For baking soda, fill a bucket with warm water, add about half a cup of baking soda, and soak the mop head for one to two hours. Rinse it thoroughly afterward until the water runs clear. Some removable mop heads are also machine washable, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first because materials vary.

Vinegar can also help with odors and residue. A diluted vinegar-and-water soak for around 30 minutes may freshen a washable mop head before rinsing. Lemon juice is sometimes used for a fresher scent as well. However, these household ingredients shouldn’t automatically be treated as substitutes for registered disinfectants when actual disinfection is required.

Whatever method you choose, be careful about combining cleaning products. In particular, never mix bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar, because dangerous gases can be produced. Essential oils such as tea tree oil aren’t necessary for routine mop cleaning and may also be unsuitable around some pets or household surfaces.

Finally, don’t overlook the most important step: dry the mop completely. Leaving a damp mop stored in a dark, poorly ventilated area encourages unpleasant odors and microbial growth. Rinse it after use, wring out as much moisture as possible, and hang it somewhere with good airflow until fully dry. Keeping your mop clean is an important part of keeping your floors clean. Sometimes you don’t need a stronger floor cleaner—you simply need to make sure the cleaning tool itself is properly washed, rinsed, and dried.