Why floors feel sticky after mopping, and how to dilute correctly

Quick answer: floors feel sticky after mopping usually because the cleaner is too concentrated, one bucket is used for the whole house without changing the water, or the mop is dirty. Dilute as the pack says, change the water when it turns cloudy, wash the mop and choose a low-foam, no-rinse cleaner.

Common causes

1. Extra cleaner “for more scent, more clean”: surplus cleaning agent dries into a tacky film.
2. Dirty water: mopping room after room with one bucket spreads dirt around.
3. A dirty, smelly mop: grime in the mop fibres ends up on the floor.
4. Lots of foam: foamy cleaners need rinsing; skip it and you get streaks.
5. Walking on a wet floor: dust from shoes sticks to the damp surface.

Diluting and mopping correctly

• Right dose: for example SPY Floor Cleaner uses 1–2 capfuls per bucket of water. No need for more.
• Change the water when it gets cloudy; in a large home, every one or two rooms.
• Wring the mop well and work from the far side of the room towards the door so you don’t step on cleaned areas.
• Wash and dry the mop after each use.
• Let the floor dry for a few minutes before walking on it; a fan helps.

Floor already sticky?

1. Mop once with clean water, wringing the mop well.
2. Mop again with cleaner at the right dose.
3. Keep to the right dose next time and the stickiness won’t return.

Humid season: floors always damp

In northern Vietnam’s humid spring season, moisture condenses on tiled floors, making them slippery and damp even without mopping. Mop with a very well-wrung mop, close doors on very humid days and use a dehumidifier if you have one. For clothes, see Clothes smell musty after drying indoors.

About SPY Floor Cleaner

SPY Floor Cleaner: low-foam formula, cleans quickly, no need to rinse, for tiles, wooden floors and granite. Five scents: Blossom Relax, Pink Relax, Green Relax, Cinnamon, Ginger & Lemongrass. 3.6L can and 950ml bottle.