What is the right way to mop a floor so that it is not sticky or slippery when dry? Tile, vinyl, & wood, pls.?

Question

I need to know what kind of mop (old school stringy or Swisher or sponge) and which cleaners to use for each type of floor. For example, does water with a little bit of white vinegar work?

Answer 1

you need two mops, one for the cleaner you use and the other for the last mopping of the floor to rinse the cleaner residue. thus a clean surface.

Answer 2

I prefer sponge mops... just because the stringy things are an unbelievable pain to use. As for the cleaner... I pour a large splash (maybe 1/2 a cup?) of Mr. Clean all purpose cleaner into a sink with warm water, and sometimes I use a little dishsoap too. White vinegar may work, I can't say from experience. I don't imagine the smell would be real nice though.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I use a microfiber mop. I try not to use too much water on the floor so that I don't get the grout dirty.

On wood I use pledge cleaner for wood floors with a slightly damp mop. I just squirt it on the floor and mop. You do not need to rinse. I love this stuff. It works great on laminate floors too.

On ceramic I use water and a bit of vinegar, or a bit of jet dry or Windex. If you have a juice spill - Windex will take away the stickiness and give the floor a bit of a shine. Don't use too much - just a spray will do it- or you will have a film on the floor.

Answer 4

Water with white vinegar works well on wooden floors. I use a sponge mop and make sure to wring it out well so that it isn't too wet when mopping. You can also add a squirt or two of mild liquid soap to the water/vinegar mix last. I generally use Dr. Bronner's liquid soap (http://www.drugstore.com/templates/brand/default.asp?brand=12294&aid=336064&aparam=xsp85182).

Here's a basic mix for cleaning hardwood floors:

2 gallons warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/8 cup liquid soap
1/2 cup herbal tea (optional - this is for giving it a nice scent. You should make sure the tea and soap scents don't smell nasty together before you start mopping. I like to use peppermint soap and peppermint tea together).
Mix all of it together, adding the soap last.

This works well on vinyl and tile floors as well. It's cheaper than swiffer-type stuff, easy to make and it smells better.

Answer 5

Hi, beto..
Well, in my experience, on wood floors murphy's oil soap works great (I eye it) with a sponge mop.....Too much Murphy's (or any soap for that matter) WILL make your floor sticky! So stick to the label instructions..I use Swiffer Wet Jet on my wood floors and their solution for wood floors works just fine, but I prefer to deep clean with Murphy's as well..
Tile and vinyl floors I use Fabuloso, the lavender one, or the Mar Fresco (Fresh Ocean) and use according to the instructions...With the old school stringy mop! Not only does it clean good, Fabuloso smells GREAT!!
I have never used vinegar on my floors (I like fresh deodorizing smells better!) but will be interested to see what others have to say about that.
I hope that has helped and only have my own experience to base it on, so no sources except for me myself and I, best of luck to you on your floor cleaning quest!!

All my best!

Christina
LaGringa Loca por Frankie Ruiz
El Papa de La Salsa 1948-1998 EPD!
Siempre en nuestras corazones, siempre TU MUSICA!!!!

Answer 6

For tile, I use Alcohol!!
Cheap at 33 cents a bottle, and dries immediately and gets the grease!
I use an old towel and run it around with my foot!