How to Clean Sticky Tile Floor

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How to Clean Sticky Tile Floor

Sticky floors are uncomfortable to step on and unpleasant to the eye, but, unfortunately, they happen to the best of us. Luckily, though, there are proven ways you can remove that stubborn stickiness from your floors—whether it’s an isolated spill or an area with residue. Use these five proven methods to clean sticky floors and have your home base looking fresh and new without too much work.

Why Floors Get Sticky

The short answer is that floors get sticky from basic wear and tear. Your floors endure a lot of traffic, and things like sweat, spills, or even residue from using too much cleaner can build up and make you feel like you’re walking on honey—only less sweet.

How to Prepare to Clean Sticky Floors

When cleaning sticky floors, ensure you’re using the appropriate method for the type of flooring you have to prevent any permanent damage. For instance, cleaning marble floors may require a different cleaning solution than cleaning hardwood floors. Additionally, it’s advisable to vacuum or sweep the floor before cleaning it to remove any surface debris and allow for a closer clean.

Basics of Cleaning Any Sticky Floor Tiles

Cleaning sticky tiles is a breeze if you know the tricks and have the right equipment. The necessary cleaning products for floor maintenance are:

  • Vacuum

  • Mop

  • Clean floor cleaning rag

  • Bucket

  • Soft towel

  • clean water

  • Tile cleaner

How to Clean Sticky Floors

Rinse With Warm clean water

  • Using warm to hot water is probably the simplest way to clean sticky floors. It can rinse off any excess cleaning solution that may be causing the stickiness or loosen and remove other residue from things like dirt and debris that have been tracked inside. Be cautious of the water temperature used, though, as heat could damage the finish on certain types of flooring.

Use a DIY Vinegar Solution

  • For sticky floors that are extra stubborn, you can make a DIY floor cleaner with a basic pantry item—vinegar. Add one cup of vinegar to one gallon of warm water and mix it. Then use this solution to mop your floor. The vinegar’s acidic nature will help break down the tough grime on your sticky floors.

Use a Targeted Spot Treatment

  • If just a few spots on the floor are sticky, using a targeted treatment will save you time and get right to the issue. Items like a magic eraser, a mixture of baking soda and water, or even a paper towel dampened in warm water are great options for cleaning sticky floors that need spot cleaning. Choose the best cleaning option based on the severity of the stickiness.

Choose the Right cleaning products

  • The type of floor you have will determine how you clean it. Each type of flooring has different care needs. Before cleaning your sticky floor, determine the type of floor you have and choose the method that will work best for it. This will help you avoid any damage to your floor.

Opt for a Steam Mop

  • Steam mops are a convenient and easy-to-use option for cleaning sticky floors. The vapor produced by the steam is effective for stain removal and an overall clean that should remove any stickiness. All you need to do is fill up the steam mop’s clean water reservoir per the manufacturer’s instructions and mop your floors.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Although you can essentially carry out the same method as before to clean your hardwood floors, you need to consider a few important things to avoid damage:

  • Don’t use hot water. Hot water makes wood expand (and warp if there’s not enough room), so fill your mop bucket with cold water to avoid damage.

  • Enhance the cleaning power. As cold water is at a disadvantage compared to warm water, compensate by adding one tablespoon of mild dish soap.

  • Wring your mop well. Be sure to wring your mop until it’s just slightly wet. Too much water could make the wood swell and deform.

Stone and Ceramic Tiles

    • Soak a clean rag with warm water and wring it out until it’s barely damp. Lay it over the sticky spot and leave it in place for 15 minutes to loosen the residue.

    • Mix up to 1 cup white vinegar with a gallon of warm water in a mop bucket.

    • Mop the floor with the vinegar solution. The vinegar cuts through the loosened sticky residue and any dirt attracted to the sticky spot.

    • Mop the floor with clean water to remove the vinegar residue. Wipe dry with a clean rag to prevent water spots.