Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

Learning how to clean O Cedar spin mop head pads takes about ten minutes and keeps your floors from looking dull and streaky. A clean head picks up dirt instead of pushing it around, and it dries faster, which discourages odors and mildew. The steps below cover rinsing, washing and drying the head so it performs like new.

What You Need Before You Start

Most of the work requires only a sink or bucket, warm water and a little mild dish soap. Gather these items first:

  • A sink, tub or large bucket
  • Warm water (not boiling, which can warp plastic parts)
  • A few drops of mild dish soap or a laundry detergent without fabric softener
  • A stiff brush or old toothbrush for the spin mop’s plastic components
  • A dry towel or clean space to air dry

Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Mop Head

  1. Remove the head. Detach the microfiber head from the spin mop frame, following the release mechanism on your model.
  2. Shake and rinse. Shake out loose debris outdoors or over a trash can. Then rinse under running water until it runs mostly clear.
  3. Soak if needed. For greasy or heavily soiled heads, soak for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water with a small squirt of dish soap.
  4. Wash gently. Work the fabric between your hands. Avoid scrubbing hard, which can break down microfiber loops over time.
  5. Rinse thoroughly. Keep rinsing until no suds remain, since leftover soap leaves residue that makes floors look hazy.
  6. Wring and dry. Spin the head in the mop’s bucket or wring it by hand, then hang it to air dry with the fabric fully open.

Cleaning the Spin Mechanism and Plastic Parts

Dirt often collects in the gears, spin basket and the area where the head attaches. Wipe these parts with a damp cloth and use a stiff brush to loosen grime from crevices. If the spin action feels sluggish, remove any hair or lint wrapped around the spindle, since it can slow rotation and reduce wringing power.

Check the Bucket and Wringer

Empty and rinse the bucket after each use. Wipe the wringer area where the head passes through, because residue there transfers back onto clean fabric the next time you mop.

Drying and Storing the Head Correctly

Air drying is the safest option. Hang the head in a well-ventilated spot until it is completely dry, which often takes several hours. Avoid placing it in a closed cabinet while still damp, since trapped moisture causes odor. Many manufacturers advise against high-heat drying, so skip the dryer unless the label explicitly allows it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using fabric softener, which coats microfiber and reduces its ability to trap dirt.
  • Washing with bleach or harsh cleaners that can weaken fibers and cause fading.
  • Storing a damp head, which encourages mildew.
  • Waiting too long between cleanings, so dirt builds up and gets pushed around the floor.
  • Replacing a head that only needs a thorough wash.

A few simple tools make the cleaning routine faster. A stiff detail brush helps reach the spin mechanism, and a sturdy bucket with a wringer keeps water contained while you work.

  • Stiff detail cleaning brush for spin mop gears: a small brush reaches crevices that a sponge can’t. View on Amazon
  • Spin mop bucket with wringer: keeps water and dirt separated from clean fabric during rinsing. View on Amazon

For a broader look at the full system, see Spin Mop Replacement Parts: Which to Buy and How to Swap Them (2026) and O-Cedar Spin Mop Only: What It Is and How to Use It Right. If your head has become worn beyond cleaning, 7 Best O-Cedar Spin Mop Heads for Easy Floor Cleaning (2026) covers replacement options.

FAQ

How often should I clean my O Cedar spin mop head?

Rinse the head after every use and wash it thoroughly once a week if you mop regularly. Clean it sooner if it smells sour or looks gray after a single session.

Can I put the spin mop head in the washing machine?

Many owners do machine wash microfiber heads on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and no fabric softener. Check the label on your specific head first, and air dry it afterward.

Why does my mop still leave streaks after cleaning the head?

Streaks usually come from detergent residue or a worn-out head that no longer traps dirt well. Rinse until no suds remain, and replace the head if it stays streaky after a proper wash.

Conclusion

Cleaning your O Cedar spin mop head only takes a few minutes, but it makes a noticeable difference in how well your floors look. Rinse after each use, wash weekly with mild soap and let the head dry fully before storing it. Consult the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific model if you have questions.

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Graham Fisher

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.