How Often Should I Change Floor Mops in My Home? The best way to know the best time is to check the condition of your mop. Many factors will influence the time you are supposed to change your mop.
The main contributing factor is how many times you use it. The main reason you need to replace your mop is that a mop can shelter more than seven million bacteria in an area of 100cm squared. That transmits to billions of bacteria spread on your floor when you are mopping.
The use of technology in manufacturing anti-bacterial mops is still not good enough. Other factors count as proper handling of mops, thorough cleaning, and timely replacement. It means that replacing the mop is as important as cleaning them. Read on – How Often Should I Change Floor Mops in My Home?
Which are the signs that a mop needs to be changed
The main sign that a mop needs to be changed is the signs of wear and tear. According to the rule of thumb, a cotton mop head should be changed after cleaning fifteen to thirty times. But for the microfiber mop, it should be around 500 washings.
The main cause of wear of the mop is the number of times they are used, and wear is the basic sign that you need to replace it.
1. When parts of the head of a mop are falling off:
It mostly happens when you are mopping or cleaning your mop. The bits of the mop head start coming off.
2. Discoloration of the mop:
After using a mop for a long time, some parts start losing their original color, which is a sign that the mop needs to be replaced. However, stains on the mop can also result from poor mop cleaning.
3. The disfiguration and wearing out of fibers:
These are especially common with microfiber mops. The fibers shorten, and bald spots appear. They also look like the bristles of an old toothbrush. That is a clear sign that the mop has worn out and needs to be replaced. It has low efficiency in cleaning.
4. Reading the manufactures instructions:
Most mop manufacturers provide full details on how you should use the mop and how long the mop should be used. If your mop has reached the manufacturer’s time frame, you should replace it.
5. The mop becomes dirty:
This comes from poor cleaning or using the mop for a long time. It becomes dirty and smelly, and its efficiency in cleaning is reduced. Even after passing it over a floor several times, the floor remains dirty.
6. Who you are living with within the house:
If you are living with small children in the house or pets such as a dog or a cat, you should replace your mop every one to two months? The animals or the children will be dragging dirt into the house, forcing you to be frequently clean.
Which mops are available in the market?
In the ancient days, mops were made of a long stick and a rag; however, with the current advancement in technology, you can choose from a variety of options.
1. Flat mop
They are flat and come in flat or circular shapes. They are ideal for reaching corners of the house. They are made of reusable clothes that can be disposed of. The cloth is made of polyester, microfiber, or nylon material.
When the rag is swiped against the floor, the friction between the floor and the cloth creates a static force that attracts and holds dust particles on the floor. However, these flat mops cannot be used to remove sticky or hard marks on the floor.
2. Sponge mop
These mops have spongy heads, making them very efficient for absorbing fluids. You can also wring it by squeezing them to remove the absorbed liquid from the mop so that it can dry the floor very quickly. However, the sponge can shelter a lot of bacteria if it is not properly cleaned, leading to a foul smell. It is advisable to clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Traditional mop
If you are looking for a mop for heavy-duty cleaning, you should go for this. They have durable cotton fibers used for cleaning compared to the other mops. However, to use them, you must buy a wringing bucket.
4. Spin mop
It is a modernized traditional mop. It combines a mop and a bucket. It is ideal for a deep cleaning because it involves rotation of the fibers, making it more efficient than the traditional mop.
What you should consider when buying a mop
There are different types of mops available in the market. And each mop is designed for a specific type of cleaning. It is upon you to choose the right mop to serve your needs. Here is what you should consider to ensure that it works for you.
1. The mop price:
Different mops have different prices in the market. It depends on the quality and the features that it has. Before going to the market, do your research and consider how much you would like to spend on it. Keep in mind that a high price of the mop does not mean that it will serve your interest better.
2. The type of the floor:
Different floors have different features and the type of mop that works best on them. Make sure the mop you have selected will not damage your floor.
3. Read the reviews from the online platforms:
Search for the reviews to get insights into your chosen mop.
4. Consider your physical limitations:
If you cannot bend, you should go for a mop that will not require you to bend when wringing.
How Often Should I Change Floor Mops in My Home? – Conclusion
It is advisable to replace and not allow your mop not to exceed more than three months before you change the mop. But if it becomes dirty, weary, and stained, you should replace it very soon, do not wait for three months.
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