How To Clean Mop Heads

March 21, 2024

Summary

Cleaning tools aren't typically something we think about when cleaning the house, but they need some care too. One of the most overlooked is the humble mop. If you've ever wondered, "how to clean a mop head," then you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices for keeping your mop head in pristine condition, ensuring a hygienic and efficient cleaning routine.

Why clean your mop head?

A mop is a vital tool for keeping our homes and offices squeaky clean. However, each time you use your mop, it collects and holds onto dirt, grime and bacteria. If not cleaned properly, these bacteria can multiply and may even spread the next time you use the mop. Therefore, knowing how to clean a mop head the right way can ensure that your mop does its job effectively and helps maintain a sanitary environment.

It's essential to recognise the signs that your mop head is due for a thorough cleanse. If you notice unpleasant odours, discolouration or a decline in cleaning performance, it's time to give your mop head some TLC. Ignoring these signs not only affects the effectiveness of your cleaning routine, but can also compromise the overall cleanliness and hygiene of your living space.

Now that your mop head is ready for a wash, it's time to delve into the cleaning process. Whether you choose to clean it by hand or use a washing machine, pay attention to water temperature and detergent quantity. A thorough clean involves agitating the mop head in soapy water, ensuring that every fibre is cleansed of dirt and grime.

The best way to clean a mop head

How do you clean a mop head in the most effective way? Before cleaning a mop head, you'll need a few supplies on hand. Gather a bucket, mild detergent, bleach (if applicable) and gloves to protect your hands during the process. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through this process:

If your mop head is detachable, the first step is to remove it from the handle. Whether it's a twist-and-release mechanism or a simple unscrewing, ensuring a clean mop head starts with proper detachment. This allows for a more thorough cleaning process.
Rinse the mop head under warm running water. Try to eliminate any loose dirt or debris that's visible.
Fill a bucket with hot water and add a cup of white vinegar or bleach. Both are excellent disinfectants that can help kill bacteria and remove grime. Soak the mop head in this solution for about 15 minutes.
After soaking, use a brush to scrub the mop head gently. This step is crucial for removing stubborn dirt that may be stuck in the fibres of the mop head.
Rinse the mop head thoroughly under running water. Make sure all the cleaning solution is washed away.
After rinsing the mop head, wring out any excess water and leave the mop head to dry completely before storing it. This step is essential to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

How do you clean a mop head with a washing machine?

To clean a mop head using a washing machine, start by removing it from the mop handle and shaking off any loose dirt and debris. Inspect the mop head for large particles and manually remove them.

For stubborn stains, pre-treat the affected areas with a small amount of mild detergent. Place the mop head inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase, securely tying it to prevent tangling.

In the washing machine, add a small amount of mild detergent and optionally include half a cup of white vinegar for disinfection. Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to avoid damaging the mop head.

After the cycle, consider running an additional rinse to remove any residue. Air-dry the mop head thoroughly before reattaching it to the mop handle.

Pre-treatment for stubborn stains on mop heads

Stubborn stains on your mop head can be a challenge, but with the right pre-treatment, you can tackle them effectively. The best way to clean a mop head with stubborn stains is to soak it beforehand. This step ensures that your mop head emerges from the wash looking as good as new.

Drying techniques

Proper drying is crucial to prevent the growth of mildew and eliminate any lingering odours. Consider air-drying your mop head by hanging it in a well-ventilated area, or if applicable, use a dryer in a low-heat setting. For an extra boost, hanging mop heads in direct sunlight can aid in the sanitisation process.

Disinfecting mop heads

In instances where you've cleaned areas with bacteria or contaminants, disinfecting your mop head becomes imperative. Safely use bleach or other disinfectants following the recommended guidelines. This step ensures that your mop is not only clean but also free from harmful microbes.

Regular maintenance tips

To maintain a consistently clean mop head, incorporate regular cleaning into your routine. The frequency of cleaning depends on usage, so assess your needs and make it a habit to keep your mop head in pristine condition.

Storing mop heads

Proper storage is often overlooked, but is vital in preventing the growth of mould and mildew on your freshly cleaned mop head. Ensure that your mop head is completely dry before storing it. Hang it in an area with good airflow or store it in a way that allows proper ventilation, preventing any unwanted microbial growth.

Troubleshooting common issues when cleaning a mop head

Ensure the mop head is thoroughly dried after each use. If mould or mildew persists, consider adding a capful of tea tree oil to the wash. Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that can prevent mould growth.

