If you are one of the people who likes their home to be spotlessly clean, then you know how important regular cleaning is. But at the same time, if you want to clean your house every day, you will understand how tedious this process is.
Luckily, such cleaning has become easier with the availability of a variety of mop heads in the market. One of these MOPs is a microfiber mop, which significantly reduces cleaning time, unlike other types of mops.
However, when it comes to purchasing a microfiber mop, you may be confused by the variety of models on the market. That's why it's so important for you to understand how they work, what makes them different from other mops, and what you should look for to choose the best one.
What is Microfiber MOS?
These mops are considered the best among professional mops because they have attachments that can be washed in the washing machine several times before you even think about replacing them.
Their fibers are non-abrasive and gentle on the floor, which makes them even better than a vacuum cleaner to some extent. This also means that such mops are excellent for cleaning parquet floors, which are delicate and therefore require special attention.
The advantage of such MOPs is that they do not raise hair and dust into the air, unlike a vacuum cleaner. Instead, they collect debris, giving you a thorough cleaning experience. Some even have separate pads that can be used to wipe the floor dry.
Benefits of Using Microfiber MOS
When it comes to cleaning, you need to find a mop that does a great job of cleaning without ruining your floors. And this is exactly what microfiber mops offer.
Have a beneficial effect on the environment
If you need a reason to use this MOS over others on the market, it is worth noting that these MOS do not require electricity to operate.
This makes them environmentally friendly, which is especially important if you have small children in your home. This also means your energy bill won't be high.
MOPs do not require much water consumption
Compared to cloth mops, microfiber mops require very little water to clean. Despite this, they provide better and more thorough cleaning due to the fact that they are easier to clean.
Thus, microfiber mops not only save energy, but also significantly reduce your water bills.
MOPS take care of your back
For those who have back problems, microfiber mops are the best option. This is because, unlike other types of mops, you will be able to adjust the length of the handle. And the fact that they can be washed quickly means you'll spend much less time hunched over.
Budget-Friendly
Even though microfiber mops are more expensive than rope mops, they will be much more cost-effective in the long run. Why is this happening? Microfiber mops are made in such a way that they can last longer than other types if they are properly cared for.
In this case, even the most expensive mops will be more economical, especially when you consider how many other types of mops you will have to change.
Ease of use of MOPs
Microfiber mops are considered the easiest to use. First of all, you don’t have to wash every inch with special care to achieve impeccable cleanliness. The nozzle is quite movable in order to clean in every corner of the house, including under tables and chairs.
Lightweight MOPs
Microfiber mops are, in most cases, very lightweight. They weigh much less than the best vacuum cleaners and are much cheaper. Microfiber mops tend to be airy and, as such, are lighter in weight than even the best vacuum cleaners on a budget.
The fact that they are lightweight is one of the main reasons why their popularity is continuously growing, giving them a special place in many households. The low weight makes cleaning easy, which means you won't have to suffer from pain, especially in your back.
Low maintenance costs
Caring for microfiber MOPs is unlike anything you've ever seen. They have removable covers that are machine washable and that is all that is required for good maintenance.
You end up winning because no matter how often you wash your MOP, the fibers will never become frayed, even after months of use.
How do microfiber mops deal with different types of stains?
Microfiber mops absorb moisture very well and are also easy to care for. You can safely throw them in the washing machine without worrying about them getting damaged. They are also completely non-abrasive, which means they will never leave scratches on your floors, especially if you have laminate or hardwood floors.
Compared to other MOPs, they are easier to use and clean, and they do not leave behind debris like vacuum cleaners. It doesn't matter if you need to remove dust or pet hair, microfiber mops work by attracting dirt like a magnet.
This happens because nylon and polyester fibers are positively charged, causing dust to cling to them. Traditional cotton mops or sponge mops, on the other hand, tend to repel dirt, while microfiber picks up even the tiniest specks.
