Did you wash your mop recently, but your floors keep getting dirty after cleaning? You may need something more than rinsing! Don’t worry about buying special cleaning products; you’ll only need a bucket, some laundry detergent, and water to carry out this job.
The best part? Washing your mop will not take too long. The sooner you start with this guide, the quicker you’ll have a clean mop!
Step #1. Make sure the bucket is clean
This step may seem obvious, but a little extra precaution never hurts. Just give the bucket a quick look to ensure it isn’t grimy. Sometimes, you only need to pour some water and swirl it around to pick up the soil!
On the other hand, if the bucket is too dirty, fill ¼ of it with warm soapy water and scrub the grime with a brush—quick and easy.
Step #2. Add cleaning solution to the bucket
As a mop is basically a bunch of fabric strands, you can use laundry detergent (without softener) to clean it without a problem. So, prepare an effective cleaning solution by filling your bucket halfway with warm water and adding one tablespoon of your preferred detergent.
Step #3. Soak your mop in cleaning mix
Immediately after adding soapy water to the bucket, dip your mop in it several times, moving it back and forth to loosen the dirt. Next, submerge it for at least twenty minutes to let the detergent act deeper into the fibers.
Once time’s up, take out and wring the mop to squeeze out all the dirty water. You may need to repeat the process depending on how dirty your mop is.
Step #4. Rinse the grime away
Most of the dirt will come out by wringing your mop, but deeper grime may need something extra. So, place your mop under running water (from the sink or an outdoor faucet) at full force while gently rubbing the fabric against itself—avoid scrubbing or using a brush!
Pro-tip: If you have one, use a hose with a nozzle for more thorough and easier cleaning. The extra pressure will get deep into the fibers and take out the dirt quicker!
Step #5. Don’t forget to sanitize
There’s no point in a clean-looking mop if it still spreads bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial you sanitize your mop after you wash it.
To do it, fill a clean bucket with warm water and one cup of bleach. Then, let your mop soak in the mixture for at least thirty minutes. Lastly, take out the mop to rinse and wring it. Remember to use gloves and be careful not to spill bleach on your clothes!
Warning: Bleach is harsh on microfiber, synthetic, and sponge mops! If you own one of these (or want to play it safe), replace it with a mix of one cup of vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide for every gallon of water in the bucket.
Step #6. Dry your mop properly
Not drying your mop the right way will help moisture quickly grow bacteria, making all your cleaning efforts useless! To prevent that, air-dry your mop by hanging it under the sun. If you can’t hang your mop outside, let it dry in a ventilated, well-lit area with the head up.
Can you clean your mop in the washing machine?
Yes, as long as it has a removable head and is machine-wash safe. For example, cotton mops shouldn’t be washed this way, as they can get ruined. So, try to find your mop’s care instructions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What if your mop is still smelly after washing it?
If your mop has a foul smell even after washing it properly, it might mean it’s riddled with bacteria—yes, some of it can survive sanitizing. Don’t risk it, and change that mop immediately!
Give your mop a break, and let the pros handle the mess!
Spare yourself the hassle of cleaning your floors (and your mop afterward) by hiring No More Dust Maid Services! Our trustworthy, experienced cleaners will take over all your chores while you relax and enjoy your free time. Book now!