Quick & Easy Steps on How to Clean Mop Head Properly? [2023 Guide]

Published by Hala Zaqqout on May 17, 2022 | Last updated on March 15, 2023

Do you mop your floors regularly? Daily? Weekly? Less often? It’s a good bet that your mop becomes filthy no matter how often it’s used.

A dirty mop that hasn’t been cleaned will just spread dirt and bacteria around your home and not clean the floors properly. A clean mop and proper mopping technique, on the other hand, will effectively remove dirt and bacteria from the floor.

Cleaning your mop head is the only way to fix this problem… but how to clean mop head? We’ve already covered a similar guide like “how to remove o cedar mop head?”, make sure to check it out.

In this Cleaners Advisor guide, we’ll provide you with a few ways of how to clean mop head so you can ensure it lives as long a life as possible, along with some valuable tips and tricks about how to clean mop head!

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Why is it Important to learn How to Clean Mop Head?

A dirty mop head can leave behind dirt, grime, and bacteria on your floors, which can be harmful to your health. Additionally, a dirty mop head can reduce the effectiveness of your cleaning efforts, leaving your floor looking dull.

Therefore, it’s essential to know how to clean mop head regularly to ensure that your floor is properly cleaned and to prevent the spread of bacteria.

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How to Clean a Wet Mop Head?

Even if you clean your mop after each use by rinsing it clean, it will still need to be washed thoroughly. Depending on the type of mop you have, you can keep it sanitary so that it cleans your floors effectively. Follow these few simple steps of how to clean mop head:

1. Rinse the Mop Thoroughly After Each Use

When you’re done mopping, rinse the mop in a sink with hot water to remove any cleaning solution or debris. Rinse the mop thoroughly until the rinsing water is clear.

Dirt traces will spread grime the next time you use the mop, and leftover soap residue might harm your mop.

2. Soak Your Mop Head in Cleaning Solution

f the mop head is not machine washable, soak your mop after 4 uses in a cleaning solution. Every three to four uses, or whenever it starts to smell funny, give your mop a thorough cleaning.

Add a cup (8 fl oz) of white vinegar or three percent hydrogen peroxide, or half a cup (118.5 ml) of bleach to a gallon (3.79 l) of hot water to sanitize your mop head.

Allow your mop head to soak in the solution for 15 minutes before rinsing the solution off the mop until the water runs clear.

If your mop is machine washable, use the washing machine to clean it. Follow the cleaning directions on the mop. Instead of soaking, wash detachable mop heads in the washing machine.

Some mop heads, including those made from towels or cloth strips, can be washed right away. Disconnect the mop head from the handle and wash it in hot water. A gentle cycle at the hottest temperature is usually recommended.

3. Rinse it in the Dishwasher Instead of a Washing Machine

Mops with removable heads can also be washed in the dishwasher. Simply remove the mop head and place it in an empty dishwasher’s top rack. Fill the detergent dispenser with a cup (237 mL) of white vinegar. Then run a normal cycle in the dishwasher.

After the cycle is complete, wring out any remaining water and air dry the mop head before usage.

4. Allow the Mop to Completely Dry

Make sure the mop head is completely dry before storing it to avoid mold and bacteria growth. This will help your mop head last longer. Start by wringing out as much as you can.

 Then hang the mop head outside on a clothesline to kill bacteria and mold naturally. If this isn’t possible, place the mop upright in a bathtub or another well-ventilated and dry area.

5. Store the Mop Properly

A cool, dry place is ideal for storing mops. Hang it such that the mop head does not brush against the floor. If you’ve allowed the mop to dry completely, the mop should be fine for the next use.

Dry mops and sponge mops should be stored with their heads up. Dry mops, sponge mops, and other flat-headed mops should be stored with the head up.

When not in use, this keeps their heads off the floor and away from dust and debris. It also helps them better maintain their shape. 

6. Replace the Mop Head When Needed

Replace the mop head to keep your mop from becoming a cleaning hazard. Replace it every two to three months, or sooner if it looks very dirty. 

Your floors are only as clean as your mop head; a soiled and worn mop will not be effective.

This’s how to clean mop head properly as shown in this video below.

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How to Clean a Dust Mop Head?

After every 3-4 uses, you should clean your dust mop. After each use, shake off the dirt into the trash to prevent the accumulation of dirt on your dust mop with these simple steps:

1. Shake Out the Mop Head After Every Use

As soon as you’re done using your dry mop or dust mop, start cleaning it by shaking it out. This will get rid of any dust that has become loose.

Remember to shake it out in a well-ventilated area where you don’t mind things getting dusty. This might be done in a garage, shed, or other outdoor space.

2. Vacuum with the Tube Attachment

Using the tube attachment of your vacuum to suck out the dirt and debris is one of the simplest ways to clean a dust mop. Your dust mop will also need to be vacuumed every three or four uses.

