Wednesday, June 11, 2008

What, that's not how YOU mop your floors?

We do own a mop, but I have always been partial to scooting around on a nubby towel, spray bottle in hand, to get those tough spots. The best part of the experience is the spray, made of water, castille soap, tea tree oil and lemongrass essential oil-- nice! Cheap! I don't like filling up the sink and pushing dirty water around very much. Unfortunately, no matter what I do, our kitchen floor still looks filthy, thanks to weird pock-marked linoleum that would like to look like filthy tile instead. Do you have any quirky but effective cleaning methods?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Twice a year I get down on my hands and knees and scrub the entire floor with a scrub brush and soap! Hard work, but worth it.
Aunt G

Daniel Shackelford said...

You mop your floors? Who does that? ;-)

Bethany said...

Oh no! My secret is out. Since moving in 9 months ago, I have not mopped the kitchen except for wiping up spills every once in a while. I am thinking it is about time, but I hate using a mop, too. I usually grab a rag and spray bottle and get down on my hands and knees to scrub. We have vinyl tile that is trying to look like stone and does a surprisingly good job of hiding the dirt. I am amazed at how much the flooring material makes a difference and how easy it is to not consider that factor when you are replacing flooring.

We have flooring in the bathroom that I would like to replace. It is in fine condition, but it is white ceramic tile and every bit of dirt and every stray hair show. It is really disgusting. I wipe that down at least once a week, but usually 2 or 3 times a week. It stays clean for an hour or two and is a constant discouragement. I get down on my hands and knees and wipe it down with a rag and some rubbing alcohol. I learned that trick from Heather. I am not sure that rubbing alcohol isn't toxic, I need to look that up, but I am making changes in baby steps and haven't gotten to that step yet.

Other quirky methods: I have been working on waxing (with car wax) the shower and sides of the bathtub to make it easier to clean... I am not convinced it helps yet, or is worth the work. I also keep wipes in the car and clean the dashboard, doors, seats, etc. when I am stuck in traffic, which isn't happening much now that I have moved out of town. My all time favorite cleaning method is to "Make the kids do it!" My years and years of cleaning up after them is finally starting to reap some rewards ;-)

Gretchen said...

Good ideas Bethany! I find that I use Kirkland baby wipes for just about everything. Wiping the window sills, cleaning the dashboard and chair rails etc....
As far as mopping, our kitchen floor really shows dirt so I have to give it a good mop at least once a month. I love "Mop-n-Glow". It's totally gratifying to use because it makes the floor really shiny and clean looking and it smells good.
My other favorite cleaning product is bleach clean-up. I use it in the kitchen sink, the tub, and sometimes floor for really sticky spills.

annie said...

That how I do it, too! when i do it.

Robin said...

I do it as rarely as possible! I use one of those flat mops with a swivel handle and a towel thing that you take off and wash. I just spray the floor with simple green solution before I whisk over it with the wet towel/mop. I can't say the floor is usually very clean, but I try to keep it from looking disgusting! I'd actually like to hire someone to come do the floors once a month or so, but haven't gotten there yet. When I do it I realize that it only took a little bit of time, but I still steer away from this job! I like your picture... it reminds me of one of the Swiss girls who lived with us and used that method to dry the floor after she mopped it.

TimnND said...

Ahh the foot - such a brilliant idea - why has it taken me so long to get off my hands and knees! Thanks! I guess I get down to inspect the 'damage' and scrub away and just keep going. My back and growing belly appreciated the upright approach this week!! Like you I usually use spray and a rag then every few weeks I get out the method mop and the wood polish stuff.

Other effective cleaning methods?? I guess I've just found that it's a heck of a lot easier to get the job done if you do it regularly - less grime build up!! I have started to try the 'mr clean magic eraser' thingo for the tubs. Can't stand bleach cleaners so water and one of those guys works a charm so far.