Although your workers may not be required to mop floors on a regular basis, undoubtedly from time to time they will have to deal with spills and messes that require them to get out a mop and do a quick cleanup operation.
Knowing how to care for the workplace mop will help to extend its lifespan and to make sure that it does its job properly.
Breaking In Wet Mops
If your workplace mop is a cotton one, it needs to go through a breaking in period so that the oils that occur naturally can be removed before it is first used, otherwise it won’t be able to clean your floors properly. You can break in a cotton mop as follows:
- Pour water into the mop bucket and add a floor clean as per its directions. Make sure that the temperature of the water is around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dip the mop head into the water and hold it there for five seconds, agitating it to make sure that the cleaning solution has been thoroughly absorbed through the mop fibres.
- Wring out the mop then rinse and go through the process again. It my take as many as five times.
- Pour away the cleaning solution safely, then make a new solution so you can begin cleaning.
Caring For A Wet Mop
Once you have broken in your cotton mop, you need to know how to care for it. Note that if you are using a microfibre mop, you won’t need to break it in as it will be ready for use immediately after purchase.
Here is a quick guide to maintaining your wet mop:
- Rinse your mop following each use with some warm water.
- Hang your mop up in an area that is well ventilated so that it can dry out thoroughly.
- Never leave your mop in water or cleaning solution overnight.
- Never scrub the floor using the top part of the mop. This will tear up strands and make its lifespan shorter.
- Don’t use very strong cleaning substances like caustics or bleach with your mop. It will cause the strands to break more quickly.
- If you are mopping a surface which is rough, always mop in the direction that most minimises snagging. If you can, have a specific mop that will be used on this type of surface.
- If the mop has any loose strands, cut them off as this will prevent snagging.
- Throw away worn mop heads and replace them. If mops lose a lot of strands they will not be able to do their job properly.
Caring For A Dust Mop
If you are using a dust mop, make sure that they are shaken thoroughly following use, and then brushed or vacuum completely in order to remove large particles from its head.
Store your dust mop heads in an area which is clean and dry. Store them head up so that they don’t touch the floor or wall. Launder any mop heads which are soiled, putting them inside a net bag to avoid damage.
Calling in the services of a professional cleaning service will eliminate a lot of the hassle over caring for your cleaning equipment. We can make sure your mops and other cleaning items are maintained properly so that their lifespan is prolonged.