When it comes to removing dirt, you don't have to worry about the results. Many microfiber mops come with a built-in squeegee that can remove even the most stubborn stains. However, you should be especially careful when cleaning hardwood floors to avoid damaging or scratching the finish.
Types of microfiber MOPs
There are different types of microfiber MOPs - from ordinary ones, which will cost you 180 rubles to 400 rubles. The choice of mop will depend on your budget, the type of floor, as well as the type of cleaning you plan to do.
This is similar to buying the best vacuum cleaner for the store, only in this case you need to choose the best microfiber mop.
Rope MOPS
Rope mops are also called deck mops or yacht mops and they have been around for many years. They are made from durable cotton that absorbs moisture using rope-like fabric. They are attached to a metal or wooden handle.
Rope mops are great for cleaning in tough conditions thanks to their durable cotton fibers. They can be used to clean floors in both decks and commercial areas. They are also highly absorbent, although they are not the best for cleaning rooms because they leave behind streaks.
During the cleaning process, you will need a bucket with a squeezer to get rid of excess water. So, the larger the head of your mop, the more water it will absorb, hence you will need a larger, stronger wringing bucket.
Sponge mop
Similar to rope mops, sponge mops have been around for a very long time and are a great choice if you have linoleum floors. They are also great for cleaning walls because the sponge can reach and clean away dirt and stains on the wall.
Compared to other mops, sponge mops don't wring out very well in most cases, but that doesn't mean they can't be ideal for laminate or hardwood floors.
They also need to be looked after, but they are quite difficult to keep clean, so in most cases you will simply dirty the floor while cleaning.
MOPs made from twisted microfiber strips
A microfiber strip mop may look like a yacht mop, but you'll notice one difference: instead of the cotton strips that make up rope mops, there will be microfiber strips. They are otherwise called Kentucky MOPs.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose mop, a mop made from microfiber strips is your best choice.
This is because they can be used to clean tough floors like rope mops, but at the same time, microfiber is quite delicate for use on wood, tile or stone floors. They are also super absorbent and will not leave streaks if you wring out the MOP well.
MOPs with flat microfiber attachments
Flat flounder mops have become incredibly popular and it is no surprise that they can be seen in many homes today. They are a great choice if your flooring is made of laminate or solid wood.
Because moisture can ruin these types of floors, flat flounder mops have a reservoir of cleaning solution. During the cleaning process, all you have to do is spray a little liquid on the floor and wipe with a mop.
The good thing about these MOPs is that they don't leave behind any streaks, so your floors stay clean and shiny. Flat flounder mops are also great for marble and granite floors because they only require a small amount of liquid to polish the floor properly.
If you decide to opt for a MOP with a flat flounder, it is recommended to buy several attachments at once to ensure better cleaning if the part used becomes too wet during the process.
Dry MOPs
Dry mops, also called dust mops, are ideal for cleaning small spaces. They are also good for intermediate cleaning, which helps keep your floors looking fresh.
The essence of such a mop is to collect hair and dust, but sometimes debris can be left behind, so for more thorough cleaning you need to use a different type of mop. For example, this could be a microfiber MOP or a portable steam cleaner.
What is a mop?
A mop is a modern cleaning attachment, depending on its structure, used for washing walls, ceilings, windows, but their main purpose is to clean floors with various types of coatings.
Mops come in rope and flat types, from woven and non-woven material. For their production, microfiber called “microfiber”, a cotton base and combined materials are used. All mops are used with special fasteners (flounders) made for their specific types and sizes, and the flounder, in turn, is attached to a handle, regular or telescopic, which together creates a system for effectively washing various surfaces. All mops are reusable with varying degrees of wear resistance; according to some manufacturers, they can withstand up to 1000 machine washes with programs that maintain high temperatures. Mops are divided into: professional mops - for caring for a certain type of coating and universal mops - suitable for cleaning many types of room decoration. Their color marking allows you to accurately determine which cleaning area they are intended for. These can be attachments for cleaning all types of floors, removing stubborn dirt from walls and ceilings, preventing the appearance of unpleasant odors, for cleaning porous floors, for high-quality cleaning of anti-slip floors, absorbing dirt well, for removing the smallest particles of dirt, for daily cleaning of moderately soiled floors , for heavily soiled hard floors, for floors requiring a high level of hygiene, for removing dirt from structured surfaces, used for collecting local dirt, for collecting dust, for dry cleaning, wet cleaning and many others.
