When it comes to spotless floors, you might have the best cleaning technique. However, if your mop isn’t in top condition, it will leave your floor in a worse state than before. Your mop deserves a little care every now and then, and here, you’ll learn how to give it a good clean!
Step #1. Pick a suitable cleaning zone
Besides all the potential spills, your mop could have dirt and dust that could spread all over the place, so preferably wash your mop outdoors in your backyard or front lawn.
If going outdoors isn’t an option, pick a well-ventilated room inside your home. Just lay some mats or newspapers underneath to prevent any mess.
Step #2. Give the mop a good shake
Get the mop ready by giving it a firm shake over a trash can (or be ready to sweep up the dirt afterward). This move kicks out any loose dirt, hair, or debris hanging onto the mop’s bristles or fibers.
Remember to do this before wetting the mop! Soaked fibers make some particles stick harder, making the process cumbersome.
Step #3. Quick rinse with warm water
Shaking your mop does the trick for surface stuff, but deep-rooted dirt needs a little extra. Rinse your mop thoroughly with warm water to bid farewell to the dirt and grime it picked up during its cleaning adventures. Skipping this step means more time scrubbing later.
Pro-tip: If your mop isn’t that grimy, jump to the next step.
Step #4. Pour the right detergent into a bucket
After rinsing is sorted, it’s detergent time. Fill a bucket with enough warm water to submerge the mop head, and add a dash of detergent.
Stick to a mild detergent to keep your mop’s fibers intact. Harsh chemicals can mess with the material, irritate your skin, and leave behind unwelcome residues that will spread through the floor on your next mopping session.
Pro-tip: Check the ingredients list to be sure it’s mild.
Step #5. Hand scrub the mop head
Soak the mop head in the cleaning mix and give those fibers a gentle yet thorough hand scrub. Pay extra attention to stubborn stains or clingy dirt. Hands-on action works better than just leaving the mop soaked, as it lifts dirt more effectively.
If you can detach the mop head, throw it in the washing machine on a warm cycle unless it’s cotton or string—those could get damaged!
Step #6. Rinse the mop head clean
Let the power of an outdoor hose or your bathroom sink’s full blast rinse away every bit of detergent—the pressure helps free your mop from dirt and soap in no time. For string mops, you’ll want to move those strands constantly to reach every corner.
This step is key to ensuring no soapy residue sticks around. Leftover soap becomes a dirt magnet, sabotaging your hard work in future cleaning sessions.
Step #7. Dry it out properly!
A truly clean mop needs a proper dry-out. Skipping this step could create a cozy zone for bacteria and mold deep in your mop—plus, it won’t smell great.
The recommended way to dry your mop is by leaving it under the sun for about an hour. If outdoor hanging isn’t an option, let it dry in a well-ventilated space with the head up. For string mops, hang them so the strands hang freely.
Once dry, your mop is ready to tackle those floors again without breaking a sweat!
ProTouch Cleaners has more cleaning tips for you!
If you want help to tackle your daily cleaning chores with ease, we can help you! We’ll share with you expert tricks and guides that will make your cleaning life less of a burden so you can enjoy more free time. Check out our blog and learn how to clean like a pro!
