Choosing a mop for cleaning

Regular wet cleaning in an apartment is a guarantee of not only cleanliness and comfort, but also the health of all household members. However, cleaning floors is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Without comfortable devices, you will have to bend over to the floor, which is especially problematic for people of age or those with back pain. In addition, you have to manually rinse and wring out the cloth. The matter is aggravated in the event that pets live in the house, which sometimes requires more frequent and thorough cleaning, or small children, for whom the "sterility" of the room is especially important.

In the struggle to keep floors clean, a device such as a mop comes to the rescue. This is a truly indispensable assistant that is used constantly and will definitely not stand idle in the far corner. That is why it is so important to choose a high-quality and convenient device that provides maximum comfort in cleaning.

The modern market offers a fairly wide variety of types of mops for every taste. To make it easier to navigate the assortment, in this article we will consider the features of the most popular and practical devices.

The mop is a cleaning device that provides easy and quick cleaning of floors. According to the principle of the device, the mop is similar to a variety of an ordinary peasant broom, only the sweeping rods in this version are replaced by materials, most often woven, capable of absorbing and giving off liquid. By the way, an interesting fact - in German the word "mop" sounds like Schrubber, which literally also means "broom".

The history of the appearance of the mop is rooted in the distant past. Like the broom, the mop can be considered a "folk" invention. There is a version that the first widespread use of the device was in the fleet, where it was necessary to scrub large areas of decks. The first mentions of such devices date back to the 15th century.

In the days of the USSR, mops were jokingly called "lazy", since the device made it possible to wash the floor without getting on your knees, the back did not hurt from constant bending, and dizziness did not occur. The cleaning process is no longer a painful ordeal.

A lot of time has passed since then, and in the technological XXI century, manufacturers offer a huge selection of similar products: modern mops differ in size, functionality, design, type of attachment, material of manufacture

Before dwelling on any particular design, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the most popular types that have already managed to prove themselves and are loved by many housewives.

An overview of the types is most logical to start with a consideration of the materials for making mops. There are not too many options. The simplest structures are traditionally made of wood as the most common material in the past. More modern models include aluminum and plastic:

• aluminum rods are strong and durable, easy to use;
• The plastic elements on the platform are easy to clean and the PVC handle is pleasant to the touch.

Washing attachments can be:

• rope (classic version);
• spongy;
• silicone;
• from fabric tapes;
• microfiber;
• with disposable wipes.

According to the type of attachment attachment options are distinguished:

• Velcro;
• with a clip.

According to the principle of operation, mops are divided into the following types.

Perhaps the most primitive and well-known construction in the shape of the letter "T". It is a small narrow strip located in the floor area, to which a long stick (handle) is attached. A cloth moistened with water is thrown onto the platform itself.

This option is considered universal, but is currently used extremely rarely, although it is still found on the market.

Among the advantages are:

• environmental friendliness;
• cheapness;
• the ability to make your own hands.

Minuses:

• the rag is not fixed to the bar in any way, it often slips off;
• the fabric will have to be wrung out by hand;
• suitable only for floor coverings that are not "afraid" of high humidity (linoleum, tiles, porcelain stoneware).

This mop comes with a foam or cellulose sponge. Its construction is simple: it includes a plastic handle and a moisture-wicking sponge that is attached to the base with screws.

Advantages:

• ideal for cleaning linoleum or tile floors;
• the product is functional, easy to use for children and the elderly;
• the sponge pad absorbs moisture well.

By cons include its fragility: over time, the screws become rusty, the sponge wears out and, if used carelessly, can quickly come off. The nozzle can be changed: for this you have to unscrew 2 or 4 screws and fix a new sponge, matched to the size.

For this type of mop, you need a rectangular bucket - such a nozzle simply will not fit into an ordinary round one.

The device is convenient because the sponge does not need to be wrung out manually when cleaning the floors.Thanks to a special squeezing mechanism, the nozzle is compressed from the sides - according to the principle of butterfly wings, for which the device got its name. The sponge can be melamine, made of foamed polyurethane foam or other materials. Suitable for cleaning floors with or without detergents. The disadvantages include a short service life: the weak point of the "butterflies" is an unreliable squeezing mechanism.

