Many people face the situation when after a thorough wet cleaning the surface looks unkempt. Instead of a mirror-like shine on the laminate or tile, there are still whitish streaks и muddy footprints. The cause of this problem is rarely a bad mop – more often than not, it’s about unobvious mistakes that turn cleaning into a never-ending cycle of stain-fighting.
Top causes of stains on flooring
Even the most modern household appliances do not guarantee the result if the technology of the process is violated. Here are the main factors influencing the appearance of streaks:
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Detergent overdose. Excess chemical creates a sticky film on the surface that does not wash off completely. When dry, this film becomes visible and attracts new dust.
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Dirty water. If you don’t change the water in the bucket often enough, you’re just spreading dissolved dirt all over the room.
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Old chemical residue. Sometimes new products react with those previously used to form a persistent residue.
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Type of material. Glossy tiles and dark laminate are most sensitive to water quality and rag cleanliness.
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Water too hot. High temperatures cause the cleaning ingredients to evaporate too quickly, preventing them from working properly on the contaminant.
How to achieve a flawless shine
To make the floor shine, it is important to follow the right sequence of actions. Utilization microfiber makes the task much easier, as its fibers better retain moisture and dirt without leaving lint.
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Dry cleaning. This is a mandatory step. If sand and dust are not collected with a vacuum cleaner or broom before washing, they will turn into liquid mud, which is extremely difficult to remove without traces.
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Clean rags. Rags and mop heads should be washed thoroughly after each use, otherwise the grease accumulated in them will smear on the floor.
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Correct dosage. Follow the instructions on the product packaging. Most often a minimum amount of concentrate is sufficient for cleaning.
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Wiping dry. In high-traffic areas or on delicate surfaces, a final pass with a dry cloth helps to completely remove any residual moisture.
The role of water quality
Hard water with a high salt content is often the hidden culprit of the problem. When the droplets evaporate, they leave a residue on the surface lime depositswhich appear as gray streaks. In such cases, adding special softeners or using filtered water for the final cleaning step can help.
The cleanliness of the floor is directly dependent on the moderate use of household chemicals and regular water changes during the cleaning process.
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