Floors can become sticky for a number of reasons, and while a mop is the best way to clean this up you can still manage without one – so let’s learn how to clean a sticky floor without a mop today!
The easiest way to get this done is to use a cleaning solution such as ammonia or a branded cleaner applied by hand with a sponge.
Let’s dive into some of the reasons your floor can become sticky, as well as the different cleaning solutions you can use to clean them up alongside the methods.
What Makes A Floor Sticky?
Floors can become sticky for a lot of different reasons, and understanding why they get sticky in the first place can help you to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Using Too Much Cleaning Solution
If you have already tried to clean your floor with a cleaning solution and it has ended up sticky afterwards, it is likely that you were using too much cleaning solution.
The problem with using an excessive amount of cleaning solution is that it is hard to remove it all once you’re done cleaning. This leaves behind a soapy residue that becomes sticky as it dries due to the dirt and chemicals that are within it.
When using any cleaning solution, whether that be a DIY solution or a branded cleaner, make sure you follow the instructions and clean up properly afterwards – nobody wants to clean the same place twice.
Mopping With Incorrect Technique
Another reason for sticky floors is if you have tried to mop your floors with the incorrect technique.
Mopping is quite simple, but if you do it wrong you can leave your floor looking dirtier than you left it. The secret is to keep the water fresh and to take your time with the process. If you try and rush, you can end up cleaning with dirty water which will cause stickiness and dirt to be left behind.
Food Spills
Another reason for sticky floors is food spills that aren’t cleaned up properly. This is more common with sauces and other condiments, but if a food spill is not cleaned correctly up it can form a sticky residue that can be difficult to remove.
Liquid Spills
Liquid spills are also a common cause of sticky floors, especially those with higher sugar content like soft drinks.
With any spill, the best thing to do is to clean it up as soon as you can.
How To Clean A Sticky Floor Without A Mop: 3 Easy Methods
Let’s take a look at three easy methods to clean a sticky floor without a mop. Remember to spot test each solution on a small area of your floor first to check for any damage.
For all three of these methods you will need a floor-friendly sponge (or two), bucket, rubber gloves, old towels and a vacuum with an attachment suitable for your type of floor. Make sure you thoroughly vacuum your floor before cleaning to pick up any loose debris but don’t apply a lot of pressure over sticky areas.
Ammonia Solution
To clean with ammonia, fill your bucket with warm or hot water and 1/2 cup household ammonia solution and then place your sponge into the bucket and then wring it out until damp.
Use the sponge to wipe the areas of the floor that are sticky, making sure to rinse it out in the ammonia solution every so often to keep it clean. Once you have got rid of the sticky residue, pour out the ammonia solution and replace it with clean warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar.
Use another sponge or dishcloth to rinse the area with the vinegar solution and then leave it to dry, or use the old towels to absorb any surface moisture. If you have a hardwood floor try to leave as little surface water as possible, as this can form white spots when it evaporates and it can also be absorbed into the wood which can lead to other problems.
Branded Floor Cleaner
Branded floor cleaners are great for removing sticky residue from floors, and this time all you need to do is follow the instructions on the container.
Brands like Bona are great, but most floor cleaners will do a good job. Don’t forget that if they recommend using a mop, you can use the sponge method as before instead to apply the solution.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a great combination that we have previously recommended to clean other things such as urine stains.
To use this solution, simply mix one part of baking soda with two parts of distilled white vinegar. Once mixed, apply the solution generously to the sticky residue and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes – this can be done simply by pouring it out of the bucket.
After the time is up use the sponge to scrub the area, rinsing regularly with clean water. Once all of the baking soda solution has been removed allow the area to dry or use an old towel to speed this up. For hardwood floors try to leave as little moisture behind as possible by using an old towel.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean a sticky floor without a mop can be difficult but we hope this article has cleared up some things for you.
If you have any other tips or tricks that you would like to see added, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us know!