Q&A for How to Clean Mops

Place the mop under running water until the mop head only releases clear water.

Definitely! Feel free to put traditional mop heads in either washing machine. You can also use the dishwasher to clean just about every type of mop.

Only if it's a looped-end or cut-end mop head. Soak these types of mop heads for 15 minutes in 2 gallons (9.1 L) of water mixed with 1 cup (0.2 L) of bleach. Then, rinse it out when clean water.

You're correct; washing plastic items in dishwashers or washing machines can release microplastics. These are tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters in size, that come from larger plastic items breaking down.

Using a steam mop on Karndean flooring is generally not recommended, because the intense heat and moisture can damage the adhesive, warp the tiles, or affect the integrity of the flooring over time.

After removing the mop and rags, run an empty wash cycle on the hottest setting with a cup of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser to sanitize and remove odors. Pause the cycle midway, add a half-cup of baking soda directly into the drum, and resume the cycle to complete the deep cleaning. Finally, wipe the inside of the drum, the door seal, and the inside of the door with a clean cloth.