Wax and Paint Stripping

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10042.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Apr 11, 2008 1:12 am

filed under: Blogs, Ask Annie

Becky, Kentucky asks:

I have two big, heavy-duty cleaning jobs to do. One is to remove wax from a floor, and the other is to strip paint. What do you suggest I use that is nontoxic?

Annie:

The material to use for both jobs is washing soda, available in the laundry section of most supermarkets.

Removing Wax
Make a thick, damp, paste of washing soda, and wearing gloves spread the paste over the floor. (Test this first in an inconspicuous place on the floor to make sure that it doesn’t cause any damage.) Let set for a number of hours, overnight is preferred, keeping the paste as damp as possible. While you rinse the washing soda, the wax should peel off. ,p>
Washing Soda as a Paint Stripper
The least toxic paint stripper is a thick, wet, washing soda paste. Leave the paste on the wood for a number of hours, keeping it damp. The paint should peel off. Repeat as necessary.

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6 comments

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6 comments add your comment

Carole M. says
Jun 26, 2008 12:26 PM

Will this work on metal?

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Carole M. says
Jun 26, 2008 12:25 PM

Will this work on metal?

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Carole M. says
Jun 26, 2008 12:21 PM

Will this work on metal?

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Melinda D. says
Apr 21, 2008 8:47 PM

Peggy,
Arm & Hammer makes one. It is sodium carbonate similar to baking soda which is sodium bicarbonate. Just be sure to wear gloves because it is caustic. Good to use in the dishwasher and washer for cleaning. Really cheap.

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Steffen Mueller says
Aug 18, 2007 3:21 PM

Dear Annie,
I have Castile Liquid Soap with tea tree oil spattered on the powder room walls. It is dried on and will not wash off with water. Other ingredients in the soap are coconut oil and olive oil. The walls are painted with a "flat"-finish paint. What can I do to remove the soap stains? If they cannot be removed, how can I cover them? Thanks for your help.

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Margaret L. R. says
Aug 16, 2007 11:33 PM

What is washing soda? I've never heard of it.
Thanks, Peggy

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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