How To Clean Your Mop The Right Way

Are you cleaning your floors with a dirty mop? The answer is probably yes. Different types of mops need different cleaning methods. Microfiber, often considered one of the best mops for hardwood floors, cleans up well with a mild detergent and warm water. For a traditional cotton one, hand-washing works best. For sponge mops, you should rinse them after each use and then wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Finally, spin mops can be cleaned by soaking them in soapy water or tossing them in the washing machine.

No matter the type, always let it dry completely before you put it away, and make sure to replace the mop head when it starts to look worn. To keep a mop germ-free, you need to store it correctly, use separate ones for areas like the kitchen and bathroom, and disinfect regularly. One thing you may not know is that you should always clean a brand-new mop before using it for the first time. A quick wash removes any residue it might have picked up during shipping. By following these simple steps, you can keep your floors clean without spreading germs around.

The first step in maintaining your mop is knowing what kind you have. A cotton mop needs to be hand-washed. Rinse it thoroughly to remove loose dirt, then submerge it in warm water mixed with a gentle detergent. Agitate the head and rinse until all the soap is gone. For a microfiber mop, simply remove the head and machine wash it on a delicate cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, since it can damage the fibers.

After each use, rinse a sponge mop under hot water to remove any dirt. For a deeper clean, soak it in hot, soapy water, squeezing the sponge to work the suds through, and then rinse well. Spin mops are easy to clean in a washing machine or by hand. After mopping, let it soak in clean, soapy water. You can also use the pedal to spin the clean water, helping dislodge any dirt. Rinse the mop and bucket, then spin it again to remove as much water as possible.

Once clean, disinfect the mop head by soaking it in one gallon of hot water mixed with ½ cup of bleach for 10 minutes. For a less harsh alternative, a mixture of vinegar and water can also be used. Avoid bleach on sponge mops and use hydrogen peroxide instead. Afterward, wring out the mop and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area before storing it.

Once your mop head is clean and completely dry, proper storage is the next step in keeping it clean. The best way to store a mop is by hanging it up. This allows it to thoroughly dry, and keeps the mop head from resting on the floor, which can get it dirty again. Using a hook or a wall-mounted holder in a utility closet or garage is a good solution. For ones that cannot be hung, like some spin mops, storing them head-up in a bucket or container is an alternative.

When it comes to a replacement, paying attention to the condition of the mop head is important. How often you should change a mop head depends on a few factors. Signs that it's time for a new one include fraying, discoloration that doesn't come out with cleaning, or an unpleasant odor. Most heads should be replaced every two to three months with regular use, but this can vary depending on how often you mop and the types of messes you are cleaning. Replacing it regularly makes sure that you always have a clean mop head on hand when you really need it.