Tips For Using Double Bucket Or Flat Mop Systems

Every double bucket/flat mop system has different features and benefits. However, in principal they all work the same. These units are the “Poor Man’s” autoscrubber. They have a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, agitation and recovery. The big difference is that they are only a tenth the cost and the automatic part is the Technician operating the tools. 

Here are some tips to consider when bringing these units and practices into your Green program.

• Dip – Not Plunge, the mop pad into the recovery or rinse bucket. This rinse bucket is where the dirt and debris will fall out of the microfiber pad. These is no need for continuous plunging of the mop pad as is normally done. This is a hard habit to break.

• Natural fiber or standard synthetic fiber mops will not work in a double bucket system, 

• What the manufactures never tell you is that you must always launder the microfiber pads prior to any use. Should you not do this, the pad will positively streak the floor.

• The rinse bucket must only have about an inch of “water only” put in the bottom to start. 

• Green cleaning solution of the desired chemical mix is put in the other bucket and filled until full. 

• The correct use of adjustable mop handles are a benefit only when the handle is extended to reach the technician’s chin when standing straight. This will allow for the technician to stand in a more upright position while working. 

• Flat mops to not promote dirty baseboards, which are caused by dirty mops and are a great indication of bad equipment and/or procedures. Flat mop tools and pads remove debris and soil from and away from baseboards and can aid in the removal of prior build ups.

David Thompson is a 40-year veteran of the cleaning industry and author of “The New Generation of Cleaning”, a best Practices Guide for Environmental Health Services. Thompson is also president of the Green Clean Institute. His book can be found at www.Janitorkatt.com while the GCI coursework and certification courses have a home at www.GCICertified.com.