Residue attracts more than just feet to the floor. It also attracts dirt and other contaminants tracked in by shoes. Residue grips and holds the particulate matter carried through the air. Particulate matter consists of dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. Some particulates are visible to the naked eye, but some are too small to see. It’s the build-up of these particulates on the imperfections of a surface that lead to them looking dirty or off-color over time. Sticky floors accelerate the process by making it easier for these materials to attach. 

Sticky floors are also an ideal place for biofilms to grow. These bacteria-rich films can cause infections both acute and chronic. Biofilms can also produce and trap odors. They can also be very resistant to antimicrobial agents and disinfectants (1). 

Whether a floor is actually clean or not, the perception of its cleanliness is key to those visiting a facility. It can affect how they feel while within a facility, and impact their overall feelings towards a company’s professionalism. If a healthcare facility looks dirty, it’ll be assumed to be unhygienic. Parents will be hesitant to have their kids attend schools that look dirty or unsanitary, and a customer will judge a store or restaurant by the cleanliness of their bathroom, floors, and other surfaces. In fact, research has shown that 14% of polled consumers would stop visiting a store that was not clean, and 29% would only continue visiting an unclean store if it was absolutely necessary (2).

Slips, trips, and falls are a serious cause for concern for businesses. Slip and falls account for over 1 million visits to hospital emergency rooms in a year and are the primary cause for lost days from work (3). The residue left behind is caused by surfactants or soap. As anyone who has held a bar of soap in their wet hands knows, water + soap = slippery. This applies to the soapy film left behind over time as well. As soon as the surface gets wet, it becomes a slippery health hazard.