I think some of you have just been unlucky. I go to Wetherspoons quite a lot, -although not quite so much these days owing to being old and creaky, - and think they are great.
I haven't noticed anything filthy or sticky etc. The food is good, the drinks are cheaper than elsewhere , and it's one of the very few pubs that I can go in alone and not feel uncomfortable, due to the friendly family atmosphere.
Also, one of my grandchildren works in one and I know from them just how strict the standards are of cleanliness etc.
So, you have just been unlucky. It must depend on the efficiency of the branch manager.