How to Clean Sticky Floors: Effective Tips
I am sure that almost everyone has faced the problem of sticky floors. Everyone may have a question, how to clean sticky floors.
Causes of a sticky floor
Before proceeding to study the question of how to clean sticky floors, you should determine the main causes of sticky wood floors.
There were cases when I was engaged in wet cleaning, however, the sticky floor still gave me inconvenience.
Based on long experience, I was able to identify several main reasons for this phenomenon.
Wrong choice of cleaning chemical
I used to prefer to wash the floor with ordinary water, which I moistened a traditional mop in. If your floor is too sticky at home, then you need to prepare a cleaning chemical. It is extremely important to choose the right cleaning chemicals that help remove stains.
It is important that the cleaning solution has antibacterial properties and removes bacteria from the sticky floor. For a clean, sticky floor, choose a concentrated solution. It deals with grime effectively. Today, there are many floor cleaning products on the market, and you can choose the best option for yourself.
If sticky floors have greasy stains, I recommend looking for a strong floor cleaner. High-quality floor cleaners not only cope with dirt but also prevent the appearance of a sticky floor. If you notice that the sticky floor appeared after cleaning, then you have chosen the wrong cleaning solution.
To prevent an unpleasant situation, I advise you to talk to a consultant in the store so that they can help you choose a quality cleaning solution. Find out what material your floor is made of, so that you can find a floor cleaner that is compatible with it.
On the market, there is a cleaning solution that is designed to work with tiles. If you wash parquet floors like this, a sticky residue appears. You also risk damaging the flooring.
High concentration of floor cleaner in water
Many people find that adding a lot of floor cleaner helps clean a sticky floor more effectively. Let me just say that I thought so, too. However, now I know for sure that this is a myth.
If you add too much cleaning solution to the water, the effect is the opposite.
When you start cleaning sticky floors, follow the instructions on the packaging of the floor cleaner carefully. If you exceed the recommended dosage, a sticky residue forms. For ease of determining the dosage, almost all manufacturers supplement floor cleaners with a measuring cup.
Use of dirty water
Often, sticky floors in the house appear if the cleaning of floors is carried out with dirty water. Especially if the house has wood floors or laminate floors. Therefore, stop using dirty water. As soon as you notice that the water becomes dirty, you should change it. Otherwise, all the dirt returns to its place again, and you get a sticky floor.
Clean and dirty water are constant companions of people who clean coverings. If you are planning on mopping to remove the sticky residue, have both clean and dirty water. Severe grime can be removed with dirty water. But at the end of the work, you have to rinse the hardwood floor several times with clean room-temperature water.
If you do not want to bother with the constant change of dirty water, you can use special steam mops. If you want to save money, use a traditional mop that has a microfiber head instead of a steam mop.
This is explained by the fact that such tools contribute to the better removal of sticky residues. On the market, there are special mops that allow you to separate clean and dirty water. The bucket comprises two compartments. In one, you wet the mop, and in the other, you wring out the water.
Floor cleaning methods
If you are concerned about sticky floors in your home, then you are often faced with the question of how to clean floors properly. In my experience, I have identified several effective methods, which I will review in more detail below.
Steam mop application
On the market, you can find effective steam mops that help clean covering without much effort. The cleaning efficiency is ensured by steam. Steam mops effectively remove dirt and help save time. Steam mops work best on tile and linoleum floors.
With a steam mop, you can clean an entire hardwood floor in just 10-15 minutes. The device allows you to quickly clean the covering, and you do not have to rinse everything with hot water at the end. Ultimately, during operation, the mop emits hot steam, which dissolves dirt and pushes it out.
I can tell you from experience that steam mops should not be used on hardwood floors or parquet floors. After all, if the timber is constantly in contact with hot steam, it can collapse. Use only a clean mop to clean the floors effectively.
Application of ammonia or vinegar
To clean the covering, I prefer to use ammonia. This tool helps to remove any contaminants, including grease, that make the floors sticky. Make sure that ammonia does not get on the skin, because it can cause burns and irritation. Dripping undiluted ammonia on the floor is harmful to the coating.
Always mix ammonia with warm water. I can say with confidence that ammonia does not go well with hardwood floors that are not treated. Because the surface is damaged.
White vinegar helps clean floors. The composition contains the acid that helps break down dirt and fat deposits. Mix equal proportions of white vinegar and room-temperature water to clean the covering in your home. Such a tool helps to clean parquet floors.
Remember not to clean a sticky floor with pure white vinegar. After all, the surface is damaged. Also, avoid using hot water, which releases harmful fumes.
Application of a special cleaner or alkali-based cleaner
Ready-made cleaning products can be found on the market. Read the ingredients carefully, as some cleaning products may contain harmful ingredients. Because of them, it is still sticky after mopping the floors.
