Most people put a lot of thought into which cleaning tools to buy and very little into how to store them once the cleaning is done. A good mop head, scrubber, or broom deteriorates in weeks rather than months when stored incorrectly. Damp mop heads in enclosed spaces, brooms left bristle-down on the floor, and scrubbers sitting in standing water are among the most common ways people unknowingly shorten the life of their cleaning tools.
Here is how to store each tool correctly so it performs well for as long as it should.
Storing Your Mop After Every Use
The most important rule is never store a damp mop head in an enclosed space. A wet mop head put away in a closed cupboard develops mildew and odour within days. The fibres break down faster, the smell transfers to floors during the next clean, and the refill needs replacing far sooner than it should.
For the Gala Turbo Spin Mop:
Use the spinning bucket to wring the head thoroughly after use
Rinse under running water, spin again to remove excess water
Store upright in a ventilated area, not inside a closed cabinet
For the Gala Easy Twist N Mop Microfibre:
Twist the handle firmly after rinsing to remove as much water as possible
Store upright with airflow around the head
Wash the refill weekly on a gentle machine cycle without fabric softener, then air dry fully before the next use
Fabric softener coats microfiber strands and reduces absorption, which defeats the purpose of a microfiber mop entirely.
Storing the Mop Bucket
Empty, rinse, and dry the Turbo Spin Mop bucket after every single use. Dirty mop water left sitting develops a strong smell within hours and makes the bucket harder to clean over time.
Rinse the bucket and spinner basket with clean water
Leave the lid off or invert the bucket to dry completely
Store in a dry area, not outdoors where dust and insects settle inside
Storing the No Dust Broom
The most common broom storage mistake is leaving it standing bristle-down on the floor. Over time this permanently bends the bristles in one direction, reducing cleaning effectiveness.
Store the Gala No Dust Broom hanging from its handle or leaned with the bristle end up
After use, tap gently to dislodge trapped dust from the bristles
If bristles collect lint or fibres, run a comb through them or rinse gently and dry before storing
Storing Scrubbers and Sponges
Leaving a scrubber sitting in a wet pool of water is the fastest way to shorten its life. Bacteria develop quickly and the material degrades faster than it should.
After each use:
Rinse the Gala Super Scrub thoroughly under running water to remove all soap and food residue
Squeeze out as much water as possible
Store upright or on a holder that allows air to circulate around it, never lying flat on a wet surface
The stainless steel component of the Super Scrub is resistant to rust but prolonged exposure to standing water in an enclosed space affects its performance over time.
Storing Scrub Pads and Dish Washing Tools
The Gala Scrub Pad and dish washing brushes from the Gala Dish Washing and Wiping range should be rinsed, shaken dry, and stored where they can air out between uses. Never stack wet scrub pads on top of each other or store them inside a closed container.
A simple rack near the sink that holds these tools upright or separated makes a meaningful difference to how long they stay fresh.
The One Rule That Applies to Every Tool
Ventilation is the most important factor for all cleaning tools. Any tool that uses fabric, foam, or fibre needs airflow to dry properly between uses. A utility area with a window or an open balcony corner is the ideal storage location. A closed under-sink cabinet with no airflow is one of the worst places to store mops and scrubbers that are used regularly.
Taking five minutes after every cleaning session to rinse, wring, and store your tools properly adds months to their useful life. Explore the full Gala Cleaning Tools range to find tools built to last.