The Best Way to Mop Floors
- Steam mops are very popular today. They provide the power and moisture of very hot steam to clean away anything adhering to the floor's surface. At the same time, the hot steam helps the floor dry faster than the regular mop-and-bucket method. As the floor cools, the remaining water evaporates into the air.
The cleaning action of the steam eliminates the need for floor cleaning chemicals. In fact, the steam may remove the chemical residues from previous cleanings. Just add water, power up the steamer and it's ready to go.
Steam mops are available in easy-to-use models for home use. They come equipped with interchangeable cloth pads that can be machine washed. Steam mops usually have a slim design, much like floor sweepers. Priced between $80 and $200, they are worth investing in. - Mop types are a matter of preference. Using a sponge mop with the push-down handle that squeezes the sponge head without coming into contact with the water is better than the flip-over method of squeezing the sponge mop.
A simple floor-cleaning solution that does not leave a residue is 1/2 cup vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of hot water. After saturating the mop with the solution, squeeze the excess water out and mop the floor one 3-by-3-foot section at a time. Mop in a W-pattern, then back in an M-pattern. Dip the mop, rinsing out the dirt, squeeze, then repeat the mopping over the same area.
Some may prefer using a rag mop. There are many more fibers to trap the dirt, and as long as the mop is rinsed and squeezed well, it will produce good results. - Professional methods, such as those used in department and grocery stores, may be the best option for mopping floors. Professional floor cleaning for the home may utilize smaller versions of the industrial or commercial machines. These powered machines either spin and buff the floors clean or use a squeegee action to mop floors clean. Professional floor mopping is a convenient solution for very large, high-traffic areas that would take hours to mop by hand.
