Have you ever wondered – how do I wash a spin mop head in the washing machine?
Maintaining clean floors is really important for keeping your home healthy and hygienic. An effective way to keep your floors looking their best is to utilize microfiber mops (such as this one from O-Cedar) with a detachable mop head.
One of the best features of these mops is how easy they are to wash because they come with a machine-washable mop head. You can use them again and again, making them effective and easy on your wallet. Good news!
If you own this type of mop or plan to buy one, you’ll want to learn how to wash a spin mop head in a washing machine – the easy way!
The washing machine makes sure your mop head gets cleaned of any dirt and debris AND is sanitized so it’s ready for the next use. This step-by-step guide will teach you the best way to wash spin mop heads made from microfiber in your washing machine.
This article is all about how to wash a spin mop head in the washing machine!
Spin mops are really popular cleaning tools. They have really had a moment lately on social media, with tons of fun viral videos about all the different ways you can use them. What makes them special is their microfiber mop heads!
The mop heads are typically made out of microfiber which is a synthetic material that is really good at cleaning and absorbing water. Microfiber tends to be scratch-proof, lint-free, and really efficient at picking up loose dirt because of the tiny fibers (get it? MICRO fibers) This makes them perfect for cleaning floors and hard surfaces – hardwood floors, linoleum, tile, etc.
O Cedar mop heads are also advertised as being able to remove 99% of bacteria with just water!
Typically, spin mops also come with a mop bucket system that spins the excess water out to help you get that just right level of dampness. This makes it much easier to clean your floors (and walls, ceilings, bathtubs, etc according to lots of creators on TikTok!)
Some mop bucket systems even come with two sections – one for dirty water and one for clean water. No one wants to mop their floors with a dirty mop head! Which brings us to the next point:
Regular washing of the mop head is super important for maintaining how well it picks up dirt and bacteria. Over time, mop heads can accumulate excess dirt, dust, hair and loose debris from cleaning sessions, making it necessary to clean them on a regular basis. This helps keep your home and family healthier, as well as extends the life of the mop head for the best possible results.
Gather Your Materials:
To get started, you’ll need a gentle detergent and a washing machine. No need to use a mesh laundry bag, we want the washing machine to be able to agitate the fibers in your mop head to help them get fully clean. You can always wash your mop head by hand in a sink or bucket if you prefer.
Pre-Cleaning Steps & Tips:
For best results before machine washing, manually remove excess dirt and debris from the mop head. If you have stubborn hairs or debris, something like a fine tooth comb (such as a lice comb) can help you to pull that junk out of your mop head.
If you can’t wash the mop head right away, a quick rinse can help eliminate loose particles, prevent unpleasant odors, and prepare it for the washing machine. The important thing is you don’t want to leave a wet mop that’s dirty sitting for too long, making it more difficult to clean.
For extra deep cleaning, consider letting your dirty spin mop head soak in warm water with a gentle detergent, disinfecting solution/cleaning solution, OR white vinegar and baking soda. I like to do this directly in the bucket that I use my spin mop in – both get cleaned and sanitized in the process! Win-win!
Machine Washing Process:
- Selecting the Right Cycle and Temperature:
- It is tempting to use the hot water setting to get your mop head clean, but this is very hard on the fibers. Instead, it’s a good idea to choose a gentle cycle or delicate cycle with cool or warm water. Typically, I don’t prefer to use cold water but manufacturer’s instructions may indicate that is the best choice for your mop.
- Adding Detergent:
- Use a small amount of mild detergent but SKIP the fabric softener and bleach to clean and maintain the mop fibers.
- Consider what is in the wash cycle with the mop head:
- To protect the mop head during the wash, the essential step is don’t wash it with towels or your clothes. The microfibers will pick up lint and get roughed up from the hard textures of other fabric types. If you use other microfiber cleaning clothes, consider washing them all together in one microfiber cloth load.
- You COULD use a mesh laundry bag here, but I like that my mop heads have plenty of room to agitate without one.
- Then just start the Wash Cycle:
- Let the washing machine complete the gentle wash cycle, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the mop head.
Hand Washing Process:
Hand washing is a tedious cleaning process, but sometimes you’re in a pinch! Using the same gentle detergent you would use in your washing machine, you can gently handwash the mop head or mop pad in a sink, bathtub, or bucket. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the detergent and to utilize a very small amount. Built-up detergent in your mop head fibers prevents it from giving you the best performance!
Drying the Mop Head:
- Optimal Drying Method:
- The most optimal drying method is to just place the mop head flat with the fluffy side up in a dry place and allow it to air dry. Yes, this can take longer than throwing it in the dryer, but it will make your mop head last longer. You also want to avoid putting it into direct sunlight for long periods of time.
- Less Optimal Drying Method:
- If you HAVE to use your dryer, be sure to use a low heat setting and do not use dryer sheets. Just like fabric softener in the wash cycle, this will make your microfiber less absorbant.
Post-Cleaning Process:
- Reattach the Mop Head:
- I find the easiest way to reattach the mop head is to lay it flat on the ground and line up the handle and push straight down! Sometimes I’ll even use my foot to push down on the edges to make sure it is secure. This is way easier than trying to attach it by hand.
- Next Cleaning Session:
- Following this routine a couple of times a month, or more frequently for very dirty floors. Most mop heads with come with 2-3 mop heads, so it can be helpful to just rotate between them OR label them for specific areas if you are concerned about any germs transferring from one place to another. This will help maintain a clean mop head for effective cleaning in your home.
Best Tips for Machine Washing Your Mop Head
Always Check Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the mop head is machine washable and to determine the best washing cycle and temperature.
Never ever use fabric softener. The softener will coat the fibers of your mop head, making it less absorbant which is the opposite of what you want!
Never ever use bleach. I know it seems like bleach will help you deep clean your mop head, but it can degrade the microfibers and make it less effective and shorten it’s lifespan. If you really want to brighten up your mop head, consider an oxygen bleach like OxiClean occasionally instead of liquid household bleach. This will help remove stubborn stains without
Avoid using oil-based soaps or detergents, detergents with harsh chemicals, detergents with fragrances.
Change your mop head regularly. The goal is to make your mop heads last longer with proper care BUT that doesn’t mean you’ll never have to replace them. Every 3-4 months of use with regular use and good care tends to be a good interval in my home.
Maintaining a clean spin mop head is an important part of keeping your home clean but it doesn’t have to be hard or complicated! That’s why it is so helpful to know how to wash a spin mop head in the washing machine. With regular cleaning (following the care instructions), you’ll keep your floors looking clean and beautiful AND make the chore of maintaining your mop that much easier.
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