Anybody can tell you that mopping is just as essential a part of cleaning as vacuuming and scrubbing, but a lot of people can get this one wrong. More soap and water means more clean, right? Well, not necessarily! There are a few things to keep in mind as you mop, and there are some time-saving tricks that’ll keep the process from being a pain in the neck. For example, what kind of mop should you use? What techniques, what products? In this article, we review how to mop properly, from acquiring the proper tools to a step-by-step process.

Tools of the Trade

  • Broom and Dustpan – One of the most important things a successful mop job needs is a good sweeping. Mops may be great at scrubbing away dirt and getting smudges off the floor, but they aren’t always great at picking up hair or crumbs or sand. Sweeping first is essential! Be sure to move light furniture out of the way so you can get at all the hidden messes lurking around.
  • A Good Mop and Bucket – Depending on what kind of floor you’re cleaning, you might want to use a different type of mop. For example, steam mops are great for hard stone or tile surfaces, but they might warm linoleum or wood panels. A cotton mop can do the trick in most cases, and as long as your bucket can hold water, it’ll do just fine.
  • Warm Water – You could try it with cold water, but it just wouldn’t work as well! Hot water breaks down lipids (fats and greases) when used with the next tool and loosens up tight solids, meaning it cleans much better.
  • Cleaning Solution – Different floors have different needs! Make sure you’re using the right soap for the job.
  • A Napkin? – A rag will do just fine, too, but this one’s essential.

The Process

Remove Debris

Now that your room is ready for cleaning, you’ve got to start with removing whatever debris is still on the floor. Crumbs, sand, dust bunnies all should be taken care of before mopping. You can (and should!) use a vacuum when you can, too. Once you’re ready to mop, get your hot water. Here is where a lot of people make a mistake – don’t use too much solution! This doesn’t make your floor any cleaner, and it can actually make it messier by leaving behind a soapy residue that’s harder to rinse off.

Mop to Floor

Next, dip the mop into the liquid and either wring it out or let it drip until the extra water is gone. You don’t want a ton of water in your mop, just enough to wet the surface. Next, take your mop to the back of the room, furthest from the entrance, and start mopping close to the corner in vertical, back and forth motions like you’re pushing a vacuum cleaner. This way, you won’t step on any spots you’ve already cleaned!

Remove Leftover Solution

It’s looking better already, isn’t it? You’re not done yet, and this is the second mistake most people make. Once your floor has been scrubbed clean, you have to get rid of the leftover solution on the floor. Otherwise, it’ll dry and could turn sticky, attracting dust and making you clean again much sooner. Go dump out your bucket, rinse it, and fill it with clean water. Repeat the mopping process the same way you did before to get all the solution up.

Be Careful

Over mopping can have the same effect as not rinsing the floor off! Limit it to once every week or two, depending on how messy your floors get. Of course, if you need some help mopping, we’re happy to oblige! Book with us today and leave it to the pros, secure in the knowledge that your floor will be getting the best treatment we can provide.