Many cleaning professionals visit the International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN) Ask the Experts (ATEX) page for insight. We deliver advice to help you perform your job.
Wednesday’s Question
We recently deep scrubbed and recoated a floor with two coats of a durable finish. After the first wash with Airx 101 no-film cleaner, which was diluted with 1 ounce of cold water per gallon, the floor was left with a sticky, water-spotted look. Prior to washing, the floor was dust mopped. To try to remedy this, I washed the floor with just hot water. It was no longer sticky, but still had water spots. I am using a clean bucket and brand new mop head. What would cause this and how do I prevent it?
Wednesday’s Answer
Apparently, you followed the correct dilution ratio for the first cleaning, which should not have caused a sticky residue or water spots. However, after rinsing with water, if there were water spots, then possibly your water hardness is excessive and you left too much water on the floor.
Here are a few tips to consider:
1) Try pressing out the mop tighter so the solution residue is minimal.
2) Some new mop heads require a thorough rinsing prior to use.
3) Another technique is to use a flat mop with a microfiber head, and go over the floor as an additional and final pickup before it completely dries.
– Gary Clipperton, president National Pro Clean Corp.
View additional hard & resilient floor care questions and answers from ICAN/ATEX here.
