Maintaining a shiny, spotless, streak-free floor is daunting. You need to carry a bucket full of water for cleaning and ensure you don’t use too much water as it might damage the flooring material.
Thankfully, spray mops are here to save the day. They are amazing tools to make floors shiny without the effort of carrying a water bucket.
However, the mop alone won’t give you shiny floors. So, embrace these tips to get professional-grade results!
1. Get the right cleaning equipment
Common cleaning solutions are not compatible with all floor types. For instance, for hardwood floors, use one that offers deep cleaning without any buildup.
For laminate floors, water-based gentle cleaners are the best. Neutral pH cleaners can make tile and stone floors without damage. If you use the wrong one, it can leave residue or streaks.
Invest in a reliable soft microfiber cleaning spray mop. The absorbent microfiber ensures there’s no lint left, which can cause streaks.
However, you can also overcome most of the hassle by switching to the Best Spray Mop & Cleaning equipment. A reliable spray mop made of durable plastic and steel comes with a microfiber pad, a water tank, and a flexible swivel head.
The best cleaning solution is compatible with all floors as it has a neutral pH, no soap, no phosphates, and no harsh chemicals.
2. Use distilled water
If you want to dilute the cleaning agent, avoid tap water as it contains minerals and leaves residue on your floor.
Instead, use distilled water as it doesn’t contain minerals. This prevents unwanted spots and streaks and makes your floor shiny.
Pour the necessary amount of distilled water into the spray mop’s tank with the cleaner, and you’re set!
3. Prep the floor and the mop
Don’t start mopping the floor directly. Instead, remove all loose dust, dirt, and debris. Otherwise, they can permanently scratch your hardwood or laminate floor, making it impossible to shine. Finer particles can get dissolved in the cleaning solution and leave streaks behind.
Start the process with a quick sweep for bigger particles, followed by a vacuuming session. As these steps remove the most dirt, spray mopping can make your floor shine better.
You must also check whether the mop is clean every time. If there’s any dirt or debris stuck on it, it might cause additional scratches.
4. Spray slowly and go in sections
Don’t oversaturate the floor with cleaning solution from the beginning. It can cause water damage and streaks. Instead, mist a bit of the solution at once. This will also control the amount of cleaner you use. You also won’t have to redo an area once it’s completely shiny.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics cites that the average new Australian house has 232.3 square metres of space, while other residential dwellings have around 137 square metres.
Maintaining a spotless and streak-free shine on such an expansive floor space might sound daunting. However, if you work in smaller sections of 3ft by 4ft (1m by 1.2m), it’ll be easier.
5. Use the right motion
Start mopping the farthest point from the door so you go backwards and don’t step on the clean area. In every section, clean the edge first and then move towards the middle.
For a streak-free mop, you must use even strokes every time. If there’s ample space for motion, go in an ‘8’ or ‘S’ shape to pick up most of the remaining dirt faster.
If the space is restricted, like a small, cramped room, use a back-and-forth motion. Additionally, be cautious not to leave behind any debris.
If you have hardwood floors, mop in the direction of the grain to ensure shine. Otherwise, there will be noticeable lines and streaks. Going with the grain will also elevate the wood floor’s natural beauty.
6. Go in with a dry mop
After cleaning, if you notice any less shiny spots or streaks, don’t wet-mop it again. Instead, use another clean, dry microfiber pad mop.
Lightly buff the necessary areas. This step also helps if some areas are taking longer to dry than others. If there’s any cleaning residue, it also removes that and makes the floor shiny.
Specifically for hardwood and tile floors, you can also use a polishing pad for this step.
Conclusion
Remember, achieving a streak-free floor doesn’t depend on the cleaning technique alone. You must also be regular and consistent. Don’t wait until there’s obvious dirt and grime buildup. This will also make your cleaning experience much smoother!