How to Clean your Floors with Mops Is the grime and scuff marks on the floors getting you down after the big party? Mopping is the answer! While many people find mopping floors loathsome, it is a chore that cannot be put off, especially if you want the floors to look gleaming, gorgeous and spotless! Before you grab a bucket of water and get down on your hands and knees to remove all the dirt and gunk from the floors there are a few things to keep in mind on how to clean and take care of the floor.
When it comes to mops, whether its spray, basic or spin mops it’s important to consider the absorption capacity and its potential to clean stubborn spills and suck out dirt. Are they convenient to use and effective in scrubbing off sticky or gunky material? Also, whether they are easy to push, won’t buckle under pressure and are flexible enough to get between cracks, under cupboards and reach corners. It’s
important to select a mop based on the floor type. Let’s dwell on the features of some of the popular mops available in the market. Flat Mops These have a flat head with a disposable or reusable pad attached to it. Flat mops are great for cleaning floors on a daily basis as they are easy to use and require little effort to setup. Flat mops work wonders at cleaning corners, but are not so good at scrubbing stuck-on food particles.
Sponge Mops This cleaning device consists of a spongy mop head that usually has a wringer fastened to it. Some sponge mops come with removable heads which facilitates easy rinsing. Sponge on the mop head should be replaced when it shows signs of discoloration, begins to break apart, or starts emitting a stink. These mops are ideal for cleaning tiles and uneven surfaces. Sponge mops require proper care or they may trigger the spread of bacteria.
Dust/Dry Mops: Though the main usage of this long-handled mop is to dust floors, it comes handy for cleaning walls, high ceilings, and hard to reach elevated areas thanks to its adjustable handles with extensions. A dust mop is a dry cleaning tool that is made of lamb wool, microfiber material, and synthetics to attract and hold onto dust. Their flat heads can be removed, washed and re-used.
String/Rag Mops: These traditional cotton string mops that have great absorbency and scrubbing power are excellent for scouring hard surface types. String mops can clean edges and corners very effectively. To avert mildew, the head of a string mop must be thoroughly washed and dried after each cleanliness session. With proper care, the mop head can last for 2-4 weeks.
Steam Mops: These are electrical appliances that come with a refillable tank for water. On plugging the device, steam is released through the mop head directly onto the floor by a trigger system. This process loosens dirt and the mop pad subsequently wipes over the grime and traps it. The steam also has an added benefit of disinfecting the floor. Steam mops are excellent for hard surface floors, but should be avoided on wood ones.
Spin Mops: Another popular cleaning tool for regular floors is spin mops that comprises of a system for wringing out the excess water. The spin mop has a bucket with a wringer that is operated by a foot pedal that causes it to "spin." While some models need actual squeezing to wring the mop out, others use centrifugal force to spin the mop. The head is round with strings/strips made from lightweight, absorbent materials. The rotating head and flat hand grip helps the mop get under even narrow spaces. Hot water or any type of floor cleaning liquid can be used in spin mops.
Spray Mops: Spray mops that come with a vessel for cleaning solution attached to the mop handle and pads attached to the base is a very convenient cleaning apparatus. The procedure is simple‌just spray, mop and discard the pad when it's soiled. Unlike traditional mops, these are just for cleaning as they cannot absorb water. However, there is one major drawback in spray mops. Taking into account the cost of pads and liquid refills and the fact that occasional replacement of batteries is required, the spray mops are a little on the steep side.
Now that you are well versed with the features of various mops, it will be fairly easy for you to buy an apparatus that best suits your needs. Choose a device that is comfortable to use and wring out, is easy on the pocket and provides thorough, deep cleaning that picks up dirt from every nook and corner to leave your house spotless and sparkling clean.