Should you use hot or cold water for mopping? The answer might surprise you

When it comes to mopping your floors, it feels like a never-ending task. Crumbs, dirt, spillages, dust and more gather every single day requiring you to grab your vacuum and/or mop and get to work.

And while there are many mistakes you could be making when cleaning your floors, there's also one you may not have even considered.

It seems intuitive that you'd clean your floor with hot water, right? After all, it's common knowledge that hot water can kill bacteria and germs.

But, it could be damaging wax or degrading wood on your floors.

While there are specific instructions that come with the cleaning products you're using, there are some examples where using cold water could work better. Here's why.

When to mop with hot water

I'm no oracle when it comes to my floors, so to answer this question, I asked flooring expert and founder of Stories Flooring, Yarl Christie, for his opinion on when's best to use hot water.

He explains: "Hot water is generally the best choice for mopping. It activates cleaning agents more effectively, allowing for a thorough clean that dissolves dirt, grease, and grime.

"This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where sanitation is critical. Hot water not only aids in removing stubborn marks but also helps to neutralize germs effectively."

And cleaning expert Matthew Harrison at PriceYourJob.co.uk says that using hot water has added benefits: "Hot water also has a faster drying time. Hot water evaporates much more quickly than cold water so it reduces the time your floor stays wet. This minimises the risks of slips and falls and helps prevent the formation of unsightly streaks and water marks. So, ultimately, your floor will end up looking much cleaner and brighter."

When to mop with cold water

While it makes a lot of sense to mop with hot water, there are some cases where it's not the best choice of temperature, and using cold water hasn't crossed my mind.

But, as Christie explains, it should have: "Cold water can be suitable in certain situations, particularly with natural cleaners like white vinegar.

"In these cases, water should be at a mild, cool temperature rather than ice-cold. Ideally, around room temperature or slightly cooler.

"This allows vinegar to maintain its cleaning effectiveness without the drawbacks of using frigid water, which can lead to inadequate cleaning, residues, and bacteria."

And Matthew adds: "There are also many situations where cold water or lukewarm water is the better choice. You may be better of using colder water on delicate flooring.

"Hardwood and laminate floors are highly susceptible to damage from excessive heat. Hot water can cause the wood to warp, make the finish duller or may affect the adhesive that binds the layers of the flooring over time. Cold water is a lot gentler than hot water and helps preserve the integrity and appearance of these often expensive floor types."

But, when it comes to hardwood floors, that's one of the 7 things you should never clean with white vinegar, regardless of the temperature of the water you're mopping with.

The acidity of the vinegar can cause damage to your floors and even strip away the shiny surface.

The one temperature you should never use

You'll have noticed Christie encourages the use of cold water, but not ice-cold, and there's a great reason for that.

Users across TikTok have been uploading videos that suggest 'ice mopping' is a good idea. But, it turns out, this viral TikTok hack can totally ruin your floors.

And when Christie was asked to comment on this trend, he explained: "Cold water can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which thrive in cooler temperatures."

Not only that, but it's a nightmare for your floors: "Cold temperatures slow down the drying process, increasing the likelihood of moisture seeping into seams, particularly in wood or laminate floors, resulting in swelling, warping, and even mold growth.

"On tiles or vinyl, cold water can cause grout to become brittle, leading to cracks."

So, while in some cases cold water is a great pick, ice-cold water is definitely not.

Verdict

When it comes to mopping your floors, there are definitely times when turning on the cold tap might actually be better. But, it's always worth weighing up your options depending on each use case like what floor type you have or the cleaner you're using.

For Christie, he advises: "For the sake of your health and the longevity of your flooring, I strongly advise using warm water for mopping. This approach not only ensures a thorough clean but also protects your investment in your home."

And that sounds like a win-win.

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