Neutralizers: The Low-Cost Step That Protects Floor Finish Adhesion and Performance

Floor stripping is only “done” when the surface is chemically ready to accept a new layer of finish. Even when a floor looks clean after stripping, alkaline residue can remain and interfere with finish adhesion, cause a hazy appearance, or lead to early coating failure. Neutralizers prevent this problem. They remove or tie up the leftover alkalinity that rinsing alone can miss. In this article, we’ll explain what neutralizers do, when they’re required, and how to use Hillyard Nutra-Rinse® as an inexpensive insurance policy for better results.

What is a Neutralizer?

A neutralizer is a post-stripping conditioning solution designed to eliminate or control alkaline residues left behind by alkaline floor strippers. Those residues can include insoluble alkaline salts that are difficult to remove completely. Nutra-Rinse®, for example, is formulated with a special chelating action that ties up these residues so they can be removed more easily, helping create a clean, receptive surface for new finish.

What happens if you skip the Neutralizer step?

Start by reading the stripper label to find out what steps are required. Some strippers require (or strongly recommend) one or more rinse steps, and skipping them can leave behind alkalinity that isn’t obvious until the finish fails.

Neutralizer is important after stripping because it helps eliminate stripper residue and alkaline salts that can undermine adhesion and appearance. Labor is the highest cost in a strip-and-refinish, and rework can erase the savings of doing the job fast. That’s why Nutra-Rinse is commonly thought of as a cost-effective “insurance policy” at just 4 oz per gallon in many rinse applications. It’s a low-cost step with an outsized impact on finish performance and occupant satisfaction.

How to use Nutra-Rinse

Nutra-Rinse® Neutralizer Instructions: For floors after stripping, dilute 4 oz per gallon of water (1:32), apply a liberal amount, allow a 5-minute dwell, then recover with a wet vacuum. Follow with a damp mop rinse using clean water.

Other Uses for Nutra-Rinse

Nutra-Rinse® is more than a “floor stripping” product. It’s a versatile neutralizer for alkaline residues across multiple surfaces.

For alkaline salts on concrete prior to coating, dilute 16 oz per gallon and scrub with an auto scrubber, then rinse thoroughly before applying any coating. Important note: Do not use Nutra-Rinse on polished marble.

Beyond stripping, it can help remove white film on hard floors caused by ice-melt residue, neutralize ice-melt residue on carpet, and assist with soap and chemical buildup in carpet, either as a pre-spray or through an extractor. It can also be used as a carpet rinse additive in routine extraction programs.

Bring in Hillyard Expertise

Floor care outcomes hinge on process control: the right chemistry, correct dilution, dwell time, recovery, and rinsing. Hillyard has floor care and cleaning experts throughout the United States who can consult with you on best practices. We can help whether you’re troubleshooting adhesion issues, standardizing a strip-and-refinish procedure, or improving consistency across multiple facilities. Use the “I’m Interested” form at the bottom of this page to connect with a local representative and get practical guidance tailored to your floors, labor constraints, and performance expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I skip the neutralizer step after stripping?

You increase the risk of leaving behind alkaline residue that can interfere with finish adhesion and long-term wear. The floor may look fine immediately, but problems can show up as bad adhesion, poor appearance, or premature failure.

Can I use Neutral Cleaner instead of Neutralizer?

Not reliably. A neutral cleaner is designed for routine soil removal at near-neutral pH, but it may not have the chelating/conditioning capability needed to tie up and remove the insoluble alkaline salts left by many strippers. A true neutralizer is formulated specifically to address post-strip alkalinity and help create a coating-ready surface.

What dilution should I use for Nutra-Rinse after stripping?

A common post-strip application is 4 oz per gallon (1:32) with a short dwell (about 5 minutes), then wet vacuum recovery and a clean-water damp mop rinse. Always follow the label directions for the surface and application.