Problem: Floor Finish Discoloration (Yellowing or Browning)
Floors that are properly cared for will maintain their color and shine. If your floor finish is discolored, read on for common causes and solutions to remove and/or prevent yellowing or browning.
CAUSE: Floor not properly rinsed after stripping
SOLUTION: Vacuum up as much stripper left on the floor after stripping as possible. Rinse thoroughly with neutral cleaner in the auto scrubber. A “hot” floor – too alkaline or too acidic – can CAUSE finish to discolor. Use clear clean water to trim and rinse with. Change rinse water often. Rinse with an all purpose floor neutralizer after stripping to help achieve proper pH.
CAUSE: All finish not removed in stripping process
SOLUTION: Make sure that you followed our floor stripping procedures as closely as possible. Check the dry, newly stripped floor with thumbnail for residual finish. Strip again if necessary. Check for incomplete finish removal by observing “high” spots or shiny patches on an otherwise dull floor. Observe what happens when you rinse the floor. Any finish remaining on the floor will have a milky, cloudy appearance after rinsing.
CAUSE: Finish applied with dirty mop or bucket
SOLUTION: Always clean mops before applying floor finish. Discard finish at the bottom of the bucket because dirt, grit, and lint settle at the bottom. Always rinse bucket when switching from one task to another. Stripping solution residue left in a bucket used for finish could ruin the finish. Line bucket with plastic trash liner to avoid contamination.
CAUSE: Grinding dirt into finish
SOLUTION: Use an auto scrubber with proper floor scrubbing pads and cleaner solution daily. Damp mopping is not sufficient. Follow our dust mopping procedures, and scrubbing with an auto scrubber instructions to adequately remove all debris from the floor.
CAUSE: Auto scrubber used to clean the floor on the transport speed
SOLUTION: Slow the auto scrubber down to allow for proper soil removal.
CAUSE: Dirty mops or water
SOLUTION: Use clean mops and change water often. If dirty mops or water have been used, double scrub with a more aggressive scrubbing pad, rinse thoroughly, and reapply finish.
CAUSE: Water trails left by auto scrubber
SOLUTION: Check for dirt under squeegee blades or worn blades; replace blades as needed.
CAUSE: Applying floor finish before floor has been properly scrubbed and rinsed
SOLUTION: Strip, rinse, and reapply finish. Check out our floor procedures for tips.
CAUSE: Excessive dirt, sand, and grit enter store and are ground into finish
SOLUTION: Use adequate walk-off mats and clean frequently. Follow maintenance schedule. Dust mop and clean with auto scrubber before burnishing.
CAUSE: Buffing pads contain dirt and old finish accumulations
SOLUTION: Always use clean pads. Rotate or replace as needed.
CAUSE: Build-up from applying finish to edges every time floor is coated
SOLUTION: Always stay 6” – 9” away from edges on all coats except the first.
CAUSE: Misusing or improperly mixing chemicals
SOLUTION: Always follow dilution and use directions on the product label. Do not guess on measuring or mixing chemicals. Do not mix chemicals together to short-cut maintenance procedures.
CAUSE: Restorer used too often or concentration is too strong
SOLUTION: Follow the label and wall chart instructions. Use more neutral cleaners to clean or less of a dilution ratio when using the floor wax restore solution.
CAUSE: Fans used to force dry finish resulting in dirt catching bubbles; dirt buffed into finish
SOLUTION: Never direct floor drying fans at floor finish. If fans must be used, aim upward for air circulation in the area. Or use a very low CFM fan, like our Tennant® commercial dryer air mover, to blow air towards the floor and avoid pushing the floor finish which can create ripples.
CAUSE: Contaminated floor finish
SOLUTION: Always dispose of unused finish. Only pour the amount of finish that will be used for the job.
Other Possible Floor Finish Problems:
button which can be found in the cart or on the checkout under "Express checkout" on the first page.
Protect & Save with SuperFreak.
