Expert: Sijka - 12/1/2008

Question
What do you recommend for cleaning old wax splatter off of wooden, painted baseboards?  Whoever waxed has splashed wax up on the baseboards. I've tried Goo Be Gone, Murphy's, and plain elbow grease, and nothing seems to loosen the splatters.   Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Susan,
  Here are 3 wax stripping solutions that might help with your baseboards.  You can make them in a lesser amount.  If these don't work try Armstrong Floor Stripper-it's for linoleum but I've used it on baseboards too.It hasn't taken the paint off when I've used it but be sure to try it in a hidden area first to be sure.
  
  WAX STRIPPER
1 C. ammonia
2 qt. water
1/4 C. washing soda
Wearing rubber gloves, mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon bucket. Sponge or mop the cleaner onto a small area of floor, getting the floor quite wet. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften the wax. Loosen the wax by scrubbing with the scrubber, then sponge up the cleaner and loosened wax. Rinse with clear water. Repeat for the rest of the floor. If any wax residue remains, repeat the stripping treatment over the entire floor.

FLOOR STRIPPER
(for no-wax floors)
1/2 C. powdered cleaner (such as Spic & SpanŽ)
1 C. ammonia
1/2 C. cool water
Mix. Puddle the solution on the floor in a 3-foot square sections and allow to penetrate for 5 minutes. Mop up the solution, then rinse thoroughly with clear water. To prevent yellow buildup, wash your floor regularly with detergent or ammonia and water.


FLOOR STRIPPER terrazzo floors
2 C. tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)
1 bucket water
Mix and let set overnight to dissolve. Apply liberally to floor with a scrub brush. Let set 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub vigorously with an abrasive cleaning pad. Mop with clean water and let dry. CAUTION: When working with this solution, always wear rubber gloves, eye goggles, and loose clothing.

Sijka