Imagine coming home from a long day at work, ready to relax on your hardwood floors. But as soon as you step inside, you’re met with a sticky floor. Its very frustrating and uncomfortable, especially if you have guests coming over.
Hardwood floors may feel sticky due to using wax-based cleaning products, improper cleaning techniques, pet dander, spills and stains, and an aged finish.
This article explains what exactly is causing your hardwood floors to feel sticky and how to get them back to their original luster.
1. Wax-Based Cleaning Products
Wax-based cleaning products are a common cause of sticky hardwood floors. Over time, the wax can build up on the surface of the floor, creating a sticky film. This is especially true if you’re using a lot of wax or if you’re not buffing the floor properly after cleaning.
Wax-based cleaning products can also make it difficult to remove other types of dirt and grime from your floors. This is because the wax creates a barrier that prevents the cleaning solution from penetrating the surface of the floor.
How to Fix?
To remove wax buildup from hardwood floors, you can use a commercial wax remover or make your own by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water.
Apply the solution to the sticky area with a damp cloth and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. Once the wax is removed, rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
If the wax buildup is severe, you may need to sand the floor lightly to remove it. Use a quality sander and fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. Once you have sanded the floor, vacuum up the dust and apply a new coat of finish.
Improper Cleaning Techniques
Another common cause of sticky hardwood floors is improper cleaning techniques. If you’re not using the right cleaning products or if you’re not cleaning your floors regularly enough, they can become sticky.
For example, if you’re using too much water when you mop your floors, the excess water can cause the wood to swell. This can make the finish on the floor soft and sticky.
Additionally, if you don’t let your floors dry completely after cleaning, they can become sticky. This is because the moisture can trap dirt and grime on the floor, especially between the grooves.
How To Fix?
To clean hardwood floors properly, use a mild soap and water solution or a cleaning product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using too much water, and be sure to let your floors dry completely after cleaning.
When you’re mixing your cleaners, follow the instructions on the label and dilute the product the way it’s recommended. Too much cleaner left behind can leave a soapy residue that will become sticky after it dries. This is a common problem with spray mops since it’s easy to under-dilute the solution.
Pet Dander
Pet dander is another common cause of sticky hardwood floors. It is a fine powder that is made up of dead skin cells, saliva, and urine. It can be tracked into your home on your shoes and clothes, and your pets can also shed it.
A 2022 study found that pet dander levels in homes with pets can be up to 100 times higher than in homes without pets. This high level of pet dander can contribute to a variety of health problems, including allergies and asthma.
How To Fix?
To remove pet dander from hardwood floors, vacuum regularly and mop with a solution of warm water and vinegar. You can also use a commercial pet dander remover.
If you have pets that shed a lot of hair, you may want to consider using a HEPA vacuum cleaner. HEPA vacuum cleaners remove even the smallest particles from the air, including pet dander.
You may also want to consider installing an air purifier in your home. Air purifiers can help to remove pet dander and other allergens from the air.
Spills and Stains
Spills and stains can also cause your hardwood floors to become sticky. This is especially true if the spills and stains are not cleaned up promptly.
For example, if you spill soda or juice on your hardwood floors and don’t clean it up right away, the sugar and acids in the drink can dry and create a sticky residue.
Additionally, if you have pets, they may have accidents on your hardwood floors. If these accidents are not cleaned up promptly, the urine and feces can dry and create a sticky film.
How To Fix?
To remove spills and stains from hardwood floors, clean them up as soon as possible. If the spill is fresh, you can usually wipe it up with a clean cloth.
If the stain is dried or set, you may need to use a commercial stain remover. Test the stain remover in an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it does not damage the finish on your hardwood floors.
Aged Finish
As your hardwood floor’s finish ages, it may start to wear down or sustain damage from daily use, including foot traffic, furniture, and other impacts.
An aging finish can lose its smoothness, which can contribute to a sticky feeling when touched. In such cases, refinishing the hardwood floors can help restore their original luster and eliminate the stickiness.
How To Fix?
To clean and maintain an aged finish, you can use a commercial hardwood floor cleaner. Apply the solution to the floor with a damp cloth and wipe it dry.
You may also want to consider refinishing your hardwood floors every few years to protect them and keep them looking their best.
If you are refinishing your hardwood floors yourself, follow the instructions carefully. You will need to sand the floors, apply a new coat of finish, and then allow the finish to dry completely.
Insider Tips To Prevent Hardwood Floors Feeling Sticky
Sticky hardwood floors can be uncomfortable to walk on and difficult to clean. To prevent sticky floors, there are a few things you can do:
- Main humidity in your home by using a humidifier
- Use warm water when cleaning your hardwood floors
- Use the proper amount of cleaning agent
- Place a doormat or rug at the entrance of your home to trap dirt and grime
- Never directly apply floor cleaners, always dilute them with water first
- Never use harsh chemicals like ammonia on the floor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do My Wood Floors Feel Sticky After Mopping?
Your Wood floors may feel sticky after mopping because of improper cleaning methods, using too much water, or using the wrong cleaning products. Try a mild soap and water solution, mop in the direction of the grain, and dry the floor thoroughly.
Does Humidity Make Hardwood Floors Sticky?
Yes, high humidity can make hardwood floors feel sticky. Elevated moisture levels can cause the wood to absorb excess moisture, leading to a slightly swollen surface that feels sticky underfoot.
How Do You Remove Strong Sticky Residue From Hardwood Floors?
To remove a strong sticky residue, apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to the area with a cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all of the residue.
Conclusion
Sticky hardwood floors can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your hardwood floors looking and feeling their best.
If you have tried all of these things and your floors are still sticky, it may be time to invest in a HEPA vacuum cleaner. HEPA vacuum cleaners are specially designed to remove even the smallest particles from the air, including pet dander and dust mites, and avoid a sticky residue.
Click here to shop for a top-quality HEPA vacuum cleaner today.