Today, the mop is one of the most popular and in-demand tools for cleaning and washing floors. Thanks to its efficiency, relatively low price, and ease of use, mops have found their niche in the cleaning equipment of cleaning companies, their own cleaning services, and in household use. They are used for cleaning residential premises, shopping centers, offices, enterprises, organizations and other premises. When using microfiber mops, dry cleaning became possible, which reduced the use of detergents by up to 90%, which in turn led to more environmentally friendly cleaning and a significant reduction in water costs. Modern, lightweight materials used for the production of mops have made it possible to make this type of cleaning equipment flat, covering a certain area depending on its size (from 30 to 160 cm), which made it possible to efficiently clean huge areas of premises in a short period of time. Mops used during wet cleaning are periodically washed, and excess moisture is removed from them by a special extraction. The attachments used for dry cleaning are replaced with new ones as they become more intensively used and become dirty. After cleaning, mops must be machine washed and dried.
Where and how best to store mops in an apartment
We will tell you about several convenient places that are easiest to organize as a warehouse for tools and cleaning products:
- If you have a large apartment and have the opportunity to allocate a separate room for equipment, then this is simply wonderful! Combine a place for washing and drying things, as well as a pantry where a floor cloth, mop and other equipment for cleaning the floor will always be at hand. Make a built-in closet in the wall, attach hooks to its doors from the inside and hang mops, buckets, and rags on them.
- There is no need to hide cleaning items from view. Buy a special board at a hardware store and place it in the toilet or hallway. Thus, this design can become an unusual piece of home decor. And you don’t have to look for a place to store cleaning rags, a mop or a bucket.
- You can set aside a small shelf for storing tools right in your living room, disguising it with flower pots or books.
Tip : choose rooms with good ventilation so that the mops dry faster after cleaning.
Remember: if you thoroughly and correctly prepare for cleaning, you can turn this process into an easy and even enjoyable activity! You shouldn’t skimp on special equipment that will help make your home cleaner and brighter, because order creates a comfortable environment, coziness and beauty.
How to choose a mop for cleaning the floor?
The main rule when choosing a mop is that the mop must fit the mop holder or flounder. The simplest solution is to buy a mop from the same manufacturer that is listed on the flounder. If the marking is erased, pay attention to the system for attaching the mop to the holder. The holder with a clamp for a Kentucky-type rope mop is immediately visible, it’s hard to make a mistake here. As for flat flounders, they come with several types of mop mounts: Flounder with snaps on the edges for mops with pockets (available from almost all manufacturers). In the middle of the mop holder there is a pedal button, by pressing which the cleaner folds the holder in half, which allows you to lower the flounder with the mop into a bucket, wet the mop and squeeze it out. Mops with pockets usually have straps that are inserted into latches and held in place. Low-quality mops have short straps or are made of “slippery” synthetic materials that are poorly secured with latches. Using a mop from the same manufacturer as the flounder gives the least chance of the mop sagging. When the mop sag, the quality of scrubbing work deteriorates, the speed of work decreases, and the wear of the mop increases.
Loop mop
The loop mop absorbs liquid well and collects dirt. Does not leave mud stains or threads. It can be wrung out well using devices designed for squeezing. It can be washed using washing machines at a temperature of no more than sixty degrees. The mop contains loops in the form of ropes, up to thirty-seven centimeters long. The mass of the mop itself reaches four hundred grams.
