How to Clean Slippery Wooden Floor

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Wondering how to clean slippery wooden floor?

Substances like waxes and polishes are used to give the hardwood floor its desirable stunning lustre. However, the accumulation of dust, debris and coating can cause it to become slick and make it prone to accidents. Like this…

how to clean slippery wooden floor

So how does one prevent it? 

What steps can reduce the slickness of the hardwood floor? 

Here are some steps to tackle the problem efficiently.

The easiest and most durable way is to ensure that you mop and clean your floor regularly. Products such as doormats, rugs, non-slip pads, anti-slip treatments can help ensure that your floor is safe and clean. However, if your floor is out of control with its slipperiness and you can walk around without risking a slip or two.

So, stay tuned. We’ve got some key ingredients and products that will save your floor. 

Things required for cleaning 

  1. Vinegar
  2. Mop and Bucket
  3. Gloves
  4. Regular towels
  5. Dust broom and Dustpan
  6. Anti-Slip Coating
  7. Microfiber dust mop

How to clean slippery wooden floors – step by step

Read this carefully. Do not clean your wooden floor with water and vinegar on a daily basis. Use this mix only when required. Water and vinegar will tarnish the floor shine. So, follow the below steps and protect your wooden floor from any harm. Let us now see how to clean slippery wood floors.

Step 1 – Brooming

Step one for cleaning is to always remove visible trash and dust particles. Swipe all the dust, collect it in a dustpan and discard it. This step is very essential because if the dust particles are present on the floor, it will make the mopping a little difficult and messy. So, it’s recommended not to skip this step.

Step 2 – Mopping

Now comes the mopping. Dip the mop in the bucket of water, rinse it and start mopping in an up-down motion. You can avoid using detergent but a spoon full of dish soap in a bucket of water and disinfectant wouldn’t hurt. Use the remedies only on Slippery wooden floors.

Tips for mopping

Here are a few mopping tips to get you through the process by applying optimal efforts.

Tip 1: Mop Condition

The mop should be damp, not drenched. If it is drenched in water it would create a mess for you to handle. We need to dry the wooden floor after mopping so it’s best to use a damp mop. It will be good for the wooden floor.

Tip 2: Things to take care of while mopping

Make sure you rinse and wash the mop several times during cleaning. Change the water after a few rinses for the best results.

Tip 3: Floor condition while mopping

Floors become slippery when wet. So, be extra careful while mopping.

Tip 4: Recommended mop

You can have a look at mops here. This is the best mop I came across. It also eliminates the need to carry a bucket around. Its triangular build lets you get the dust and stains on corners and this is the most basic and impressive feature of this mop.

Sale
O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop, Bucket Floor Cleaning System, Red, Gray
  • HANDS-FREE WRINGING: Our exclusive mop bucket design features a built-in wringer that allows for hands-free wringing while Splash Guard keeps water splash and spray inside the bucket when wringing or when transporting the bucket from room to room
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: The EasyWring Microfiber Mop Head is machine-washable and reusable! We recommend replacing the mop head refill every 3 months for optimal floor cleaning results
  • DEEP CLEANING MICROFIBER: O-Cedar's EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System uses millions of strands of advanced microfiber to effectively capture dirt and grime with just plain water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Safe for all hard flooring, including finished hardwood, wood, laminate, tile, vinyl and more.
  • REACHES IN CORNERS: Due to the patented triangle mop-head and ability to rotate 360 degrees, the EasyWring Mop can reach and clean deep into corners, under furniture, alongside baseboards, and between tile.
  • 1 REFILL = 3 MONTHS OF CLEANING: This offer includes 1 EasyWring Refill, and each EasyWring Microfiber Refill lasts up to 3 months! Save time and money with longer-lasting mop head replacements

Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Step 3 – Drying the wooden floor

A wooden floor must be dried. If it’s left wet, it will allow the wooden floor to absorb the moisture. This will harm the wooden floor. So if there’s a fan, switch it on while mopping the floor. If not then, mop the floor with a completely dry mop or a dry regular towel.

Home remedies for slippery Wooden floors

Vinegar

Vinegar is a magic ingredient that can help cut through the slick and save you from the slog. 

Mix one part vinegar with two parts warm water in a small bucket. Mop the floor using this solution to rid the floor of old residues and cleaning products that make the wooden floor slippery.

Run a dry mop to ensure that your floor is free of any residual cleaning agents or water. For your bathroom or other areas near a drain, you can be free with the amount of solution you are using as it will be easier to wipe it away.

You can also use a scrubber or an old brush to scrub away the slippery residues and clean your wooden floor.

How to make hardwood floors less slippery?

Classic carpets

Things that help add texture and increase friction are rugs and absorbent mats installed in slip-prone areas. However, cleaning and dusting carpets and rugs can be another hard task. Depending on your preference you can choose to add a carpet during the winters.

Carpets do add warmth to the room. Because of increased friction on the floor, it becomes 10 times safer to walk on.

Non-slip pads

Non-slip pads help prevent accidental damage and secure the areas of your home, whether it be an area that gets a lot of visitor traffic or a spill-prone area under the sink. To add warmth and a layer to your space and for regular use, a non-slip pad for easy maintenance.

Amazon Basics Rubber Furniture Pads, Black, 2'' Square, 16 pcs
  • Self-adhesive rubber pads for placing underneath furniture legs to protect flooring
  • Prevents scratches, scrapes, paint streaks and other damage; dampens noise
  • Durable rubber construction provides a barrier and slight elevation to separate surfaces
  • Adhesive back allows you to easily install the pads onto flat surfaces
  • Suitable for a wide variety of home furniture, decor, and electronics

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Use Non-skid treatment

Non-skid treatment on the floor can be the ultimate solution if the above-discussed methods are not good enough for you. The non-skid treatment is sort of a permanent solution as the product can not be easily removed and thus this is an inflexible solution.

