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A mop is an indispensable tool for a spotless surface, but do you know the correct way to store a mop after use? Or, you just put it anywhere without giving it a second thought?
When people walk around your home, they track in dirt and pathogens.
Although regular sweeping and vacuuming might help, mopping is the most effective method for cleaning hard surfaces.
The problem is that using a dirty mop to clean your floors is like scrubbing with a sponge and spreading the filth around the house.
A well-executed mopping routine followed by the correct storage is essential.
So, where to store mop and bucket after use? Thankfully, you have many options!
What is the Correct Way to Store a Mop after Use?
Despite their intended use, wet mops can harbor a wide variety of germs and bacteria even after a single cleaning.
It is essential that you put the cleaning supplies away in their respective places. Wet things used for cleaning can re-spread germs if they are not stored appropriately.
And this is especially true for a wet mop and bucket, which is why you should know how to store your mop after use.
Tip: Consider mopping using two buckets, one for clean water and the other for detergent.
How Do You Store a Wet Mop After Use?
Using a mop and bucket is an integral part of your regular house cleaning routine, but you need to learn how to do it properly.
Here is what you should do:
Rinse the Mop Properly
After you are done mopping, you should wash the mop in a sink to remove any leftover cleaning solution and grime.
Any soap residue left on the mop can damage it, and the traces of filth left behind will only serve to spread grime the next time you use it.
Wash It Thoroughly
Machine-washable mops can be cleaned in the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, though.
To use the mop properly, just do as the instructions say. Typically, you should use the delicate cycle at the warmest temperature.
If the mop head cannot go in the washing machine, soak it in a solution containing a gallon each of water and bleach.
You need to soak the mop in the solution for at least 15 minutes and wash it until the water runs clear.
Note
Do not use bleach while washing your microfiber wet mop. Bleach can easily ruin the fibers.
Thus, it is advised that disinfectants be used when cleaning microfiber wet mops.
Ensure It is Dry
Once washed, you should give your mop enough time to dry completely before you store it. Taking this step will help prevent bacterial growth.
The first step is to squeeze as much water from the mop as possible.
Remember, mop heads should not be twisted in the wringer to prevent water from landing on the floor.
Sunlight will naturally eliminate bacteria and mold, so hang the mop head outside to dry.
If that is not an option, you can also use a bathtub or another dry, well-ventilated room to dry off the mop.
Do not ignore this step in order to prevent the spread of mold and germs.
What to Consider?
Once you have washed and dried the mop, you are all set to store it away. But, before that, you should remember a few things.
For instance, mop heads should be stored upright whenever possible.
Similarly, keeping the head of a string mop a few inches off the ground is recommended.
Moreover, the heads of wet mops should not be kept in a closed location like a tiny room or a closet.
The mop will not dry properly unless you give it some space to dry in the open air.
Tip: It is vital to dry mops in the open air, and remember mold can grow on wet mops if stored in a bucket or leaning against a wall.
Where Should You Store the Mop and Bucket after Use?
Once you have prepared your mob for storage, you may be looking for ideas to safely store your mops and buckets.
Here are a few options to consider:
Use Broom Cupboards
Broom cupboards are specialized cabinets designed to hold brooms and mops neatly out of the way.
If you do not already have one, you will benefit from constructing one.
By storing mops in broom closets, you can keep them out of sight and in pristine condition.
The broom closet should be a dry, secure place to store your brooms and dustpans.
Make Use of Mounted Racks
Using mounted racks is one fine way to store your mops.
Mops stored on a wall-mounted rack get continuous ventilation due to the dangling strands and threads.
They can be as compact as broom closets, squeezing into the tiniest of openings.
Aeration ensures that wet mop heads stay dry so all you have to do is clean, wash, and dry them before hanging them up.
Store Under the Stairs
If there is enough space under the stairs, you can store both your mop and bucket there.
In fact, it is a terrific idea to tuck brooms and mops away beneath the stairs so they do not take up visual space.
Keeping them under the stairs is a good and rather inaccessible spot for kids.
Similarly, the space under the sink may also work for storing brooms and mops, where they will be out of sight while not in use.
Leave in a Closet
It is crucial to find an inconspicuous place to store brooms and mops. Leave them out in the open, and you will be frustrated to find them later.
Hiding cleaning supplies like brooms and mops away in the closet is a great way to conserve space and avoid clutter.
This can be done in any closet or hall closet.
You can utilize a secret closet organization method to make it appear as though you have more room for your brooms and mops than you actually do.
Note
The most effective method of disguising brooms and mops is through optical illusion.
The mop can be concealed by placing a sweater or shirt over the broom and hanging it from a closet rod.
Tip: Use a show organizer to store your mops, as the clear slots make it easier to see what you have and where it is.
How Do You Store a Mop Safely?
No matter the place you choose for storage, you can always take some steps to ensure the proper safety of your mops and cleaning supplies. For instance:
Use Hooks
Hooks are great for storing any number of items, but we think they are especially useful for hanging mops and dusters.
Hooks are useful wherever there is a free wall, such as on the back of a closet door, in a pantry, or even on the wall beside the basement steps.
A loop made from a zip tie on the handle of your cleaning tools will allow you to hang them from the hook.
Use a Wall-Mounted Hanger
A more official option is a wall-mounted hanger with a grooved neck for holding brooms and Swiffers.
The good thing is that you can use these hangers in places where you can use hooks.
When installed properly, they work great for storing your mops under the stairs or in the closet.
Opt for a Wall-Mounted Organizer
You can invest in an organizer if you do not have enough space on a wall for using hooks or hangers.
It is a good idea to go for the one that slides.
You may place it on the wall, and because it slides, you can squeeze it into tight spots like the one between the wall and your fridge.
Tip: Consider setting up a cleaning caddy with your mops and other cleaning supplies to help organize things in a better way.
Takeaway
What is the correct way to store a mop after use?
So many people ask this because not storing the mops correctly can damage them quickly and make you look for a new one quite soon.
You can consider many storage spots, but the ideal storage environment would be a cold, dry spot.
You should have enough space to hang it in a way that it does not touch the floor. And of course, you should store it only when it is dry.
Remember, a mop that has been given adequate time to dry before being reused will perform admirably.