A mop in the form of a flat shape, stitched with loops with ears designed for attaching to a flounder. This mop is used for the wet cleaning process of various surfaces, such as walls, floor coverings. The mop contains increased strength properties achieved due to the constituent parts of the fiber. Floor coverings made of stone require careful maintenance. Such care is a whole complex of measures, which include wet cleaning using liquid soap and dry, as well as processing and covering such a floor with special protective compounds and, of course, polishing. In especially difficult cases, a modern method of restoring a stone floor is used - crystallization.
To carry out wet cleaning of stone floors, the latest equipment for cleaning floor coverings is used. In particular, mops or flounders, which are designed in such a way that they contribute to the high-quality removal of dirt, even in places considered difficult to reach. The loop mop allows you to reduce the period of time spent cleaning floor coverings, dry and wet, especially in places such as the space under counters, sofas and cabinets, etc.), without getting your hands wet.
A flounder consisting of plastic is a frame in the form of a flat shape containing clamps for securing the mop (the main hinge, a device with which you can open it with your foot), a flat loop mop consisting of cotton with polyester, endowed with increased strength and long service life (such a mop withstands more than a hundred washes in a washing machine). Such mops are produced complete with a handle made of aluminum, the length of which reaches one hundred and fifty centimeters.
Top 3 popular models
Users do not rate all attachments highly. Among the popular models that most people like are mainly microfiber products.
Vileda SuperMop Antibak
The 10 cm wide rope attachment is made of polyester and cotton. Fastening is threaded. The cost of the product is from 450 rubles.
Customer reviews about the strip mop are almost all positive. High quality product, easy to use . If necessary, the nozzle can be easily replaced with a new one.
Leifheit Picobello S micro duo
A flat mop made of foam rubber and microfiber is designed for a flounder-type mop. The width of the product is 27 cm. The cost is from 600 rubles.
Reviews about the product are mostly positive. Buyers note the decent appearance and good quality of the item.
Leifheit on buttons
The button attachment is designed for a flat-shaped flounder base. Material composition: microfiber with the addition of polyester . Width – 0.42 m. Cost – from 1200 rubles.
The cover is securely fixed with buttons and serves well, only slightly losing its light shade during use. Users rate the quality of the product highly. Read reviews here.
Microfiber mop
A microfiber mop is attached to a holder using pockets or special tongues (often called “ears”).
The cleaning process with microfiber is considered one of the most effective and non-tiring, which is why employees of companies providing cleaning services choose microfiber mops. Customers are also attracted to such cleaning using a microfiber attachment, because in this case it is carried out much faster, quieter and not intrusive.
Microfiber is a fairly durable fabric consisting of synthetics that is not subject to shedding. Each thread is split during manufacturing and this split thread makes this microfiber suitable for any type of cleaning. In addition, small fibers make the material very hygroscopic, that is, the mop perfectly retains water in order to have time to clean, but it still does not drip. As a result, a microfiber mop does not require frequent push-ups, and the floor remains wet and dries quickly after the cleaning process, instead of being completely wet. Microfiber also has a positive charge that attracts dust, which has a negative charge. Particles of dirt and dust are attracted to the mop and are not distributed throughout the room.
These mops are also easy to use. The employee lifts a small weight and cleans with equipment that is much lighter. This mop is much easier to rinse and wring out than loop mops. In this case, a small volume of chemical compounds is used and the mops weigh much less, therefore, the cart becomes lighter and there is no need to repeatedly go to the water tap in order to pour out the dirty water and pour a clean solution into the buckets.
When performing the cleaning process with a microfiber mop, less liquid and disinfectant are used, which significantly reduces the weight that an employee of the company is forced to lift, that is, there is less likelihood of fatigue, lumbar pain, tension and other health problems. Since the holders are very light and maneuverable, the employee can largely avoid incorrect body position. Mops made of microfiber are much easier to spin than mops in the form of loops.
