Cleaning and storing mops and mop supplies properly helps maintain their effectiveness and cleanliness as well as saves you money by extending their lifespan.
Here are some tips for caring for and storing mop buckets, mop heads and dust mops:
MOP BUCKETS
- Always rinse mop buckets thoroughly after each use with an appropriate cleaner. Then, either wipe dry or turn upside down to dry completely before storing.
- If you are in a healthcare environment, you may want to disinfect the inside of mop buckets after rinsing and drying and then allow to air dry. This will help avoid unwanted bacterial growth in your buckets.
- Periodically oil mop bucket casters and check them for wear. Most manufacturers have replacement casters that you can purchase if needed without having to buy a whole new bucket.
TIP: When using floor finish in your bucket, line the bucket with a trash can liner and then pour in the finish. This makes for easy cleanup and keeps buckets free from finish buildup. It's a good idea to even use a totally different mop bucket for floor finish and still use a can liner to make cleanup easy.
MOP HEADS
- After use, all mop heads should be rinsed with warm water and hung to dry in a well-ventilated area. This will help them stay odor free.
- If your mop head does develop an odor, it means there is bacteria growing in it and you should either replace it or try soaking it in a quat disinfectant for 10 minutes and then allow it to dry.
- Do not leave mop heads on the handle to dry, as this can lead to mold growth.
- Never leave a mop in a wet solution overnight.
- If your mop heads are launderable, launder them.
- Do not use fabric softener if you launder your mop head. Fabric softener creates a film on the mop strands, which prevents the absorption of liquids and can cause streaking on floors.
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If you launder your mop heads, do not put them in a dryer. Hang them or lay them flat to dry.
- Never reuse a mop head after using it with stripper. Pick out an old mop head to use for floor stripping and then throw it away.
TIP: Strong cleaning solutions such as bleach and other caustic cleaners will break down mop strands more quickly than other cleaners, so choose cleaners wisely.
CHANGING MOP HEADS
- For reusable mop heads, it's advisable to change them every few months, depending on how frequently you use them and the type of surfaces you clean.
- Washing mop heads regularly after use can prolong their lifespan.
- Inspect mop heads regularly for signs of wear, fraying or damage, and replace them if they’re no longer effectively cleaning surfaces.
DUST MOPS
- At the end of each shift, either vacuum, brush or shake out dust mops completely.
- Be sure to store dust mops with their heads up, not touching the wall or floor.
- If your dust mop is launderable, launder it when soiled.
- Some manufacturers recommend laundering their dust mops in a mesh laundry bag.
- Do not use fabric softener if you launder your dust mop. Fabric softener creates a film, which prevents good dusting.
Looking for more cleaning tips? Check out this blog: 4 Steps to Cleaning & Sanitizing Tables!
