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Caring for Specialty Floors and Furniture with a Dry Cleaning Mop
By Vincent P Platania - Oct 25, 2006, 03:03
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While it may seem counterintuitive, some types of flooring and furniture are best cleaned dry using a dry cleaning mop or in combination with a light cleaner such as a dusting spray. Hard wood floors and laminates, for example, can be damaged by too much moisture. In order to keep the finish on these floors in the best condition, a cleaning mop specially designed for this purpose can create the best clean. A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on polished hard wood floors or specialty laminates. Over time, even the smallest scratches can create a dull appearance.
Dry cleaning mops are designed in such a way as to pick up and retain dust and small particles. As such, they are good for collecting dirt in between deeper cleanings. They also reduce the spread of dust and small dirt particles into the air, which can exacerbate allergies and asthmas. When used in combination with a dusting product, the chances of dust being kicked into the air by the mop are even smaller.
When cleaning a hardwood or laminate floor with a dry mop, begin at the far end of the room and work inward, using a figure eight pattern on the floor. This keeps the dust and particles moving toward you and is much easier on your back as it distributes the effort more evenly through your arms and back. Avoid using the mop to push the dirt and grime away from you as this can create dust flying up. The pulling motion, on the other hand, keeps the mop head in contact with the floor that eliminates dust kicking up. Keep the mop head in contact with the floor as you clean. Even though the cleaning mop is dry, it is a different cleaning motion than a broom.
Avoid the temptation to use your dry mop as a wet mop. These cleaning mops are specifically designed to be used dry, and while they may work as a wet mop, it won't be as effective thereafter as either a wet or dry mop. Additionally, dry cleaning mops do not have a mechanism for squeezing out excess liquid, which is both messy and hard on your hands and back. Besides, many specialty floorings should never be cleaned using a wet mop, such as Pergo and others. If you have specialty flooring in your home, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations on the care. Using the right tool for the job is one of the best tricks in effective cleaning and ultimately saves time and money.
When using a cleaning mop designed to be used dry, avoid scrubbing the floor with the mop. For caked on dirt or grime, other cleaning methods should be employed, using products and guidelines specific to your type of flooring. Because the cleaning mop is designed to trap and hold dirt, putting too much pressure on the mop can create scratches on the floor caused by the dirt particles trapped inside the mop.
Depending on the style, the best mop will be designed in such a way that in can be used to reach under low and heavy furniture such as beds or bookcases. This allows you to clean without having to break your back moving heavy furniture. It also eliminates the need to drag out a heavy vacuum to clean a small area. Some cleaning mops have the added benefit of removable heads that can be used as a hand duster, which eliminates the need to purchase specialty dusters or mitts. . The ability to replace the heads also eliminates the need for purchasing a new dry mop when the old one becomes too dirty.
Even with the removable head feature, you can still clean a cleaning mop head prior to replacing it. To avoid scattering dust in the house, take the cleaning mop outside and give it a good shake. Because these mops are designed to retain dust, it may take a bit of effort. If you use the mop with a dusting product, be sure to allow the mop ample time to dry before shaking out the excess dust. Avoid banging the dry mop head on walls, cement, or other outdoor furniture as this can damage the head.
To keep your cleaning mop in the best possible condition, store it upside down or hanging from a wall so that there is no pressure on the mop head. This helps your mop remain the best mop possible for as long as possible.
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