The design includes a plastic handle, a flat movable rectangular platform and a nozzle. It is comfortable, absorbs moisture well and collects debris in the corners of the room. The flat platform makes it easy to clean the floors under sofas and beds. Such a device does not provide for a release mechanism, which is why you will often have to remove the nozzle by hand for rinsing.

The handle of such products is most often made of metal. The attachment is made in the form of a round bundle of bundles or ropes. Mops can be with or without a release mechanism. The attachment does not absorb moisture well, it can leave small debris and pet hair, as well as soap streaks on the surface.

The model does not collect water well, is not suitable for parquet and laminate, therefore it is mainly used for coatings that are not afraid of moisture - for example, for linoleum in an apartment, porcelain stoneware in public places. Ceramic tiles can be too slippery and unsafe after washing with a rope mop.

The device rotates in a circular manner and is suitable for cleaning floors and stretch ceilings. The product is durable, functional, absorbs moisture well, does not leave streaks.

Suitable for any, even the most "demanding" floor coverings (laminate, parquet), because it squeezes out perfectly.

Its disadvantages include conditional cons:

• high cost (although objectively there are more expensive types);
• there is no squeezing mechanism - it is necessary to manually remove and squeeze the nozzle each time;
• does not collect wool well, due to which it will not be functional for cleaning houses where pets live.

Less commonly, you can find steam mops on sale. They appeared on the market not so long ago and have not yet managed to gain popularity. However, it is likely that this state of affairs will change dramatically in the near future.

The platform of such devices is equipped with a reservoir in which the liquid is heated, and then steam is discharged onto the surface to be cleaned.

Automatic cordless mops with steaming are indispensable helpers in cleaning premises. They are able not only to wash the surface of complex contaminants, but also to disinfect it. They perfectly remove even stubborn dirt, collect animal hair with high quality. The attachment does not need to be rinsed or squeezed out, and you do not have to carry a bucket of water with you.

The disadvantages of such products are:

• high cost (which, however, is not surprising);
• the need to control the direction of steam so as not to burn yourself and not endanger nearby households.

This type is a set of several elements: the mop itself with several removable microfiber attachments and a bucket with a built-in scraper for mechanical cleaning and wringing out the fabric. Ideally washes not only the floor - it is suitable for cleaning glass and stretch ceilings. The platform is flat, ultra-thin, pivoting, which makes it possible to remove dust in the most difficult-to-reach places under cabinets and sofas.

Of the shortcomings, users note the unreliability of designs from China, the instability of the bucket. When ordering goods, you should focus on Russian or German suppliers, in the description, pay attention to the volume of the bucket - for the scraper to work efficiently, the tank must be within 8 liters.

It differs from other types in the presence of rubber pile, outwardly resembles an ordinary mop-brush. The main advantages are that during friction the rubber pile is magnetized and attracts dust and small particles of debris. With such a long-handled brush, it is convenient to clean places under sofas and cupboards, it perfectly picks up pet hair, even from upholstered furniture. Often, the product comes with nozzles for washing the floor and squeezing water.

Rubber is an environmentally friendly material, it is of natural origin. Withstands high temperatures - you can rinse the brush thoroughly in very hot water.

Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that such models are rarely found in hardware stores. However, this problem is solved by ordering goods via the Internet.

We will present several brands in demand on the domestic market that offer various types of mops.

Russian company that has been producing and successfully selling consumer goods since 2008. Has earned a good reputation with a whole line of inexpensive and quality home cleaning devices.

Among the assortment of mops, the model "Noodles" MopM4 deserves special attention. The metal and plastic construction is equipped with a telescopic handle (maximum and minimum length - 120 and 67 cm, respectively). Platform type - flat mop, microfiber attachment.

Another Russian brand that produces household goods for the home. It is represented in many retail chains and hypermarkets. The products are famous for their optimal price-quality ratio.

