Remove the cartridge, open the cap, fill with the right cleaner, reseal, and click it back in.
If you came here to learn how to refill Bona mop cartridges the right way, you’re in the perfect place. I’ve refilled dozens of Bona spray mops in homes with hardwood and tile. I’ll show you the exact steps, the best cleaners, and smart tricks to avoid leaks and streaks. You’ll finish with a smooth-spraying mop and clean, safe floors you can trust.
What you need for how to refill Bona mop
Gather a few basics before you start. It makes the process quick and tidy.
- Bona spray mop with removable cartridge
- Bona ready-to-use cleaner that matches your floor type
- Optional Bona concentrate if your label calls for dilution
- Small funnel for easy pouring
- Distilled water for rinsing when switching solutions
- Soft cloth or paper towel for drips
Why it matters: using the right cleaner protects your finish. Hardwood, laminate, and tile need different formulas. The wrong product can dull or haze floors.
Pro note from experience: a funnel prevents messy spills down the cartridge neck. It also keeps the cap threads clean so you get a tight seal.
Step-by-step: how to refill Bona mop correctly
Follow these steps to refill a Bona mop without leaks or clogs.
- Release and remove the cartridge. Press the button on the mop body and slide the bottle out.
- Open the cap. Most cartridges unscrew by hand. If yours is not designed to open, buy Bona’s refillable cartridge. Forcing a sealed cap can break the bottle or void a warranty.
- Rinse if switching cleaners. Use a little distilled water, shake, and empty. This prevents chemical mix-ups and haze.
- Fill with the right Bona cleaner. Use a funnel. Leave about an inch of space for air so the sprayer can prime.
- Reseal the cap snugly. Tighten until secure, but do not overtighten.
- Reinsert the cartridge. Slide it in until you hear or feel a click.
- Prime the sprayer. Pump the trigger 5 to 10 times until a steady spray appears.
From my refills, the headspace matters. If you overfill, the sprayer can sputter. A tiny air gap helps it spray in a smooth fan pattern.
Choosing the right cleaner for how to refill Bona mop
Pick the formula that fits your floors and use. This protects finishes and keeps traction safe.
- Hardwood floors. Use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It is pH-balanced and ready to use.
- Laminate, stone, or tile. Use Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner. It removes soil without swelling seams.
- Concentrates. Only dilute if your label says so. Many Bona consumer cleaners are ready-to-use. Follow the directions on your bottle.
- What to avoid. Skip vinegar, bleach, oil soaps, wax, and ammonia. These can strip finish, dull shine, or leave residue.
I learned the hard way that mixing products can cause streaks. If you change formulas, rinse the cartridge first. It takes one minute and prevents a cloudy film.
Safety, warranty, and brand guidance for how to refill Bona mop
A few rules keep you safe and protect your gear.
- Use only Bona-compatible cleaners. This aligns with typical manufacturer guidance and helps preserve finish warranties.
- Do not pry sealed caps. If your bottle is not designed to open, buy the refillable cartridge. It is affordable and safer.
- Keep out of reach of kids and pets. Store upright to prevent leaks.
- Test in a small area. If you are using a new cleaner, try a small spot first.
These steps come from best practices and manufacturer instructions that favor safety and finish care.
How to avoid leaks when you learn how to refill Bona mop
Leaks usually come from three things: an overfill, a loose cap, or a worn seal. Try this checklist.
- Leave headspace. Do not fill to the brim.
- Clean the threads. Wipe the cap and bottle neck before sealing.
- Check the gasket. If you see a warped or cracked seal, replace the cartridge.
- Insert straight. Slide the cartridge in until it clicks. Misalignment causes drips.
- Store upright. Laying the mop flat can force liquid into the sprayer.
I once chased a “mystery leak” that ended up being a tiny hair on the cap threads. A quick wipe fixed it. Small debris can break the seal.
Troubleshooting after you try how to refill Bona mop
If the spray is weak or uneven, use these quick fixes.
- No spray after refilling. Remove the bottle, shake gently, reinsert, and prime 10 times.
- Sputtering or foam. You may have mixed products or trapped air. Rinse the cartridge and refill with a single formula.
- Heavy streaks on hardwood. Too much product or the wrong cleaner. Use fewer sprays and a microfiber pad. Switch to the hardwood formula.
- Drip at the cap. Tighten a quarter turn. If it persists, inspect the gasket or replace the cartridge.
These steps solve most issues I meet in client homes within minutes.
Pro tips and maintenance for how to refill Bona mop
These habits make every refill faster and cleaner.
- Keep a spare refillable cartridge. One for hardwood, one for hard-surface. Swap as needed.
- Label your cartridges. Write Hardwood or Tile with a marker to avoid mix-ups.
- Wash the microfiber pad often. A clean pad prevents streaks and sticky spots.
- Use distilled water for rinsing. It prevents mineral buildup in the sprayer.
- Set a refill reminder. Refill when the bottle is one-third full so you never run out mid-clean.
These small steps save time and keep your spray pattern consistent.
Time-saving routine for how to refill Bona mop
Make refilling part of your weekly floor care plan.
- Refill right after a quick mop. The bottle is warm, and residue rinses easier.
- Spot clean daily. Two or three trigger pulls in messy areas keep floors fresh.
- Deep clean weekly. Swap to a fresh pad. Use slow, overlapping passes.
When readers ask me how to refill Bona mop without frustration, I tell them to plan. A five-minute routine beats a 30-minute rescue clean later.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to refill bona mop
Can I use water only in my Bona mop?
You can use water, but it will not clean as well as a pH-balanced cleaner. For hardwood and sealed floors, use the Bona formula made for that surface.
How do I open a Bona mop cartridge that seems sealed?
Some bottles are not designed to open. Do not pry them. Buy a refillable Bona cartridge to avoid damage and leaks.
Can I mix Bona concentrate in the cartridge?
Yes, if your product is a concentrate. Follow the dilution on the label and mix in a separate container for accuracy.
Why does my Bona mop spray weak after a refill?
It likely needs priming. Remove and reinsert the cartridge, then pump the trigger 5 to 10 times until the spray is steady.
What happens if I use vinegar or ammonia in the cartridge?
These can dull finishes or damage sealants. Use Bona’s floor-specific cleaners to protect your floors and mop.
How often should I refill the Bona mop?
It depends on use and home size. Most homes refill every 2 to 6 weeks with regular spot cleaning.
Is it okay to switch between hardwood and tile cleaners?
Yes, but rinse the cartridge first with a little distilled water. This prevents residue and streaks.
Conclusion
You now know how to refill Bona mop cartridges the safe, simple way. Choose the right formula, leave a little headspace, tighten the cap, and prime the sprayer. Add a few small habits, and your floors will stay clean without hassle.
Put these steps into practice on your next tidy-up. If you found this helpful, bookmark it, share it with a friend, or subscribe for more quick home care guides.
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