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Why TikTok’s Ice Water Mopping Hack Is a Cold Hard Mistake
The ‘ice mop bucket’ hack has gained huge popularity on TikToks: to date, there are 20.6 million posts showcasing how users are incorporating ice cubes into their mopping routines instead of sticking to warm or hot water.
The method is simple enough: pour a bag of ice cubes into a bucket, add detergent and mix it all with cold water before going ahead and mopping. The rationale behind this approach, as promoted by 'cleanfluencers,' is that the cold temperature 'shocks germs' and makes it easier to remove stubborn marks compared to warm or boiling water.
However, flooring expert and founder of Stories Flooring, Yarl Christie, is here to caution against this practice and explain why it might not be the best choice.
“Trying out TikTok’s ice water mopping trend may seem like a clever shortcut, but it can quickly morph into a chilling disaster, exposing your home to lurking bacteria and risking permanent damage to your flooring.
“At worst, ice mopping could actually make you sick: cold water can harbour some very nasty bacteria which can thrive and remain viable in these conditions, including E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria!
“When using ice water for mopping, these harmful microorganisms can be easily transferred to your floors, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where sanitation is critical. Cold water does not effectively kill or neutralise germs, and adding ice cubes - especially if they come from an unfiltered source or are not made from clean water - can risk introducing additional contaminants.
“Even without dire consequences like illness, using icy water fails to activate cleaning agents as effectively as warm water does, leaving you with a far less hygienic space and increased risk of bacterial spread, defeating the purpose of cleaning! This is especially alarming in high-traffic zones such as kitchens and bathrooms, where maintaining hygiene is vital.
“Using icy water can also inflict serious damage on your floors, potentially costing you in repairs down the line. Cold temperatures can slow down the drying process, increasing the risk of moisture seeping into the seams of flooring materials, particularly in wood or laminate. This can lead to swelling, warping and even mould growth over time. On tiles or vinyl, use of cold water could cause grout to become more brittle, leading to cracks.
“Overall, for the sake of your health and your wallet, I recommend you always opt for warm water to ensure thorough cleaning and protect the longevity of your flooring.”
Yarl Christie, Flooring Expert & Founder
