Nothing is worse than feeling your shoes stick to your gorgeous hardwood floor when you first walk on it. It’s annoying, and it’s even more annoying if you’ve tried cleaning it yourself and the sticky feeling persists.
It’s not the end of the world, though, so don’t panic! We at Pinnacle Eco Clean are experts at cleaning sticky wood floors. Anyone can get sticky flooring, whether it’s from spilled drinks, using too much cleaning solution, or simply normal wear and tear. The good news is that you can simply cure this and maintain the beautiful appearance of your flooring with the correct care.
What Causes Sticky Wood Floors?
Sticky floors can be the result of many different factors. Knowing what’s causing it is the first step to solving it.
1. Neglected Floors
A lack of regular cleaning is one of the biggest culprits of sticky floors. Dust, dirt, and stains pile up, making it harder to maintain a clean, smooth surface. Plus, if you’re walking around with shoes on, those stains quickly become more visible and feel more annoying underfoot.2. Inadequate Cleaning Equipment
If you use the incorrect tools, cleaning will be more difficult, and your floors will feel worse. For instance, old or worn-out mop heads may leave behind residue owing to improper moisture absorption, which, over time, may result in stickiness. Your floor may feel tacky if you use cheap mops or cleaning cloths that don’t thoroughly clean or rinse the floor, allowing cleaning solutions to remain on the surface.3. An excessive amount of detergent
More isn’t necessarily better when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors. No matter how hard you scrub, using too much detergent might actually make your floors feel sticky. Overuse of soap leaves behind a residue that accumulates over time.4. Unclean Water for Cleaning
Unclean water is another cause of sticky floors. Dirt and detergent simply become dispersed when you use the same pail of water to clean different places. As a result, the surface appears clean, but it is actually dirtier.5. Wrong Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products can do more harm than good. Whether it’s a cheap cleaner or a product that’s not meant for wood floors, the wrong solution can leave your floors looking sticky or damaged.How to Clean Sticky Wood Floors: A Comprehensive Guide
After learning the reasons for sticky wood floors, here’s how to cure them. To tidy up the debris and bring back the smooth, gorgeous appearance of your flooring, follow these instructions.
1. Start with a dry mop.
To begin, clean the area dry using a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. This lessens the possibility of debris contaminating your water in the next processes.
2. Make Use of a Gentle Cleaner and Warm Water
Add a few drops of a mild cleaning solution to some warm water. Gently moisten a microfiber mop (do not drown it!) and use it to remove the sticky areas. Always use the wood’s grain when mopping.
3. Wash and pat dry.
Rinse your mop frequently and use a fresh towel to dry the area. This keeps the floor from becoming overly damp and stops moisture from destroying the wood.
4. Shine and Buff
You can restore some of the floor’s sheen by buffing it with a clean, dry cloth once the sticky areas have been removed.
When to Call a Professional
Sticky flooring, despite your best efforts, may sometimes be a sign of more serious problems like wax buildup, old residue, or damage to the floor. If you want to make sure that your floors are being properly maintained or if your efforts are unsuccessful, a professional deep clean can help extend the life of your floors and keep your space looking its best.
At Pinnacle Eco Clean, we specialize in hardwood floor cleaning and are capable of removing even the most difficult stains. Our professional staff uses eco-friendly products and techniques to give your floors the best possible appearance without destroying the finish.
Call Pinnacle Eco Clean at 585-272-7847 or visit pinnacle-clean.com to schedule a winter floor cleaning and protect your investment for the long run.