Dilute cleaning solutions according to the instructions on the packaging. Only in this way, you can effectively clean the sticky floor on the entire floor.
If the floors in the house are sticky, you can use alkaline solutions. They are recommended to be diluted in warm water to get a clean covering. You can prevent the floor from being sticky after mopping it with an alkaline solution, which works well on the surface of the timber.
The tool does not contain toxins and effectively copes with sticky residues. After preparing the solution, leave it on the entire floor for a few minutes. In the end, rinse everything with clean water to get a clean covering.
Application of baking soda
If the floors are sticky and inconvenient, it is not necessary to run to the store for a cleaner. Use baking soda, which is in every kitchen. Baking soda is effective and safe.
It helps to quickly remove sticky residues, and cleaning sticky floors is very effective with it.
Dilute a glass of baking soda in 2 liters of warm water and start cleaning the floor. After a few minutes, wash off the remaining soda with clean water.
Detergent use
You can clean the sticky layer with a special cleaning chemical that has a mild composition. Such solutions are prepared quite simply. Mix a few tablespoons of a cleaning chemical with warm water to remove sticky residue. Even if the floor is sticky, after a few minutes, you can walk on a clean surface.
As soon as you prepare a solution of mild detergent, start mopping the floor. Then wash off the soap suds with clean water. Remember that you need to wash the mop repeatedly. If you do not want to buy a special floor cleaner, use dish soap.
This option would be appropriate for vinyl floors. For parquet, this method is not suitable.
Tips on How to Clean Sticky Floors
If the floor is sticky, then a few simple tips help to cope with it. It is important to observe them during cleaning for the process to be safe and efficient.
1. Choosing the right water temperature
For sticky floors to return to their original state, water at the correct temperature must be used. It is better to go for hot water, which softens the residue and stains that have dried. All you have to do is wash it with a mop.
Hot water is not the best solution if the floors are made of laminate or vinyl. Therefore, it is better to use warm water on such coatings.
2. Sufficient amount of cleaning solutions
The cleaning solution should be sufficient. The mop should be completely immersed in it. Prepare solutions according to the instructions published by the cleaning agent manufacturer.
3. Pre-cleaning and wash directions
Before cleaning floors, the surface must be swept or vacuumed. This removes dust and large debris.
When you clean sticky hardwood floors, move in the direction of the fibers. This recommendation is relevant if the house has wooden floors. If you have a tile floor, then you need to move in the direction of the drawings.
4. Regular water change
If you notice that the water in the bucket has darkened, it should be changed. Don’t forget to add the cleaning solution again to clean the covering effectively.
5. Floor drying
Once you’ve finished mopping sticky floors, wipe them dry.
If you leave even a small amount of cleaning agent on the surface, the stickiness does not get eliminated.
Wipe the floor with soft, lint-free clothes. It is also appropriate to use microfiber cloth.
6. Proper water disposal
Once the cleaning is completed, and you are satisfied with the result, you should properly dispose of the water. Do not pour it into the garden, so as not to damage the plants. The best solution is to flush the water down the toilet.
Sticky floor prevention
If there are spills, then you need to immediately wipe everything up. This prevents the formation of stubborn stains. Refuse to use a cheap cleaning chemical, because it is usually poorly washed off, and the dust sticks to it.
Follow the instructions for the cleaning agent. If the dosage is incorrect, that will keep the floor sticky for a long time. Use fresh water to wash and rinse the floor. As soon as the washing is completed, the floor must be dried. If you walk on a wet surface, the dirt will return.
Always use special rags and mops. They must be of high quality.
Read also: White Residue On Vinyl Floor: All You Need to Know
FAQs
When people encounter sticky floors, different questions can arise.
Why is my floor still sticky after I mop?
This can happen if you use the wrong amount of water. If the water concentration is low, the cleaning agent creates a sticky film. If you exceed the amount of water, then the cleaning agent does not allow you to dissolve the dirt.
What is the best thing to clean a sticky floor?
It is easiest to use mild cleaning chemicals that are pH neutral.
Does vinegar clean sticky floors?
Yes, you can use white vinegar to clean the covering.
Why are my floors sticky?
Sticky floors appear if you have used the wrong cleaning products and tools. Therefore, it is important to consider all the essential factors so that you do not have to wash the floor again.
Results
As you can see, sticky floors are easy to clean. The main thing is to choose the right tools and solutions to cope with stickiness.
Hi, I’m Anna Jeffery, an experienced author and cleaning expert. I strive to share my knowledge with everyone by writing useful guides and tips to keep their living and working spaces clean and healthy. I believe everyone deserves to live in a clean and organized environment, and I take pride in knowing that my articles are helping people achieve that goal. Stay tuned for practical and useful cleaning tips!
