Finding your floors sticky post-mop can feel like all your elbow grease went down the drain. But don’t toss in the towel just yet! We’ve got the solution that will get you out of this sticky mess and leave your floors looking spick and span.
Why does mopping sometimes lead to sticky floors?
If you think a sticky floor is a major headache, worry not; it’s fixable, and you can even prevent it from happening again. However, you’ll have to learn what’s behind that sticky problem first:
- Grimy water and a nasty mop: When mopping, the dirt doesn’t just vanish into thin air. It camps out on your mop and in the water, creating a muddy liquid that’ll coat your floor as you keep using it.
- Overdoing the cleaning solution: Thinking more cleaner equals more cleanliness? Not at all. Pouring in extra cleaner beyond what the label says turns your cleaning mix into a sticky mess once the floor is dry.
- Skipping the rinse: While it sometimes might not seem necessary, neglecting to rinse your floor means any leftover dirt post-mop hangs around, causing unwanted stickiness.
How to get rid of stickiness on ceramic, vinyl, and stone floors
Whether you’re dealing with vinyl, natural stone, or ceramic, the solution to your sticky dilemma is almost as simple as the problems themselves. Just follow these steps to ensure your floor doesn’t revert to its icky state.
Disclaimer: Some moves in this game plan might spell disaster for hardwood. Skip to the next section for some hardwood-specific advice.
Step #1. Keep your tools clean
You can’t beat dirt with more dirt. Rinse and squeeze that mop under running water until it’s as clean as a whistle. If your mop bucket is also looking grimy, give it a good rinse with clean water.
Step #2. Mix up a rinsing (or cleaning) solution
Since you’ll basically rinse away the stickiness, you’ll just need to fill your mop bucket with warm water. If you spot any dirty streaks and want to get rid of them, skip your usual floor cleaner; instead, toss in ½ tablespoon of dish soap for a bit of cleaning muscle.
Step #3. Mop and rinse like there’s no tomorrow
Once everything’s in order, mop away as usual, but don’t forget to give your mop a good rinse every now and then. Keep things spick and span by changing the water when it starts looking like a mud bath. Finally, dry your floors with a clean cloth.
What if you have hardwood floors?
You can stick to the same game plan but with a few tweaks to avoid turning your hardwood into a hot mess. Check these out:
- Say no to hot water. Hot water can make wood go wonky. Fill your mop bucket with cold water to steer clear of any damage.
- Boost your cleaner. Cold water is not the best to tackle stickiness, so throw in a tablespoon of mild dish soap to give it a little kick.
- Wring your mop. Don’t drown your mop. Wring it until it’s just a tad damp. Too much water can deform your wood floors.
We’ll get you out of those sticky situations!
Let No More Dust Cleaning Services take over your floors! We’re armed and ready to tackle all your cleaning woes—including those pesky sticky floors. When you hire us, you can expect a squeaky clean house after every visit. Book with us today!