skip to main content

Soil, Compost & Mulch

Is a ''cellulose sponge mop'' compostable?

albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.

13 years ago

Just bought a mop that says it is a "cellulose sponge mop". I'm going to try and compost it when it is ready for disposal. What do you think will happen?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
13 years ago
If it's all cellulose with nothing added (bacteriostats/bacteriocides) to retard bacterial/fungal growth or kill them outright, it will break down quickly; but I suspect there are likely additives.

Al
leira
13 years ago
I used to compost cellulose sponges all the time, but these days, as Al said, a lot of them have bacteria-impeding stuff added to them, which is sort of exactly what you don't want in your compost. Make sure to check first.
Related Discussions
Ammonia in compost,,,organic?
Q
Comments (65)
the original discussion i believe was about the use of ammonia in what is termed 'drunken compost' 12 oz beer , 12 oz cola [soda] , 8 oz ammonia in a sprayer set to empty that quart of mix into 20 gallons of water creating a 256:1 final mix. this accelerates the compost process to the point that it can be applied to the garden as a mulch in 2 weeks. increased growth and fruiting are observed. increased worm populations are also observed. the reason for organics is to keep certain toxic compounds out of the food supply. it does not guarantee quality. quality is assumed. we now collide with man's penchant for fanaticism. all chemical fertilizers and compounds not having been created via a biological process or mined out of the earth in some way [some of which are not healthful at all though certified organic. azomite {very high in aluminium} comes to mined] have been termed as toxic compounds which may not be entirely true. the irresponsible use of anything can be harmful. then we have the whole salt index discussion which is more prevalent in soil with low organic matter.which brings another discussion the real culprit is often a lack of organic matter more than anything else. more later
...See More
slow compost
Q
Comments (9)
In thermophilic composting it is perfectly normal for piles to through their high temperature phase then slow down and cool off. It's part of the process. It happens because in a properly constructed pile all the easily degradable carbon material (sugars and simple carbohydrates, celluloses, etc.) have been consumed and what remains are essentially lignins. That cool down phase is called "curing", an depending upon what was used to build the pile and how the pile is managed it can last from a few weeks to months. It sound to me like this is the stage you're in. That said, compost piles can also cool prematurely for any of several reasons. First is, as you suggest, that the microbes used all the available nitrogen and are now nitrogen starved while readily available carbon remains to be digested. In that case adding a bit more low C:N material, like used coffee grounds or a bit of blood meal as a N boost, or some would advocate peeing on it (urea) may speed it up again. Another is the pile dried up and needs moisture. Another is lack of oxygen, possibly caused by too much moisture and compacting, which can be resolved by turning it (I suspect you did this already). Not being able to see your pile or know it's history I can't begin to judge what's going on in your situation, but recognize that the curing stage is a normal part of the process. This post was edited by TXEB on Sat, Jun 22, 13 at 10:29
...See More
Do you swiffer? And info for Oceanna . . .
Q
Comments (39)
I use the big wide swiffer type mop that has 2 heads, one for dusting, one for mopping. I think the Bruce people make this mop, not sure, can't remember. Both mop heads are washable. To mop laminate I use Taaka Vodka w/water, a little squirt of dish soap, then spritz with a spray bottle and mop as I go. No, I don't drink the vodka and water, it goes on the floor. For the tile I use the same cleaning solution, but use a string mop for more heavy duty mopping. For those of you using vinegar on your tile floors, remember vinegar will strip any sealant that is on your grout because of the acid. Also, swiffer liquid will discolor and dull certain types of tile finishes. I use the same Vodka/water and soap for the granite, ss appliances, glass, etc. along with a microfibre cloth. It works on almost everything. I do not use it on painted or stained wood surfaces as the alcohol could strip or dull the finish. I was using rubbing alcohol instead of pure alcohol and then learned the fumes from rubbing alcohol are dangerous to inhale. I prefer not to use any chemical cleaners in my house. Will use bleach rarely if needed, but that's about it for chemical cleaners. I use Greased Lightning for cleaning litter boxes outside. Spray, let set, hose and they are spotless without having to touch the inside of the box.
...See More
What is Difference Between Aged Bark and Compost?
Q
Comments (35)
My homemade compost doesn't contain any wood products, and some annuals can thrive in it, although it's not recommended. I improved this construction soil yard by building, then knocking down, finished compost piles---leaving a compost layer about a foot or more deep. I often would throw a tomato or a pumpkin into this straight yard and kitchen waste compost with great results. By the following season, other plants easily reached beyond the compost layer to the soil beneath, which gets worked by the huge worm population my compost attracts. I'm not necessarily a great gardener, but I'm a great composter, and I make great soil. I don't have a good gardening vision, but my plants are bold and healthy, once I get past the slug stage. I can't imagine how to garden without compost---real compost. If your compost repels water, there's something wrong with your product. Regarding peat moss: my gardening mentor, Thalassa Cruso, once wrote that unless peat moss is thorougly soaked with water in a wheelbarrow prior to incorporating into the soil, it will repel water forever. When I used to use peat, I mixed it in a wheelbarrow like a mason mixes concrete---making a peat slurry. If you don't pre-hydrate peat moss, you can encounter dry pockets of it, literally, for years. (The compost and soil forum hanging out with the landscape forum, by the way, is a contrast of visions.)
...See More
nancyjeanmc
13 years ago
How long can something remain "antibacterial?" My guess is, if its worn enough to toss, it's fair game for the 'crobes in the pile!
Kimmsr
13 years ago
Some of these "sponge" mops are made of soya while others can be other cellulose material. Some may have bacteria stats added, but most all manufacturers suggest you replace that mop every 3 to at most 6 months suggesting the bacteria stat does not last all that long and the mpo gets really dirty.
That said, one of these somehow was put into one of my compost bins several years ago and it took forever for it to be digested and as I recall it never did and I tossed it into the trash after trying for a few years. A natural sponge did no better.
User
13 years ago
I wouldn't worry about a bactericidal sponge killing off your compost pile. It will have no effect on most of the soil fungi and bacteria.

