Knowing how to mop your floors properly is only half of the battle to keep them spotless. You also need to ensure your mop is the most grime-free possible. Here, you’ll learn how to clean your mop—with a little extra care—so it’s constantly in top shape!
Step #1. Find the perfect washing spot
Beyond the risk of spills, your mop might be packing some dirt and dust that’s just waiting to spread everywhere. Opt for an outdoor mop bath, whether in your backyard or front lawn.
If going outside isn’t an option, choose a well-ventilated room within your home. Just throw down some mats or newspapers to catch any mess that might escape.
Step #2. Shake that mop like you mean it
Get your mop ready for a good wash by giving it a good shake over a trash can (otherwise, be prepared to sweep up the aftermath). This move kicks out any loose dirt, hair, or debris hanging onto the mop’s bristles or fibers.
Here’s a golden rule: shake it before wetting the mop! Wet fibers make some particles cling harder, turning a simple task into a hassle.
Step #3. Speedy rinse with warm water
Shaking does wonders for mostly loose debris, but stubborn dirt calls for a little extra effort. Give your mop a thorough rinse with warm water to bid farewell to the dirt and grime it picked up from all the times you mop with it. Doing so will save you unnecessary elbow grease later.
Pro-tip: If your mop isn’t too grimy, you can skip ahead to the next step.
Step #4. Pour the right soap into a bucket
Once the rinse is done, it’s showtime for the soap. Fill a bucket with enough warm water to fully submerge the mop head, and throw in a splash of detergent.
Stick to the mild stuff to keep your mop’s fibers in one piece! Harsh chemicals can mess with the material, irritate your skin, and leave behind unwanted residues that will ruin your floor the next time you mop by making it look muddy.
Pro-tip: Check the ingredients to make sure it’s the mild superhero your mop needs.
Step #5. Hand scrub the mop head
Dip the mop head into the soapy mix and give those fibers a gentle yet thorough hand scrub. Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or clingy dirt. Going hands-on works better than just letting the mop soak, as it lifts dirt more effectively.
Pro-tip: If your mop head is detachable, throw it in the washing machine on a warm cycle unless it’s made of cotton or string—those could get roughed up!
Step #6. Rinse the mop head squeaky clean
Let the power of an outdoor hose or your bathroom sink’s full blast rinse away every bit of detergent—the pressure helps liberate your mop from dirt and soap in no time. For string mops, keep those strands moving to hit every nook and cranny.
This step is the secret sauce for ensuring no soapy residue sticks around. Leftover soap becomes a dirt magnet, playing the villain in your future cleaning sessions.
Step #7. Dry your mop the right way
A genuinely clean mop needs a proper drying session. Skipping this step creates a cozy hideout for bacteria and mold deep in your mop—not to mention it won’t exactly smell like roses.
The best way to dry your mop is by letting it bask under the sun for about an hour. If outdoor hanging isn’t up your alley, let it air-dry in a well-ventilated space with the head up. For string mops, hang them so the strands hang loose to let the moisture escape fully.
Once dry, your mop is all set to hit those floors again, ready to roll without breaking a sweat!
CalMaids has more professional cleaning advice for you!
Cleaning your mop is just one of many chores to keep your home spotless. The good news is you can get through them just as easily. CalMaids has a library full of tips and guides to help you carry out your cleaning duties without getting tired. Check out our blog!
