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Keeping your house clean, particularly your floor, is vital, especially if you have young children. Vacuuming and sweeping remove dirt, but mopping is still one of the best ways to ensure that the floor is dust-free, preventing the build-up of grime. While mopping the floor is a simple activity, there are techniques to perform the task faster and ensure that you are correctly mopping your floor.
Types of floor mops
You can find several floor mops in the market today, and while some are for general use, others are suited for specific surfaces. For example, if you have hardwood floors, you can use a flat mop, which does not absorb too much water. A sponge mop is practical for cleaning up spills. As the name suggests, a dust mop removes dust so you can use it before a wet mop. Steam mops are good for cleaning and sanitizing carpets and floors.
One of the newest types of mops that many people prefer today is the microfiber mop, which is durable and long-lasting. It is absorbent and easy to clean. The traditional types are the string, strip, and spin mops. The string mop is good for cleaning large areas, while the spin and strip mops are most suitable for smaller areas.
Effective floor mopping techniques
- Clear the area you are mopping. Dirt and dust tend to collect in places that are not easy to reach or under certain furniture, including their legs. Therefore, before you mop, remove all pieces of furniture and accessories, such as throw rugs, carpets, chairs, and tables. Clean dirty furniture first so dirt and dust will not fall on your newly mopped floor. If you are using a wet mop, allow the floor to dry completely before you return the items you removed. Further, tell your family members not to step on the wet floor.
- Sweep the floor first. After clearing the area you will mop, it is important to remove the dust and dirt that accumulated on the floor. The floor should be clean because a mop cannot pick up crumbs and solid debris, such as grains of sand. If you do not sweep the floor, you will only move the debris around. Moreover, dirt and dust can scratch your floor as you mop.
- Check water temperature. Some people use warm water when mopping their floors, while others prefer cold or room-temperature water. You should remember to use warm water if you have laminate, vinyl, or natural stone floors. Do not use hot or warm water on wood floors because heat warps wood. For hardwood floors, ensure that you only use room-temperature water.
- Mop the floor in sections. Mopping the floor is easier if you divide it into small sections because you can remove grime build up easier. Wipe one section with the mop about three or four times to spread the cleaning solution over the section. Rinse and wring your mop after cleaning each section.
Allow the mop to soak up the cleaning solution before you wipe the next section. Moreover, change your cleaning solution when it is visibly dirty to ensure that you clean the floor instead of spreading the dirt and bacteria.