Disinfection
Today there is a huge amount of household chemicals that are used to clean floors. They come in the form of powders, emulsions and gels. There are also products that can not only wash the floor, but also disinfect it. For example, Glorix floor cleaner. After the basic cleaning of the floor is completed, it is necessary to treat the floor surface with a disinfectant. And then carry out wet cleaning again to remove any remaining disinfectants.
If you are wondering: can pregnant women use Glorix? It is possible, since it does not contain chlorine or other aggressive components. Even using it every day, your pregnancy will only make you happy.
Mop "Kentucky"
Of course, technological progress has made it possible, in most cases, to replace tedious manual cleaning with a pleasant and quick process using vacuum cleaners, sweepers and floor scrubbers. But there are rooms in which all this equipment simply cannot be deployed, where there is no power supply or other necessary conditions.
It is for cleaning a small room that people usually choose simpler, albeit useful, devices, like mops.
The “Kentucky” mop is a type of mop with a clamp, into which you can install a replaceable mop - if it’s convenient for you, it can be a classic round one, if it’s convenient, it can be any other shape. “Kentucky” is a modern solution in an area where, it would seem, everything has already been invented. If you previously thought that a mop was just a stick on which you put a rag or sponge, then once you get acquainted with the Kentucky mop, you will change your mind.
“Kentucky” combines centuries-old experience of using the classic mop, which we have all become accustomed to since childhood, and modern solutions and materials. In particular, the inventors achieved the best functionality by combining materials such as plastic and stainless aluminum. Since aluminum is not susceptible to rust, this makes it an ideal material for a mop that is constantly in contact with liquids that somehow contain water. After all, most floor detergents are diluted with water. Due to the one and a half meter long aluminum handle, the mop is not only easy to handle, but also weighs very little - no more than 2 kilograms. A handle of this length can be easily used by both taller and shorter than average people. The length of the handle is adjustable to suit the user's needs.
When replacing replacement mops, the "Kentucky" will do an excellent job not only of washing any floor coverings, but also of cleaning walls and windows; it can even be used for washing the ceiling, if the cleaner is tall enough. For each type of cleaning you will need the right detergent and the same mop. There is no need to buy, for example, a separate glass washer.
The plastic clip that ends the handle, and which is the working part, is very durable and easily allows you to work with a mop of any shape. Although many buyers, seeing a mop for the first time, hesitate whether to buy a device whose important part, such as the clamp, is made of plastic, fears in this case are unnecessary: the plastic is very durable, and there is no need to be afraid of breaking it with a careless movement. The plastic mop clamp will serve for a very long time and will withstand even the most intensive use.
Changing and washing mops will be very convenient, so “Kentucky” will quickly become an indispensable assistant when cleaning your home and office. Cleaning professionals, even those who have spent more than one year in this industry, speak well of it. The convenient design of such cleaning equipment facilitates physical labor when cleaning and helps to cope with even the most severe dirt.
Let's sum it up
The Russian cleaning equipment market provides mops from foreign and domestic manufacturers in a wide price range. The quality of the mop determines its durability and cleaning efficiency. If you take into account the type of room covering, its functionality, the areas of the room to be cleaned, the size of the objects to be cleaned and choose the right mop, it will last a long time, performing its functions efficiently.
- Significant reduction in the time required for cleaning.
- Improving the quality of cleaning.
- Detergent costs are reduced.
- Great durability (from 2-3 months), abrasion resistance.
- Used for cleaning walls, ceilings, corners, baseboards, steps.
- Possibility of cleaning using the spray method.
- It is wrung out using a wringer.
Pros of using mops
Flounder or steam mop?
Due to the ease of cleaning, many housewives choose flounder. Compared to steam mops and vacuum cleaners, they are affordable. In addition, devices that do not take up much space are the most functional.
Another advantage is the ability to clean parquet. The device uses water sparingly. Therefore, such products are better than steam mops, because the latter spray hot water and do not completely eliminate it. Steam mops are also improving, and they include many useful features. For example, “Mop X5” cleans and disinfects the surface with steam.
