How to Clean a Floor With Mops

When it comes to house cleaning there always seems to be a better, more efficient way to do it; how to clean a floor with mops is no exception. Mopping a floor is a common household task often avoided until absolutely necessary. It takes some prep work and physical exertion. However, the rewards of a recently mopped floor are worth the effort: dirt-free, fresh-smelling, and barefoot-walkable floors. So get to it!

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Vacuum
• Bucket
• Water
• Cleaning solution
• Mop (rag or sponge, depending on your floor type)

Instructions

1. Pick up loose debris and dirt off the floor with a vacuum cleaner or use a broom and dustpan.

2. Fill a bucket 2/3 full with water: wood floors are cleaned best with cold water, stone floors with hot water, and all other floors with warm water.

3. Add a cleaning solution to the water, using the manufacturer's recommended amount. As a rule, use mild cleaners on stone and tile and harsher cleaners on linoleum. Avoid using soap on wood and Pergo floors unless recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Choose a mop to use. Textured floors can be mopped with the old-fashioned rag mops. Sponge mops work best on smooth floors.

5. Submerge the mop in the water, wring it out well, and begin mopping. Move your rag mop in a figure eight motion, overlapping each stroke; push your sponge mop back and forth across the floor in a straight line. Always work from the back of the room towards the door, keeping the bucket on the dry and dirty part of the floor.

6. Allow the floor to air-dry.

References

• What is the Best Way to Mop a Floor?
• The Correct Method to Damp Mop a Floor
• How to Mop a Floor