When it comes to achieving spotless floors, the state of your mop is one of the things that matters the most. So, if your mop has darkened or smells like a wet sock, it won’t do its job as well as before.

If you want your mop to be pristine again, here’s how in seven simple steps!

Step #1. Select the right washing spot

Start by choosing a suitable spot, preferably outdoors in your back or front yard. If you can’t do it outside, opt for a well-ventilated area. Also, if it’s indoors, you may want to place some mats or newspapers below to prevent spills from wetting your floor. 

Step #2. Shake off loose debris

Let’s prepare the mop by giving it a good shake over a trash can—unless you want to sweep the area afterward. This works to dislodge and remove any loose dirt, hair, or debris that might have accumulated on the mop’s bristles or fibers.

Be sure to do this step before wetting the mop, as particles can stick harder to the fibers when drenched, hindering the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Step #3. Quickly rinse your mop with warm water

Shaking your mop does get rid of particles stuck to the fibers. However, dirt ingrained in the fibers needs a more thorough treatment.

Thoroughly rinse your mop with warm water to loosen and eliminate dirt and grime that your mop may have collected during cleaning sessions. Skipping the rinsing part may extend your time washing your mop later.

Pro-tip: If your mop isn’t that dirty, you can jump right into the next step.

Step #4. Apply the right detergent

Once rising is out of the way, it’s time to introduce a gentle touch of detergent. Fill a bucket with enough warm water to cover your mop head, and pour a trickle of detergent.

For the cleaning mix, stick to mild options to protect the integrity of the mop’s fibers, as harsh chemicals (like phosphates and citric acid) can irritate your skin, damage the material, and may leave behind unwanted residues—cleaner residue can hinder your mopping sessions!

Pro-tip: You can check whether your cleaner is mild by reading the ingredients list.

Step #5. Hand scrub the mop

Drench the mop head and gently but thoroughly hand scrub the mop’s fibers or bristles. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains or clinging dirt. Your hands-on approach here works to dislodge and lift away dirt more effectively than just leaving the mop submerged.

Alternatively, if you have a detachable mop, you can toss it into your washing machine in a warm cycle, as long as it is not a cotton or string mop—those could get damaged!

Step #6. Rinse the mop thoroughly

Let running water from an outdoor hose or your bathroom sink at full power flow over the mop until every bit of detergent is washed away—if it’s a string mop, constantly move around the strands. The pressure will aid you in quickly leaving your mop free from dirt and soap.

This step is crucial to ensure that no soapy residue remains. Leftover soap can become a magnet for dirt in future cleaning sessions, essentially undoing your hard work.

Step #7. Don’t forget to dry the mop properly!

No mop is truly clean without properly drying it. Failing to do so can foster conditions for bacteria and mold growing deep in your trusty mop—besides bad smells.

The best way to dry your mop is to hang it under the sun and wait approximately one hour. If you can’t hang your mop outdoors, leave it to dry in a well-ventilated space with the head upwards—if a string mop, leave it in a way the strands hang down freely.

Once dry, you can use it to keep your floors pristine without a problem!

BG011 Cleaning Services has more cleaning advice for you!

Just like with your mop, there are many ways to keep everything around you shipshape, and we can help you achieve it! Our blog is filled with useful cleaning advice, from methods to disinfect your sponge to tips to reduce allergens in your bedroom. Give it a look!