It would seem as if it’s the simplest of tasks, but often employees are unable to properly mop the floor of a warehouse or work area. Whether its for cleaning up a spill or routine maintenance and cleanliness, there’s a right way and a wrong way to mop a floor.
When it is broken down into it’s separate stages, mopping a floor properly is a seven-step method. That may seem as if it is overly complicating a relatively straightforward task, but if even a single step is skipped it can cause the task to be performed improperly.
Seven Steps to Proper Mopping
The first step is to gather the supplies needed to mop the floor. This includes a broom and dustpan, a mop, and a mop bucket with a wringer. Once all the supplies are gathered — it’s helpful to always keep them in or around the same place, such as a slop sink — the next step is to prepare the floor. This involves sweeping up any debris or large pieces from a spill and/or picking up excess dirt in preparation for the mopping.
The third step is to fill the bucket with hot, soapy water. You can use whatever cleaning solution you prefer, although some floor surfaces may require specialized detergents. Never mix chemicals together, such as bleach and ammonia, because this can cause a chemical reaction and even create toxic gases.
Don’t Mop Yourself Into a Corner
The fourth step is to submerge the mop head into the bucket and thoroughly get it wet with the soapy liquid, then wring it out completely, twisting the mop once or twice between each wringing. This will remove any excess water, which can damage the floor or make it take longer to dry completely.
The fifth step is to mop the floor from the top of the room to the bottom, so that you are always standing on a portion of the floor that has not yet been mopped. Work toward a door or exit so that you don’t mop yourself into a corner. Mop only a small portion of the floor at a time, otherwise the mop head can become too dirty and won’t pick up as much dirt.
The sixth step is to rinse and wring the mop out frequently. This removes the dirt from the mop head — at least most of it — and provides fresh cleaning liquid for mopping. If the water becomes too dirty, it will need to be changed out. Otherwise you will simply be spreading dirty water around on the floor rather than cleaning.
A Place for Everything and Everything In Its Place
Finally, the seventh step is to place “Wet Floor” signs on the area that has been mopped until it dries completely and to put the cleaning supplies back where they can be easily found next time.
Bahrns carries a complete line of cleaning supplies for every warehouse and work space, including brooms, dustpans, mops, mop heads and buckets. While training your workers on the proper way to mop is important, it also is essential to have the necessary supplies when you need them.