Floor Sticky After Mopping? It Could Be Cleaner Residue
The purpose of this post is to share a highly useful floor cleaning tip I used to get rid of a sticky, hazy film that had accumulated on my hardwood floors. Of the many, many potential fixes I tried, the tip in this post is the only thing that worked, and I know it will help anyone whose floors are affected by the same issue!
But even if your hardwood floors are perfectly clean, it’s really easy to fall victim to sticky residue if you don’t know how to prevent it. So be sure to read to the end of this post, because I’ll tell you exactly how to prevent residue buildup from forming in the first place! :-)
I didn’t even realize there was a problem until I had a cleaning company over to deep clean the tile and grout in my kitchen. While they were doing that, I asked one of the technicians if they cleaned hardwood floors too, since I figured mine could probably use it.
He said they did clean hardwood floors, but that my floors had a buildup of hazy residue that would need to be removed before they could use their equipment on them. I wasn’t sure what he was talking about until I folded back one of my living room rugs and saw the difference for myself! (I also felt the difference, because the exposed floor felt sticky compared to the area under the rug. Yuck!)
Related: This Is The Single Best Way To Clean Your Area Rugs
What Causes Sticky Residue On Hardwood Floors?
So where did that hazy film come from? It turns out that the cleaner I had been using was to blame! Certain cleaning products leave residues on hardwood floors, and over time, those layers of residue can become a nearly impenetrable film of sticky, hazy buildup.
So not only is it important to use the right floor cleaners, but it’s also important to use the right amount of cleaner. If you’re using too much or it isn’t properly diluted, you’re almost certainly going to experience residue problems.
Other things that can contribute to residue buildup on your floors include accumulated dirt and grime, remnants of spills or stains, and adhesive or tape residue.
Related: 7 Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Hardwood Floors
How To Remove Sticky Residue From Hardwood Floors
To remove sticky residue from hardwood floors, you’ll need ammonia-free glass cleaner, a scrub pad or sponge, and some microfiber cloths. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for a minute before scrubbing, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Get all the details in my step-by-step tutorial below.
You’ll need:
Directions:
Step 1 – Spray A Small Section Of The Sticky Floor
Start with one section of your floor about 2 sq. ft. in size. Spray the glass cleaner liberally over the area and let it sit for about a minute. Letting it sit gives it time to penetrate that tough layer of buildup (which is why waiting is one of my Golden Rules of Cleaning!)
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Step 2 – Gently Scrub The Buildup
Next, scrub the area using a gentle scrubber, like the scrubby side of a non-scratch dish sponge. This will help cut through the buildup loosened by the glass cleaner.
(Note that I recommend you scrub, not scrape. Scraping at the loosened residue is bound to leave behind scratches!)
Step 3 – Wipe The Cleaner And Sticky Residue Off
Immediately after scrubbing, wipe the area with a microfiber cloth to remove the residue and glass cleaner. Move to a new section of floor and repeat these steps, continuing on until all of your flooring is clean. (It’s not a quick process by any means, but it is extremely effective!)
Related: The Most Blissfully Simple Mop You’ve Never Heard Of
How To Prevent Residue Buildup On Hardwood Floors
To start, keep your floors clean and clean up any spills and stains right away. If you’re dealing with sticky residue from adhesive, tape, or stickers, check out my tips for removing stickers and adhesive residue. (While I normally reach for vinegar when dealing with sticky messes, undiluted vinegar can be too acidic for hardwood floors, while diluted vinegar may not be strong enough to help much.
To keep your hardwood floors clean and less sticky, don’t wear shoes in the house and use mats at entrances and in high traffic areas. (Keep in mind that sticky messes can also originate in the kitchen, so having a mat in there isn’t a bad idea either!)
Finally, make sure you’re using a residue-free cleaning product meant for hardwood floors. Not sure if your preferred floor cleaner leaves behind a residue? Test it by spraying some onto glass or a mirror and wiping it off — if it looks hazy, using that cleaner will likely lead to buildup problems over time.
Have you ever noticed a sticky residue or hazy film on your hardwood floors?
How To Remove Sticky Residue From Hardwood Floors
Equipment
- Non-scratch scrubbing sponge
- Microfiber Cloths
Ingredients
- Ammonia-free glass cleaner
Instructions
- Spray glass cleaner liberally over a 2 square foot area of the floor. Allow the glass cleaner to sit for about one minute to penetrate.
- Scrub the area with a gentle, non-scratching scrubbing sponge.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaner and the sticky residue.
- Follow these three steps for the rest of the floor, one small area at a time. It isn't quick, but it's extremely effective.
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Does this apply to LVP floors ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My son worked for a female-owned flooring co. (Yes, back then). I had shag carpeting that was getting worn out. Why I never looked under it is beyond me since the bedrooms were hardwood. I came home from work to find my sons pulling up the rug. There were pine hardwoods in my 1950 built home. She let him borrow the equipment and he redid the floors throughout the house. Why the previous own ers covered up the floor is beyond me! What I did learn (since he caught me with a bucket & mop in hand) to never put anything on the hardwoods except water!! Spot cleaning was ok but that was it. He now owns my old house and those floors still shine and he still follows his rule of water only. He’s never had to refinish them either.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This totally works! Thank you so much for sharing. I just had my hardwood floor resurfaced and now I was starting to see some natural residue and build up. I followed your tips and got it taken care of without hurting the beautiful work done by Fabulous Floors Michigan.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been in the hardwood flooring business for over 15 years, which 12 years of that was/still self-employed. All cleaners leave that build up over time. Orange glow, mop n glow, Murphy’s, wet Swiffer pads or the spray stuff, or any standard mopping chemicals, etc. Even pledge over spray on furniture, armoires, etc fall to the floor and will build up, air fresheners being sprayed and the fallout landing on the flooring etc….. This build up will make it difficult to do a screen and coat ( lightly buff, abrase old finish and application of oil or water based floor finish). Meaning the build up will not be able to be buffed through entirely and prepped properly so the new application of the floor finish will not adhere correctly and causes”separation”, or what I call the “fish eye effect to the finish which is very visible to the eye and will cause the finish to peal drastically. The only way to get it out would be to resand the entire floor if not able to clean and buff it out. So……. THE ONLY cleaner I recommend is BONA FLOOR CLEANER, NOT THE POLISH, but The Bona Floor Cleaner for bi weekly or whenever it’s time for your big house cleaning, bi weekly or monthly. For daily cleaning, white vinegar and water only, no soaps or bleach. I usually recommend to my customers to mix up a gallon of water and a quarter 1/4 cup of white vinegar to have stored and ready to use. Of course I’d there’s kid spills like juice etc or animal urine, a quick rag with Dawn to clean it is okay, as long as the last wipe up is with water only of course. Just some info from a professional hardwood flooring guy who is OCD about his work which benefits the homeowners life of flooring that also saves them money in the long run!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Eric,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for taking the time give us the valuable information!
I have had hardwood floors for years and that’s the only thing I use. Vinegar and warm water and Bono Floor cleaner. Works like a charm. My MIL told me that 55 years ago.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have been using only diluted vinegar, 3 drops the green dish detergent, lavender oil and the floors shine and are streak free. Plus, it’s a great ‘green’ product to use.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is there a substitute for microfiber cloths? The tiny fibers are showing up in ocean life. I love how microfiber works for cleaning but would like to avoid further damaging our ocean species.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This article is correct about the haze on floors. The floor cleaner is the cause but not the problem. Most floor cleaners need to be rinsed after the initial cleaning. This doubles the amount of work needed and so most home owners just spray and wipe. What we did at my company is found a better floor cleaner that requires no rinse and leaves behind no residue.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.And where can we find it?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is the brand you use?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wonder if the same trick will work on ceramic tile floors? I ruined mine using a Swiffer wetjet and have tried everything to remove the residue. Anytime someone walks across the floor it leaves footprints(or paw Prints!). If I could afford it, I would rip the floor out…it is that bad.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have trouble with mine too.would love to know how to fix this problem. Thanks in advance.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use only vinegar and water on my hardwood and tile floors. My flooring contractor said that’s the only thing to use. Plus your animals lick their paws and are ingesting that cleaning solution.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love reading your posts every morning Jillee! You have given me so many great ideas! Here’s a suggestion to make this method easier on your back and knees.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do the scrubbing with your mop or Swiffer with a diy scrub pad. . Scotchbrite sells the green scrubby material (same as on their kitchen sponges) in pads that are 9” x 6” on Amazon. You could tuck a couple into your Swiffer mop, or sew /glue them onto a steam mop cover. Finish up with your diy microfiber sock on a Swiffer mop ( one of your tips I use all the time!)
what a great idea!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am so happy that you love my website and tips! My team and I are here to make people’s lives easier with solutions to everyday homekeeping, beauty routines, recipes, natural products and more.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for sharing this great idea! :-)
Sprayway glass cleaner is the best glass cleaner I have ever used, it does not leave streaks like windex and other cleaners on your mirrors and windows. WalMart, Sams, dollar stores and I have even seen it in feed stores, are places that carry it. I have noticed a dull finish on my bedroom floor going into my bathroom, which I assume is over spray of hairspray. Just mopping has not gotten it up so I will try the Sprayway. Thx Jillee for another good post.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ditto
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not about floors, but I’ve found that Sprayway’s Stainless Cleaner and Polish does an excellent job on my appliances. I don’t use it every time I clean them-not necessary. The polish lasts a long time, and I just give the spots and stains a quick swipe with a damp microfiber cloth, and they’re good to go. A can has lasted me, literally, years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for this post!! I’ve been wondering why I have a hazy floor when previously it was beautiful. I can’t wait to try this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I need to try this on my old-house floors. On a related matter, I have many times used glass cleaner to remove spots or small areas of stains or smudges from carpeting. I spray, scrub lightly with a toothbrush or small utility brush, then lightly scrub with an old washcloth. Repeat if necessary, but it usually works the first time. Was advice from our carpet installer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip, Vivan! Thanks for sharing. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The gentleman that installed the hardwood floors in our new home recommended only one cleaner called ProCare Citrus Cleaner. It does not leave a residue. His company did not sell this item so he had nothing to gain by recommending. I love it! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B2689AI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband is a truck driver and swears by Sprayway glass cleaner for keeping his windshield and mirrors clean. He first saw it at a Penske truck service center
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There no build up when you use a steam cleaning floor mop……
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you have an engineered hardwood floor the steam will eventually harm the floor. My installer told me never to use steam.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Water nor steam will harm wood, if your hardwood floor is indeed wood. Your deck is made of wood and with all the rain, sun and frost/snow it is exposed to there is little to no harm done. Also wood without any treatment just ‘weathers’. What a steam cleaning mop will harm is the finish on the wood, if it is not an enamel base finish and it will harm your floor if it is a wood composit. Most hardwood floors do not say whether they are a wood composit or not, or if the finish is an enamel base finish or not. That is why no one is willing to say it is ok to use a steam cleaning mop on it.
There’s never any build up when you a steam cleaning floor mop……..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wonder if diluted vinegar would work just the same?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would also use a mop with a scrubby head to treat a larger area at a time and to avoid kneeling…………………..
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