We have your basic rolled linoleum in the kitchen. It's about 13 years old and still pretty good, but the pattern has grooves in it that are dirt magnets. We have 2 dogs (8 paws) that paint the floor each time they come in. I can't seem to stay ahead of the dirt. I know that it needs a good stripping, but I'm physically unable to get on my hands and knees and do a thorough job. I've been using spic & span or lysol all purpose cleaner. I can't use pine scented cleaners. I also have a string mop that can be wrung out, but I don't like the fact that I can't remove the mop head and clean it.

I was wondering what type of mop you use and what kind of cleaner?

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhillfarm@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002

Answers

I use just a regular sponge mop and clear ammonia diluted with water. Once in a while I use bleach. Applying liquid bleach liberally to your floor and letting it soak for a while works good for freshening up older floors. Works on countertops too and is a good idea to sanitize things once in a while. I would test it on a small section to make sure it doesn't lighten it up too much. Wear some clothes you don't mind having bleach spots all over too.(I'm dangerous with bleach)

-- Dave (multiplierx9@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002.

I agree with the bleach idea. I also use a string mop and every once in a while I soak it in bleach water to clean and disinfect it.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 24, 2002.

At the end of the day, spray bottom of sock feet with vinegar and water solution till socks are quite damp. Skate around floor until it is clean. For more vigorous cleaning, add 2 hockey sticks and a tennis ball. (CANADIAN solution !!) LOL Tomas in b.c.

-- Tomas (bakerzee@hotmail.com), March 24, 2002.

I have a libman wonder mop and on busy days, I use a version of the sock/vinegar solution. EXCEPT>..... Its my two rowdy girls wearing the socks. ( they think its fun..LOL). The wonder mop can be taken off and washed.( ie.... in a bucket of discenfectant), and replaced when neccesary. I dont like string mops, for two reasons, 1) they cant be washed, and 2) They harbor germs. This is my own personal opinion so please dont be upset by it. OHHHH and as far as the price of the head refills, WELLL.. The first refill I bought for it was defunct, so I wrote the company and they sent me a year supply of heads for free.....

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002.

To wash my string mop, I just fill a 5 gallon bucket about half full, add some laundry soap and a little bleach and let it soak for a little while. Then I vigorously plunge it up and down for a while. Then I empty the water and repeat to rinse it. I let it air dry in the sun, and it is almost as good as new. They are cheap enough to replace, but aren't hard to clean!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 24, 2002.

I use a string mop and also do what Melissa does to clean it. They really do come out like new. I don't think you can beat a string mop for cleaning. I just made the mistake recently of buying a new one that was way too heavy. It cleans wonderful..but is just too heavy to use for all the floors I have. As far as germs go, a sponge mop is worst than anything! Just like using a sponge in the kitchen -- germ city!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

Hello Charleen,

I used to work for a company that stripped and refinished floors for a chain of Kmarts in Pennslyvania. These professionals used amoninia and string mops. That is probably the best way to strip household floors as well.

Never mix bleach and amoninia together, as they create a very toxic gas that could overcome you. The gas if breathe, could damage the tiny air sacs that line the insides of you lungs.

Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), March 25, 2002.

You should use a Clorox Ready Mop....that way you don't have to deal with all the mop and bucket stuff. It's easy to use and stores really easily(takes up almost no space). The cleaning solution is great too....cleans really well. Try it out!!

-- Emily (emilylopez@hotmail.com), June 27, 2002.

Im doing a project on sponge mops and it happens to be due tomarrow....if you can give me any info that would be great....some questions i have to answer are......

Who thought of the product?(sponge mop) what need does it meet? What company manufactures it? How is it advertised? How is it used? What happens to the product(sponge mop) when it wears out? if you can help it would be great...just email me

-- Kristeina Cops (c_kristeina@hotmail.com), September 29, 2002.