Vacuum cleaners certainly assist in the cleaning process around the house, and so does sweeping. However, all these methods clear the dust and dirt, so what about the bacteria and germs that still sit on your floor? Well, the key to it is to mop the floor, which is undeniably the best way to enhance cleanliness while eliminating bacteria and germs. However, it is only a plausible solution if the mop you are using is a clean one. Yes, that’s right, as imperative as it is to keep the house clean, equally so is valid for the mop, failing to which will only mean you are dragging the bacteria around with each wipe.
But, how does one clean a mop properly? Is it not enough to rinse it under tap water? Does it need to be cleaned regularly? The following article discusses answers to all these, along with the right way of cleaning a mop.
Contents
Clean The Mop Using Bleach And Dish Soap
- With hot water, fill up the bucket halfway and get a bottle of bleach and dish soap.
- Now, stick the mop you wish to clean inside the bucket and swirl it speedily while striking it against the bottom of the bucket to ensure a thorough clean and germ removal.
- Pull out the mop and wring it. Then, get a clean bucket of water and, using bleach, disinfect the mop.
Precautions
Wring the mop nicely and make sure it is completely dry before you store it. Also, remember that a mop develops mold and bacteria if it is in a warm area while still wet.
Soak The Mop
- Fill up a gallon of hot water in a bucket and add to it either half a cup of bleach or one cup of white vinegar.
- Soak the dirty mop head inside the bucket, letting it sit in a stationary phase for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, pull out the mop head and wring it.
- Empty the water in the bucket and fill it up again with clean water. Then, rinse your mop with the excess water and wring it again.
- Let the mop hang dry, and voila, they are once again ready to get your floors clean.
Precautions
Letting your mop sit in the water solutions for too long, more than 24 hours at the maximum, can lead to mold and bacteria growth, given the warm, moist, and favorable conditions. Keep the mop out of children’s reach at the time of bleach soak.
Clean Your Mop In A Washing Machine
If you happen to have a mop with a detachable head, cleaning it in a washing machine is an excellent way to go. You may toss it along with another dirty rag or cleaning equipment.
Just throw in some cleaning solution in the washing machine and a cap full of white vinegar or bleach, as it further enhances the cleaning process and sanitizes the mop. After, wring out the mop head and let it air dry.
Ways To Clean A Dry Mop
Everyone should shake out the dry mop after each use. Ensure to do it outside the house or near the trash can to avoid dust flying around the house. And, while that alone would keep the mop clean to an extent, there are a few other ways one must occasionally try out.
Vacuum The Mop
What’s a better way to clean a dry mop than with the help of a vacuum cleaner? Vacuuming the mop head will get rid of all the dirt and dust quickly. Adjust the tube attachment of your vacuum cleaner and run it over the mop head till it’s clean.
Wash The Dry Mop In A Washing Machine
Even if the dry mop you use is microfiber, you can most certainly wash it in the washing machine. Although, you must take a few things into account to ensure that the quality of the mop remains.
- For any dry microfiber mop, do not use bleach or fabric softener. Instead, wash the mop head on low heat using only laundry detergent.
- It is best to let the mop head air dry. If you choose to dry it using a washing machine dryer, make sure it is low heat.
- It is best not to wash or even dry the microfiber mop head, other items, or regular laundry. It is because the microfibers of the mop pick up excess lint from the clothes.
Hand Wash The Dry Mop
If you wish to pick a quick and minimalistic approach to washing your dry mop, there is nothing better than handwashing it. First, fill the sink with regular water (room temperature) and add a little dish soap.
Soak your mop head entirely and, using your hands, scrub it to get rid of the dirt. Then, rinse your mop under excess water, wring it, and let it hang dry.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
- It is best to soak a brand-new mop in cool water before use. This is a great way to rid it of manufacturer coating, making the mop less absorbent.
- Use multiple mop heads for different uses around the house.
- Do not leave your mop in the water overnight, especially a dirty mop, as it boosts both the log phase and lag phase of the mold and bacterial development in the mop fibers.
- Replace the mop head occasionally.
Conclusion
Washing your mop keeps the bacterial populations on the fibers in control. While it is best to wash a mop after every use, find a machine-washable mophead if you cannot do so. Find the perfect type of mop from various available in the market, as per your needs and maintenance routine, for flawlessly clean floors.
