Can You Tumble Dry Mop Heads? (check this first)

Mop heads are made using different materials, some are microfiber, others are cotton while others are viscose. The one thing all mop heads have in common is they should never be tumble dried.

Mop heads should be air dried in direct sunlight or placed upright in a bath with the head uppermost in a well ventilated room.

Mop heads should be washed regularly to prevent bacteria from building up. If you don’t regularly remove bacteria from your mop, all you are doing is spreading germs every time you mop the floor.

You should always check the wash care label on your mop head before washing and drying.

Many mop heads are machine washable but they should be air dried – not tumble dried.

What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On Mop Heads

There is most likely only one symbol you are likely to find on your mop head related to tumble drying which is the do not tumble symbol.

Below are all 6 of the symbols relating to tumble dryers for your information:

1. Square With White Circle – You can tumble dry
2. Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle – This indicates you can dry on low heat
3. Square With White Circle, Two Black Dots In Circle – This indicates you can dry on medium heat
4. Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle – You can dry on high heat
5. Square With Black Circle – You can dry with no heat
6. Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top – Do not tumble dry, this is the symbol most likely to be found on mop heads.

How To Dry Mop Heads Without A Tumble Dryer

It is recommended that mop heads should never be dried in a tumble dryer. As subjecting your mop head to heat or the rough and tumble of the drying action in a tumble dryer can seriously damage your mop head.

Below are the best ways for drying your mop head regardless of what it is made from.

Air Drying A Mop Head On A Washing Line

The best way to air dry your mop head is to hang it from a washing line, rotary line or retractable clothesline. It is best to dry your mop head in full sunlight as this will help to kill any remaining germs.

Retractable clotheslines are a great idea if you have a small garden or no garden at all as they can be set up indoors as well.

The wall mounted box contains a braided nylon line which is extended to an opposite wall and suspended until the mop head is dry. The line is then retracted back into the box until the next time it is needed.

SEE ALSO: Our Recommended Retractable Clotheslines

Air Drying A Mop Head On An Airer

You can place your mop head on a rack on the airer either outdoors on bright, sunny days or indoors when the weather is too bad. This is the best way to dry flat mop heads (like the Vileda max flat mop).

Using An Electric Fan To Decrease Drying Times Indoors

When outside drying isn’t an option, you can decrease drying times for your mop head indoors by placing an electric fan in the same room.

The fan simulates a gentle breeze which will help to dry the mop head. Especially if you have opened a window to allow adequate air flow.

SEE ALSO: Our Recommended Bladeless Fans

Speed Up Indoor Drying Times For Mop Heads Using A Dehumidifier

You can place a dehumidifier in the same room as the drying mop head to speed up the drying process. The dehumidifier works by removing moisture from the air.

As the moist air is removed, it allows the mop head to release moisture faster. This will shorten the drying time significantly.

SEE ALSO: Our Recommended Dehumidifiers For Drying Mop Heads

Why You Should Always Read The Wash Care Label On Mop Heads

There are several types of mop heads on the market, each with different care requirements. If you do not read the care label and follow its instructions you run the risk of;

Melting The Microfiber Mop Head

If you own a microfiber mop head, it can become severely damaged if exposed to high temperatures. The material is prone to melting if it becomes too hot.

Shrinking The Cotton Mop Head

If cotton is subjected to high temperatures it is likely to shrink. The shrinkage is unlikely to be universal which means you will be left with uneven and misshapen strands.

Fragile Strands

If you were to place a mop head in a tumble dryer, you are likely to cause damage to the strands of material. This can cause them to break off during the mopping action.

Broken Mop Heads

The mop head connector could become damaged or broken if placed in a tumble dryer. The rough action of the tumble dryer added to the extra weight of the wet fibres could cause the mop head to become damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions