How to Make Mop Cleaner

The type of mop that you have determines how you should clean it.

A clean floor gives the whole room new life and freshens the air. However, if your mop is dirty, you may end up with dirt that is simply rearranged after mopping. Cleaning your mop periodically is a must. You don't have to spend a lot of money on cleaning products to sanitize and spruce up your mop. Make your own cleaning solution at home with just a few key ingredients. This solution will disinfect your mop and make it more efficient at cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach to the washer before laundering detachable mop heads. Wash the mop head on the highest heat setting.

2. Mix 3/4 gallon of hot water with 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach in a bucket. Dip mop heads that cannot be detached into this solution and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

3. Store mops in an upright position in a dry area once you have applied the cleaning solution. This will prevent the growth of mildew and mold.

4. Add 1 cup of white vinegar per gallon of hot water when you are mopping to regularly clean the mop and the floor. Vinegar is a gentle disinfectant and odor neutralizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use vinegar on natural stone surfaces because the acidic properties of the vinegar will damage natural stone.

• Wear gloves when handling bleach. Avoid bringing bleach into contact with your skin, and use it in a well-ventilated area so that you aren't inhaling direct fumes.

• Bleach may damage the fibers of some mops over time.

References

• "How the Queen Cleans Everything"; Linda Cobb; 2003
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Using Microfiber Mops in Hospitals
• The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service: Cleaning Supplies