Most of the time, people mop incorrectly. The correct way is to, essentially, dump a bucket of soapy water all over the floor, and then mop it up. Mops are used to soak up the soapy, dirty water, then you wring it out, and keep going.
Use the 'S' pattern You always want to mop in an 'S' pattern regardless of the type of mop you're using -- this allows you to focus on a specific area at a time without flicking water and debris everywhere.
Hold the mop close to your body to avoid overreaching, which can lead to strain in your shoulders and back. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain balance and move with your body, not just your arms, to avoid strain on your upper body.
The biggest and potentially most costly mopping mistake, according to cleaning experts, is using too much water on moisture-sensitive floors like hardwoods and laminates. "Excess water can warp your hardwoods and cause your laminates to bubble," says Melissa Homer, the chief cleaning officer for Microfiber Wholesale.
Dip your mop in the bucket of water and detergent, then wring it out. The mop should be damp but not sopping wet since too much water can damage the floor. Mop a section of your floor, such as five or six square feet, moving backward to prevent tracking. With sponge mops, mop in straight lines.
Why are my floors still dirty after mopping? Improper Mop Maintenance: Forgetting to Rinse A common floor cleaning error is overusing floor soap, assuming more moisture equals better cleanliness.
High-traffic areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and entryways, require weekly mopping. Infrequently used rooms, such as formal living areas or guest rooms, can be mopped every other week, or even once a month, so long as they're vacuumed once every seven days to remove dust and grit.
Being too impatient after spraying
Do you ever use a spray to clean dirty surfaces? A common mistake is that many people do not leave the disinfectant long enough to take effect. Spraying and wiping immediately is not a smart idea. The product needs at least a minute to work properly.
The flat-head microfiber mop. That's right! It's time to toss out every other floor mop you have ever owned and you'll soon know exactly why! This floor mop is what the pros use in almost every case and there are many reasons why.
Keep the mop water clean by changing it frequently and ensure the mop is also clean before you begin. Use distilled water if possible and dry the floor with a clean and dry mop pad or towel to prevent streakiness.
Use Dish Soap as a Mopping Solution for Most Floors
Here are two solutions to try using dish soap: Mix 1/4 cup mild dish soap and 3 cups warm water. Mix 1/4 cup dish soap, 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups warm water, and 1/2 cup lemon juice.
Which is better at removing stains and mopping spills? Our testing has found that all steam mops remove stains fairly well, with marginal differences, and are likely slightly better than a regular mop and bucket due to the heat and vapour produced by the steam.
To ensure no residue is left, rinse one final time with clean water (don't add floor cleaners or soap).
Mop the Floor
Dip your mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out so it's damp but not dripping wet. Start mopping in sections and work your way across the room while applying gentle pressure and make sure to cover all areas, including corners and edges.
Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says you should wash your sheets at least every two weeks — maybe more, depending on factors like whether you live in a warm climate and whether your pet sleeps in your bed. Dr. Vij talks dead skin, dust mites, bed bacteria and how to keep your skin safe when you lie down to sleep.
The answer is that you can't really clean your toilet too much, but Lysol® recommends you clean your toilet weekly. What to use to clean a toilet? Before you tackle the task, make sure you have everything you need to clean a toilet with: A toilet brush.
Mop around the edges first, then move to the middle of the floor, using overlapping, figure-eight strokes. When one side of the mop gets dirty, turn the mop over to the clean side. When both sides are dirty, wash the mop in the bucket; otherwise, you'll be spreading dirt around instead of removing it.
Repeat the mopping and rinsing process until you've mopped the entire floor. When the wash or rinse water becomes visibly gray or dirty, empty and refill the buckets. This ensures that you are using clean water and not water filled with dirt. Using dirty water makes the rinsing process a complication.
It is never recommended to wet mop a hardwood floor. No matter what you've heard, read, or watched, true experts are not trying to sell you something. Easily maintain flooring with a safe for hardwood cleaner and microfiber mop.
One of the main reasons why floors smell bad after mopping is that the mop is dirty or not well taken care of. Not cleaning and drying your mop after each use can allow germs, mold, and bacteria to grow. These microorganisms do well in damp places, and when you mop your floor, they may emit smells that you don't want.
Mild detergents are best — even just a few drops of dish soap and hot water will do for linoleum. Something pH-neutral is ideal for stone. Avoid bleach, vinegar or ammonia so you don't accidentally remove any sealant from your tile. A simple, non-toxic mixture of warm water and white vinegar will do for ceramic.