Why You Should Think Twice Before Using TikTok's Latest Mopping Trend

Cleaning can sometimes feel very mundane, with most of us cleaning six hours per week, according to Business Wire. For many people, mopping is a big part of household cleaning, particularly if you have a tile floor. While many people use products specifically designed for their floors, some TikTok users have been using what they believe is a better alternative — laundry detergent. Perhaps you've even seen it already.

However, if you are considering trying this method of cleaning your floor, you should think twice. As it turns out, this TikTok hack could actually end up damaging your floors. Ouch. If you're already not a big fan of cleaning and mopping your floors, then it would be very sensible to steer clear of this "hack" that is gaining much attention online. When it comes to cleaning, there are always some clear rules that you should follow. We'll unpack these below, so you can treat your floors with the love and care that they deserve.

If you're considering using this TikTok trend, you should think again. It could seriously damage your flooring, and that's one expense or problem you don't want to fix. However, that's not the only big issue. 

Speaking to The Family Handyman, Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer at home cleaning company MaidPro, explains: "This is not only a waste of money, it's terrible for the floor and the environment." It's also, Homer says, not a mixture you can just leave on your floor. "When you put too much soap in your mop water, the surfactants in the soap run out of dirt to stick to and attach to the floor instead, leaving a slippery, streaky, dirt-attracting residue that has to be rinsed off." Those are several solid reasons why you should avoid using laundry detergent when cleaning your floor at all costs. In addition, using this method could also end up being dangerous if you fall on your floor. 

However, that's not all. All those extra suds you end up rinsing away can enter into waterways, posing a threat to wildlife. Instead, it's best to stick to what you know best and use something designed for your floor. However, what makes this trend so damaging when you're cleaning your floors? As it turns out, it all boils down to the product's composition.

If you mop with laundry detergent, both the amount of alkali and surfactants are too much for your flooring to handle. It won't be used to it at all. While it will likely depend on what floor you have, it could wear down the shine from your flooring and negatively impact its appearance as a result of the sheer volume of it. 

These are just some of the effects that can happen when you're scrubbing away at your floor using laundry detergent. But that's not all. It can even affect any adhesives or coatings that come into contact with it. Of course, nobody wants to damage their floor — particularly if it's brand new. All in all, it's best to stay away from using this method. However, one ingredient you can use is fabric softener while mopping your floor, which may help to rectify the problem.      

In addition to laundry detergent, there are also other chemicals you should avoid using on your floors, such as bleach, for example. While some of the products are obvious, some are not. This way, you can keep your floor in its best condition. Now you should be able to clean your floors with a clear state of mind — without being tempted by any TikTok trends.