Among the mops, take a closer look at the Elfe Rope Wringer Mop (93509). The model is made of metal and plastic, and the attachment is made of microfiber. Mop weight - 0.5 kg.

The company produces high-quality household and sanitary goods. Founded in 2011, for almost a dozen years it has won the trust of Russian consumers.

For washing floors, the brand offers the Laima Butterfly model (601468). This is a metal-plastic mop with a release mechanism and a telescopic handle. Minimum handle length - 81 cm, maximum - 115 cm. Nozzle type - sponge. Not intended for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

The Chinese manufacturer offers a convenient model of the Domcraft Comfort mop. Device with a butterfly release mechanism, cellulose attachment and telescopic handle. This mop can be used to clean corners, baseboards and under furniture.

Models with detergent containers located on the handle are also popular. Let's look at a few examples.

The model from a well-known Chinese brand has a spray system, thanks to which it is convenient to clean the floor without using a bucket of water or flooding the surface. The mechanism of the device is quite simple and reliable; both an elderly person and a teenager can handle it. The set includes additional replaceable nozzles in the amount of 9 pieces.

Mop with spray and flounder, equipped with a microfiber head. Country of origin - China. Capacity for water and detergents - 400 ml. Spraying occurs by pressing the dispensing handle located on the handle.

When choosing, you need to take into account the type of mop, as well as the materials from which the device is made. Products made of durable plastic and aluminum are more convenient to use. For window cleaning, it is better to choose devices with a telescopic handle: their length can be adjusted.

For washing the car and windows models with a fixed foam sponge are preferred.

An important selection criterion is the size. When buying a mop, you need to pay attention to the height of the product, the length of the handle and the thickness of the platform. When choosing a thin model, you will not need to move furniture frequently to clean the floors underneath. The foldable mop will be conveniently stored when folded, it will take up a minimum of space.

Another point to consider is product quality. This indicator is often directly dependent on the manufacturing company. Before making the final choice, it is worth reading the reviews on the model; when ordering in an online store, carefully study the characteristics, and when buying offline, consider the product itself for the reliability of fasteners, mechanisms, the absence of defects, chips and loose parts.

Do not ignore and product design. There are many different models on the modern market - any housewife can choose a round, triangular or rectangular option. In addition, the colors of the products can be very diverse - from classic white and black options to bright colors of all colors of the rainbow. This certainly affects the aesthetic perception and makes the cleaning process more enjoyable.

Since the types of mops are quite diverse, it is worth saying a few words about the rules for using some of the types.

We will tell you how to properly clean the floor with a microfiber mop. First of all, you need to remove the nozzle: for this you need to press the button, after which the platform will bend. The microfiber should be soaked in lukewarm water or with the addition of detergent. Then you need to put on the attachment and straighten the platform until you hear a click.

If the floors are cleaned with a sponge mop, soak the nozzle in warm water. The floors should be washed with smooth movements, without applying great force (the sponge may come off). If the nozzle becomes dirty, rinse it out.

Over time, the sponges on the mop get rough. Making the nozzle soft again will not work. In order for the moisture-absorbing sponge to retain its qualities as long as possible, it must be rinsed and dried after each use.

For more advanced models, as a rule, an instruction manual is attached. This applies to the spray versions as well as the self-cleaning mops. The main thing is to learn how to use the mechanism correctly so as not to damage the device; otherwise, the cleaning process will not be very different from using the usual models.

After using any type of mop, it should be carefully rinse and dry. The same goes for removable attachments, fabrics (if it's a regular wooden mop) and buckets. This must be done because poorly washed equipment can become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, especially if there are pets in the house, and mold will form on poorly dried ones.

However, this is still half the battle. Mops need to be stored properly so that they last as long as possible, do not take up much space and are not displayed.

It is best to set aside a special storage space for cleaning supplies that will be hidden from view and will allow you to keep all items compactly arranged. This can be either a narrow built-in pencil case or a small pantry. Bucketless mops can be hung on wall mounts, even behind the door or between the refrigerator and the wall. If it is not possible to hang the mop, then it is better to put it on the handle, with the nozzles up, so that the material of the nozzle does not cake.