13 Signs You’re Using the Wrong Cleaning Products for Your Floors
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Cleaning our floors is something we should do on a regular basis, but the products we use can make or break the results. Some cleaning products just don’t play nice with your flooring type, or it may be due to product ingredients that leave floors looking dull, streaky, or even damaged. If you pay attention to some signs, you can know if your go to floor cleaner is a friend or foe.
Here’s a guide to the most common signs that your floor cleaner might not work. These clues can help you make a switch and get your floors back to how they once were – from streaky finishes to lingering smells.
Sticky Residue Remains
If your floor feels sticky or tacky when dried, it is a red flag. There are certain cleaners that leave a residue and then the dirt tends to go back on top of that. This stickiness is particularly common with cleaners that are greasy or waxed, because they may not work on all surfaces. A quick test is to wipe a dry cloth over the floor after cleaning and if it drags or feels gummy, you need to do away with that product.
Your Floors Look Dull and Cloudy
If you’re getting dull or hazy finish then you may have too many harsh chemicals or residue build up. When you use products with high level of wax or ammonia, your sealed or finished floors can appear cloudy. Always select the right product for your kind of floors.
Streaks After Drying Are Noticeable
Streaks are the “afterparty” of your cleaning sessions and if they’re happening, your floor cleaner could be to blame. Often the streaking occurs with products that have too much soap or leave residue when they dry. Particularly excess soap might leave your floors looking streaky under the sun or direct lighting.
Greasy or Slippery Floor
A greasy or slippery floor isn’t just annoying, it can be dangerous. Oils used for cleaning wood work well on wood, but can make tile or laminate floors a skating rink. When its comes to wood floors, you can use a product with an oil content but using it on other surfaces is not ideal.
Smells That Just Won’t Quit
People want clean smelling homes, but if your floor cleaner’s scent is sticking around days after you use it, it may be overwhelming or too artificial. Often strong odors mean that the product contains lots of chemicals that can be tough on some floors and have a negative effect on indoor air quality. A high quality floor cleaner should leave a nice smell that dissipates in a few hours.
The Floor Feels Rough or Uneven
After cleaning, your floors should feel smooth not rough or textured. When this happens, it may mean that there are particles left on the floor from gritty cleaning agents. It is most common with stone floors, which can be too grout sensitive and abrasive. The problem may be solved simply by switching to a product made specifically for smooth finishes.
The Color or Finish Fades Overtime
If after a lot of cleaning you begin to see that the floor is losing its color or finish, your floor cleaner may be too harsh. Bleach or ammonia can melt your sealants and finishes, which will make colors seem worn, washed out, or dingy. For hardwood, stone and marble, switch cleaners or stay with mild, pH neutral products to protect the finish.
Scratches or Marks Appear
Not all floors can be sharped if you use rough pads or abrasive cleaner. If you catch yourself with scratches or scuff marks that weren’t there in the first place, check your cleaning product and tools. Don’t use cleaners with abrasive particles on hardwood, tile, laminate floors. Always use soft cloths or microfiber mops.
Buildups in Corners and Edges
There’s a buildup if you can see grime gathering along the edges of the room, particularly at corners. This is usually because a product isn’t fully rinsed or applied in excess. Floors with grooves — such as some types of wood or tile — are particularly susceptible to this problem. The removal of excess cleaner using a slightly damp mop will help prevent these stubborn deposits.
The Floor Never Dries
After cleaning, floors shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to dry. However, if they do, it may mean that your cleaner is too concentrated or it’s just not compatible with the material. Wetness can result in mildew growth or water spots on porous materials such as stone or concrete. If you must use concentrated cleaners ensure they are diluted.
Warping or Bubbling Appears on the Floor
The last thing you want is for your cleaner to be causing water damage, but if you see warping or bubbling, it’s a serious sign that this is the case. It’s especially important when you’re dealing with wood or laminate floors that can expand when too much moisture is present.
Dust or Allergens Seem to Accumulate Faster
If you are constantly cleaning and still battling dust or allergens, that may mean that your floor cleaner is leaving residues that draw them. That also means that some cleaning agents can create a static or sticky surface that attracts particles more quickly. If you find yourself suffering an allergy more frequently, switching to a cleaner that leaves a truly residue free finish might help reduce this issue and make your home easier to keep allergen free.
Discoloration on Certain Types of Flooring
Bleach or acidic cleaners can discolor sensitive floors and certain cleaners can do so. Your cleaner may be too harsh if your tile grout looks more yellowed or if wood floors are turning slightly grayish. Use a neutral, gentle cleaner that won’t affect the look of your flooring and that’s safe for your flooring type.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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