How can I properly strip and clean my downstairs floors that were poorly done by public housing maintenance?
Asked by Jonas Josefsen 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 16, 2024
Hey everyone, just wanted to share that I’m moving to another apartment in my public housing complex. Unfortunately, the floors downstairs are not in great shape. I asked the maintenance team if they had stripped them, and they said yes, but the condition is still not great. I’m a bit confused on what to do next – should I strip the floors myself? If so, what are the steps I need to follow? I got a quote for $500 to redo the dining room and living room floors, which is a bit out of my budget. The person who gave me the estimate mentioned that the maintenance team may not have done a proper job stripping the floors. I’m thinking of putting down some peel and stick flooring, but I want to make sure the floors are clean first.
Heck, I used to have an apartment that looked even worse. Same tile, just in green. It was so dreary. I simply cleaned it and didn’t stress about it. Why invest money in something you don’t even own? I don’t get it. I think painting it (with inexpensive paint, of course) or using some area rugs that you actually own and can take with you when you move makes more sense.
Could you please lay down some rugs?
Oh, these are various tiles. They’re V.C.T. so they’ll appear similar.
TSP is going to remove the existing wax.
So, as a school custodian, I usually strip floors annually. Doing it properly without the right tools like a swing-arm floor scrubber will take ages, and there’s a chance it won’t turn out evenly. If you plan to cover them anyway, it might not be worth the effort. If it were up to me, I’d use a versatile cleaner to scrub the floors well, followed by a scrub with hot water. Once dry, you can lay down your new floor.
Taby Onell I really appreciate your advice and help with our schools! That’s the game plan now! I’m looking at some peel and stick flooring! So many great choices! What do you suggest for multi-purpose use?
“SimpleGreen” is a fantastic cleaner and it’s not harsh at all.
Being Canadian, I’m sure we have access to different chemicals than what you have there.
Taby Onell, if you suggest some options, I can check Amazon to see if they have them. If not, I’ll just stick with good old Clorox and hot steam water.