Should I Mop or Vacuum First?

by Modern Maids - October 19, 2021

Many professional cleaners suggest vacuuming first before mopping. Especially if your interior floor is hard surfaces, vacuuming will make it easier for you to sweep and mop later. Some would instead follow the process of dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming first before cleaning. Different versions of floor surfaces have their own different needs when it comes to cleaning. Some floors do not need to be mopped or vacuumed each time unless there are stains or obvious dirt on the floor.

Brown Wooden FloorBefore you begin mopping, perhaps this article can help you learn more about the mopping process and vacuum cleaners. Is there more to them than tidying up your home?

What Are the Basic Things You Should Know About Mopping?

No matter how you avoid loitering and spilling, dust particles will inevitably find their path to your house. Thanks for the gift of mopping. Believe it or not, you still need techniques when you mop, even though you may think that it is the most natural thing to do every day. Here are some of the best tips you should know about mopping.

Side view of crop anonymous woman washing parquet with mop against bucket and carpet in house

Be Equipped with The Best Home Cleaning Products and Tools

A Woman Cleaning a Wall

People wonder when they see establishments and homes with sparkling floors what tools they could be using. Purchase a mop that could cover any floor surface or floors like vinyl, marble, ceramic tile, and wood.

O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System is one of the top used mops this year, as reviewed by users. It eliminates 99% of bacteria in the entire floor, is hands-free wringing, machine washable with deep cleaning microfiber. It reaches even the most challenging corners, and read this, extends the handle up to 48 inches. We imagine you can take care of your back better by using this!

Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop is also one of the mops that are considered best by consumers for its safety in mopping unwaxed, un-oiled finished wood flooring, uber large head that can clean faster (about 40% more efficient), effortlessly refillable cartridge, and washable cleaning pad which is microfiber.

Besides mop as part of your cleaning ensemble, a stern bucket, rubber gloves, and scrubbing pads for removing dirt build-up on the floor will complete your cleaning solution. In addition, you can choose from sponge mop, dust mop, or string mop.

Mop Regularly

Pay attention to areas in your house that are always accessed. For example, the kitchen is one, bedrooms, entrance, and hallways need regular mopping every month. Look for an all-in-one mop that can cover all floors and one that can give you squeaky clean surfaces despite too many marks and dirt.

Protect Your Cleaning Tools

It is fair to take care of your cleaning solution or essentials just as much as they take care of your home. Do not let soil or any foul smell stay in them for a long time. Rinse mop heads immediately after use and then let them dry in the open air. Wash your mop at least once a month, and do not keep any damp cloth indoors. You can usually see the mop head as old when this starts to show stains in the fibers.

Gray and Brown Floor Mop on White Wall

Clear the Floor Area

Before removing the stubborn dirt, make sure the floor is clear from any hair residue and particles by sweeping or vacuuming the floor. The room has to be dry and no presence of excess water before sweeping or vacuuming not to spread the dirt.

Add Warm Water

Ensure the bucket to be filled with warm water, adding a small portion of a cleaning solution. Adding too much will result in the floor appearing to be dingy. If you are mopping a waxed floor, then you may want to use cold water to lukewarm.

Work Your Way Out

You need to dip the mop in the bucket of water and make sure you wring it well, as excess water will not help remove the dirt but only scatter it. The best way would be to mop from the area far away from the entrance door. Then work your way to it as you go.

Use Back and Forth Strokes

It is not enough to only have one pass when mopping. You need to initiate two passes at least so you can cover the surface and pave the solution—mop using a back and forth stroke starting the area near the baseboard. Then you can move in the direction of the mid floor until the entire surface is covered. Do a damp mopping for areas that you are unable to reach.

Always Replace With Fresh Water

After mopping for a few rounds, dip the mop in the bucket with clean water, and do not forget always to compress the mop out. Flush the dirty water in the toilet and not in the kitchen sink to avoid the spread of more germs and provoking grime build-up. Do not forget to always finalize it by making another pass with clean water to rinse any remaining liquid cleaner.

Girl in Blue and White Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt Holding Blue Mop

No Need to Scrub the Floor

Once over with cleaning, the only time to scrub the floor and get on your knees is to check if certain areas that have not been reached are cleaned, too. But rarely do you need to do this if you are regularly mopping.

