How to Mop a Floor

This is our recommended process for how to mop a floor correctly. Before we begin, we should mention that in some situations you may only need a small amount of water. If so, consider options such as ‘Damp/Flat Mopping’.

Equipment Required

The first piece of equipment we need is a safety sign, this is important in any work environment. This sign reminds people to be careful and aware as someone may have just mopped the floor they are walking on. Make sure the safety sign is visible for everyone to see.

PPE which includes gloves and any extra PPE specific to chemicals is required. Rubber gloves create a barrier that protects our skin from chemicals, dirt, and germs that can lead to illnesses and infections.

Brush the floor before you mop. By doing this, you remove pieces of debris that may lead to scratches that may lead to more specialised cleaning later on. For this, you will need a scraper, a mop, a bucket, and an abrasive pad. Finally, you will require a floor cleaning solution, it is vital you select a cleaning detergent that is designed for your flooring type otherwise you may see a buildup of yellow colour over time.

Preparation

Ensure you are wearing the appropriate PPE. Firstly, place the safety signs on the floor. Clear the area by removing any obstacles such as tables, chairs, and rugs. Using the scraper you have, remove any chewing gum or other deposits. Prepare the floor by sweeping/vacuuming any loose debris that is still there.

Check the mop and bucket are clean and ready to use, if the water is dirty make sure you rinse out with clean water. Fill the mop bucket halfway with water, do not fill it to the top as you’ll need room for your mop.

Then add detergent to water according to the instructions on the label. Always add the chemical to water, NOT the other way round, as the chemicals could splash into your eyes or skin which could cause serious damage or injury. Finally, if possible, try to ventilate the room e.g., open the windows.

Mopping The Floor

Place the mop into the bucket to absorb the cleaning solution. Wring excess solution and water out of the mop, then start mopping in the furthest corner of the room. Work backward towards the door, this ensures you don’t walk over the clean wet floor. During this procedure, you should be mopping the floor using a figure of 8 stroke with each pass overlapping.

For the extremely dirty areas, apply pressure to the mop, however for stubborn marks use abrasive pads. When you have covered a small section, or when the mop is dirty, place the mop back into the bucket where you will now wring it out and move on to the next section to be cleaned.

Take care to avoid splashes to walls and skirting boards, if this occurs then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Final Stages

Once all the floor has been mopped, let the floor dry thoroughly. As soon as it is dry, bring back any furnishings that were removed from the area. Discard dirty water from the bucket, and then rinse out the mop and bucket to make sure it is clean for the next time you use it. Do not leave the mop inside the bucket as it will rot and start to smell. Hang the mop on a holder with the head down to dry out. Remove the safety sign when the floor is dry and finally, close any windows you may have opened to provide ventilation.