Mops offer a variety of advantages, such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. They are easy to use, and homeowners can easily incorporate mopping into their regular cleaning routine, which is great for those who prefer a DIY approach over professional eco-friendly cleaning services.
Mops are also budget-friendly and can help cut down on cleaning costs over time. However, some people argue that mopping is not the most effective cleaning method and can actually spread dirt and bacteria around. That’s why we delve deep into the pros and cons of mopping and offer alternatives to help you choose the best cleaning method for your home.
Mops Can Do More Harm than Good
Most of the time, bacteria is present on your floors. The danger of using a mop to clean up spills is that it can sometimes spread the bacteria rather than contain it. The mop is usually already dirty, and once you dip it in a bucket of water, the water gets contaminated by the bacteria in the mop. Worse, even if the water contains a cleaning chemical, its efficacy is reduced with every dip of the dirty mop.
Combine the bacteria-filled mop with any bacteria that’s already on the floor, and the contamination is doubled instead of reduced. Bring this dirty mop to other floors, and you further spread the bacteria.
Changing the Water Won’t Do It
The water isn’t the source of the bacteria—the mop is. As long as the mop isn’t thoroughly cleaned, dried, and disinfected or changed to a fresh mop head, the contamination problem remains.
No amount of wringing the mop will solve the problem either. Clean or replace a dirty mop head.
Cleaning the Mop
The professional LA-based cleaners in our network suggest you also follow a strict mop-cleaning regimen in your home.
An effective way to clean your mop head is to start by rinsing it out until the water squeezed out of it is clear. Place the mop in a bucket with 2 gallons of hot water, and 1 cup of bleach.
The bleach can be substituted with 1 cup of white vinegar if preferred.
Allow the mop to soak for at least 10 minutes, followed by a final rinse, and then hang it out to dry under the sun.
Store the Mop Properly
Storing the mop the right way is as important as cleaning and drying it thoroughly. Never store a mop in a closet or similar storage space unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. A wet or even slightly moist mop stored in a dark, warm place will only promote mold growth.
Alternative Cleaning Tools
Keep in mind that there may be better alternatives to using a dirty mop. Depending on the nature of the mess to be cleaned up—whether it’s wet or dry, you can use a vacuum cleaner to siphon the debris, or use clean, dry cloths to soak up spills. Brooms are also still useful, but you may have to follow-up with a damp cloth to wipe off residual dirt.
The mop is a useful and indispensable cleaning tool that still has a place in your home, but you have to make sure that it’s carefully cleaned and dried before and after each use. This can take time and can be a hassle, but you can leave this tedious task to Mya’s referred cleaners. Contact us to know how we can help you find cleaners that will leave your home spotless and bacteria free today.
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