How to Remove Polyurethane From Hardwood Floors

How to Remove Polyurethane From Hardwood Floors
Written By
Sidney Johns
Sidney Johns
Published: Dec 13, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Clear all movable items from the room and clean the floor. Dust or sweep the area with a clean cloth to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.

Step 2

Apply chemical stripper to the floor. Use a paintbrush to apply a uniform coat of the stripper to all areas of the floor. Be careful around corners, being sure to get the corners without touching the walls.

Step 3

Scrape the polyurethane off. After the chemical stripper has set the manufacturer's recommended amount of time, the polyurethane will begin to bubble and turn loose. Use a putty or floor scraper to remove from the floor. Collect and dispose of the scrapings.

Advertisement

Step 4

Sand the floor lightly to remove any remaining polyurethane. Small bits may stick even after stripping. Lightly hand sand these areas to get any remaining bits.

Step 5

Sweep or wipe down the floor to get rid of any remaining loose debris.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

Sidney Johns

Sidney Johns began her writing career in 1993 after moving to Florida. The former teacher and surgical technician worked in the home improvement industry prior to earning a Bachelor of Science in education from Indiana University. While on…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.