How to disinfect (and clean) a mop head, feather duster, and other cleaning accessories
Whether it’s the annual spring deep clean or weekly touch up, there’s no point cleaning with dirty implements. Learn how to clean mop heads and dusters here.
Updated By Cleanipedia Team
There's no sense in trying to get the house clean with dirty cleaning implements, yet mops and feather dusters often get forgotten. Dirty mops and dusters are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Not to worry – knowing how to disinfect a mop head and how to clean a feather duster is easy with this simple guide, so you can keep your house clean and hygienic!
Key steps
Shake the dust from your duster.
Use warm water and washing-up liquid to clean the duster.
Rinse, and squeeze out excess water.
Allow to air-dry.
Wash a mop head in the washing machine or in a 50/50 bleach and water solution.
Hang your mop to stop it picking dirt up from the floor.
How to clean a feather duster (quickly)
Remove excess dust - take your duster outside and shake it.
This should be done after every use.
How to wash a feather duster thoroughly
Use warm water.
Fill your sink with warm water.
Add washing-up liquid.
Use a couple of drops.
Soak.
Soak your duster in the solution for at least one minute.
Swish!
Once soaked, swish your duster back and forth in the solution.
Rinse.
Rinse your duster under fresh, clean water.
Squeeze.
Squeeze the feathers gently, before shaking to remove excess water.
Dry.
Allow your duster to air-dry.
Fluff it up!
Once fully dry, turn the duster right-side-up and fluff up the feathers with your hand.
These tips are also useful if you want to know how to clean a dusting wand.
How to clean mop heads: Simple steps and tips
Now you know how to clean a feather duster, here is our step-by-step guide for how to clean a mop and how to disinfect a mop head.
One of the key steps when it comes to knowing how to clean mop heads is taking care to thoroughly rinse the mop head after each use. Leftover soap and dirt can damage your mop head so ensure you rinse it until the water runs clear.
How to wash spin mop heads in a washing machine
Some mop heads are removable - check the manufacturer’s details to see if it is machine washable. If so, use a gentle cycle at the hottest temperature. Just as with the feather duster, you want to make sure the mop head is fully dry before putting it away to prevent bacteria growth and mould. Wring the mop head out first, then hang it in direct sunlight to dry.
Just as you don’t want to clean your house with dirty cleaning accessories, you don’t want to wash things in a dirty washing machine either. Head to our guide on how to clean a washing machine to make sure it’s cleaning and disinfecting effectively.
How to clean a mop: Hand wash
If your mop head is not machine washable, wash it by hand. Soak for 15 minutes in a mix of equal parts cool water and Domestos bleach, before rinsing the mixture off the mop head. Remember to do this in a well-ventilated area and to wear protective clothing and gloves. As with machine washing, wring the mop head out and then hang to dry.
How to keep a mop clean
Ensure you store your mop in a cool, dry spot. The best way is to hang it up; that way the mop head doesn’t drag on the floor and get dirty again. While keeping your mop head or duster clean is important, sometimes it may be beyond simple cleaning. Make sure you replace the mop head every two to three months.
How to clean and sanitise brooms
Brooms are a great way to sweep up any dust and debris on the floor before mopping but they can get pretty disgusting after a while – from pet hair and dirt to food debris and dust, there’s a lot that can be lurking in your broom! Use these simple steps to help guide you on how to clean brooms and disinfect them.
How to clean a broom head: quick and easy clean
Take your broom outside and knock it against a wall or hard surface to loosen dust. You should do this around once a week.
How to disinfect a broom: a thorough clean
Place the broom head in a bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Let it soak for around half an hour. While waiting for the broom head to soak, wipe down the broom handle with disinfectant. Rinse the broom head with warm water and leave to dry, bristle-end up.
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And that’s all there is to it! Learning how to clean a feather duster and mop head is a doddle, and now you’re ready to use these tools to make quick work of your weekly cleaning session at home.
Ready to get dusting? Check out our handy guide on how to remove dust and odours from your home. Mops and feather dusters aren’t the only tools you may find yourself using to clean your home.
Originally published