How to Make Mop Water Smell Good | Commercial & Natural Ways

It’s not exactly pleasant to think about – but your mop water can start to smell pretty bad. When the mop water smells bad, you feel that your home isn’t clean well.

After changing the water often, it can still smell bad due to some reasons. Here I have uncovered the reasons behind it, and I will tell you some easy ways to fix the problem.

Why does mop water smell bad?

Before going to the solution, you need to figure out what’s causing the bad smell. If you’re using a traditional string mop, the problem is probably that the mop head is overdue for washing.

It is impossible to clean a floor with a dirty mop head because it will just spread the grime and dirt around. A dirty mop head can also cause mold and mildew to grow. If you’re using a sponge or microfiber mop, the problem is probably that the water in the bucket is dirty.

How To Make Mop Water Smell Good | 5 Easy Methods

Now, I will uncover some effective ways that you can follow. I have mentioned both commercial and natural ways to fix the problem.

Method 1: Freshwater

This is an easy fix – just empty out the water and start fresh. You can also add some disinfectant to the water to keep it clean. You can make the mop water smell good instantly with this method.

If you don’t want to spend money on agents for this task, then you can simply change the water frequently and mop your home. In this way, you don’t smell bad from mop water.

Method 2: Scented Floor cleaners

For anyone with allergies, fragrance-dependent floor cleaners might not be an excellent option as they may cause reactions. Nonetheless, fragranced cleaners help eliminate any dirt and musty smells that accumulate after a while to keep your house smelling fresh.

There are tons of scent options on the market today, but use the popular home brands that will provide you with effective results. With warm water, a few drops of scented cleaners and your mop water will smell nicer.

However, you must read the labeling and learn the process of using the product. Also, consider your floor type and whether the cleaner is good for your home surface.

Method 3: Vinegar

Since vinegar is a natural disinfectant ingredient, many people swear by this method and say that it works like a charm. You can add vinegar to your mopping water to make it smell fresher.

The versatile nature of vinegar allows it to be used for a variety of cleaning applications. Vinegar is also effective at preventing built-up dirt and mildew in mop strings. In addition, vinegar can be used to make your home smell fresh and clean.

If you’re looking for a natural way to make your home smell good, try using vinegar. Simply mix a few tablespoons of vinegar into a bucket of mop water. The vinegar will help to disinfect the floors and will also leave behind a fresh, clean scent.

Method 4: Lemon juice and citrus

Smelling lemons or citrus fruits can help to make mop water smell good. The acid in the lemon juice will help to cut through the heavy cleaning smell and make the room smell fresher. The citrus smell will help to freshen up the room, and the lemon juice will help to disinfect the area.

Lemon juice doesn’t cover the smell. It is only used as a grease remover. It helps to eliminate sticky stains from the surface. Citrus will help to mask the smell. So it would be great if you utilize both of the ingredients together.

Method 5: Lavender

Making mop water smell better can be achieved in a few ways. One option is to add a few drops of essential oil like lavender to the water. As a result, your home will smell fresh and pleasant while masking the smell of water.

The Lavender smell is very refreshing. It is also an affordable option to make the mop water fresh. However, it does not disinfect, so you need to add some extra solution for distinction.

Which one is better: Commercial VS homemade cleaners

There is no exact answer to this question, as everyone has different preferences. However, many people believe that homemade cleaners are better for the environment and can be just as effective as commercial cleaners.

If you are found of natural ways to freshen up your home, you may want to try making your own cleaning solutions.

Commercial cleaners are designed to be safe and effective for a wide range of surfaces, including floors. However, sometimes homemade cleaners may not provide as effective results as commercial products.

When it comes to mopping floors, it is important to use the best cleaner that is designed for the job.

Still, using homemade cleaning solutions are cost-effective ways to keep your home clean and fresh. Moreover, you can reduce the effects of harmful chemicals.

Natural solutions are preferable if you have small kids or pets in the house because some chemicals may cause irritation and are allergic to them.

Tips to prevent the bad smell of mop water

As you mop your floor, it picks up dirt and debris that eventually build up an offensive smell. Some tips help you to get rid of this.

• Mop your home regularly: If you have kids or pets in the house, you may need to clean it more often. You may need to mop the entire home 4-5 times a week. The kitchen and dining areas should mop every day to maintain hygiene. Actually, if you have more traffic in the home, then you need to clean it frequently.
• Vacuum before mopping: Before you start mopping the floor, you should vacuum or broom the floor. It will remove large debris, and your mop water will be less dirty when mopping. It also helps to keep the mop water good.
• Keep clean the mopping tools: You must keep the mopping strings and bucket clean. After using them, make sure they are dry. Moreover, keep them upside down while storing them; it will keep them dry and hygienic.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What should I put in my mop water?

You should use disinfectant agents in your mop water for cleaning. Also, use scented cleaners or other natural cleaning agents to smell the mop water fresh.

Can you add essential oils to your mop water?

You can add essential oils to your mop water. It will cover the bad smell of mop water. Among the most commonly used essential oils for cleaning is lavender oil.

What do professional house cleaners use to make the house smell good?

Professionals use many types of disinfectant ingredients to clean the house. They also use commercial scented products to make the house smell good. Moreover, the skill and tools of professional house cleaners add more efficiency while cleaning the house.

Why does my house stink after I mop?

If you mop your house using dirty water, again and again, your house will stink. So try to use freshwater while mopping and cleaning thoroughly.

How often should you change the mop water?

It depends on your home surface. If the water gets dirty after a few swipes, you should replace the dirty mop water and again mop it with clean water.  

How many times a week should you mop the floor?

It depends on your home traffic. However, mopping twice a week is enough for small families, and 4-5 times a week will be okay for larger families.

Final words

That’s it. If you follow the ways I mentioned, you can make the mop water smell good. All these above methods are easy to utilize. Moreover, the homemade methods will cost you a little. Thus, you can get a fresh and clean home.