Mopping Heavily Soiled Floors

For mopping floor areas that are heavily soiled, double bucket systems are always a key element in Green cleaning best practices. Traditional mop buckets quickly become counterproductive, as the cleaning water and rinse water are one in the same producing horrible results. 

By keeping the clean solution separate from the rinse water, a Green cleaning Technician is able to remove more of the soil from the floor, reducing time spent returning to the mop closet for fresh water and solution while improving results.

• Dilute approved cleaning solution with cool water in one bucket and rinse water in the second bucket.

• The Technician should always allow the cleaning solution do most of the work. For best results, do not wring out the mop head completely.

• Apply a film of cleaning solution to the floor surface, and give the cleaner time to soften heavy soils. Work the mop on the surface in an overlapping figure eight mopping pattern.

• Be sure to get into the corners and along edges where the dirt and grime can build up over time. Mop each area two times: once to apply the solution and once to collect the excess soils that may remain on the floor.

• This program will only work with quality microfiber pads or mops.

Divided or double bucket systems are the preferred mopping method for Green floor care. The water separation reduces cross contamination, and improves the quality of cleaning. These innovative designed mopping systems direct the soiled water into a separate compartment when using the side press wringer.

The fresh water compartment allows the cleaning solution to remain grit and soil free, maximizing both the cleaning solution and Technician’s time. Because the fresh cleaning solution is not contaminated while mopping, it is does not have to be disposed of when the rinse water is changed. 

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.