How to mop (technique)

What to have ready

• Flat-head mop + spray bottle (wood, laminate)
• Twist mop + bucket (tile, vinyl, stone)
• Dry microfibre cloth

Steps

1. 1

   Sweep or vacuum first. Mopping over grit just pushes dirt around.

   
2. 2

   Less is more: use only enough product to cut grease. Too much cleaner leaves a sticky floor that attracts dirt faster.

   
3. 3

   Match the tool to the floor — twist mop and bucket for tile, vinyl and stone; flat-head mop with a spray bottle for wood and laminate.

   
4. 4

   Mop section by section in an S-pattern, working your way out of the room so you never walk on wet floor.

   
5. 5

   Rinse the mop head about every minute if using a bucket, or change the flat pad when it is dirty or soaked.

   
6. 6

   On rectangular tiles, mop in the direction of the grout lines.

   
7. 7

   If the mop was wet at all, finish by clipping a dry microfibre cloth to a flat-head mop and buffing in an S-pattern to remove moisture and streaks.

   

Less is more when mopping the floor — a sticky floor is a sign of too much product, not too little.