After shaking off the mop head, gently pick up the extra dust with the hose of your vacuum and a dusting brush attachment until it’s clean and dust-free.

3. Hand Wash the Mop Head

Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap, and use your hands to work the dirt out of the mop. Soak the mop head for 10-15 minutes in the lukewarm soapy water.

Then, rinse it with hot water by hand until all the soap is gone before wringing it out and allowing it to dry.

4. Wash the Mop Head in Washing Machine

A dust mop, like a wet mop, can be washed in the washing machine. Microfiber dust mops, on the other hand, should be washed on low heat and hung to dry.

When washing a microfiber mop in the washing machine, avoid using bleach and fabric softener.

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How to Clean a Steam Mop Head?

Like the wet and dust mops, you can clean the steam mop head that contains fabric pads with these easy steps below:

1. Wash the Pads in Washing Machine

The removable cloth pads on most steam mops are easy to clean and maintain. To remove the pad, make sure the mop head is cold enough to touch. Then, using regular washing detergent, wash it on a normal cycle.

To avoid washing your mop pad by itself, try to combine it with other loads of laundry. This is not only better for the environment, but it is also gentler on your mop pad.

2. Wipe out the Reservoir

Empty your steam mop’s tank or reservoir and wipe it down with a damp dishtowel or rag to clean it.

To avoid re-soiling the inside of the tank, change out dirty cloths as needed.

3. Clean the Surface of Your Mop

After each use, wipe clean the whole surface of your steam mop with a dry cloth or rag.

This helps to remove any debris that has accumulated and wicks away any moisture that has accumulated after mopping.

Check out this video below to know how to clean steam mop head properly.

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How to clean O Cedar mop head?

O Cedar is a popular brand of mops that are known for their high-quality construction and effective cleaning abilities.

If you have an O Cedar mop head and you are wondering how to wash it, here are some steps to follow:

1. Remove the mop head: To wash your O Cedar mop head, you’ll need to remove it from the mop handle. This is usually done by pressing a button or lever on the handle and pulling the mop head off.
2. Pre-treat stains: If your mop head has any stubborn stains or marks, you may want to pre-treat them before washing. You can do this by applying a stain remover or pre-treatment solution directly to the affected area.
3. Place the mop head in the washing machine: Once you’ve pre-treated any stains, place the mop head in the washing machine. You can wash it on its own or with other cleaning cloths or towels.
4. Use hot water: To ensure that your O Cedar mop head is properly cleaned and sanitized, it’s best to use hot water. Make sure to check the care label on your mop head to see what temperature it can tolerate.
5. Use a gentle detergent: When washing your O Cedar mop head, it’s important to use a gentle detergent that won’t damage the fibers. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can also be harmful.
6. Air dry the mop head: Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the mop head from the machine and let it air dry completely before using it again. Avoid using the dryer, as this can damage the fibers and reduce the effectiveness of the mop head.

To help you with that, you can visit our guide on how to remove o-cedar mop head and read the step-by-step guide.

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Cleaning Tips on How to Clean Mop Head

To keep your house clean, you may want to consider these tips below so you can ensure it lives as long a life as possible:

1. Do not soak a mop for too long. Because of the warmth and moisture, this can lead to mold and bacteria growth.

2. Before storing the mop, make sure it is completely dry. If you leave a wet mop in a warm place, it will mold.

3. When you soak the mop in bleach, make sure it’s out of reach of children.

4. Soak a new mop head in cool water before using it. The manufacturer’s coating will be removed, making the mop head less absorbent.

5. You should also empty the water and wring out a new mop head.

6. For different jobs, use different colored mop heads.

7. A mop should never be left in water overnight. This will weaken mop fibers and increase bacteria growth.

8. Use a separate bucket for cleaning the mop head, and don’t mix it with the bucket used for cleaning the floors.

9. If the mop head is heavily soiled, you can add some baking soda to the solution to help loosen the dirt and grime.

10. To prevent the spread of bacteria, it’s recommended to clean your mop head after each use.

11. If you have a cotton mop head, avoid using fabric softener, bleach or any other harsh chemicals as it can damage it. Make sure only to use hot water.

12. Microfiber mop heads should be washed separately from other laundry and dried on low heat or air-dried.

13. Sponge mop heads can be cleaned by soaking them in a mixture of warm water and detergent, but ensure to rinse thoroughly.

14. To disinfect mop heads, soak them in a solution of bleach or vinegar for at least five minutes.

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How to Clean Mop Head FAQ

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To Wrap Up

Cleaning your mop is probably not something most people consider. However, to help keep your family healthy and your home as bacteria-free as possible, you should learn how to clean mop head.

If you follow these simple steps above for cleaning your wet, dust, or steam mop head, you’ll always have sanitary, sparkling floors.

If you need more tips and tricks on how to clean mop head, leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.