Cleaning sticky wood floors is easy. Choose a detergent that is suitable for wooden floors: it can be either a special detergent for cleaning floors or a regular mild detergent such as dishwashing detergent. After you wash the floors, wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove any residue.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Detergent
Step 1. Buy a cleaner designed for wood floors
In most cases, it is best to clean sticky floors with a special cleaning agent. Look for a product that clearly states on the label that it is suitable for the type of floor you intend to clean.
Step 2. Try a dishwashing detergent
A mild dish soap will help remove sticky deposits from wood floors. Choose a plant-based, pH neutral detergent. Dissolve ¼ cup (60 ml) of dish soap in a bucket of warm water to create an effective floor cleaner.
Step 3. Use vinegar with care
Vinegar can tarnish wood floors prematurely, and vinegar can damage them. At the same time, vinegar effectively removes sticky dirt. Try mixing ½ cup (120 ml) white vinegar and 4 liters of warm water. Use a soft cloth to wipe the sticky spot.
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the sticky floor
Step 1. Prepare the detergent solution
Dilute any suitable cleaning solution in a bucket large enough for a mop. Follow the directions on the detergent label.
Step 2. Sweep the floors
Be sure to remove all debris from the floor before you try to wash off the sticky residue. Use a broom to gently sweep the entire wood floor.
Step 3. Wipe the floor with a mop and cleaning solution
Immerse the mop in the cleaning solution and wring it out well. Rub the floor in the direction of the grain of the wood planks.
Step 4. Change the water and detergent when the solution becomes dirty
As you mop sticky floors, the cleaning solution will get dirty. If the water turns gray, pour the solution down the toilet and draw fresh water to finish cleaning.
Step 5. Wipe the floor with clean water
After you wash the floors with the product, you need to wipe them again with water so that no sticky residue from the product remains on them. Fill a bucket with clean water. Dip the mop into the bucket, wring it out, then wipe the floors.
Step 6. Dry the floors with a soft cloth that will not scratch the floor
Drying and polishing the floor will remove the sticky layer of the product that may have remained after washing. Wipe the floor with gentle circular motions using a non-abrasive cloth (such as flannel or microfiber)