When we buy mops, we don’t always put into consideration if we’re getting the right type. The assumption is often that all mops are made the same way, for the same purpose. In order to get the most functionality and ease of use, you’ll want to take a look at the different types available and get the right one depending on where and how you need to use it.
Different Types of Mops
String Mops
This is probably the first image that comes to mind when you think of a mop. String mops are very common and hold the original design followed by every other type of mop on this list. They come with a bucket. Place the mop in the bucket, wring it out using a certain squeezing mechanism (depends on the model) to get the mopped-up liquid out before mopping the floor again.
All establishments, commercial or industrial, have this type of mop on their premises. It’s also pretty common in homes since it can clean up massive amounts of dirt at once.
Spin Mops
Spin mops are another relative of the string mop design. These come with a bucket and work the same way as string mops. The difference is the foot or hand pedal that comes with the bucket – this wrings the water out and lets the solution be absorbed by the mop. They aren’t as large as string mops but are quite efficient with medium spaces – such as households.
Steam Mops
Steam mops eliminate the need to manually wring out before reusing (as is the case with string and strip mops). They aren’t as big as string mops and are about the same size as strip mops. They come with solution cartridges filled with a cleaning solution that you can dispense using a button. This sprays out in front of the mop. You can use it in offices or homes – no bucket required.
Strip MopsÂ
You can use these in different ways. Use strip mops to dry to dust the floor. The head has a number of strips efficient in removing dust from surfaces without spreading the dirt. Use them wet to perform the same purpose as a string mop. These are smaller than the regular string mop, though, so they are not ideal for large spaces. The head is usually detachable, and you can wash and reuse the strips. These are great for office and home use.
Flat Mops
Flat mops are made for cleaning up small stains. There is a pad connected at the end, which will pick up the dirt or absorb any wet spots. Some models let you wash and reuse the pads. In general, these are perfect for narrow and tiny spots that don’t always get traffic or need heavy cleaning.Â
Sponge Mops
Sponge mops are a bit advanced than flat mops. They have a similar design, with the exception of the sponge instead of the pad. This absorbs much more amounts of liquid, and it is designed for bigger areas in the house. The best use of sponge mops is for cleaning up spills and other types of liquid mess. It is the best type of mop for absorbing wet spots.
Microfiber Mops
Microfiber is a popular material because of its immense absorbing ability. These mops are built similarly as sponge mops. The head is made of microfiber. The biggest advantage of this is how easy it is to clean the mop head, which is a challenge for traditional sponge mops.
Dust Mops
You can use dust mops as large brooms. They are great for sweeping up bits of paper, dust, and small pieces of solid trash on the floor. It is a step that makes mopping the floor much easier later on. It can be timely and difficult to use the traditional broom and dustpan to do this job, so dust mops are a pretty hefty invention. You can use this in larger spaces and workplaces, such as shopping centers and warehouses. Dust mops are good at gathering up pretty much anything that you need to dispose of before a proper mopping.
Static Mops
Static mops are another dust mop variation. They have the same design as floor mops, but they have microfiber material at the end instead of bristles. Because microfiber has static properties, it is named as such. These are effective in attracting dust and dirt without further spreading it on the surface. They can be used similarly as floor mops or dust mops. They’re good for gathering up solid trash and dirt that have to be swept with a dustpan.
Disposable Mops
The final type is good if you’re not into owning a mop for a long time. Mops do require some maintenance, so if you don’t want to spend time cleaning them and making sure they’re in top shape, disposable mops can be a good solution. These mop heads can be attached to virtually any kind of mop mentioned above. Some can even be washed and reused, but the general idea is to discard these after use. Many commercial and work buildings use these to reduce the effort needed in washing and reusing them.