Nasty, sticky floors are a nightmare for many homeowners. If this happens to you, don’t worry, it can be easily fixed by changing how you tackle floor cleaning. Here are six things you should avoid next time you grab a mop!
Mistake #1. Skipping vacuum cleaning
Although it doesn’t involve mopping, dust removal is essential before mopping your floor. Otherwise, you’ll dirty the water in the bucket and spread the dirt across the floor.
Sweeping the floors should do the job. However, the best way to remove dust from your floors before mopping is by using a vacuum cleaner. Go slowly and steadily, taking care of dirt and debris in every corner of your floor.
Mistake #2. Not wringing the mop
Cleaning should never be a race. If you are dipping the mop and slapping it on the floor to get it over with, you’re in for disaster!
In other words, if you don’t wring your mop well, you’ll have a messy floor. Besides, the excess water sets deep in certain types of flooring, and the moisture can turn into dreaded mold or damage wooden panels.
Mistake #3. Storing a damp mop
A common mistake is leaving the mop inside the bucket or storing it while still damp. After mopping, pour the water down the drain and dry the mop. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a smelly mop filled with bacteria next time you clean.
Mistake #4. Using too much water or cleaning solution
It’s easier to make cleaning solutions by guessing quantities, but a mistake is likely.
A too diluted solution might not clean or sanitize properly. On the other hand, excessive cleaning products can leave residue on the floors and turn them sticky. Check the instructions on the cleaner’s label before making the cleaning solution.
Mistake #5. Choosing the wrong floor cleaner
Not all floors are the same, and you shouldn’t be using the same cleaner on all of them. Using an abrasive cleaner on the wrong type of floor will scrape off the finish. Besides, the wrong compound might leave a sticky mess.
Mistake #6. Mopping incorrectly
Even with a well-wringed mop and the right amount of cleaner, your floors will not look great if you don’t mop correctly. If you always get a streaky floor, try these simple steps:
- If you use a bucket, dip the mop and wring out well. For flat mops, you can spray the solution directly onto the pad.
- Start at the edges and work towards exiting the room you’re cleaning. Maintain an “s” motion across the floor surface.
- Then, if you pick soapy water to clean your floors, you’ll need to wash the mop and repeat the previous steps for rinsing the floor—but this time with plain water. There’s no need to rinse if you use a vinegar solution.
- Dry with another clean mop or turn on a fan.
You’ll notice how evenly clean the floors are!
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