Why the floor is sticky after cleaning: Explanation and tips
How to properly mop the floor to avoid streaks and dirt (photo: Freepik.com)
Sometimes, even after a thorough cleaning, the floor remains sticky and gets dirty again quickly. Many homemakers blame poor water quality or ineffective cleaning products, but the real reason often lies in improper cleaning techniques.
RBC-Ukraine explains what might be going wrong and how to make floor cleaning truly effective.
Too much cleaning solution
Many people believe that the more concentrate they use, the better the result will be. In reality, an excess of cleaning products doesn't have time to rinse off and leaves a sticky residue. This causes the floor to quickly attract dust and feel unpleasant to the touch.
To avoid this problem, carefully read the instructions on the packaging and don't exceed the recommended dose. For light dirt, even half the standard amount is usually enough. Less cleaning product means a cleaner and drier floor!
Unsuccessful mixing of cleaning products
Sometimes people mix different cleaning agents in an attempt to "boost" the cleaning effect. However, in practice, this often leads to the opposite result: streaks and a white residue appear on the floor.
Here are the key rules:
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Use only one cleaning product for the entire cleaning process. This helps avoid unwanted chemical reactions and stains.
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If additional disinfection is needed, wipe the floor with a mild bleach solution after the main cleaning. This way, the surface will stay clean and non-sticky.
Washing with cold water
Not everyone pays attention to the water temperature during cleaning, but it is very important. Most cleaning concentrates dissolve effectively only in warm water (30-40°C). If cold water is used, the product may not dissolve fully and leave residue. This leads to stickiness, streaks, and an unpleasant feel to the touch.
Check the instructions on the bottle and choose the correct water temperature. Warm water not only cleans better but also helps save time on cleaning.
Mopping the floor is not as simple as it may seem (photo: Freepik.com)
Lack of rinsing with clean water
Many people stop at just one wash with a cleaning product and don't rinse the floor a second time. As a result, chemical residues dry up and form a sticky film, which literally "attracts" dirt.
To avoid this problem, be sure to rinse the floor with clean water after the main cleaning. Pour fresh water into the bucket and go over the entire surface with a cloth again. An additional 5-7 minutes of work will guarantee cleanliness and a pleasant feel underfoot.
Old or dirty rags
A rag is not a lasting item, and its quality directly affects the cleaning result. Worn-out or heavily soiled rags can leave micro-particles, dust, and even streaks on the floor.
To keep the floor perfectly clean, change rags every 2-3 months, even if they still look decent. The best choice is microfiber or dense natural cotton fabric without any pile. Modern microfiber pads absorb moisture well and leave no marks.
Sources: Southern Living, Apartment Therapy, Sante Plus.
