When it comes mops, I have a hate-hate relationship. Either I struggle to wield the heft of rope mops or find myself searching in vain for matching replacement heads for sponge mops. Plus, both models are really hard to clean. I often feel as though I’m just spreading the dirt around. Finally, for dust bunnies under the bed, I’ve long been searching for an alternative to the widely used Swiffer, with its plastic parts and expensive non-eco-friendly disposable cloths.
Enter the Cuban mop. Its genius lies in the simplicity of its design—no bells and whistles, just two sticks that screw together into a T. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, easy to use, and a cinch to clean: just throw the soiled towel in the washing machine. Because it uses any old rag, I’ll never again have to trek from hardware store to hardware store for a matching head. And I can use it wet or dry. (Bye-bye Swiffer.) The wooden Cuban mop is also, in my opinion, the most aesthetically pleasing of mops. Since it’s made with all-natural, reusable components, it’s among the most eco-friendly mop options. In fact, it just might be the perfect tool.
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How to Use a Cuban Mop Above: My neighbor and model, Lizzie, gets the cloth ready.
Wet any absorbent, medium-size cloth—an old hand towel, dish rag, or even an old cloth diaper will work—with your favorite cleaning solution. Squeeze out the excess liquid, and lay the towel on the floor.
Note: If you want to use your Cuban mop with a dry rag, skip this step. For dust bunnies and other Swiffer-like tasks, try a microfiber cloth.
Wrap the cloth around the Cuban mop as follows: Above: Place the mop head in the center of the wet rag or towel.
What is a Cuban mop?
As the name suggests, the Cuban mop enjoys widespread use in Cuba, as well as other parts of the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. Simply crafted, it consists of two poles, often wood, assembled to form an inverted T. To use, one folds any small towel over the end to create a mop head. A Cuban mop can be used wet or dry.
- Cuban Mop: I bought my Cuban Wood Mop Stick from the Cuban Food Market via Amazon for $17.95. (Note: Some Amazon reviewers were unhappy with the quality and size of this mop, but I bought it because there are not a lot of options out there. Though a bit crude in terms of finishing, my mop works great and is still nicer to look at than most. The handle, though admittedly short for taller folks, is the same length as my commercial sponge mop and is an inch longer than a Swiffer. In my opinion, this version is worth the money, but I can see an opportunity for someone to improve on craftsmanship.) You can also try a Quickloop. Though smaller than a Cuban mop, it features an easy ring to secure your cloth; $16.
- Absorbent Cotton Rag or Towel: I bought these Cuban Style Cloths, again, on Amazon for $16, but any old rag will do. (Note: The product sample on the Amazon page shows yellow stripes. The ones I received, shown, have blue stripes.) You could also use any of our favorites. See: Object Lessons: The Humble Cotton Cleaning Cloth.
- Cleaning Product: I use Rubio Monocoat Natural Soap; it’s a ready-to-mix concentrate for cleaning oil-treated floors.
Deep clean floors/how I do it old school!/cleaning/Make it make
FAQ
Can you mop with a rag?
How do you clean the floor with a towel?
How do you make a mop out of a towel?
How do you use a Rag Mop?
Begin mopping the floor, working from one end to the other, and moving backward so you are always standing on an unmopped area to prevent tracking. Mop in straight lines if you are using a sponge mop. For rag mops, mop in a figure-8 motion to use the design of your mop most effectively.
How do you use a Cuban mop?
For dust bunnies and other Swiffer-like tasks, try a microfiber cloth. Above: Wring thoroughly. Wrap the cloth around the Cuban mop as follows: Above: Place the mop head in the center of the wet rag or towel. Above: Starting with the bottom edge, fold one corner over the top of the mop head. Above: Repeat this fold on the other side.
How do you use a carpet mop?
Above: To use, simply push the mop along the floor, being careful not to lift it off the floor. When one side gets dirty, flip the mop and use the other side. Once both sides are soiled, remove the cloth, rinse, re-wet with cleaning solution, squeeze, and rewrap. (Lizzie, shown using the mop, is tall, about 5’10”.
What is the best way to clean a rag?
The rag method, on the other hand, is simple, economical, and offers a controlled application. You’ve put in the hard work, so let’s make sure that shine lasts for ages: Regular Dusting: Use a soft cloth to remove dust, preventing scratches or dullness. Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to mild soapy water for cleaning. Rinse and dry thoroughly.