How to Remove MOP & GLO From All Surfaces

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MOP & GLO are similar to other water-based acrylic cleaners and polishes and are safe to use on most floors. But if your flooring has a thick-gloss coating, MOP & GLO build-up causes the surface to be dull over time.

So, how to remove MOP & GLO coating?

Regardless of the cause, Reckitt Benckiser Group (the manufacturer) recommends removing old coats of MOP & GLO with a solution of one-fourth cup Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner (without bleach) and 1 cup of household ammonia mixed into a half-gallon of warm water.

That said, some surfaces require a slightly different method. In this post, we will show you how to remove MOP & GLO from a variety of different surfaces, including laminate, tile, and hardwood. 

How Long Do MOP & GLO Last

Though MOP & GLO may dry to the touch within 4–7 minutes, it's not easy to stand up on its own until at least 24 hours later. This means that one coat might look clean for several minutes but then can leave footprints or streaks after your visitor has left. Experts warn against using MOP & GLO, but there are ways to remove it.

1. How to Remove MOP & GLO from Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are very easy to work with. You can remove MOP & GLO from your laminate flooring with hardly any effort. Here are the most common ways in which you can do so:

Sponge Mop and Detergent

Compared to bulkier string mops, sponge mops are more effective because they offer better control during cleaning. Sweep the floor before mopping, so no dirt or large grit particles become embedded in the fibers.

Mix warm water and a few scoops of cleaning detergent in a bucket wide enough to immerse the mop head. Scrub the floor well to remove dirt, then rinse your mop into the solution so it can be reused again instead of purchasing one! After mopping, make sure it is dry by using a clean sponge to rinse any cleaning solution.

Vinegar and Water

One way to get your laminate flooring to look brand new is by using a solution made from white vinegar and water. Mix the two in a bucket, dip your mop into it, and gently scrape away at the floor. Use care with this method, so you don't damage the finish of your floor.

2. How to Remove MOP & GLO from Tile Floor

There are recipes for removing MOP & GLO off your tile that leave the surface feeling clean without a sticky or oily film. Let's explore how to remove MOP & GLO from tile floors:

Dishwashing Detergent and Hot Water

A mild dishwashing detergent solution can effectively remove Mop & Glo off tile floors. To make this solution, add a few drops of the mild dishwashing detergent to a bucket of water and stir thoroughly.

Dishwashing detergent (e.g. Dawn or Palmolive) and hot water are all it takes to clean up your tile flooring. If you're going over a smaller area, using the soap solution with a soft rag will do the trick.

If you're tackling a bigger space than that, try mopping with a chamois mop, which will easily grab hold of those pesky stains. Avoid kitchen sponges that trap dirt in the grout lines between your tiles!

Distilled White Vinegar

Another option for removing MOP & GLO from tiles is white vinegar. Combine half a cup of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of warm water to create a simple acid-based solution for wiping down tile grime.

It's inexpensive and requires no scrubbing!

Firstly, make sure the surface is dry. Then, spray the warm water-vinegar solution on the tile. Let that sit for 10 minutes and mop up the excess. This is a simple trick, and the only hard part is the waiting!

3. How to Get MOP & GLO off Wood Floors

Mop & Glo can be very difficult to get off your hardwood floors. Often, when you've used this cleaning solution, it leaves terrible stains and scratches behind in the wood flooring. Here are ways to successfully remove Mop & Glo from your home's hardwood floors.

Lysol, Ammonia, and Warm Water Solution

Pour half a gallon of warm water and add 1/4 cup of Lysol, a bleach-free all-purpose cleaner. Next, add 1 cup of ammonia and make the solution just slightly more concentrated than household detergent. Soak a mop in the solution and mop over the area you want to clean.

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Wet the area of your wood floor you wish to remove the glue from and wait for about two-three minutes. Use a brush and some warm water to clean off the remaining glue. Repeat this process until you've removed all of the glue from your floor.

White Vinegar and Warm Water

To have truly clean floors, start with a bucket of warm water and add half a cup of vinegar. Add quartered limes to the mix to avoid the awful smell and acidity of the vinegar.

Let the vinegar-water solution sit on the floor for at least 20 minutes. When cleaning with vinegar and warm water, rinse it off with a microfiber cloth and warm water.

Ammonia

Attach a non-scratch pad to a push broom and open all the windows and doors in your house. Spray ammonia on a small section of wood floor and use the scuffed broom to see how well the MOP & GLO cleaner comes off.

Scrub gently to avoid damaging your wood floor. After scrubbing, mop with clean water and rinse with a dry cloth or towel. Repeat the whole process until you get your desired results.

A major caveat here is that ammonia dulls the shine on wooden floors.

4. Removing Thick MOP & GLO Residue

Make sure to remove all of the acrylics from your floor before doing anything else. It's best to use some plastic to scrape the wax off your floor. It's much easier on your hands to use a plastic knife than using a metal knife.

Afterwards, use a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in white vinegar to remove the thick build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since there is a lot of people asking about MOP & GLO coating removal, we've decided to make an FAQ. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about removing MOP & GLO stains:

1. Is it possible to remove MOP & GLO from my floors?

Yes. It is possible to remove MOP & GLO from your floors, although some elbow grease will be required. We recommend using a simple DIY solution, including warm water and dishwashing soap or vinegar.

2. How long does it take to remove MOP & GLO from my floors?

It depends on how much MOP & GLO was used on the floor in the first place. In some cases, you'll be able to remove most of the residue in one session, but other times you might need to invest a little more time. Either way, wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles while working on your floors.

3. What if I can't get all of the MOP & GLO residues off my floor?

Even if you can't get all of the residues of the MOP & GLO coating off your floor, much of the stickiness will likely fade as you continue to use our proposed solutions (Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, ammonia, and water). If the residue is still on your floor after several uses, you may need to try a different method.

Final Thoughts

A lot of people use MOP & GLO in their homes. It's a great product for cleaning your floor and getting your floors looking like new. Luckily, there are a few ways to remove MOP & GLO from most surfaces without resorting to heavy-duty cleaners or buffing machines. These simple DIYs should do the trick.

Related: How to use MOP & GLO

Sofia Rodriguez

As a professional house cleaner, I'm passionate about cleanliness. I write this blog to help anyone take better care of their homes and ultimately their loved ones.