If you thought mopping was a simple chore, think again. According to the experts, there’s a whole world of mop mastery that the average person has no idea about. We sat down with Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab, to get the inside scoop on how the pros really clean floors.

The #1 Mistake Everyone Makes

The biggest mop mistake that Forté sees time and time again? Using too much cleaning solution. “Many people think that piling on the products will get their floors cleaner,” she explains. “But in reality, it just leaves behind sticky residue that attracts more dirt and grime.”

The solution? Use just a small amount of cleaner — Forté recommends about a tablespoon per gallon of water. “A little goes a long way, and it will help your floors stay cleaner for longer,” she says.

6 Tips for a Deeper Clean

  1. Start with a clean mop. “If your mop is dirty, you’re just spreading that dirt around,” says Forté. Wash your mop head regularly (the frequency depends on how often you use it) and let it fully dry before using.
  2. Sweep first. “Vacuuming or sweeping before mopping picks up the big pieces of dirt and debris,” Forté explains. “That way, you’re not just pushing that stuff around with the mop.”
  3. Avoid wet mops on hardwood. “Wet mopping can cause real damage to hardwood floors,” warns Forté. Instead, use a spray mop or a damp microfiber mop to clean up spills and dirt.
  4. Don’t forget the edges. “A lot of people neglect the baseboards and corners, but that’s where a lot of dirt and dust accumulates,” says Forté. Use a mop with a flexible head or an angled scrub brush to get into those hard-to-reach spots.
  5. Rinse and repeat. “Change your rinse water frequently,” advises Forté. “If the water gets too dirty, you’re just spreading that grime around.”
  6. Let it dry completely. “Make sure to let the floor fully dry before walking on it or putting furniture back,” says Forté. “Wet floors can be slippery and dangerous.”

What this really means is that mopping is a lot more nuanced than most people realize. It’s not just about scrubbing the floors — it’s about using the right techniques and products to get a deeper, longer-lasting clean. And according to the pros, the key is all in the details.