Moping is a great way to keep your floors clean and sparkling. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable for both your living and workplace. Are mops really that reliable, though? Well, it depends. Clean mops can do wonders; dirty ones, not so much.
You may wonder how mops get dirty if they’re constantly washed with cleaning products, but mold and bacteria can easily grow on them. Properly cleaning your mop can prevent it from deteriorating prematurely and moving dirt around. Here are a few steps to ensure your floors are truly clean the next time you mop.
Step #1. Always rinse after use
It may seem like a simple task, but properly rinsing your mop after every use is the first step to getting rid of leftover grime and cleaning solution. On a surface level, this ensures you won’t carry dirt back to your floors the next time you use the mop.
You can use a bucket and turn the mop around several times or place it in a sink under running water. Hot water works best as it helps to remove stains and germs. Wring out and make sure excess water is clear before moving on.
Step #2. Wash when possible
If your mop has a detachable head, you can save yourself some energy and throw it in the washing machine. Go for a gentle cycle and use the hottest temperature to ensure bacteria is properly removed.
Remember to check for washing instructions on the mop’s packing, as some removable heads may not be suitable for this method.
Step #3. Soak and disinfect
No need to worry if your mop cannot be machine washed; you can do it yourself. Get a bucket and fill it with equal parts hot water and bleach. Soak your mop and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will kill all bacteria and germs, as well as remove any persistent stains from the mop’s fibers.
You can replace bleach with vinegar if you prefer to avoid chemicals. Vinegar can eliminate bacteria and remove grease, so it works just as well.
Step #4. Rinse and wring out
Rinsing your mop is next. Dump the dirty mixture and refill with clean water to rinse. You can also use running water; just ensure all the bleach or vinegar comes out. Wringing out as much excess water as possible allows the mop to dry faster.
You may have to repeat step #3 if the excess water is not clear.
Step #5. Air dry
Place the mop upright in an open or ventilated area and let it air dry completely before storing. If the mop is placed face down, it’s possible it’ll end up growing mold due to not fully drying.
And you’re done; your mop is clean and ready for use.
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