How do you say mop water (the dirty water in the mop bucket)?

Question

I am trying to say "the mop water was completely red." I am referring to the water that is in the bucket when someone is mopping the floor.

Answer 1

el agua del trapeador

Answer 2

the mop water was completely red.

Actually, non-potable water contaminatied with inorganic dirt/grime is termed "grey" water. Mop water would normally be "grey" water.

If the water is contaminated with organic matter it is wastewater. So if it is red due to blood, then it is, indeed, not "grey" water.

Just kidding. Actually, when I used to supervise wastewater treatment plant constructions water was considered potable (blue) non-potable, grey, brown (RAS) or black (septic). Red water would be associated with heated hot water or for fire control.

A lot of colors for a colorless liquid.

¡Bienvenida al foro!

Welcome to the forum!

Haha. I am referring to bloody water... No need to be alarmed-- I'm discussing the movie Volver haha (if you seen it, you will know why the water is red) - neppolit, May 2, 2011

Answer 3

Just as an aside, growing up in Southwestern US, 'trapeador' was commonly used in my abuelita's house, never hearing 'fregona' but I am guessing its more regional (or perhaps "national" preference?)... if grandma had said "saca la fregona" I would have just stared at her in bewilderment...but there seems to be a common thread with household items, as 'sink' in Spanish is 'fregadero' and that one would also have left me in the dark, having never heard it growing up!

This must be the case with my teacher. Thanks :) - neppolit, May 2, 2011

Answer 4

Agua sucia o lavazas may work too...

So, "el agua de fregona (o de trapeador) era completamente roja" hence "sucia"... :) - cristalino, May 1, 2011

Thanks... I used "de fregona," but my teacher highlighted it as poor word choice so I suppose "de trapeador" is better. - neppolit, May 1, 2011

Yeah, most reputable dictionaries will define mop as "fregona"... ours here actually appears to have no equivalent for trapeador, but for trapear, to drape a figure... so go figure? - cristalino, May 2, 2011