How to Clean a Mop

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(6 Ratings)

Mopping with a dirty mop simply moves the dirt around, and your floor never really gets clean. Keeping a mop--and your floor--clean is easy if you follow these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Mop handle that uses disposable pads and onboard cleaner
Bottle of floor cleaner
Several disposable mop pads per room

Choose Your Weapon

Step 1

Examine your floor. Is the entire floor dirty, greasy or grimy? Is there a sticky residue? Or does the floor need only a light going-over to remove dust and germs?
Step 2

Choose a mop with disposable pads and onboard cleaner to tackle light jobs.
Step 3

Go for a string mop with a removable head for tougher jobs, and look for a good wringing system. A 360-degree twist is best.
Step 4

Try a self-wringing sponge mop with a scrubber strip for an all-purpose choice and for sticky residue.

Clean a String Mop

Step 1

Keep the rinse water clean. Refill your bucket as necessary, or rinse the mop under water in a sink, bathtub or shower.
Step 2

Wring the mop head thoroughly while cleaning the floor, and get as much water out of it as possible when finished.
Step 3

Remove the mop head and run it through your washer's delicate cycle after each mopping. Add chlorine or oxygen bleach to disinfect and whiten. Avoid using fabric softener because it will diminish the mop head's absorbency.
Step 4

Dry the mop head in the dryer without a fabric softener or dryer sheet, which will make the mop less absorbent. You can also line dry the mop in the sun.

Clean a Sponge Mop

Step 1

Change the rinse water often; don't let the water get gray. Better yet, rinse the mop head under running water.
Step 2

Fill the rinse bucket, sink or bathtub with warm, soapy water. Then rinse the mop head and wring thoroughly. Stay away from bleach, which will eat away the sponge.
Step 3

Store with the mop head up, which shortens drying time and prevents mold and mildew.
Step 4

Remove any hair or particles stuck to the mop head with a lint roller after the mop is dry.

Clean Disposable Mop Pads

Step 1

Replace mop pads frequently.
Step 2

Plan on using three pads for a 15-foot by 15-foot room.
Step 3

Use several squirts of cleaner for every 3-foot by 3-foot area.
Step 4

Store the mop without a dirty pad attached to avoid marking your storage area floor or wall.