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Use a Dry Cleaning Mop for Specialty Floor and Furniture Care

Some types of flooring and furniture should be cleaned with a dry cleaning mop, alone or in combination with a light cleaner such as a dusting spray. Too much moisture can damage hard wood floors and laminates, for example. A cleaning mop specially designed for these surfaces helps keep the finish on these floors in the best condition. A dry mop made from 100% cotton, for example, will not scratch the delicate surfaces on these floors. Over time, even the smallest scratches can mar your floor, creating a dull appearance.

Because dry cleaning mops are designed to pick up and retain dust and small particles, 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 worsen allergies and asthmas. When used along with a dusting product, these mops are even more efficient at preventing dust being kicked into the air.

When cleaning a hardwood or laminate floor with a dry mop, begin at the far end of the room and work inward. Try using a figure eight pattern on the floor. This motion keeps the dust and particles moving toward you. Also, the motion is much easier on your back, as it distributes the effort more evenly through your arms and back. To prevent dust from flying up, avoid using the mop to push the dirt and grime away from you. A pulling motion, on the other hand, keeps the mop head in contact with the floor. Keep the mop head in contact with the floor as you clean. Even though the cleaning mop is dry, it requires a different cleaning motion than a broom.

Do not use your dry mop as a wet mop. These cleaning mops are specifically designed to be used dry. While they may work as a wet mop, they won’t do that god a job – and they won't be as effective thereafter as a dry mop. Also, dry cleaning mops do not have a mechanism for squeezing out excess liquid Also, many specialty floorings, such as Pergo, should never be cleaned using a wet mop. Be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations on the care of these floors. Using the right tool for the job is one of the best tricks in effective cleaning, and ultimately saves time, energy, and money.

Avoid scrubbing the floor with a cleaning mop designed to be used dry. 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, if you apply too much pressure to the mop, you 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 feature allows cleaning without moving heavy furniture. These mops also eliminate the need to drag out a heavy vacuum to clean a small area. (One such example is the Stanley Dry Mop Complete.) Some cleaning mops have the added benefit of removable heads that can be used as hand dusters, which eliminates the need to purchase specialty dusters or mitts.. Designs that allow for replacing the heads also eliminate the need for purchasing an entirely new dry mop when the old head becomes too dirty or worn.

Even with the removable head feature, you can still clean a cleaning mop head to extend the time between replacements. 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 abuse can damage the head.

To keep your cleaning mop in the best possible condition, store it upside down or hanging from a wall in such a way that there is no pressure on the mop head. Your mop will remain the best mop possible for as long as possible.

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