INSL-X SU031009A-01 Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint, 1 Gallon, Light Gray
  • Durable, skid resistant finish anti slip paint for interior or exterior application, excellent color retention, abrasion resistance, and resistance to ponding water.
  • High traffic slip resistant paint for concrete that’s ideal for stairs, walkways, patios, and more.
  • Fast drying, durable, easy application that fills and seals cracks.
  • 80 - 120 square foot coverage per gallon.
  • On exterior applications, do not apply when rain is threatening. Not for immersion service.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

However, in situations where you absolutely need to prevent slippage, where there is a pregnant lady in the house, a child or a pet, this can be a very efficient way to prevent accidents. 

One thing that really makes a difference is how long you have been avoiding your floor scrubbing. If you’re frequent with your clean up, then there is a lot less chance for your floor to become slippery. Procrastinating on cleaning the floor makes the clean up harder for later. Keeping it clean and dry should stop it from becoming slippery.

If you are Applying this non-skit coating, then keep the following things in mind. Clean the floor thoroughly before applying the coating, so that it sticks well on the floor. Take into consideration the amount of paint required to cover the floor. Apply the paint in an up-down motion for an even coating.

If you are in doubt, cover a small area with the paint and then make any further decisions.

INSL-X SU031009A-01 Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint, 1 Gallon, Light Gray
  • Durable, skid resistant finish anti slip paint for interior or exterior application, excellent color retention, abrasion resistance, and resistance to ponding water.
  • High traffic slip resistant paint for concrete that’s ideal for stairs, walkways, patios, and more.
  • Fast drying, durable, easy application that fills and seals cracks.
  • 80 - 120 square foot coverage per gallon.
  • On exterior applications, do not apply when rain is threatening. Not for immersion service.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQ

Why are my hardwood floors suddenly slippery?

It can be due to a lot of factors. Residues of dust, grease, soap, moisture, powder, etc and the accumulation of these substances over time can cause the floor to become slippery. Infrequent cleaning can also be a common cause.

How do I get rid of slick spots on the hardwood floor?

Push a microfiber dust mop across the hardwood floor to remove dust and dirt. Use half a cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Then, rinse the mop completely into the mixture and rub it across the slick. Use a scrubber and cleaning agents if you feel the need to.

How to fix slippery wood floors?

Clean your floor with a dry dust mop regularly. Use a microfiber dust mop and cleaning products to mop your floor carefully. Ensure that you dry the floor with water rinsed and a dry mop to clean the residual soap and cleaning agents from the hardwood floor.

CLEANHOME Dust Mop for Floor Cleaning Microfiber Professional Dry & Wet Flat Mops for Tile Floors with a Extra Chenille Refill Mopping Pad for Hardwood,Tile,Marble Floor
  • Economical and durable mop: This microfiber dust mop with two pieces reusable refill mop pads, the chenille microfiber mop pad can quickly absorb lots of water,and the full polyester microfiber replacement pad with better cleaning power, it can remove stains in cracks on the ground such as tiles,perfect for damp mopping and dry sweeping.
  • Gentle surface of the Dust Mop: This mop suitable for all kinds of wooden floors, tile floors, laminate floors and so on. It can be used for Wet or Dry Floor Cleaning.
  • Extendable Long Handle: You can adjust the length from 44.5" to 55.5". And this light weight mop friendly for ladies and the elderly.
  • Easy installation and washable microfiber mop pads: Buckle design, the mop pad can be removed and washed by machine. A good choice for kitchen floors, restaurant, bathroom, garages, warehouses, office and so on.
  • Flexible rotating 360 spin mop head:Make the mop easily clean the floor under the sofa, under the bed, and other corners. The mop can be used not only as a floor mop, but also as a wall mop.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Does vinegar make floors slippery?

Vinegar is an acid and it works by breaking down the surface finish of your floor. It is good to use to break down dirt and accumulated grease. However, over-usage can lead to a reduce the shine on your floor, leaving a dull appearance. It can also lead to the accumulation of water which can cause swelling and discoloration. But, no, it won’t make your floor slippery.

Does bona make wood floors slippery?

Bona is a thin finish you apply to your floor. Over time, with repeated usage, it can accumulate on the floor if used very frequently causing your floor to become slippery. It is recommended to use it once a month 

How to make wood floors less slippery for dogs?

You can begin by trimming your dog’s nails and providing your dog with toe grips or socks. Anti-skid treatment can be a good way to prevent your dog from slipping. Yoga mats and rugs can be used to provide a non-slip surface to your dog as temporary solutions.

INSL-X SU031009A-01 Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint, 1 Gallon, Light Gray
  • Durable, skid resistant finish anti slip paint for interior or exterior application, excellent color retention, abrasion resistance, and resistance to ponding water.
  • High traffic slip resistant paint for concrete that’s ideal for stairs, walkways, patios, and more.
  • Fast drying, durable, easy application that fills and seals cracks.
  • 80 - 120 square foot coverage per gallon.
  • On exterior applications, do not apply when rain is threatening. Not for immersion service.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Cleaning Slippery Wooden Floors Summary

Slippery wooden floors are a common problem and over time you can find ways that work best for you. Trial and experimentation can help you figure out a permanent solution. 

However, you must make sure that your wooden floor is being properly maintained. It is better to prevent damaging your wooden floor as repairing it can be quite costly. 

I hope this serves as a guide for you on how to clean slippery wooden floors. Just follow the above steps and remedies. You will be able to take good care of your wooden floors.

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