If the mop head is disintegrating or losing fibres, it may be a sign of age and wear. Consider investing in a high-quality mop head with durable materials. Additionally, avoid using bleach excessively, as it can weaken fibres over time.

Shop for mops at Kleva Range today

Ready to upgrade your cleaning routine? For premium floor mops and innovative floor-cleaning solutions, explore our collection at Kleva Range. Achieve a deeper clean and overcome common mop head challenges with our high-quality products.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our team at Kleva Range. We're here to provide expert guidance and ensure you have the best cleaning tools for your home.

Back to blog

More Blogs

Portable vs Full-Size Vacuums: Which One Actually Fits Your Life?

Struggling to choose between a portable and a full-size vacuum? Discover the pros and cons of each in our quick buying guide. Find out which style fits your floor plan, and learn why modern cordless options like the KRAPOF Self-Empty Stick Vac are revolutionizing everyday cleaning.

February 26, 2026

Daily Cleaning Routine with the Krapof Stick Vacuum

Does cleaning feel like an endless weekend project? It doesn’t have to. Discover how to switch to a 15-minute daily cleaning routine that keeps your home consistently fresh without the overwhelm. From quick living room touch-ups to easy hallway maintenance, learn how the Krapof Compact Clean Self-Empty Vacuum turns heavy chores into an effortless, stress-free habit.

February 24, 2026

How Self-Emptying Vacuums Save Time and Reduce Dust Exposure

The worst part of vacuuming isn't the floor, it's the messy, dusty bin. Discover why that dreaded 'dust cloud' kills your cleaning motivation and how a self-emptying vacuum changes the game. From improved air quality to a seamless routine, learn how the Krapof Cordless Stick Vac removes the friction from cleaning so you never have to touch dust again.

February 22, 2026

Krapof Compact Clean Vac Review (with Pet Hair & Everyday Mess Test)

Stop dreading the cleanup. I tested the Krapof Self-Empty Cordless Stick Vac to see if a lightweight tool can truly handle pet hair and daily messes better than a bulky corded unit. From its grab-and-go convenience to the game-changing self-empty feature, find out why this vacuum is the perfect upgrade for keeping your home spotless without the hassle.

February 20, 2026

Best Cordless Vacuum for Small Homes & Apartments

Living in a small apartment shouldn't mean struggling with clunky cleaning tools. I tested the Krapof Compact Clean to see if it really is the ultimate space-saving solution. From its ultra-lightweight design and powerful suction to the game-changing self-emptying feature, discover how this cordless stick vacuum makes keeping a tidy home effortless and quiet. Read on for the full review.

February 18, 2026

Why a Digital Air Fryer Is Better Than Analog (with Kleva SpinCrisp Tips)

