Make an Earth Friendly Automatic Mop
Here's how you can convert a "Wet Jet" type mop into a non-toxic, reusable tool for keeping the floor clean. It's great for busy moms with small children - you don't want to poison your children or the environment, but those automatic mops are so convenient. Fortunately, there's a compromise.
Contents
Steps
- If you haven't already, acquire one of those automatic mops ("Wet Jet" type)
- Trace the bottom of the mop on some paper and this will be your pattern for the absorbent pad.
- Cut a couple of pieces of chamois to this pattern and one microfiber cloth to the pattern.
- Put them all together like a sandwich with the microfiber on top and serge or zig-zag stitch the edges together. The Velcro on the bottom of the mop will stick to the fuzz of the chamois, or if you're really serious about this project, you could attach a couple of strips of Velcro (fuzzy side only.) You can make several of these pads to help you clean particularly large or dirty floors.
- Using a small, sharp knife, and cutting away from yourself, make a small "V" shaped notch on the flat bottom of the bottle of chemicals (the side that faces up when it is inserted into the mop). If you have not used up the solution already, you can dispose of it safely, or a better alternative: give it to your mother-in-law.
- Insert a funnel into the notch to fill it with some plain oil' white vinegar.
- Seal the top with a piece of duct-tape or other wide water-proof tape.
- Re-insert the bottle into the mop.
- Spray and clean your floor.
- Launder pads with your other washing rags in hot water.
Tips
- The bottle on a "Mr. Clean" type mop has a screw-off cap making it easier to refill with your own solution.
- Don't use soaps in the mop or it could clog up the tubing.
- Always remove the bottle from the mop before refilling.
Warnings
- Always make sure the duct tape has a good seal on the bottle.
- Never refill the bottle while it's still attached to the mop - doing so could corrode the batteries.
