Isn’t ending up with a clean floor the whole point of mopping? That’s why it’s a bummer to realize your floors are sticky after all the time you spent washing them. The good news is you already have the tools to get out of that sticky situation, and here you’ll learn how to use them!

What causes sticky floors in the first place?

There are many reasons for a floor to get sticky after mopping it, but all of them are easily fixable and preventable. The most common causes of a sticky floor are:

• Too much detergent. It is easier to add the amount of floor cleaner you think is right instead of following the instructions on the label. However, mishaps happen, and adding more cleaning solutions than needed will make your floors sticky with dried detergent.
• Dirty water/mop. When cleaning a floor, the dirt ends up in your mop and the water you’re using. If you’re cleaning a particularly filthy floor, there’s a point where you’re no longer cleaning but just spreading the dirt everywhere.
• No rinsing. Depending on the level of dirt on your floor, it could need a rinse with clean water after mopping it. If you skip this crucial part of the process, the floor could end up all sticky and smudgy.

How to clean a floor that’s sticky after mopping

As said, dealing with a sticky floor is not a big deal, especially once you know what causes it. The only real difference could come with the type of floor you have. Keep that in mind and choose one of the following methods.

How to clean most sticky floors

Whether you have a tile, vinyl, or stone floor, the most important thing is to use a clean mop and clear, warm water. So, wash your mop and change the water in the bucket (make sure the bucket is clean, too) before starting.

As you are essentially going to rinse your floor, you won’t need to use floor cleaner. Instead, gush a little bit of dish soap one or two times to make the water slightly soapy. Then, dip your mop and wring it, so it doesn’t drip too much when swabbing the floor.

If the water gets too dark, change it and repeat as necessary. To ensure no residue is left, rinse one final time with clean water (don’t add floor cleaners or soap).

How to clean sticky hardwood floors

Hardwood floors need special care to keep them in good condition, including how you clean them. Like the previous method, you need to wash your mop and bucket to ensure they are clean when mopping.

Hot (even warm) water could damage the wood finish or exposed wood, so use cold water instead. Once you fill the bucket, add a trickle of dish soap—the point is not to make it soapy but add some cleaning power.

Before mopping, you must wring your mop well, as excess water could make the wood swell. Change the water or rinse your mop whenever necessary. Finally, rinse your floors with clean water (remember to wring your mop well) to leave your floors squeaky clean.

Preventing Sticky Floors: The Key to Effortless Cleaning

While knowing how to fix sticky floors is important, preventing them in the first place can save you time and effort. Here are some pro tips to keep your floors clean and streak-free:

1. Use the right amount of cleaner: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution ratios. Less is often more when it comes to floor cleaners.
2. Invest in a quality mop: A good microfiber mop can make a world of difference, picking up more dirt and leaving less residue behind.
3. Two-bucket method: Use one bucket for your cleaning solution and another with clean water for rinsing. This prevents you from redepositing dirty water on your clean floor.
4. Regular maintenance: Sweep or vacuum before mopping to remove loose dirt and debris. This reduces the amount of grime your mop has to handle.
5. Dry the floor: After mopping, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or towel to remove any excess moisture, especially on hardwood floors.

By incorporating these preventive measures into your cleaning routine, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of ending up with sticky floors, making your cleaning sessions more effective and enjoyable

Keep the rest of your house shiny too!

Clean floors look even better when the rest of the house matches them! House Keep-Up offers customized housekeeping services in Chicago carried out by fully trained experts so you can enjoy a pristine-looking house. What are you waiting for? Book with us!