Tips for cleaning with a rag and mop

Many people clean their homes frequently to keep them clean, but the process can be tiring and strenuous. How can we incorporate some enjoyment into cleaning, so we can keep our homes spotless while also exercising our arms? Here are some tips for using rags and mops.

1. Using a rag

First, prepare one dry cloth and one damp cloth. For the dry cloth, it’s recommended to use a microfiber cloth with excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties that won’t damage the furniture’s materials. The fine fibers will effectively remove dirt, leaving the furniture sparkling clean after wiping.

(1) Wipe in a 1/4 shape with a wrung-out damp cloth.

The basic motion for wiping a table is a zigzag pattern. Fold the cloth to the size of your palm and wipe in a zigzag motion. Switch sides midway through wiping, slightly overlapping the cloth to avoid missing any spots.

(2) Wipe around the edge of the tabletop.

Next, as if grasping the edge of the table, wipe all four sides. Don’t forget to wipe the edges of the tabletop, the corners, and the underside of the frame, as these are easily soiled by hand grime.

(3) Repeat the same action with a dry cloth.

Use the same dry wiping motion. Make it a habit to wipe twice to avoid leaving dirt and moisture behind. Wipe dry immediately after wet wiping to avoid leaving any wiping marks and to achieve a beautiful, polished finish.

II. The correct way to wring out a dishcloth

Whether it’s a rag or a towel, the way you wring it out makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of removing dirt and the final result. If you just wring it out haphazardly, leaving some moisture, it might leave water stains or breed bacteria. To get things clean, learn how to wring out a rag properly first!

(1) Fill a washbasin (or bucket) with about 1/3 water and rub the rag.

(2) Fold the cloth into 4 folds (or 8 folds if it is a towel), hold it lengthwise, and wring it out in the bucket to avoid splashing water. Make sure there are no gaps between your hands.

(3) Wring out the water thoroughly in two steps, from top to bottom.

3. Use a mop to wipe the floor tiles to remove the fishy smell.

Many people encounter the problem that tiles smell fishy after mopping the floor.

Why do tiles smell fishy when they come into contact with water?

This has to do with the material of the tiles themselves. Most of the tiles sold on the market are not fully vitrified, but made of clay. The tiles are not dense enough and have a high water absorption rate, which makes them prone to bacteria growth and odor. These tiles are prone to fungal growth after absorbing water and will release odors when they encounter a humid environment.

In addition, some ceramic tiles contain magnesium silicide, which produces silane gas when it comes into contact with water. This gas smells like fish.

In addition, some low-quality ceramic tiles, especially those with a yellow or black core, often produce hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and other sulfides during the firing process due to the use of inferior materials. The surface of these tiles has micropores, allowing water from mopping to seep in and, upon contact with the sulfides, produce an unpleasant odor.

What if your floor smells fishy after mopping? Here’s a little trick:

When mopping the floor, adding a little floral water, white vinegar, dish soap, or laundry detergent to the water can eliminate the fishy smell. Besides, water boiled with orange peels can also be used for mopping, leaving a pleasant fragrance afterward!