How to Use a Sponge Mop | Step by Step Guidelines

A sponge mop is a very popular and most use household cleaning tool. The amazing feature of the sponge is, you do not need to touch the wet or dirty mop head at all. Even you do not need to carry a particular bucket to wring out the excess water. It comes with an inbuilt mechanism that squeezes the excess water from the mop head after a dip into the water.

A sponge mop provides much better cleaning control than any other bulkier mop. The small head of the sponge mop can easily clean narrow space and corners. The wring out process does not leave much water into the mop head; as a result, after mopping your floor, do not get too wet.

You can also use sponge mops to clean the walls and the ceiling. It is lightweight, budget-friendly, versatile, and easy to use. This mop amazingly fit in almost any household. If you still do not use sponge mops, follow the below-listed step to use.

How to use a sponge mop | step by step

As we already said, sponge mops are really very easy to use. As it is quite lightweight, you can use it for various surface cleaning. Let us see how you can use a sponge mop for mopping your floor.

Necessary things for cleaning work

• Sponge mop
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Sink or bathtub
• Floor cleaner

Step 1

At first, sweep the floor before you start mopping. Many people do not like to sweep before mopping, but it is essential to get a better mopping result. So, take a broom and sweep the surface and remove large particles, debris, dirt, and other unwanted things that can create obstacles in your mopping. 

Step 2

Ready the mop for use. If the sponge is already attached to the mop head, then go for the next step. If not, then you can attach it by simply slide or Snap-on. You can also find the manual to attach the sponge properly.

Step 3

Pour some warm water into the bucket. Add some floor cleaner that best suited to your floor. You should follow the direction on the bottle to know how much water you may need to make a proper floor cleaning solution. There is no obligation to use special sized buckets. You can use a generic bucket or a standard mop bucket, whatever you like. Just ensure the bucket should be wide enough to submerse the mop head. 

Step 4

Dip the mop head into the bucket. Let it absorb liquid as much as it can. Now lift the mop head from the cleaning solution and pull the lever. It will squeeze out excess water. Most of the sponge mop comes with this lever or a button to push and remove excess liquid. You do not need to touch the wet sponge at all. 

Step 5

Start scrubbing by using a back-and-forth motion. Within a few times, your mop head will pick up enough dirt and soil. At this stage, if you still scrub the mop, then it can re-deposit dirt on the floor. So, dip it into the bucket and rinse with the cleaning solution. Again, wring out excess liquid by pulling the lever and continue mopping.

Step 6

When you finish mopping, rinse the sponge mop head under the warm water. Now again, mop the floor with this clean sponge to remove the cleaner residue from the floor. However, there is some cleaning product which does not need to be rinsed off. So, check it before you do. 

Step 7

Finally, your floor moping using sponge mop is done. Now rinse the mop head once again with clean water before storing. It is quite an easy job. Just hold the mop in a sink or bathtub and let the water run over the sponge for a few minutes; that’s it. 

Few important tips

• It is a versatile mop, and you can also use a dry sponge mop for removing cobwebs from the ceiling, walls, dusting, and cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
• After finally cleaning the mop, hang it on a hook to drip away water and let it dry in a properly ventilated area. It is essential; otherwise, the wet sponge will develop a musty odor. 
• The sponge mop is usually lasting long. You can use it several times until it becomes too hard to clean correctly or has started tearing. 
• Make your floor tidy and spotless without leaving any residue; after mopping, you can use vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent cleaner for both vinyl and porcelain tiles. Add one cup of white vinegar into one gallon of water. Now mop your floor with this solution.
• If your floor becomes greasy, add one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with one gallon of warm water. It will work as a grease-cutting floor cleaner. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do sponge mops work?

Sponge mops are a great cleaning tool. They can clean effectively any tile floor and any other uneven surfaces. You need to maintain the mop properly; otherwise in can grow a bad smell, and a wet mop will breed bacteria. 

How do you clean a sponge mop?

Pour one cup of hot water into a bucket and add another cup of vinegar into it. Now soak the mop head into the mixture of the bucket. Leave it for about one hour. This mixture will help to clean, deodorize, and disinfect the mop head. You should not use the mop head for a long time; it should be replaced every 2 or 3 months.

Can you use a sponge mop on hardwood floors?

No, a sponge mop is not the best choice for cleaning the hardwood floor because you have to keep the water in a minimum amount when cleaning the hardwood floor. 

Can you use a sponge mop to clean walls?

Yes, a sponge mop is really great for cleaning walls. As it is lightweight and easy to handle, you can use it for cleaning walls. Even you can also use a dry sponge mop to clean dirt and cobwebs.

How often should a mop head be replaced?

You should replace the mop head every two or three months to prevent creating any cleaning hazard. You can replace it sooner if it looks too dirty.

Wrapping up

We hope this article can guide you to learn how to use a sponge mop. It is quite an easy job, isn’t it? But do not forget to check the mop head each time before you will start mopping. If the sponge is not on the mop head properly, the mop’s plastic or metal component can create scratches on the floor. That is why it is necessary to check the mop before each use.