Floor Mops Guide
Mopping up is one of those tasks made so much easier when you've got the correct tools. This advice is ideal for most flooring (resistant to light amounts of water), including laminate, some hardwoods that have been pretreated, vinyl or tiled floors.
Regardless of what floor type you are mopping, it's always good to get the job done as soon as possible. Dry or wet mops can safely wash any flooring you need at home. Vacuum cleaners have been widely used to clean up dirt, grease, and dirt from hardwood floors, but you need a high-quality mop to eliminate the tougher stains that stick to the floor.
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What is a floor mop? Several types of cleaning tools exist for cleaning different floors. A mop is a handy tool that enables you to clean surfaces like floors, leaving them squeaky clean. Mops come with a handle and a head available in many different styles depending on the job; using the correct cleaning mop is essential.
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What are the benefits of using a mop? Using a mop helps us achieve a cleaner environment; however, you must maintain the mop correctly to maximise its full performance.
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For dust- and dirt-free floors For cleaning carpets, vacuuming is undoubtedly necessary for cleanliness. For other floors that can be mopped, simply sucking up dirt, hairs, and debris does not usually complete the job and clean the floor. It takes time to clean the dirt and dust off the floor (especially if there's a lot), and using a mop is the easiest solution.
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How well do mops remove bacteria and germs? A mop is only as good as the state it's in. If it's clean, it will help remove bacteria and germs, whereas bacteria and germs will be present in the mop if it's older and has not been cleaned or replaced. Steam cleaners are the best type of mops for totally cleaning an area and removing as many germs as possible. Steam cleaners clean floors by bringing out the highest possible temperatures and eliminating germs. The best way to kill the bacteria is to sweep a steam mop through it slowly. If necessary, wash your floors with detergents with antibacterial ingredients required according to the instructions on their package.
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Mop features |
Mops have characteristics that make different mops better for specific jobs. Using a mop designed for a purpose helps provide a cleaner environment and saves time when cleaning.
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Mop Size |
Three measurements easily define the size of the mop head; you should think about all of them and what your specific requirements from the mop are.
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Length of Yarn The length of the yarn can affect the time it takes to clean, with longer lengths covering more surface area. It also absorbs more dirt and water.
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Width of Mop Head Wider heads mean more surface area can be covered, meaning faster mopping; however, they may not be ideal for smaller jobs.
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Absorbency in Ounces A more absorbent mop will be your friend. They help get the job done quicker, enabling you to get back to what you love doing.
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Mop Material |
The material used to make a mop's yarn can impact which types of mops are better for specific jobs. The materials used with a mop head have their benefits and excel in different cleaning tasks.
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Cotton Mops Cotton mops are good; but generally better for dealing with low traffic areas, good at absorbing fine dirt and dust; but not good with more significant amounts.
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Polycotton Mops Polycotton offers the absorbency of cotton with the durability of polyester, which helps remove more dirt and get your rooms cleaner and faster.
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Microfibre mops Microfibre mops are more expensive than other types; however, they last longer, tolerate more washing and remain effective longer than others.
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Polyester & Viscose mops Polyester and viscose mops are usually the most affordable types of mops, offering good absorbency and high levels of cleaning.
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Types of Mops |
Using dry mops is a suitable method for dusting between cleans, compared with dry ones using mops that have mixed water and cleaning solution. Choose the best-selling spin mopping device for your cleaning needs. Some steam mop models use heat for the cleaning process, and some use steam. It makes it easier for an electric mop to clean up messes. The list includes two options: vacuuming and mopping.
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Cut-End Mop Cut-out Mop is an economical type of mop available in a wide variety which are generally more absorbent than other types of mops and perfect for cleaning up light spills. They can be found in nearly all the cleaning shops that sell cleaning products. The problem with cutting edge mops is that they're not necessarily very durable. Depending on your mop frequency, you might have to purchase an additional mop at least twice a year.
