Mopping Hacks to Get Your Floors Cleaner Than Ever

Cleaning floors is one of those household chores that very few people enjoy. You want to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but most importantly, you want your floors to look pristine when you’re done.

Achieving consistently sparkling floors isn’t impossible – it just requires the right techniques and a few useful tips. From using high-quality mops to homemade cleaning solutions, here are some mopping hacks to help you get your floors cleaner than ever.

Use a High-Quality Mop

Any successful cleaning session starts with the right tools and the cornerstone of every effective floor cleaning routine is a good-quality mop. Mops come in a variety of styles, each designed to tackle specific types of messes and surfaces.

A high-quality mop will have a sturdy and a well-designed mop head that can absorb and hold plenty of liquid. A comfortable handle is also an important feature, especially if you have a large floor to clean. Some even come with extra features, like the Clean Day 4-in-1 Spray Mop, making mopping a breeze.

Replace Your Mop

Just like any cleaning equipment, mops degrade over time. Although we often get into a routine and forget about what tools we’re using, an old, worn-out mop will not be as effective at picking up dirt, resulting in more work for you.

That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly replace your mop if you want consistently clean floor. A brand new mop will pick up dirt and bacteria more effectively, reducing the time and effort needed to keep your floors sparkling.

Make Your Own Cleaner

If you ran out of floor cleaner and need a replacement in a pinch, all you need are a few items from your kitchen. Not only is homemade floor cleaner cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the scent and strength of your cleaner.

One of the simplest recipes is a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar, with a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant aroma. But there are many more recipes out there depending on what you have on hand.

Don’t forget that not all cleaning ingredients are safe to mix together. For example, combining vinegar with bleach can produce toxic fumes, so always do your research before mixing different household substances together.

Use the Right Floor Cleaner for Your Floor Type

While general floor cleaners can work across various surfaces, using a cleaning product specifically formulated for your type of flooring is the key to a perfect clean.

Tile floors benefit from cleaners that can cut through grime and bring out the shine, like the Clean Day Tile and Floor Cleaner (which also comes with a refreshing lemon scent). For laminate wooden floors that require a more gentle solution, look out for the Clean Day Laminate Floor Cleaner that cleans without damaging the laminate finish.

Mop with Socks

Looking for a way to make mopping a fun family activity? Although it sounds too good to be true, sock mopping can save the day. For a sparkling floor, grab everyone a pair of thick socks and glide over a freshly mopped floor. This technique not only helps to dry the floor quickly, but also picks up any remaining dust or lint that can ruin a clean finish. It’s particularly entertaining for children, turning a mundane chore into a lively game. Don’t forget to throw your socks in the washing machine when you’re done.

Use Two Buckets

When mopping, it’s essential to keep your mop water as clean as possible. But when your floors are dirtier than usual, that’s easier said than done. One way to keep water clean is by using two buckets – one for the cleaning solution and one for rinsing the mop.

This avoids the frustrating problem of spreading dirty water around your floors. If you don’t want to lug two buckets around, some mops come with dual chamber buckets that are much easier to manoeuvre.

Start with Steam

For stubborn dirt, especially in between tiles, consider using a steam cleaner before mopping. The steam will help loosen the dirt and stubborn stains, making it easier for the mop to pick it up. Additionally, the heat from the steam helps to kill bacteria and germs, providing a deeper and more hygienic clean.

Large steamers like the Karcher EasyFix Steam Cleaner are also useful for other areas of your home, but if you just want to use steam for mopping, mops like the Genesis 10-in-1 Steam Mop will cover all the bases. And for something a little more portable, try the Milex Steam Blaster.

Use Tea on Hardwood

Believe it or not, black tea can be a secret weapon for cleaning and shining hardwood floors. Simply brew a strong pot of tea, let it cool, and use it as your cleaning solution (while having a cup of tea yourself, of course).

The tannic acid in the tea will help to cut through grime, leaving your floors clean and shiny. The natural colour of the tea can also enhance the colour of the wood, making it look richer and more vibrant. Just be careful to not oversaturate the floor and wipe up excess liquid to prevent any potential water damage.

Don’t Forget the Grout

Grout often gets overlooked when cleaning, but it can have a major impact on the overall appearance of your floors. Dirt and stains can accumulate quickly in grout lines over time, leading to a grubby look that really detracts from the overall feel of your home.

Using a grout cleaner like TFC Grout Renu and a small scrubbing brush can help you keep your grout looking fresh and clean. You can also use a diluted mix of hydrogen peroxide to brighten grimy grout.

By using the right tools, the appropriate cleaning solution, and a few handy tricks, you can transform your floors from grubby to gleaming. The goal isn’t just to clean, but to clean smarter. These mopping hacks will help you do just that, taking the hassle out of the process.