How to Mop Residue Off of Vinyl Floors

Don't slosh too much water on the floor.

Mopping your vinyl floors with soapy wash water can actually create dirty residue on the vinyl surface. Soap left behind after a mopping attracts dirt, creating a sticky and tacky surface. Before you mop, always sweep the floor with a soft broom to remove all loose dirt. If left behind, the gritty matter can scratch the vinyl during mopping. An alternative to sweeping prior to mopping is vacuuming. General cleaning only requires a damp mopping after sweeping, using just clean water. Yet, if you have sticky residue on the floor, use something a little stronger than plain water.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup ammonia
• Bucket
• Mop

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with hot water and add ammonia.

2. Submerge a clean sponge mop in the solution and wring out the excess liquid. Mop the floor, rewetting the sponge as needed.

3. Rinse off the cleaning solution by mopping the floor with clean warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a well ventilated area.

• Keep children and pets away from the ammonia.

References

• "Mrs. Clean Jeans' Housekeeping with Kids"; Tara Aronson; 2004
• "Clean It Fast, Clean It Right"; Jeff Bredenberg; 1999
• Mopping Tall"; Lou Delena; 2003