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Dust Mop The dust mop is simple; it's preferable to use it dry or with a tiny amount of moisture (if used on floors) to sweep up light amounts of dust and dirt. It can be used on floors, walls and ceilings. Great for general cleaning a few times a week in between deep cleans.
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Microfiber mop Microfibre mops are more expensive than other mops, but they offer more durability and withstand more washing than different mops, so they'll last longer. Microfibres can be cleaned easily by making them more sanitary options for cleaning.
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Steam cleaners are an excellent tool for removing dirt and grime from floors. Many different steam mops can be purchased online, catering to all budgets. You should consider these products if you want a top-end floor cleaner to clean your floors with high heat. Steam mops can remove the buildup of debris and stains from flooring using steam.
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Looped-End Mop Looped end mops are known for their high absorbency and are heavy-duty. A loop end mop will last longer than other types and is suitable for serious mopping, making cleaning dirty areas much more straightforward. Another benefit is that the ends of the loop are flexible and increase the surface area of the area being cleaned.
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Spin Mop Spin mop functions much like any ordinary mop but is slightly different. The mop has a spinning wheel which helps remove stains from your floors more effectively, including hard to reach areas. Often these spin mops can even be called twist mops.
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Flat mop A flat mop, made using various materials, is excellent for use daily. They can be used to clean the floor without water consumption and are usually around 12 to 18 inches wide and 5-7 inches across. Most flat mops come with a disposable or reusable pad, making it simple to change and keep clean.
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Sponge Mop A sponge mop is one method that is often used to clean up stains on floors. It is well known that sponge absorbs very well; therefore, it is logical that it will come in handy when combined with traditional mop functions. Use a sponge mop to the fullest extent to remove the dirt from the floor. It seems to some users that they are much easier to use
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What to add to water for an extra clean finish? |
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Floor cleaners Floor cleaners are a specific solution to remove tough dirt and leave floors looking shiny clean. You don't need to be spending a lot either; there are a lot of cheap floor cleaners available which are perfect for everyday use.
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Lemon juice Lemon juice is an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals that can damage the flooring. It's simple to make at home by using two parts water, one part lemon and one part vinegar. It's also great for households with pets and kids.
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Powdered Oxygen Bleach Powdered oxygen bleach acts as a disinfectant to remove bacteria and viruses from floors and can also brighten grout lines. Powdered oxygen bleach can also clean the mop and the bucket to keep them squeaky clean.
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Can mops be used on all floors? Mops can be used on most flooring surfaces that are resistant to water, except for a lot of solid wood and other floorings that can absorb the water and affect the quality of the product. With wood floors, if they are waxed or unsealed, you can't mop them, and also using chemicals used when cleaning can cause damage to stone tiles, so please check with your type of floor before the mopping commences.
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What's the difference between a mop and a brush? We use mops to wash the floor, whereas a brush's primary use is to sweep debris up. Ideally, both will be used; the brush will be used first to remove tiny bits of dirt and then the mop to clean the surface, leaving it dirt and germ-free.
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How to mop a floor correctly. The intention of mopping a floor is to leave it cleaner, removing bacteria and germs. For this, you need a clean mop, and you should be aware of how dirty your mop is whilst cleaning, as you don't want to be spreading the dirt around the area you are cleaning. When it's dirty on one side, turn it over; when it's dirty on both sides of the mop, get it back in the bucket for a refresh and squeeze. You want to start by mopping around the edges of the room/area first, then switch your attention towards the centre of the floor; many people like to use the figure of eight strokes whilst others like to move in one direction and then return to washing it and wipe.
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Why is my floor sticky after I mop it? If you find that the floors are sticky after mopping, this could be down to several reasons. Firstly, you may be using too much cleaning solution left behind on the floors or using the wrong type of floor cleaner. Also, you might need to do a better job of rinsing the floor after using the floor cleaner.
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How often should I mop? This depends on how much traffic flows through specific areas and what's going on. Some people prefer to mop every couple of days whilst others leave it a week or more; it's dependent on your situation and what's right for you. We'd recommend mopping on the weekend and then using a broom or dustpan and brush to maintain during the week.
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