Mopping with young children and pets at home: what to keep in mind

When there’s a crawling baby or cats and dogs at home, the floor is where they play, lie and even eat all day. So mopping needs a little extra care. Here are small habits that matter.

1. Use the right dose, not more

A stronger mix doesn’t make floors cleaner; it leaves a sticky film where babies and pets touch directly. Follow the pack, for example SPY Floor Cleaner at 1–2 capfuls per bucket of water.

2. Let the floor dry completely before they come back

After mopping, keep your baby and pets in another room until the floor is fully dry. Open a window or turn on a fan so it dries quickly and the smell clears.

3. Store floor cleaner out of reach

• Keep bottles and cans on a high shelf or in a locked cupboard, not under the sink if your toddler can open cupboards.
• Close the cap tightly after use.
• Never pour floor cleaner into drink bottles or unlabelled bottles.

4. Don’t leave the mop bucket where a child can reach it

Young children can topple head-first into a bucket, even one with little water. Empty it straight away after mopping and turn it upside down.

5. Choose a light scent

Babies and pets are close to the floor, and a strong scent can bother them. Choose a light fragrance and use the right dose rather than extra for scent.

6. Pet accident areas

• Clean up waste first with paper towels or a disposable cloth.
• Mop again with cleaner at the right dose.
• Wash the mop used here separately.

7. Wash your hands after mopping

Wash your hands before holding your baby or preparing food. If your baby touches the floor while it’s still wet, wash their hands with clean water.

About SPY Floor Cleaner: SPY Floor Cleaner is a low-foam formula with no need to rinse, for tiles, wooden floors and granite. Five scents: Blossom Relax, Pink Relax, Green Relax, Cinnamon, Ginger & Lemongrass. Read the instructions on the pack before use.

Read more: Why floors feel sticky after mopping, and how to dilute correctly