TSD Cleaning Articles

Choosing the right mop for the job

In days gone by the humble mop was a simple device used to clean floors, but not so nowadays. There are literally hundreds of mops available for various tasks. So, the first thing to do when looking to buy a mop is to determine the main reasons why you need to get a mop. That is, are you seeking a mop for any of the following functions?

• Wiping floor
• Drying the floor:  Mops made of cotton are great for drying because they are more absorbent.
• Applying polish to the floor

If you need a mop to apply wax stripper or other chemicals to the floor, it is recommended that you choose one made of synthetic fibres. Mops made of yarn with synthetic fibre are generally stronger and less absorbent.

Other points to bear in mind when selecting a mop are: the area to be wiped, whether it will be well used, will it be for industrial or domestic purposes, and the height of the user.

Because mops are made of different material, some mops are better suited to some jobs than others. The most popular yarn types are:

• Cotton; this is still the most popular type of fibre used to make mops. Studies have indicated that unlike synthetic fibre, cotton mops are better at picking up dust.
• Polyester: like all synthetic fibre, polyester, picks up dust by pulling the dust particles through static attraction
• String
• Mixed or blended yarn: these are a combination of the different types of yarn fibre such as cotton and rayon to get the best qualities of each
• There are also mops with heads made of sponge

Mops are also available as looped-end or cut-end. Looped-end mops have a longer life than cut-end since they do not easily fray from excessive use. If you plan on laundering your mop, a loop-ended cotton fibre mop is best since they tend to be sturdier.

Some mops are also treated with antimicrobial solutions to offer added protection against bacteria, especially wet mops which can provide the ideal breeding ground for fungus.

Tips for choosing a mop:

• Use a wide mop if you have a large area to clean
• Long handled mops are easier on your back as you will need to lean less. Also, if you need to scrub the floor, a long handled mop takes some of the strain off your back.
• Look for the type of twisted yarn for job, that is, if you want a mop with absorbency use one that is not tightly twisted and vice versa