How to mop a floor

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How to mop a floor

Essentials

  • Mop & Bucket

  • Floor cleaning product (pick a product that's suitable for your floors)

​​​​​​Method

  • Before starting, you should clear the floor as much as possible.

  • Vacuum or sweep any dirt and dust from the floor; mopping should be the last cleaning task you carry out in a given room as you’ll need to leave the floor to air dry.

  • Start by thoroughly rinsing the mop & bucket in a sink that you haven't cleaned yet.

  • Fill the bucket with the warm water and a floor cleaning product, in the quantities instructed on the label. It's a good idea to double-check the label to make sure that the product you're using is safe for the floor surface you're cleaning.

  • Top tip: Go easy on the product - too much can leave floors sticky or streaky.

  • Dip the mop into the bucket and then wring the mop head. For the perfect clean you’ll want a damp, but not soaking, mop head.

  • Starting in one corner work side-to-side and back-to-front with the mop - make sure to get under tables & chairs etc. and move any items such as bins to clean beneath. You should be dipping the mop head back into the water and wringing frequently to ensure your mop is clean.

  • You should always start mopping in the far corner of the room and back out as you mop. That way you won't have to walk over the mopped floor as it dries.

  • To ensure that everywhere is covered, you can also use a ‘figure of eight’ motion so you don't miss any spots. 

  • Finish by emptying your bucket down a drain you've not yet cleaned. Rinse the mop & bucket again and leave to dry fully.

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