Proper Mopping Techniques

Mopping is something we all do, and something we think we all do correctly. But did you know there is a standardized protocol for proper mopping techniques? Keep reading to learn more! Be sure to check out our videos below to see the difference in mopping techniques that will help your home or business SHINE!

The most commonly used and the trustiest tool in the cleaning aisle – the beloved mop.

For every unique mess, there’s a unique mop to take care of it. Choosing the right one depends on many factors, which can make the search a bit confusing. For some cleaning clarity, let’s review the Pros & Cons of the different mop heads and mopping techniques so you can decide which is best for your next floor care project.

Types of Mops

• Cut-End Mops – Spill-Soaking.
  

  

  Cut End Mop Head

Pros: Simple style, simple price tag. Cut-end mops are the least expensive and their inability to be laundered makes them easy to use – just toss and replace after cleaning so many square feet. Excellent for absorbency, they’re meant for the dirtiest jobs and the biggest spills.

Cons: Cut-end mops have a tendency to tangle and leave lint behind.

• Looped-End Mops – Dirt-Fighting.
  

  

  Looped End Mop Head

  Pros: As the most popular choice, looped-end mops are built to clean larger surface areas in less time. Super long-lasting, mops with looped ends are less likely to shed or unravel as they easily catch dirt and debris. They can also survive frequent washing, which enhances their durability and efficiency.

Cons: Looped-end mops are more expensive and less absorbent than cut-end mops.

• Flat Mops – Floor-Shining.
  

  

  Flat Wet Mop

Flat mops are better for small spaces like offices, but they still pack major cleaning strength. Typically made with microfiber material, they effortlessly reach into surface pores and crevices. Since they’re highly launderable even with bleach, flat mops last quite a while. Another super power? With such a smooth glide, they’re also great for laying down floor finish. Talk about multi-functional.

 Cons: Flat mops aren’t suitable for large spills or areas.

• Dry Mops – Dust-Trapping.
  

  

  Flat Dry Mop

Hence their name, dry mops should only be used on dry flooring. Their flat, rectangular design works magic on hardwood or tile. Also known as dust mops, their disposable or reusable pads are magnets for dust, fine particles, hair, and other small debris.

Cons: Dry mops aren’t effective when picking up stuck-on dirt.

Mopping Techniques: Wet Mopping vs. Damp Mopping

The task of wet mopping consists of laying down a cleaning solution on the floor, then picking it up with a *barely* wrung-out mop. The trick is to make sure that the mop head is sopping wet. It’s the best way to clean grouted floors and dissolve oil residue.

The key to damp mopping? Ensuring that the mop cords are, you guessed it, damp. With the wringing compartment on a mop bucket, squeeze out as much water as possible from the mop head. Using a cleaning solution is totally up to you – sometimes all you need is cold water. Damp mopping is perfect for cleaning vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl tile, and ceramic or porcelain tile.

So, to wet mop or damp mop?

To freshen up the floors inside your home, we recommend damp mopping to avoid harming the floor’s finish with too much water or cleaning solution. Since the amount of debris tends to be much greater in commercial spaces, wet mopping is the most productive way to care for business facility flooring.

For More Advice, Chat With Us!

We’ve got a cleaning closet full of tips waiting to be shared. Tap the chat bubble at the bottom of your screen to talk with a live EcoClean agent and get answers to all of your questions. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Rather let the pros clean your floors? Book online here! 

Learn more about us here.