How Do You Clean a Mop Head?

No matter how often you mop your floors, a dirty mop head can spread bacteria quickly from one area to the next. That is why learning to properly clean and sanitize your mop is crucial.

Detachable mop heads should be cleaned either in the washing machine or dishwasher; for optimal results, soak it every four uses in a disinfectant solution to ensure maximum hygiene.

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Soak it

Mop heads should be thoroughly submerged in clean, clear water after each use in order to flush away dirt and maintain freshness. A vinegar solution can help break down grease and oil as well, so after this thorough soaking it should be rinsed well until clear water runs clear before being wrung dry for optimal use.

If your detachable mop head can be washed in the washing machine with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, this will be an ideal way to disinfect. Bleach will kill bacteria quickly while neutralizing any unpleasant odors.

If you have either a looped-end or cut-end mop head, soak it for 15 minutes in an equal mixture of clean hot water and Domestos bleach (or another cleaning product of choice) until completely saturated by this solution. Churn it around several times to help the cleaner penetrate its head; rinse, wring and hang up to dry – a fresh sanitized mop is key to creating beautiful floors!

Disinfect it

No one likes cleaning with dirty tools, and mops and feather duster are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. If your mop still appears filthy or you notice signs of mildew growth on its fabric, now may be an opportune time to get it clean!

If the head is removable, machine-wash it using a gentle cycle and warm water with one tablespoon of white vinegar added for extra deodorizing power. For non-removable mops, wash in your sink with warm water mixed with washing up liquid or dish soap; rinse well to rid yourself of excess moisture before hanging it up to dry in fresh air or direct sunlight.

Mop buckets with built-in wringers make this task simpler. Once the mop is completely dry, place it back into the bucket and soak for three hours; this should remove stains and eliminate unpleasant odors. Be sure to empty out and rinse any dirty water from your bucket before filling up with clean water to avoid contamination of any kind.

Wash it

If you use a microfiber mop, regular head washing should be part of your regular cleaning regimen. This will prevent mold, mildew and other contaminants from growing on it which could contaminate floors and create health concerns for yourself and others.

Begin by rinsing your mop head under running water until the water runs clear, and lather it with detergent. Certain stains such as hair or fluff may remain embedded within its fibers and won’t come off with water alone; to effectively get rid of any remaining hair or fluff use a lice comb or your fingers to help untangle these.

After you’ve completed cleaning the mop head in hot water and disinfectant solution (such as household bleach, white vinegar or three percent hydrogen peroxide), soak it again in hot water with disinfecting agents ( such as household bleach, white vinegar or three percent hydrogen peroxide) before washing detachable mop heads in a washing machine (using cold cycle). Wring it out when finished to ensure complete drying time.

Replace it

Mops collect dirt, germs and bacteria from floors they clean – which they then transfer onto any surface they come into contact with next. Once their mop heads become so dirty that soaking in water won’t help anymore, it is time for replacement.

After each use, it’s essential that your mop head be thoroughly rinsed to eliminate any leftover grime and prevent the growth of bacteria. Rinse until the water runs clear before wringing it out for drying completely before storing away.

Libman spray mops and dust mops make it easy to access and remove their mop heads – simply pull down on the translucent collar piece that connects it to the handle, pull, and pull again! After taking this step, simply wash the pad in your washing machine on warm/gentle cycle before hanging up to air dry before placing back in your cleaning closet to prevent mold/mildew growth.