Give it a try.
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
13 years ago
"It will have no effect on most of the soil fungi and bacteria."

I'm curious how you know this to be true? Are you saying that because the volume of the pile is great in relation to the volume of the mop head it won't matter if it inhibits SOME microbial growth; or are you saying what it seems - that it will have NO effect on microbial populations, either surrounding the sponge or in more distal areas of the pile?

Al
joepyeweed
13 years ago
The worse thing that would happen is that it doesn't decompose and you can toss it out later.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING 20 Things You Might Be Forgetting to Spring-Clean

By Laura Gaskill

Clean these often-neglected areas and your house will look and feel better

MOST POPULAR 33 Magic Household Cleaning Tips

By Pauline Warlet

Houzzers from around the world share their tips for transforming housework into child’s play

SAVING WATER 11 Ways to Save Water at Home

By Carol Crotta

Whether you live in a drought-stricken area or just want to help preserve a precious resource, here are things you can do to use less water

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Details: Out-of-Sight Paper Towel Holder

By Mary Jo Bowling

See how some homeowners are clearing the counter of clutter while keeping this necessity close at hand

KITCHEN DESIGN 16 Practical Ideas to Borrow From Professional Kitchens

Restaurant kitchens are designed to function efficiently and safely. Why not adopt some of their tricks in your own home?

KITCHEN DESIGN Spring Clean Your Kitchen

By Vanessa Brunner

Scour our 15 ways to ditch the dirt and get rid of the gunk, leaving your kitchen spick and span in time for spring

KITCHEN DESIGN Quick Project: Brighten the Space Under Your Kitchen Sink

By Erin Lang Norris

Give yourself a lift with a refreshed place for your kitchen cleaning supplies

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Inventive Ideas for Kitchen Islands

By Laura Gaskill

Printed glass, intriguing antiques, unexpected angles – these islands show there's no end to creative options in kitchen design

KITCHEN DESIGN 20 Kitchen Must-Haves From Houzz Readers

By Jennifer Ott Design

We asked you to tell us your top kitchen amenities. See what popular kitchen features made the list

SHOP HOUZZ Houzz Products: Stock Your Kitchen for Autumn

Serve hearty meals with a side of style by gathering up these fall-perfect pots, linens, serving pieces and kitchen tools

Sponsored

More Discussions

Best soil testing labs?

2

Best soil testing labs? HU-747575776...........

0

It's so awkward to bring this up, apropos of nothing,

16

Pine Bark - Break Down

1

How to water trees on land without access to tap water?

28