When it’s time to make your floors sparkle again, your trusty mop takes center stage. But if it’s too dirty, your floors won’t look any good when you finish. The good news is that you can clean your mop and bring it to its former glory in just six easy steps!
Step #1. Give it a good shake-off
Before your mop meets water, take it outside for a little shaking over a trash can (unless you want to sweep afterward). This shake-down will dislodge any loose dirt, hair, or debris that has taken up residence on your mop.
This step is essential because wet fibers tend to hold tight on particles, making them harder to dislodge—and we want to save as much time as possible.
Step #2. Rinse the mop in warm water
Shaking helps with most of the loose stuff, but ingrained soil needs a little extra. Give your mop a thorough rinse with warm water to loosen and remove the deep dirt that’s accumulated over time. Skipping this step could lead to some extra-long mop-cleaning sessions down the road.
However, be mindful of where you do this. If you’ve got outdoor space, that’s perfect. But if you’re indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Also, consider laying down mats or newspapers to avoid unexpected indoor puddles.
Pro-tip: If your mop isn’t too grubby, you can fast-track to the next step.
Step #3. Choose the right cleaning solution
Now that you’ve rinsed, it’s time to get soapy! Fill a bucket with warm water (enough to cover the mop head) and add a smidge of detergent. Swirl it around until you’ve got some suds going.
But here’s the thing: pick a detergent without any harsh chemicals like phosphates or citric acid. Those chemicals can cause itchiness, damage your mop’s fibers, and leave behind nasty residues that will reappear on your floors during your next cleaning session.
Step #4. Scrub the mop head
Dunk your mop head into the soapy solution and give those fibers or bristles a gentle but thorough hand scrub. Pay extra attention to those stubborn stains and clingy dirt spots. If you’re rocking a string mop, make sure to work through the strands to get every last bit of dirt out.
Alternatively, if your mop is detachable, you can toss the mophead in the washing machine on a gentle cycle (unless it’s cotton or string, as they can get damaged).
Step #5. Give it a final rinse
Let the water flow freely through your mop, either using an outdoor hose or your bathroom sink. Ensure that all the detergent is washed away. For string mop users, spread those strands and let the water pressure work its magic on dirt and soap residue.
This step is vital to prevent any soapy remnants from becoming dirt magnets during future cleaning sessions.
Step #6. Let the mop air-dry
Your mop isn’t truly clean until it’s completely dry. Skipping this step can turn it into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, not to mention it might develop some funky odors.
The best way to dry it is by hanging it outside in the sun until it’s bone dry. If outdoor drying isn’t an option, let it air dry in a well-ventilated area with the mop head facing upward—for string mop owners, let those strands hang loose.
Once it’s dry, you’ll be all set to tackle your floors with a clean mop and a smile!
Want more tips for keeping your house in tip-top shape?
From keeping your microfiber cloths clean to sprucing up your baseboards, 4 Senses House Cleaning has you covered. We have expert cleaning advice to keep your home (and cleaning tools) looking their best. Check out our blog to learn more!
