Why Is My Floor Sticky After I Steam Mop?- Everything You Need To Know

The sticky floor is uncomfortable for walking as well as risky. Besides, a sticky floor isn’t a good environment for the durability of the floor. Unfortunately, many people have no idea about the prime reasons behind the sticky floor. So, why is my floor sticky after I steam mop?

The first reason for the sticky floor is inappropriately using the cleaning solution. If you’re using a steam mop, its pad should be cleaned in the right manner. Otherwise, it collects dirt from one place and splits it in another place. Another sticky floor reason is using your mop inappropriately. 

However, the sticky floor issue can be solved easily in some easy ways. Along with using the steam mop, you can go for mild cleaning detergent. You can also use an alkaline cleaner, baking soda, and white vinegar to get rid of sticky floors. 

Why Is My Floor Sticky After I Steam Mop?

A sticky floor reveals the error of your cleaning process or the fault of the used chemicals. Let’s check the true reasons behind the sticky floor after you steam mop. 

The residue of spilled liquid

Have you ever spilled sugary liquid on the floor? Then there is a possibility of creating a sticky floor. Soft drink is one of the worst sugary liquids that can easily create a sticky floor. The residue of the sugary liquid remains roughly on the floor. General mopping can’t remove them. Even after hard mopping, the sticky environment of the floor may not decrease.

Using an extra cleaning solution 

Cleaning solutions have a separate use limit and a fixed amount for use. If you apply an extra cleaning solution to the floor while mopping, then a sticky floor arises. Applying too many cleaning solutions may offer you a clean house. But, you can’t walk on the surface and will be disturbed by the soapy residue of the cleaning solution. Rinsing the surface with water repeatedly may reduce the problem.

Washing mop in the wrong manner

Washing a mop pad with a fabric softener is a bad idea for a mop. Steam mop pads are manufactured with a microfibre cloth that isn’t suitable for cleaning. So, there is a possibility of damaging the mop’s performance. Instead of washing, air-drying the mop is the recommended method. 

Using dirty water

If you use just a bucket of water to clean your whole house, then a sticky floor will be generated. The mop takes the dirt and old water to the bucket from the cleaning surface. When you clean a new room, you’re technically transferring the dirty water to the surface. As a result, a sticky floor is created, and rinsing with water can’t bring any solution.

How Do You Get Rid Of Sticky Floors After Mopping?

So, your question “Why is my floor sticky after I steam mop” is resolved. If your floor is sticky after mopping and you don’t know the reason, then be assured that there is some residue. Now, you should know the right way to get rid of the sticky floor.

Use a steam mop 

Steam mop uses steam instead of using detergent or any cleaning solution. The heat produced from the steam helps to kill the germs on the surface. You don’t need to rinse the floor after using a steam mop. This method is suitable for most types of floors and so, it can resolve your sticky floor issue. 

Use a clean mop and a bucket of water

Slightly sticky floors can be cleaned using just a general mop and a bucket of water. Rinse water throughout the floor and apply the mop to the surface. Using warm or mild-warm water is recommended for the best output. 

Apply white vinegar 

White vinegar is applicable for most floor types. That’s why it’s called the universal cleaning agent for sticky floors. Besides, white vinegar has zero corrosive properties. It doesn’t create any damage to the surface and removes the stickiness of the floor properly. 

Before applying the white vinegar, mop the floor to wipe away dry dust. Now, mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water. Use a sponge to apply the solution to the sticky floor. The stickiness will be removed after a certain time. 

Going for ammonia

One cup of ammonia should be mixed with 1/2 gallon of water. Sticky tile floors and vinyl floors are good for applying ammonia. Apply the solution to the sticky floor and leave it for around 10 minutes. Then, scrub the floor with a sponge and finally rinse with water. Remember, ammonia is highly corrosive and dangerous for decaying the floor. So, never use it for regular floor cleaning. 

Using residue-free cleaner

Using residue-free cleaner is a smart way to get rid of the sticky floor. You can get rid of the sticky floor problem permanently after using the residue-free cleaner. Apply the residue-free cleaner on the floor according to the recommended way on the bottle. Then, rub the floor and rinse with water. No stickiness will be found on the floor then. 

Apply alkaline cleaner

Washing soda is known as an alkaline cleaner. This cleaner softens the water and reduces the possibility of creating a sticky floor. Washing soda comes with an 11 pH level which means it’s highly basic. Stickiness on the floor is created due to acids or oil. 

Any ingredients with more than pH level 7 are good for removing the stickiness. However, alkaline cleaner isn’t suitable for all kinds of floors. Besides, applying it improperly may decrease the shiny look of your floor. 

Going for baking soda

Baking soda is used for removing the sticky ingredients from the floor without any scratching. Take a bucket of warm water and mix 0.5 cups of baking soda with it. Then, float the mop inside the bucket and apply the solution to the sticky surface. For better results, use mild warm water and go for microfiber mops. 

Using mild detergent

Detergent wasn’t ever a good floor cleaning agent due to its soapy output. But, there are some popular mild detergents that are good for cleaning the floor. Mix 1 or 2 TSP mild detergent in a bucket of water. Rub the excessive sticky areas carefully using a microfiber mop. Make sure to rinse the floor with clean water after every session. 

FAQ

Here are some popular questions about the sticky floor. 

Conclusion

A sticky floor is a big problem unless you know the right process for eliminating it. Before that, you should know the reasons behind the sticky floor. So, why is my floor sticky after I steam mop? It’s because your mop wasn’t working accurately or your cleaning agent was wrong. 

To get rid of the sticky floor, we recommend using a steam mop. It’s safe for the floor’s durability and inexpensive also. The cleaning technology of the steam mop is advanced enough as it uses the heat produced by the water. 

If you want to go for any cleaning solution, then you need to prepare it by mixing it with water. Here you have already known about the right amount of various cleaning agents to mix with water. Apply any of the aforementioned methods and get rid of the sticky floor problem.