If you’ve ever done a DIY project using Citristrip to remove paint or varnish, you know it gets the job done without the harsh fumes of traditional chemical strippers.

But once you’re done stripping, the real question is how do you clean up all that leftover gunk?

You might be thinking water could do the trick, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

In this post, I’ll explain if you can clean Citristrip water. And I’ll show you how to remove it properly.

Can You Clean Citristrip With Water?

Yes, you can technically clean Citristrip with water, but it isn't the best solution for cleaning Citristrip, even though it's water-soluble.

You'll need to use quite a lot of water to completely dissolve it, and there's a good chance you'll still have residue remaining that could interfere with your new finish.

So do NOT use water to clean Citristrip. Use a solvent like rubbing alcohol instead.

Also Read: Water Streaks On Painted Walls

How To Remove Citristrip

Removing Citristrip isn't hard or complicated, but you need to do it correctly.

Here’s a quick guide on how to remove Citristrip and get your surface completely clean.

Don't try to speed through these steps or skip any of them. Even though it might seem faster now, you'll probably have problems later when you try to apply your new finish.

#1 Scrape Off The Excess Citristrip

Start by waiting 15-30 minutes after you apply Citristrip - this gives it time to work properly.

Then use a plastic or metal scraper (plastic works better for delicate surfaces) and remove as much of the loosened finish and Citristrip as possible.

Work on one section at a time, and don't worry about removing absolutely everything at this stage. Keep your scraping movements steady and even, and be careful not to press too hard, particularly on softwoods.

After scraping off most of it, use a clean rag to wipe the surface and remove any loose pieces and extra product.

Take your time with this step - there's no need to rush.

#2 Clean With A Solvent

Like I said, water won’t cut it at this stage, so it’s time to bring in a solvent.

You can use something like mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol, or even acetone for this.

Soak a clean rag or sponge in your solvent and start wiping down the stripped surface. Make sure you're applying a generous amount, and work in sections to avoid letting the solvent dry before you’ve wiped it off.

#3 Use Water For Final Rinse

Once most of the Citristrip is gone, it’s time to rinse with water.

This helps remove any remaining solvent and Citristrip residue, and it neutralizes any chemicals that might be left.

Warm water tends to work better than cold for this step, and you might need to change your rinse water several times to avoid spreading diluted residue around.

At this stage, make sure to give everything a thorough rinse. You don’t want any chemical residue hanging around that could mess up your next coat of paint or finish.

Wipe it dry with a clean cloth afterward to make sure there’s no water left behind.

If you're working with wood, make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Wood doesn't handle excess moisture well.

#4 Clean Brushes Or Tools

Now that your surface is clean, don’t forget about your brushes, rollers, or whatever else you used to apply the Citristrip. You don’t want to let that residue sit on your tools and harden.

Clean any brushes or applicators first with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol, then with warm, soapy water.

Make sure to clean thoroughly at the base of the bristles where residue often collects.

Some people prefer to leave their brushes in a cleaning solution overnight to keep them in good condition. If you have natural bristle brushes, you might want to condition them after cleaning to keep them soft and flexible.

Oh and keep in mind that the rags we used with Citristrip and solvents can be flammable, so dispose of them properly - don't put them in regular trash.

Also Read: Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives

Tips For Removing Citristrip

Here are some of my best tips for cleaning Citristrip:

Always work in a well-ventilated area - both Citristrip and the solvents create strong fumes.
Even though it’s a "safer" stripper, Citristrip can still irritate your skin and eyes, so don’t skip the gloves!
Consider wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty or a work apron because drips and splashes will happen.
For wood surfaces, consider light sanding to smooth any rough areas before putting on your new finish.

Bottom Line

Can you clean Citristrip with water? Not really. You need a solvent to do most of the work.

Scrape off the bulk of the stripper, use a solvent to clean the residue, and then finish with a water rinse to wrap everything up.

It’s a simple process, and once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’ll feel like second nature.

Plus, your project will be cleaner, and you'll be ready for the next steps!

FAQs

Will Vinegar Remove Citristrip?

Not really. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner, but it won’t do much to break down Citristrip. It's more of a mild cleaner, and Citristrip is a pretty tough product.

If you’re looking for something natural, you might want to try orange oil or citrus-based cleaners, but solvent is always going to be more effective.

Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Citristrip?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can remove Citristrip. It’s actually a great alternative to mineral spirits if you don’t have that on hand.

Will Acetone Remove Citristrip?

Yes, acetone works really well for removing Citristrip, but be careful—it’s pretty strong and can damage some surfaces. Test it on a small area first, especially if you're working with more delicate materials like wood or plastic.

Can You Clean Citristrip With Water? (Explained)