Have you ever wondered...

**Jaded** · 07-22-2007, 12:43 PM

how much dirt is left on your floor after you mop? Well, I mopped yesterday, but I got to wondering just how clean it was, so I took a Swiffer Wet (cheap Dollar General ones) and went over it. It was filthy! So I turned it over and went over it again...still filthy!

To make a long story short, after going through three of them, front and back, I rinsed one out and went over it with clear water, and STILL got a little dirt. Well, that's as clean as it gets. My vinyl has an embossed pattern, and no way will I ever get all the dirt out of those little crevices.

Just thought I'd post this for those of you who have kids crawling on your floors. It's amazing how much dirt you bring in! I'm in and out of the yard a lot, and of course, there's the cat walking on the floor too, and everyday dust (lots of dust in Florida), compounded by spills and whatever. I just wonder how much of that dirt was just left over from last time I mopped. Scary!

**nuisance26** · 07-22-2007, 01:14 PM

~I've done those 'experiments' before too. It's so gross! I can deal with dirt, I'm more concerned with germs. I use a steam mop so I don't have to use chemicals to disinfect.~

**bumplett** · 07-22-2007, 01:25 PM

I worked for a maid company as a teen - we were taught that a mop will only push dirt around, the best way to clean a floor is on your hands and knees - it takes more time, but you may be surprised at how much cleaner it feels.

I love my swiffer - but I use it for quickie cleans - such as when the dogs run through with muddy feet -

**Jaded** · 07-22-2007, 01:38 PM

Oh yes, I've done the hands and knees thing, and it was so clean it shone! I just don't have the time or energy to do that right now. I'll probably end up doing that soon, though. It's still dull. I know it needs more, but right now, I just have to deal with dull.

Yeah, I usually use my swiffer for quickie cleanups too, and a light mop once a week or so, but this makes me see I probably need to do that more often.

**DixieJ** · 07-22-2007, 02:25 PM

I've got the vinyl flooring with the embossed pattern in my kitchen also and I just hate it. I can't wait to take in up and put down some sort of smooth tile or laminate. The only way to get it looking really clean is to get down and scrub it with a brush every week. I just don't have time to do that.

Dixie Jean