If your floors look dingy and dull, it may be time to clean them. One of the worst things that can happen is when you are scrubbing away at a stubborn spot on the floor only to find out…it’s stuck! If this sounds familiar, don’t worry-we’ve got you covered. Previously, we covered how to clean filthy vinyl flooring or pet messes from your vinyl floor. This article will show you how to clean sticky residue from vinyl flooring – a slightly different process, but one that can get the job done.
What is sticky residue?
Sticky residue builds up of dirt, dust, and other materials that can create an unsightly mess on your vinyl flooring. This residue can be difficult to remove, but it can be done with the right tools and techniques.
Sticky residue on vinyl flooring is a common problem, especially for commercial establishments where many people are coming and going. This residue can be caused by all sorts of things, from gum and candy to spilled drinks and oils. No matter what the cause, it’s important to remove the residue as quickly as possible so that your floor can return to its original condition.
Read more to see our tips for removing sticky residue from vinyl flooring easily and quickly.
Tools and materials you’ll need:
- Vinyl floor glue remover
- Sponge mop/floor cleaner
- Clean white cloth towel or rags
- Water/bucket
- Rubber or latex gloves
Instructions:
1. Using a sponge mop, wet the area with warm water.
2. Fill a bucket with warm water. Add two teaspoons of vinyl floor glue remover to the bucket and mix well. Some commercial products can directly be used on the floor. Follow the directions on the bottle and skip to step 4.
3. Remove your gloves, then dip your mop into the bucket just enough to cover the sticky area. Wear rubber or latex gloves when applying vinyl floor glue remover to avoid skin contact.
4. Scrub the area with the mop until the glue is removed.
5. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a clean white cloth towel or rag.
6. Repeat as needed.
Tips for removing sticky residue from vinyl flooring:
- Identify the type of sticky residue on your vinyl flooring. If you’re not sure what it is, try to identify any ingredients or products that may have been used to create the sticky mess. This will help you determine the best way to remove it.
- Vinyl floor glue remover can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
- If you need to apply more than one coat of vinyl floor glue remover, allow at least 24 hours for the area to dry before reapplying the remover.
- The residue will dissolve in water alone, but using a vinyl floor glue remover speeds up the process and makes it easier and safer to clean.
- If the residue is particularly stubborn, you can use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush to help remove it.
What are the commercial cleaners available to remove vinyl floor Sticky Residue?
If you are looking for a heavy-duty cleaner to remove vinyl floor adhesive, there are a few commercial products on the market.
- Goo Gone. Apply Goo Gone to a cleaning cloth and wipe the area clean.
- WD-4L0. Spray WD-40 onto a cleaning cloth and wipe the area clean.
- Rapid Remover Vinyl Letter. Spray Rapid Remover Vinyl Letter directly onto the sticky residue and wipe clean.
- 3M Specialty Adhesive Remover. Another product that can remove adhesive from vinyl flooring is 3M Specialty Adhesive Remover.
- EHDIS Ceramic Scraper. These are the razor blades that help scrape up the adhesive from the floor.
What are the household ingredients to remove the residue?
If you are looking for a more environmentally-friendly or natural way to remove the adhesive, a few household ingredients can help.
- Baking soda. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste, then scrub the area clean.
- White vinegar. Pour white vinegar onto a cleaning cloth and wipe the area clean.
- Baby oil. Apply a few drops of baby oil to a clean cloth and wipe the floor’s surface.
Precaution: Be sure to test any household ingredients on an inconspicuous area of your floor first to make sure they won’t cause any damage.
FAQs:
Will the adhesive come off if I use a floor cleaner?
It’s best to use a vinyl floor adhesive remover as it is specifically designed to break down and remove adhesive. However, if you don’t have any remover on hand, a floor cleaner can be used. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the entire adhesive stain.
Can I use heat to remove the adhesive?
Avoid using heat as it can damage or discolor some flooring materials, especially older vinyl floors.
Will water and soap clean the adhesive?
Using warm water and dish soap on a floor is usually enough to remove dirt and dust, but it will not remove adhesive.
Can I use a scrub brush to remove the adhesive?
A scrub brush can help remove some of the adhesive, but it may take some time and effort. Be sure to use a brush that is gentle enough not to damage the flooring.
Can I use a vacuum cleaner to remove the adhesive?
A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove adhesive, but the adhesive may become harder to remove over time.
Can I use tape or a razor blade to remove the adhesive?
Tape and a razor blade can be used to remove adhesive, but they can also damage the flooring. Use caution when using these methods.
Can I use a hairdryer to remove the adhesive?
Yes, you can use a hairdryer to remove the adhesive, but be careful not to damage the flooring with heat. Hold the hairdryer a safe distance away and slowly move it back and forth until the adhesive loosens.
Final Thought:
Now that you know how to remove sticky residue from vinyl flooring, you can get your floors looking new again in no time! Try these tips today and see the results for yourself.
