Cleaning sticky floors can be a challenging task as it involves a lot of mess, debris, and dirt. Walking on these sticky floors feels even worse. However, with the appropriate tools and techniques, you can clean sticky floors effectively while ensuring a clean environment. If not done with proper care, it may cause damage to the floors. In this guide, we will talk about the methods and techniques to get rid of stubborn stickiness from your floors.
Common Causes of Sticky Floors
Before discussing clean methods, we should know the things or factors that cause these floors to become sticky.
- Spilled drinks like soda, beverages, and milk, etc.
- Grease or food residue left from cooking.
- Mopping with too much cleaner while not rinsing afterward.
- High humidity leaves behind a film.
- Pet accidents or child messes.
- Improper drying after washing the floors.
Materials You Need
Before cleaning your sticky floor, gather these basic supplies
- Warm water
- White vinegar or baking soda
- Mild dish soap
- Mop or microfiber cloth
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Floor cleaner
- Dry towel
- Rubber gloves
Step-By-Step Guide to Clean Sticky Floors
Identify Your Flooring Type
Each type of flooring needs different cleaning methods. Make sure you have the following flooring installed in your space.
- Hardwood floors
- Laminate floors
- Vinyl or linoleum floors
- Ceramic floors
- Marble floors
Knowing your floor type will help you avoid damaging the surface.
Dry Sweep the Floor
Before doing wet cleaning, always vacuum your floors to remove any kind of dirt, crumbs, and pet hair. The sticky spot becomes worse when dirt gets mixed with liquid cleaners.
Spot clean the sticky areas
It is better to clean greasy areas with a damp towel soaked in warm water. To clean sticky floors, scrub the towel gently over the spots. Try using these cleaning products for areas that are difficult to clean.
Baking soda paste
You can use baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Rub it onto sticky and greasy areas to clean all spots.
Avoid using vinegar solution on marble, stone, and unsealed hardwood as it can fade its shine. Always use a neutral PH cleaner on shiny floors.
Mop the entire floor
Once you have spotted the sticky patches on your floor, mop the entire floor to remove any residue or remaining dirt.
For Hardwood and Laminate Floors
- Use a microfiber mop with a dampened mopping pad.
- Add warm water and a pinch of dish soap.
- Using too much water should be avoided, as it may damage wooden or parquet floors.
For Vinyl Tiles
- A regular mop with warm water and vinegar should always be utilized.
- Empty and refill the water to prevent the transfer of dirt.
- Then, wash the floor using clean water to avoid the streaks
5. Rinse and Dry
The floor should be cleaned with pure clean water after mopping. When using soap or a vinegar solution to clean sticky floors, it may leave a residue film.
Dry the floor immediately with a microfiber cloth or dry towel to prevent water spots, streaks, and additional stickiness.
Prevent Future Sticky Messes
Wipe all spills immediately to avoid more mess. The longer spills sit, the harder they stick. Use rugs and mats which can be cleaned easily. Use rugs in high-traffic and kitchen areas.
- Avoid overusing cleaners as they can fade or damage its fibers. Too much soap can leave sticky residue on your floors.
- Rinse your floors after mopping to retain their shine for years .Rinse your floors to remove product buildup.
- Ventilate your space as it does not accumulate humidity and bacteria. Make your space airy, as humidity can leave a sticky surface behind.
Natural DIY Cleaning Methods
If you prefer eco-friendly cleaning options, try these recipes.
Lemon vinegar floor spray
Take 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix them in 2 cups of water. Add a few drops of essential oil. Use this solution in a spray bottle for quick and easy spot cleaning.
Baking Soda Degreaser
Directly sprinkle baking soda over oily and sticky areas, then pour in some warm water. To clean sticky floors effectively, use a sponge to gently scrub. Tile, vinyl, and sealed wood floors can all be safely cleaned using these simple yet effective methods.
What to Avoid When Cleaning?
- When cleaning, avoid using abrasive instruments since they may cause harm to your floor.
- Steer clear of bleach and ammonia on laminate and wood flooring. This is because it ruins colours, floors, and shines.
- Don’t let water sit on floors, as it can warp wood floors.
- Also, don’t use an oily cleaner unless recommended by a professional.
When to call a professional
If your floors are still sticky after multiple cleanings, it can be due to
- Residue buildup from the wrong cleaners.
- Subfloor issues
- Improper installation
- Damaged or unsealed flooring.
In such a case, hire a flooring expert to get proper cleaning. Reach Parquet Flooring Dubai for expert flooring installation and maintenance services.
Final Thoughts
Floors with mess and grease can be annoying, but their maintenance and cleaning are not that difficult. With the help of the right tools and techniques, you can clean sticky floors expertly. Good cleaners and methods can help you restore your floors’ shine and glory. From the above guide, you can get some ideas and methods to clean your greasy floors caused by kitchen spills or toddlers’ chaos. Sweep the floor first and then gently rinse out your floor with proper cleaning solutions.
