Hey there, Bayside Carpet Cleaning fans!  So, you may have read in our previous articles that mopping is an essential part to keeping your tile floors clean, but do you know how to properly mop?  Believe it or not, there is much more that goes into it than just nonchalantly swabbing a mop across the floor.  Join us today as we go over a comprehensive guide to effective mopping!

No matter what you’re goal is for mopping or what mop you plan to use, the first thing that you need to do before even starting to think about mopping is to vacuum the floor clean.  Tidying up the area in which you plan to mop will both make your job easier, and will have the floor coming out a whole lot better.  

Now that the floor has been cleaned, grab your mop, bucket, and some water and get to work.  Unless the floor is extremely dirty, we suggest using just water, as it will get the floor relatively clean without posing harm to your floor.  However, if there is quite the mess on the floor, using a mild detergent would be in your best interest.  

One of the fundamental principles of mopping is to never walk over what you just mopped.  With that being said, be sure to start at the back of the room and mop your way towards the exit—that way you can leave to rest while the floor dries, all without stepping on it.

Next comes the technique in which you mop, which can vary depending on the type of mop you are using.  If you are using a simple rag mop, mopping in horizontal figure eights will work great, whereas those with a sponge mop will find it more effective if they mop in tight, vertical lines as if they are vacuuming.  However, regardless of how you do it, be sure to shake out your mop over a dustbin from time to time to get off any gunk that you may be sliding around the floors.

When you are finished with the room, head back in with a small cloth and try to pick up any dust particles that may have settled or have been left behind.  Although, if you used detergent in your mopping endeavors, we highly encourage you to go over it again with just water—your floors will thank you later.

Mopping is relatively easy, especially once you have the proper method down.  In no time, we are confident that your floors will be amazed at all of your mopping prowess!

For more tips and tricks, be sure to check back to our blog every Tuesday and Thursday for our latest article!