Dirty Mop and Mop Water – What’s In Them and What to Do with Them?

December 30, 2010 · Posted in Deep Cleaning Systems, Infectious Control Systems 


Thorough cleaning means sweeping and mopping the floor. However, repeated washing of mops to cover an entire area can lead to dirty mop water. Mop water is extremely filthy. It can immediately be filled with bacteria and contaminants that come from the floor transferred onto the mop. Mold and mildew can also thrive in mops. Moisture serves as a good breeding ground for mold. This is why mops that are not properly washed and dried have this musty smell.

Dirty mop water, when not handled and thrown properly, can lead to cross contamination and disease contraction. Thus, it is important to know how and where to use them, and how to properly dispose of them.

First, when cleaning multiple areas, use color coding schemes. In hospitals or medical centers, for example, mops and water already used to clean patient rooms should not be used to clean the pantries. Otherwise, instead of cleaning, your cleaners are just helping spread diseases and cultivate cross contamination. Color coding methodology helps cleaners determine which one is used for a specific area and avoid using it in another. GEP’s MicroKleen Hygiene System is an example of cleaning system that uses color coding methodology for reduced cross contamination.

Second, arm your cleaners with the proper tools. Carrying buckets from floor to floor increases the chances of spilling dirty mop water everywhere. Let them use ergonomically designed tools that feature minimal carriage, less water refills, and decreased water spray-back. One good example is GEP’s Touchless Cleaning System. It’s a portable, battery-powered, self-contained cleaning system that replaces the common bucket.

Third, clean mops well. There’s no point in mopping if the mop itself is filthy and contaminated. Remind your cleaners to thoroughly wash, rinse, and dry mops after every use. Use highly efficient, but safe cleaning products, like GEP’s Clean by Peroxy. This cleaner is highly efficient in eliminating various microbes leading to superior cleaning results. It can cut through buildup of accumulated dirt and gets rid of odor without the harmful environmental effects. Another product that can effectively clean mops is GEP’s Miele MopGiant. Its patented honeycomb drum is designed to effectively clean microfiber. It disinfects mops with 180°F water, increases mop life, and reduces water and chemical consumption.

Lastly, know where to throw the dirty water. Flushing it down the toilet or throwing it into an empty land area is the best way to get rid of it. DO NOT dump it down the sink, as this can contribute to cross contamination. Remember, anything that’s gross should NOT be dumped into the sink. If the water has no chemicals in it, then use it to water plants.

Mops and dirty mop water may be just average cleaning tools, but they can play a vital role in helping prevent spread of diseases and cross contamination. Proper use, cleaning, and disposal of these can lead to better and more efficient cleaning.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Vivian Chen [陳培雯]
Creative Commons License photo credit: hive

Related posts:

  1. Preventing Cross Contamination When Cleaning


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