The Best Way To Clean Floors Without A Mop

Alex Mcil author
Alex Mcil

Although the most ideal way to clean a floor is to use a mop, there are also ways to get housecleaning done even without the help of a mop. Here, we will cover the many ways that you can get your floor clean without the employment of a trusty mop. Do note that some of these methods would require you to get down and dirty with your own hands. So, if that is something you find uncomfortable, you might want to consider getting a mop. Otherwise, here are the best ways.

Quick answer

It is possible to clean a floor without mopping. You will need a cleaning agent such as a detergent, baking soda or vinegar. You can replace a mop with a sponge, a dry vacuum cleaner or a Swiffer sweeper. Make sure to get the right cleaning agent and tools for your floor type.

Preparing Your Floor 

The first and foremost important step to take before starting to mop the floor is to prepare your floor. Before thinking of cleaning your floor, you should clear away any obstructions that could hinder you. Then, if you can, use a broom to sweep up larger contaminants like paper, and plastic, for example. When that is out of the way, you can begin cleaning.

Cordless Floor Cleaner

While cordless floor cleaners may not differ much from mops at first glance, these can actually have more benefits for a homeowner depending on preferences and conditions. There are two different types we will be talking about today: Swiffer sweepers and steam mops. 

The Swiffer sweeper is also a multitool that encompasses many functions into one single thing. With a Swiffer sweeper, you can clean the floor with wet or dry wipes. All you have to do is attached the desired sheet to your sweeper and you are off on your way. The tool is that handy, anyone can use it easily, it is cheap too, coming at a $40 dollar price. We would recommend homeowners to start off with dry wiping first so that the base does not get wet which would make it harder to sweep up loose debris and dust. It tends to clump together when wet, so to ensure a clean floor, wipe it with a dry sheet first. Once the floor has been thoroughly wiped to your satisfaction, you can change the sheet to a wet one. The wet one would help to clean up any sticky sensation on the floors which can happen to floors, especially marble floors. Furthermore, the 360-degree swiveling function allows one to reach into tight spaces and maneuver around them. So, if you want to clean under the bed, that can be done. The sheets are typically disposable but if you are more environmentally conscious, you can also opt for reusable sheets.

The steam mop is useful for those who experience frequent back pains from overexerting with housework. Furthermore, it is also efficient when it comes to sanitizing the floors as the heat from the steam kills most bacteria. Not only that, the pad attached to the steam mop is made with microfibre. Compared to general rags, these are able to extend into the nooks and crannies and trap dust better. These are also reusable so a simple rinse and dry ensures that the cleaning pad is good as new. They are also very versatile as you can use them for furniture, floors, or even your clothes. So, for the price of approximately $80 dollars, you would be paying for a multi-functional device.

Cleaning with a Soap & Sponge

Going back to the simpler days, if you are alright with it, the simple soap and sponge still does the trick as well as any modern-day equipment. Grab a bucket, and fill it with water and at least 1/2 cup of the detergent of your choice. Before you soak the sponge in the water with your bare hands, you might want to put on some cleaning gloves. The chemicals in detergent might be harmful or irritating to your skin. Once you are well protected, go ahead and plunge the sponge in. Once it is soaked through with the liquid, all you have to do is wring it dry such that it does not drip all over. Sometimes, the classic soap and sponge might be a cleaner alternative because it allows you to get at every dirty crack. The only trade-off is that it requires more effort and time. If that is something that you are not lacking, this method might be the most inexpensive method.

Using Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

For those of you who have never heard of a wet-dry vacuum, it is the best of both worlds as the device allows you to wash and vacuum your floor at the same time. It almost sounds impossible if not for the fact that it has been tried and tested. If you ever found it a hassle having to clean your floor before mopping it, this nifty machine resolves all that. While you use the vacuum function to suck up the debris, dust, and dirt, this tool also lets you spray water onto the floor which will clear up any sticky feeling. The water will not be left on the floor as it will also be sucked up by the vacuum so it also ensures that your floor will not be slippery. This might be a more expensive alternative, but you can purchase a wet dry vacuum cleaner for around $100 dollars and it will help you with other cleaning tasks.

Cleaning With Vinegar / Lemon Juice & a squeegee

This is for all you folks who prefer the traditional home remedies that can ensure your floors are squeaky clean without putting in too much backbreaking work. If you do not know this yet, home ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice are high in citric acid which is useful in removing tough and stubborn stains from your floors. Before you start applying these things, make your life easier by running a hot shower with the doors and windows closed to steam up your floors. Then, apply a solution of three cups of water and one cup of vinegar or lemon juice on top of the affected areas. Once that is done, coat the area with baking soda and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Once that is done, simply douse it in some water and start cleaning in circular motions. Once it is done to your satisfaction, rinse away the remaining solution. Once done, dry the area fully to prevent mold from forming.

“A clean floor doesn’t necessarily require a mop. In my 30 years of experience, I’ve found alternatives that work just as well, if not better. One of my favorite methods is using a microfibre cloth and a homemade vinegar-water solution. This concoction is not only cost-effective but also reduces the chances of damaging your precious floors, ensuring you have a safe, clean surface without the hassle of a conventional mop.”

Joanne Giddings, Certified Housekeeping Professional

Ditch the mops and buckets, keep your floors clean

In conclusion, there are various ways to clean your floors if your tool of choice is not the mop. Mops can be heavy and inefficient at times which calls for other better alternatives. These are some of the alternatives where some still require tools but there are also some that can be performed with basic items in the household. Depending on your preference, you can choose the alternative most suitable for you. If you are someone who fancies convenience, go for the multitools. If you fancy cost-effectiveness, home remedies are the way!

References

https://www.thespruce.com/best-floor-cleaners-4156511

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/tricks-to-clean-any-type-of-floor

7 thoughts on “The Best Way To Clean Floors Without A Mop”

  1. Have you ever tried using an old towel or bath mat for cleaning? It’s like using a humbler, old-school version of a Swiffer mop. You’ll just need to get your hands a bit dirty, but your floor would be spotless in no time.

  2. Back in my cleaning days, I’d use old T-shirts as throwaway mops whenever there was a mop shortage. Soaked in a solution of vinegar and warm water, they provide quite an effective, and free, mop replacement!

  3. I’ve found that an old microfiber cloth, when wrapped around a broom handle, works wonders on laminate floors. Soaked in a mix of dish soap and warm water, it’s my go-to mop-less solution.

  4. I once had to clean an entire two-story house without a mop when I was working as a housekeep in my early years; ended up using an old t-shirt soaked in a vinegar solution and attached to a broom handle – worked like charm, even left the floor squeaky clean and fresh-smelling.

  5. Interesting method, Gracie! I once used rubber bands to secure a towel at the tip of my Swiffer after buying the wrong type of refills – it worked like a charm too!

  6. Avatar
    Verlene Lancaster

    Your ingenious idea got me thinking, Rufus! I once had to repurpose an old squeegee by tying a microfiber cloth over it – worked surprisingly well on my hardwood floor.

  7. Having lived in a ship most of my life where mops were scarce, I learned that using an old towel with slightly soapy water did wonders on metal floors. Got more praise for cleanliness from the surveyors than folks with actual cleaning supplies.

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