-based wax-stripping cleaner is very effective against a range of annoying substances.

Effective Against:
- Dark oxidation marks
- Algae
- Mould
- Efflorescence

A means to remove dark oxidation marks, algae, mould and efflorescence from cotto, terracotta or absorbent materials in general.

Learn more

We are always happy to assist in any way we can - speak to our experts on 0121 773 9129 from Monday to Friday between 08:30 am and 16.30 pm for friendly advice. If you are in need of answers outside of office hours (evenings, Saturdays and Sundays) send us a message online and we promise to respond the very next working day. 

Alternatively, read the technical datasheet (TDS) for Faber Dec 21 .  

Also, remember to turn to the Tiling Logistics blog for any other surface protection and restoration treatments you need.