Cooking with an analog air fryer always felt a bit like guesswork. The knobs looked simple enough, but the results never felt consistent. Some days food came out exactly right. Other days it was slightly overcooked, slightly underdone, or somehow both at once. After a while, it became clear the problem wasn’t the recipes. It was the lack of precision. That’s where the difference between digital and analog air fryers starts to matter, especially once you factor in exact temperature control and rotating baskets. This became even more obvious when I started working through simple beginner recipes (you can link this to the recipe blog). The same wings, fries, and vegetables that felt unpredictable before suddenly cooked the same way every time, once the settings were exact and the basket did the moving. The Real Problem With Analog Air Fryers Analog air fryers look charming. Minimal. Straightforward. But here’s the issue. They’re vague. “160 to 200 degrees” is not a plan. But a suggestion. The dial moves easily. Sometimes accidentally. Sometimes when you’re cleaning. Sometimes, when you’re not even sure how. And the timer knob? It doesn’t always feel precise either. I’d follow a recipe exactly and still get different results on different days. Same food. Same timing. Different outcome. At first, I blamed myself. Then I realised the appliance was giving me very little to work with. Digital air fryers remove that uncertainty. You select a temperature. You select a time. The machine sticks to it. That alone changes the entire cooking experience. Why Digital Controls Make Everyday Cooking Easier Digital controls make the rules clearer. When you set 180°C, you actually get 180°C. When you set 15 minutes, the timer counts down precisely. That consistency matters, especially for foods that go from perfect to dry very quickly. I noticed this most with beginner-friendly foods. Fries browned evenly. Chicken stopped being a gamble. Vegetables roasted instead of burning on one edge and staying pale on the other. Once guesswork disappears, cooking feels calmer. Consistency Beats Clever Features A lot of people focus on presets and touchscreens. I don’t care much about those. What matters more is repeatability. If something worked last night, I want it to work again tonight. Digital air fryers are better at that because nothing drifts. No accidental knob turns. No vague ranges. That reliability is especially helpful when you’re cooking on autopilot after a long day. The Rotating Basket Advantage This is where things really change. In a standard air fryer, food sits still. Hot air circulates, but gravity keeps everything in place. That’s why recipes constantly tell you to shake the basket or flip halfway through. A rotating basket removes that responsibility entirely. The food moves. The heat stays even. You don’t have to intervene. I noticed the biggest difference between fries and chicken wings. Fries didn’t clump together. Wings browned evenly all the way around. I stopped opening the drawer “just to check,” which helped maintain heat and crispness. Rotation makes cooking more forgiving. And that’s a big deal. For context, I use a rotating digital air fryer SpinCrisp model from Kleva Range . It’s a good example of how digital controls and a rotating basket work together in real life. Why Digital Air Fryers Are Better For Beginners Analog air fryers look simple, but they ask a lot from beginners. You’re constantly adjusting. Guessing. Compensating. Digital air fryers give you a clearer learning curve. You can follow recipes accurately. You can repeat meals that worked. You can tweak one variable at a time. When something turns out well, you know why. When it doesn’t, it’s easier to fix. That makes learning faster and far less frustrating. Temperature Control Changes Texture More Than You Expect This surprised me. Small temperature differences affect food a lot. Especially proteins and vegetables. Analog air fryers can run hotter or cooler than expected. Digital models hold their temperature more steadily. That’s why: Salmon stays moist instead of drying out Chicken skin crisps without burning Vegetables brown instead of shrivelling Less Checking Means Better Results Every time you open an air fryer, you lose heat. That affects crispness. Digital timers and rotating baskets reduce the urge to check constantly. You trust the settings. You trust the movement. And the food benefits from that trust. Ironically, doing less usually gives you better results. When Analog Air Fryers Still Make Sense To be fair, analog air fryers aren’t useless. They can work if: You cook the same meals repeatedly You don’t mind trial and error You prefer manual control But if consistency, ease, and fewer decisions matter to you, digital models win. Especially once rotation enters the picture. Final thoughts Choosing a digital air fryer over an analog one is about removing friction. Digital controls give clarity. The rotating basket gives even cooking. Together, they make air frying feel reliable instead of random. And once cooking becomes predictable, it also becomes easier to enjoy. If you like knowing exactly what your appliance is doing, digital air fryers are the better choice. Not because they’re smarter, but because they’re clearer. And honestly, clarity is underrated in the kitchen.

February 14, 2026

Air Fryer vs Oven: Healthy Cooking Comparison

Can an air fryer really replace your oven? This personal review of the Kleva SpinCrisp Rotating Digital Air Fryer explores how its 360° spinning basket and unique oil-draining tilt feature deliver crispier, healthier meals with significantly less fat and cleanup.

February 12, 2026

Best Rotating Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

Master your rotating air fryer with these four beginner-friendly recipes. From crispy no-flip chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables and salmon, discover how the Kleva SpinCrisp’s rotating basket delivers consistent, evenly cooked meals without the constant shaking or flipping.

February 10, 2026

Cleaning Tips for Busy Households (Using the Krapof Vacuum)

Discover a realistic weekly cleaning routine for busy households. This guide details how to maintain a tidy home in minutes a day using the Krapof Self-Empty Slim Vacuum, including tips on using specific attachments for stairs, upholstery, and pet zones.

February 08, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Krapof Self Empty Slim Vac

Learn how to integrate the Krapof Self-Empty Slim Vac into your daily routine. This step-by-step guide covers setup, cleaning modes, and maintenance tips, highlighting how the self-emptying feature eliminates the hassle of manual bin emptying.

February 06, 2026

How to Choose a Self-Emptying Vacuum Cleaner (and Why the Krapof Is Worth It)

Is the Krapof Self Empty Slim Vac worth the upgrade? This review explores how its automatic self-emptying base and lightweight design eliminate dust clouds and simplify daily cleaning, making it easier to maintain a tidy home without the hassle.

February 04, 2026

How to Use a Rotating Air Fryer for Crispy Food Every Time

Learn how to master the Kleva SpinCrisp Rotating Digital Air Fryer for perfectly crispy results. This guide covers why rotation matters and offers five essential tips—from preheating to basket capacity—to ensure evenly cooked, crunchy food every time.

February 02, 2026