How to Mop Every Type of Floor the Right Way

By
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt, home decor and home improvement expert for The Spruce
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt is a contributing writer for The Spruce, based in the PNW. Kate has been a full-time digital content creator for nearly a decade, covering everything from home decor to personal finance.
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Updated on 12/23/24
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
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Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-20

While flat mops like Swiffers are great for daily cleanup of dirt and dust, only a thorough damp mopping can provide the deep cleaning your floors need. Damp mopping with the proper cleaning solution is the best method for many flooring types, including vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl tile, and ceramic or porcelain tile. Read on to learn the proper mopping technique to achieve and maintain sparkling, clean floors throughout your home.

Beware of Sealed or Laminate Flooring

Properly sealed woods or laminates may tolerate an occasional damp wipe, but heavy mopping with water is not advised for these floors.

A mop being dipped into a bucket

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan
  • Mop
  • 2 Buckets
  • Sponge

Materials

  • Mopping detergent
  • Household cleaner (optional)

Instructions

How to Mop Any Type of Floor

supplies for cleaning a floor

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

  1. Sweep or Vacuum First

    Vacuuming the floor

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    Before you begin mopping your floors, remove any loose dust and dirt with a broom or vacuum. This will prevent your floor from becoming a sticky, muddy mess as you mop.

  2. Choose the Proper Mop and Cleaning Solution

    Choosing the right mop and buckets

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    • Choose the proper mop and cleaning detergent for your floor type. A steam mop can help remove stubborn grout stains between ceramic tiles. A sponge mop will work well for smooth vinyl floors, however.
    • Select the right cleaning solution for your floor type. When cleaning wood floors, avoid products like vinegar and bleach and choose a product formulated for sealed wood floors.

    Avoid Certain Products


    Avoid products advertised using phrases such as "mop and shine," as these can lead to a buildup that yellows over time.

  3. Use Two Buckets for Cleaning

    Filling buckets with cleaner and water

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    Use two buckets: one to wash with water and detergent and another to rinse with clean water.

    • Fill each bucket with hot water.
    • Add cleaning detergent to the wash bucket. Remember always to follow the instructions on the detergent label.

  4. Begin Mopping in Sections

    Beginning the mopping process

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    • Dip your mop in the bucket of water and detergent, then wring it out.
    • The mop should be damp but not sopping wet since too much water can damage the floor.
    • Mop a section of your floor, such as five or six square feet, moving backward to prevent tracking. With sponge mops, mop in straight lines. With rag mops, mop in figure-eights for more effective cleaning.

    For Sticky Spots

    If you encounter tough or sticky spots, set aside your mop, squat down, and use a sponge to lift and remove the residue.

  5. Rinse the Floor, Then Repeat

    dipping the mop in preparation to rinse the area

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    • After mopping and scrubbing a section of your floor, rinse your mop thoroughly in the rinse bucket.
    • Dunk the mop up and down a few times, then wring out to remove as much dirty water as possible from the mop head.
    • Repeat each section's mopping and rinsing process until you've completed the floor.

    Tip

    As you work, monitor the water in both buckets. When they become visibly gray or dingy, empty and refill the buckets.

  6. Do a Final Rinse

    Continuing to mop the floor

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    Mop one final time with fresh, hot rinse water. This will ensure that the floors are rid of dirt and grime and that no detergent residue remains.

  7. Let Everything Dry

    Putting away mopping supplies

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

    • Thoroughly rinse your mop and buckets and allow them to dry completely before storing them.
    • Avoid walking on your floors as they air dry. To speed up the process, you can dry the floor yourself with a squeegee or a clean towel.

    Tip

    Remember to replace your mop (or mop head) every three months. If your mop head is machine washable, toss it in the washing machine after each use.

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How Often to Mop Your Floors

Generally, it would be best to mop your floors at least once a week, especially in areas used daily. However, there are additional ways you can keep your floors clean in the interim.

Floors in high-traffic areas like kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, entryways, and hallways should be swept or vacuumed every one to three days. Spills should also be spot-cleaned as soon as they occur, using a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and the proper cleaning solution for the floor type.

FAQ
  • Do I only need to use water for mopping?

    To clean your floors effectively, and extend the time between each mopping, it's important that you mop with a combination of water and the appropriate cleaning detergent for your floor type. You should also rinse the floors thoroughly after cleaning to avoid leaving soapy residue.

  • What is the fastest way to mop a floor?

    Damp mopping is a faster and more effective method for mopping floors, since the excess water will help pull up dirt and grime. That said, make sure you follow the proper cleaning regimen to avoid leaving mud or sudsy residue behind.

  • What are the most common mistakes when mopping floors?

    Some of the most common mistakes people make when mopping their floors include using one bucket for both washing and rinsing, as well as failing to purchase the proper mop and cleaning materials for their floor type.

  • What is the best way to mop a floor so it's the cleanest?

    Start at the outside edges, then move to the center, using one side of the mop in figure-eights. After a few passes, it gets dirty, so flip the mop to the other side. When both sides get dirty, wash the mop in the bucket so you don't spread the dirt around.