Are There Golden Tips to Vacuuming?

Removing dust and debris is one of the many benefits of vacuuming. Nothing beats a neat abode.

Have a Steady Cleaning Routine

A vacuum cleaner will do its work best if your remove food residue and dust particles first. Get furniture out of your way before vacuuming so you can move without being distracted by anything. For example, it is harder to sweep between tables and chairs. Vacuum first, then you can seamlessly rearrange all house items you have moved.

Watch Your Grip

The same with mopping. Be careful when vacuuming around or along the baseboard to avoid scratching anything. If you have a giant vacuum cleaner, it is safer and easier to carry it instead of dragging it.

Black and Red Canister Vacuum Cleaner on Floor

Vacuum Your Way Out

The good thing about mopping and vacuuming is you get to remember the same method, start from the farthest to the door and work your way out. It is the only efficient way to do it. Lead the vacuum back and forth in steady strokes. Remove any debris or hair you see on your way to help your vacuum for its motor not to suck up any potential danger.

Know Your Tool

Monitor your vacuum bag and change it when it is about 75% full. Ignoring to change the load will result in more inconveniences such as overheating, possibly damaging the motor, and being inefficient in picking up grime and other dirt. It also pays to know if your current vacuum cleaner is the appropriate tool to use on your floor surface. Your purchase always comes with a manual, and you can always log on to the website to learn more about the features. Contact their technical support if you see any dialog window view image.

Besides the bag, you may also need to replenish your vacuum brush attachment after a year of using it. Or, if you notice that the bristles are starting to break, take this as a sign to change it.

Establish Habits

The secret to making seamless vacuuming possible is to set a regular time to clean until this becomes a bit. If you live with the young ones and pets and have a busy lifestyle, dusting, scrubbing, mopping, and using the vacuum at least twice a month should not be a question. It lessens the mess at home, protects furniture, gives you a cleaner place and a happier disposition.

Can You Vacuum and Mop at The Same Time?

The bottom line is you want a clean home. If a player does not demand too much time due to your busy schedule, you should know about this. It would be a treat if there is a way to vacuum and mop simultaneously, so you do not confuse which comes first.

Nowadays, you can have the vacuum and mop combo device that you either customize or assemble, and others are built to have both features already. There is no need to use the solution since it just needs water. This device falls under two categories: the Upright Vacuum and mop combination and the robot vacuum and mop combo cleaners.

Upright Vacuum Combo

This device works the same as the regular vacuum cleaner with the addition of the mop feature.

Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner

This has become famous now in every household. It is a device similar to a disc shape, and it can be both vacuum and mop. They can be battery-operated or charged and can be connected to the WiFi to work. Using this combo has its advantages:

  • As mentioned, you do not need additional expenses in purchasing liquid cleaners. All you will need is water
  • It saves you a great deal of time as you would do two at once
  • In larger houses and even buildings, this cleaning combo can save hours of what one uses in cleaning
  • It is portable and adjustable that it reacher even the lowest and the farthest corners. However, it would be best if you plugged in some of these devices to work. Hence, there are limitations when it comes to moving them. However, you do not need to worry about a floor sticky a single day in your life if you use a suitable device.

What to check first before buying this combo:

Always check for the features that the combo device offers.

  1. What type of floor surface does your home have? Some specific brands and models only work on certain kinds of floors, such as tiled floors or hardwood floors. Will you use this device on a floor that is full of danders if you have pets at home?
  2. If you are particular about the size and weight of the vacuum plus mop, this should be on top of your checklist if you are planning to buy one.
  3. Will the vacuum and mop combo device be adaptable to several usages? For example, do you need a steaming feature with it?
  4. You also need to consider the price and the steaming time. Set an amount for your budget and search for make and models within your budget without compromising the quality of the device.

Why Should Mopping Be Done First Before Vacuuming?

Round Robot Vacuum

Vacuuming throughout the house, especially on a hard floor surface, will make removing the mess and the grime easier. Sweeping or mopping can come after. Modern Maids cleaners vacuum first and then mop for you as part of our house cleaning services. We are a top rated cleaning service across the country in cities like Phoenix, Atlanta, Las Vegas and more! You do not even need to worry about the right equipment to use since we got this covered. If you need our help, call us today at 469-430-8860, and we can help you with your booking!