If you’ve just finished using your trusty mop to clean your floors, you have to ensure it also gets a good clean. This ensures it’s ready for use the next time you want to clean your home.
Should you really clean your mop after every use? You should clean your mop after every use by rinsing it thoroughly until it’s clean.
Sometimes, a deeper cleaning method is required, otherwise, debris will spread dirt across your floors the next time you use the mop.
If you don’t keep your mop clean, this can also cause it to become damaged over time. So, with that in mind, let’s explore how to clean a mop effectively and keep your mop and floors in good condition.
Contents
How To Clean A Mop To Keep It Hygienic
If your mop can be safely washed in the washing machine, your job is already much easier! As long as you follow the cleaning instructions on the mop, the mop head can be cleaned thoroughly in this way.
Opt for a gentle wash cycle on the hottest temperature so that it will sanitize your mop.
If you can’t clean your mop head in the washing machine, then you can do so by hand. You should mix together a half-water, half-bleach solution in a bucket.
Make sure you have enough liquid so that you cover the mop head completely. Leave the mop head to soak for 15 minutes, then rinse the mop until the water is clear.
Dry the mop head completely. If you leave any water on the mop, this can cause bacteria and mold to form. Wring the mop head before you place it outside to air dry.
If you can’t leave your mop outside, you should leave it upright in a well-ventilated area of the home.
How To Remove Grease From Your Mop
If you’ve cleaned your kitchen floor and it had some grease stains that you successfully removed with your mop, you should make sure you remove any residue from the mop head.
To do this, you will need some white vinegar.
- Fill a clean bucket with hot water.
- Add some white vinegar to the water.
- Soak the mop head in the solution for five minutes.
- Then, rinse the mop head in water until it runs clear.
How To Clean A Steam Mop
If you have a steam mop instead of a regular mop, here are the steps you should follow to keep it clean.
- Most steam mops have fabric pads that can be removed. Remove these and wash them in a normal wash cycle in the washing machine with some laundry detergent.
- Clean the water reservoir of the steam mop by emptying it. Wipe it with a damp rag.
- You should also use a dry rag to wipe the exterior of your steam mop, after every use. This prevents dirt and moisture from accumulating.
How To Clean A Sponge Mop
A sponge mop is more delicate than other types of mops so you have to be careful. You should rinse your sponge mop after every use. You shouldn’t clean your sponge mop in the dishwasher or washing machine as this will be too harsh for its delicate structure.
To clean your sponge mop thoroughly, such as if it’s become really dirty, mix together a cup of vinegar with a cup of hot water. Then, soak the sponge mop in this cleaning solution for 30 minutes.
Afterward, you should rinse the mop well. Let it dry properly before you store it away.
How To Clean A Dry Mop
If you have a dry or dust mop, you still need to clean it after every use. This entails taking the mop outside and shaking it well to remove debris and dust from it.
If you have more dirt on it that doesn’t come out after shaking it, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean your dry mop. Make sure you use the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner to do this.
Or, you can clean your dry mop with mild detergent and water. Do this by hand. Then, rinse your mop thoroughly and squeeze out excess water before hanging out your dry mop to dry.
How To Store A Mop
Once your mop has been dried properly, you can put it in storage. Make sure you store it correctly, though, to prevent it from getting damaged.
Store it in a dry, cool place in the home. Hang the mop so that the mop head doesn’t brush against the floor.
Related Questions
Can you use bleach to clean a mop?
You shouldn’t use bleach on a sponge or synthetic mop. This is because it will degrade the material. Vinegar is a better option to give your mop a good clean.
How long will a mop head last?
As long as you clean your mop after every time you use it, and you dry it properly before storing it, its head can last you for between two and three months.
This is usually how long you can go before changing it. If you have a sponge mop, you should replace it every three to six months.
Conclusion
If you don’t clean your mop regularly, this will make it dirty so the next time you use it to clean your floors it will transfer the dirt to them. You might even end up with streaks across the floor.
In this article, we’ve given you all the important steps you should follow to clean your mop properly so you extend its lifespan and keep your home clean.