Using these suggestions, you can say goodbye to floors that still look dirty after cleaning them and guarantee spotless results each time you mop floor with just water.
You’ve just picked up the mop to clean up a spill or remove general dirt, but will this cleaning tool make your floors dirtier?
No matter how thoroughly you clean the floor, if it still looks dirty, you might break the first mopping rule: Before you mop, vacuum.
Mopping a floor covered in dust, dirt, and hair spreads debris because there hasn’t been a thorough sweep or vacuuming job.
If you’ve consistently made this error, there may be a few additional areas in your cleaning regimen where you can make improvements.
Therefore, after completing this first step, try implementing the following equally important elements, and your floor will be so clean you could almost eat it.
The Appropriate Cleaner for the Task
The idea that using more soap results in mop floor with just water is a common one. In actuality, using an excessive amount of suds leaves behind a sticky residue, which can trap additional grime.
Choose the cleaner that is best for your type of floor, whether you use a homemade or commercial cleaner, and apply it sparingly.
Hardwood
Use a mild or pH-neutral soap and water if the polyurethane coating on your floors is intact.
Avoid using cleaning products (natural or commercial) with acidic additives because they can eventually cause damage to wood. Use a damp (almost dry) mop once a week if your floors are waxed; even a tiny amount of water can cause warping.
Lamination
When it comes to water, laminate is similar to hardwoods in that less is more. You want to prevent water from penetrating beneath the laminate planks. A commercial floor cleaner with polish should never be used; try damp mopping and spot cleaning.
Vinyl
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is one of the best cleaners for vinyl flooring. Vinegar helps remove dirt without leaving a buildup behind, thanks to its acidity and disinfecting at the same time.
Linoleum
Because it is less durable than vinyl, this flooring needs a milder cleaner. Section by section, spritz the surface with a solution that combines a few drops of dish soap with hot water in a spray bottle. Finally, mop the floor with clean water after it has been dampened.
When mopping stone tile, use a pH-neutral, non-chelating cleaner to avoid reacting with the stone’s minerals. Avoid using vinegar, ammonia, and bleach on stone tile floors because even a small amount can harm the seal.
Ceramic tile
White vinegar and water combine to make a powerful, odour-eliminating, non-toxic cleaner for ceramic tile—perfect for homes with pets and young children.
Put it through its paces.
Most people picture a string mop, also known as a “yacht mop,” when they think of a mop. Depending on your flooring type, a sponge mop is something to think about.
When deciding between the two, remember that sponge mops are better for hardwood and laminate flooring because they hold much less water than string mops and don’t need as many wringings.
Once you’ve decided on the mop you’ll use, immerse the mop entirely in the cleaning solution. Allow the cleaner to soak into the mop, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You want the mop to be damp, not wet.
It may be necessary to wring out the mop several times until it’s nearly dry in some situations. Such as with hardwood, laminate, and linoleum floors.
Two buckets are preferable to one.
Here’s a clean suggestion: Use one bucket for the cleaner and one for rinsing. You can remove the water from the dirty mop without contaminating the detergent bucket. And by dipping it into a different rinse bucket first.
When either bucket’s water becomes too filthy. Don’t just throw the old batch in the kitchen sink when you replace it.
Because mop water is contaminated with dirt and germs. And you should throw it away in the toilet rather than using the same container. And to rinse your chicken and vegetables for tonight’s dinner.
