One in three Brits haven't changed their mop head in six months

A poll of 2,000 adults found one in 10 will use the same whiffy mop head 100 times before switching it overA poll of 2,000 adults found one in 10 will use the same whiffy mop head 100 times before switching it over
A poll of 2,000 adults found one in 10 will use the same whiffy mop head 100 times before switching it over | Shutterstock
One in three Brits haven't changed their mop head in six months, meaning they're simply moving germs around their floors.

A poll of 2,000 adults found one in 10 will use the same whiffy mop head 100 times before switching it over.

While 53 per cent admit they rarely clean the areas behind appliances, and let the dirt build up. 

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And when they do get around to mopping, 41 per cent won't change the water in the bucket until it 'looks dirty'. 

Geli Lee, home cleaning expert and engineer at Dyson, which commissioned the research to launch its wet floor cleaner, the WashG1, said: “Cleaning your hard floors properly and regularly is important for maintaining a healthy environment around your home.  

“Without a proper cleaning routine, dirt may unknowingly build up and spread around your home. 

“It is evident from our research that current mopping habits mean British households aren’t cleaning their floors as effectively as they should.” 

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The study also found that while 45 per cent will change the dirty water when they go between rooms, nine per cent never swap it for clean liquid, therefore spreading dirt from room to room. 

And five per cent keep the same mop for a year or more. 

Geli Lee's top tips on eliminating dirt around the home include creating a cleaning schedule, and clearing any clutter from the floor for a debris-free surfaceGeli Lee's top tips on eliminating dirt around the home include creating a cleaning schedule, and clearing any clutter from the floor for a debris-free surface
Geli Lee's top tips on eliminating dirt around the home include creating a cleaning schedule, and clearing any clutter from the floor for a debris-free surface | Shutterstock

It also emerged 28 per cent admitted to mopping their floors once a fortnight or less. 

While only 41 per cent have a regular cleaning schedule, and 60 per cent are only motivated to clean when there is visible dirt or dust.  

But 22 per cent are still concerned their floors are dirty after they’ve mopped them, with one in four ‘extremely worried’ about dust.  

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Geli Lee, home cleaning expert and engineer at Dyson, added: “From ignoring problem areas where dust and debris build up, cross contamination with dirty water to not replacing mop heads or inconsistent cleaning, current mopping behaviours may be making floors dirtier as opposed to cleaner.  

“Moving away from traditional methods, wet floor cleaners simplify the floor cleaning experience and provide a modern efficient and hygienic solution.” 

Home cleaning expert Geli Lee's top tips on eliminating dirt around the home:

  1. Create a cleaning schedule to stay on top of dirt build-up. 
  2. It is important to have a debris free surface, clear any clutter from the floor or other surfaces.   
  3. Choose the right machine as different vacuums are designed for different floor types and home sizes. 
  4. Clean your floors ‘little and often’. Washing your floors frequently in areas that receive more foot fall will help to stop dirt building up and getting trodden into your floor. 
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