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Buying Guide 2018: Choosing The Best Types Of Floor Mops For Cleaning Your Space Efficiently
We’re no strangers to mopping. Most of us have done it before, and it’s not an easy task or the most enjoyable thing to do on weekends. You have to clear the area you’re going to mop with obstacles, sweep first, and get the right amount of cleaner and water. It’s tedious and time-consuming but unavoidable. Furthermore, it is also necessary to know the proper mopping procedure and instructions to ensure efficient cleaning.
Today, the mopping game has changed. A mop is no longer just a mop. You’ve surely noticed the massive selection of modern floor mop types and styles available in the market. There those that do not require a mop bucket and even a highly-advanced mopping robot that does all the hard work for you. see spin mop
Sounds a little overwhelming? Read this guide to find out how you can break away from your traditional sponge mop, classic mopping issues that come with it, and learn about which floor mop will work best for your home.
Different Types of Mops
- Spin Mop
If you’re looking for a traditional mop with a modern twist, Spin mops are the best and inexpensive choice. They function quite like a traditional mop, but their spinning motion can effectively clean any types of floor and eliminate stains quickly.
Aside from a convenient basket and bucket, a lot of spin mops features an angled head for cleaning corners, walls, and other hard to reach areas of your space. Its mop head is made of microfibers which can absorb dust and dirt. Most mop heads can also last a few years depending on how you use and take care of it.
If you still prefer to use an updated version of the old-fashioned mop and bucket combo, spin mops are an enjoyable and efficient way to clean your floor.
- Best Spin Mop: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop
The O-Cedar EasyWring is one of the best-selling spin mops out there (read more here). This twist mop comes with a bucket that features an easy-to-use built-in, hands-free wringer that you can control with a foot pedal. Its microfiber mop head makes it great for both wet and dry use, while its triangular shape makes it perfect for cleaning hard to reach corners. This spin mop is ideal for people who find it hard to lean over or press the squeeze plate down over and over again due to back pain or their wrists giving out.
- Steam Mops
Steam mops are great for cleaning hardwood flooring, tiles, linoleum, vinyl, and carpet as well. There are high-end and affordable models you can choose from depending on your needs, budget and floor type.
A steam mop can get rid of your floor’s gunk and stain and disinfect your floors without the need to use harmful chemicals and detergents. Breaking up and cleaning gunks stuck on your floor is easier and hassle-free with the use of this type of floor mop.
It may not thoroughly clean your floor, but its head comes with a washable cleaning pad that can pick up various dirt. Steam mops are a great option for lighter cleaning but may not work well at heavy messes that need a lot of scrubbing and water.
- Best Steam Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940
The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940 is perfect to keep the sealed stone or glazed tile squeaky clean in a couple of rooms in your home. This steam mop is easy to maneuver around corners, tilt under your kitchen sink, tables, and surfaces that are low.
It features a flexible cleaning head with an easy to refill the water tank. Another notable thing about it is it provides a constant flow of steam and operating it is simpler compared to its competitors. The PowerFresh 1940 has a subtle lightweight design with a reasonable tag price.
- Robot Mop
Mopping hardwood floors and keeping them nice and clean can be physically demanding. If you’re a busy person, you’ll want a convenient way floor mop that will fit your lifestyle like a mopping robot.
This smart home cleaning device is perfect for anyone who’s always on the go. Robot mops work just like a robot vacuum with an added mopping features as a bonus. You can automatically set it up to roam around your space, and it will mop it very efficiently. Although its mopping performance may not be as precise as the other available options, it’s entirely hands-free and less time-consuming.
- Best Robot Mop: iRobot Braava Jet 240
The affordable iRobot Braava Jet 240 has a portable design that can sweep and mop your floor quietly. It works best for small spaces and the best choice for people living in an apartment.
This convenient mopping robot comes with multiple cleaning modes such as dry sweeping, damp sweeping, and wet mopping. It can avoid stairs, mop or sweep around obstacles, and will power down on its own if necessary. You also don’t have to worry about the Braava Jet 240 mopping areas that don’t need cleaning like carpets since it features a Virtual Wall mode where users can create an invisible map of their space.
However, one of its drawbacks is that you need to do some manual intervention when it comes to removing tough stains, and it has a small coverage.
Other Types of Floor Mop
- Spray Mop. If you hate the idea of dragging a mop bucket around everytime you clean your floors, you may want to consider getting a quality spray mop. It’s ready to use whenever you are and ideal for light cleaning. It comes with a washable disposable pad instead of mop heads.
- Flat Mop. This mop is a convenient way to clean your floors without the need to use a lot of water or cleaning solution. It’s perfect for hardwood, vinyl, and other types of floors that should not get too wet.
- Sponge Mop. This type of floor mop comes with a spongy head attached to a wringer. There are models where you can remove the head so that you can easily rinse or replace it if needed. It works best for mopping tiles and surfaces that are uneven.
- Dust Mop. Dust mops are versatile. Aside from cleaning your floor, you can use it to clean ceilings, walls, and even light fixtures. It usually comes with a long handle so that you can reach dusty fans and corners with cobwebs. The downside of this floor mop is that it is only meant for dry cleaning.
- String Mop. This type of mop is highly absorbent and works great at scrubbing floors. Although this inexpensive mop is excellent at cleaning corners, maintaining and wringing it out can be difficult to some. Also, it tends to fall apart more compared to other types of mops.
Tips on How to Mop Floor Properly
- Vacuum or sweep the room first. Before mopping your floor, get rid of as much dirt and debris off as possible by sweeping or vacuuming otherwise, you’ll just push them around with your mop.
- Safety first. Always use a pair of rubber gloves especially if you’re going to use a cleaning solution. Also, check the back label of the cleaning product you will use for any special instructions.
- Water usage. The art of mopping is not about sloshing a massive pool of water on your floor as this could actually damage it, particularly if you have a laminated or hardwood flooring. Your mop head should only be slightly damp.
- S pattern. Whatever type of map you have, make sure to mop in an S pattern. This allows you to focus on a particular section of your space at a time without debris and water flickering around the room.
- Mopping direction. Mopping will be easier and more efficient if you will start from the opposite direction of your space’s exit point. Mop your way out of the room. You don’t want to see yourself in the corner and then tiptoeing your way out of a wet floor.
