How to Clean Mops

Co-authored by Guy Peters

Last Updated: September 9, 2024 References

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Your mop cleans your floors, but what happens when you need to clean your mop? Keeping your mop clean is actually really easy. In most cases, a wet mop just needs a rinse in between uses, while a dust mop just needs to be shaken out. Every few uses, they will need a deeper clean. Depending upon the type of mop, this can be done in the sink, in the washing machine, or even in the dishwasher. Then, just let your mop dry and store it in a cool, dry place until you need it again.

How to Clean a Mop

Soak a dirty mop in diluted vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach for 15 minutes to clean it. If your mop head is detachable, you can also machine wash it with hot water to clean it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning a Wet Mop

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1
Rinse the mop head after every use.^{[1]
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Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} As soon as you are done using your mop, rinse the head under hot water until the water runs clear. Then, wring your mop head out as completely as possible and allow it to dry in a well ventilated area. Let the mop dry completely before you store it again.^{[2]
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- If possible, let your mop dry in the sun. You can even let it dry outdoors if it’s a hot day to help expedite the process.
2
Soak your mop in a cleaning solution after four uses. Your mop will need a deep clean every three to four uses, or whenever it starts to smell funny. Sanitize your mop head by adding a cup or about 237 milliliters (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. Allow your mop head to soak in the solution for 15 minutes before wringing it out and letting it dry.^{[3]
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Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.}
- Do not use bleach on sponge mops or synthetic mops. It will cause the materials to degrade. Instead, try the vinegar or peroxide solutions.^{[4]
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  Guy Peters
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  Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.}
- Make sure you let your mop dry in an area with good ventilation, and store it safely away from children and pets.
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3
Wash detachable mop heads in a washing machine instead of soaking it. Some mop heads, such as those made with towel or cloth strips, can go straight in the laundry. Detach the mop head from the handle and wash it on a hot water setting. Then, allow it to air dry before reattaching it to the handle.
- Add a cap of bleach to the wash to help disinfect your mop head.
- Wash your mop head with items that you don’t mind getting beat up, such as other cleaning rags and towels.^{[5]
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^{[6]
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Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Mops with removable heads can also be washed in the dishwasher. Simply remove the mop head and place it in the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Add a cup (237 ml) of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Then, run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Once the cycle is over, squeeze out the remaining water and allow the mop head to air dry before using it.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Maintaining a Dust Mop

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Start cleaning your dry mop or dust mop by shaking it out as soon as you are done with it. This will remove any loose dust. Remember to shake it out in a well ventilated area where you don’t mind things getting dusty. A garage, shed, or outdoor space might be good for this purpose.^{[8]
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After every three or four uses, your dust mop will need to be vacuumed, too. After you shake out the head, use the hose of your vacuum and a dusting brush attachment to gently pick up the extra dust left on your mop.^{[9]
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Dust mop heads should only be laundered after they have become soiled or very dirty. Wash them on a gentle cycle using hot water and a mild detergent. Then, squeeze out any excess water and hang them up on a line or rack to dry completely before reusing them.^{[10]
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Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap, and use your hands to work the dirt out of the mop. Then, rinse it with hot water until all the soap is gone before wringing it out and allow it to dry.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Cleaning a Steam Mop

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1
Wash the pads in the washing machine after every use. Most steam mops have removable fabric pads that are easy to clean and maintain. Make sure the mop head is cool enough to touch, and remove the pad. Then wash it on a normal cycle with every-day laundry detergent/^{[12]
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- Try to put your mop pad in with other loads of laundry so that you aren't washing it by itself. This is more environmentally friendly, and also less harsh on your mop pad.
Clean the tank or reservoir of your steam mop by emptying it out and wiping it down with a damp dish towel or rag. Change out dirty cloths as necessary to avoid re-soiling the inside of the tank.^{[13]
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Use a dry towel or rag to wipe down the whole surface of your steam mop after every use. This helps wipe away built-up debris, and wicks away any moisture left behind after mopping.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Storing Your Mop

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Storing your mop while it is still wet encourages mold and bacteria to grow. Let your mop head dry completely before you store it so that your mop head will last longer.
Dry mops, sponge mops, and other mops with flat heads should be stored with the head up. This keeps their heads off the floor and away from dust and debris while not in use. It also helps them better maintain their shape.^{[15]
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3
Store string and strip wet mop heads separate from the handle. Traditional wet mops should be stored in a way that allows their strings or strips to hang down naturally. If possible, the best way to do this is to hang the head off of a hook or rack on the wall, separate from the handle.
- If you cannot store your wet mop head separate from the handle, store the mop with the head up. This may cause some misshaping, but it is more sanitary and will help your mop last longer.^{[16]
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To help avoid mold and mildew growing on your mop head, keep it in a dry place. A closet or another indoor space generally works just fine. Garages that aren’t temperature-controlled and laundry rooms aren’t always the best idea, though, as these can get humid.
Exactly when you need to replace your mop will depend upon how often you use it and what you use it for. In general, though, a mop head will last about three months. If your mop smells even after disinfecting or if it has continued problems with mold growth, replace it immediately.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you rinse a mop?

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.

Guy Peters

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Place the mop under running water until the mop head only releases clear water.

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Question

Can you put a string mop head in the washing machine?

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.

Guy Peters

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Definitely! Feel free to put traditional mop heads in either washing machine. You can also use the dishwasher to clean just about every type of mop.

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Question

Can you clean a mop head with bleach?

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.

Guy Peters

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Only if it's a looped-end or cut-end mop head. Soak these types of mop heads for 15 minutes in 2 gallons (9.1 L) of water mixed with 1 cup (0.2 L) of bleach. Then, rinse it out when clean water.

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Tips

Wipe down the handle of the mop as needed with a damp towel, or use a disinfecting wipe to remove grease and heavier dirt.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Over time, mop heads will wear out and become less effective. Replace mop heads as necessary to ensure the best cleaning results.
Even with regular cleaning, it’s a good idea to give your mop a more thorough cleaning once a month.
Rinse your mop thoroughly after each use to remove debris and prevent smells.

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Warnings

Do not combine chemicals. Mixing chemicals could result in unknown reactions that may make them unsafe to touch or cause harmful fumes.

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Do not put dust mop heads in the dishwasher.

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Do not use detergents and household cleaners when cleaning the tank or body of a steam mop.

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