This is a partnered guest post.
Using a mop is an effective way to clean your floors, as long you rinse it frequently while you are using it and after you are finished. This advice is the same for old fashioned string mops, sponge mops, or the generation of steam mops, microfiber mops, and disposable pads. How you do it varies a bit.
String Mops: With a traditional cotton string mop, you clean by wetting the mop in sudsy bucket, moving it back and forth across the floor, and frequently rinsing the mop in clean water. When done, cleaning the mop promptly with clean water and wringing it out after use will keep it fresh. If the mop mildews, you can clean it with bleach or disinfectant.
If the mop head is removable, you can run it through the gentle cycle of the washer with bleach to whiten it and then air dry it or put it in the dryer. Don’t use fabric softener to preserve absorbency.
Sponge mops: Sponge mops do a great job for general cleaning and for picking up sticky messes. If you rinse the mop in clean water throughout the process and then do the same at the end to give it a final cleaning. Bleach will deteriorate the sponge material, so stick with a clean water rinse. To prevent mildew, store it with the head up. When the mop is dry, remove dirt and hair with a lint roller before you use it again.
Microfiber mops: Microfiber mops have different covers for different jobs. You wet the mop, dispense the cleaning solution from a spray bottle, and then run your mop along the floor. You can rinse the floor with a clean mop cover. After use, you can throw the microfiber pads in the washer. To prevent damage to the fabric, you should use a biodegradable soap rather than a detergent which contains brighteners and other additives.
Steam mops: Steam mops have washable pads fitted on the steam heads which dispense steam to clean the floor. Often made of microfiber or terry, the pads clean efficiently and can be washed in the machine hundreds of times just like the covers for the hand versions. While washing the floor, you should put on a clean pad if the one you have gets too dirty.
Disposable mops: Mops like Swiffer use a disposable pad that is intended for one-time use. Often, the dispenser is built into the mop itself. When you are cleaning a large floor, you should replace the pad when it is dirty. You can replace the pad with a microfiber cover to merge the advantages of the built in dispenser with the economy of a washable cover.
While any of the mops mentioned will do a good job on cleaning, the key to maintaining your floors is regular care. If this does to fit into your schedule or you don’t like to do it, hiring DC Maid Service may be the “good housekeeping solution you need.
GREAT ARTICLE. I am going to pin it now. Thanks!
Great tips!
This is a wonderful post to have on hand! I am thankful I own a steam mop so the pads can be easily cleaned at any time.