How to choose and use a sponge mop?

A mop with a sponge is almost the first assistant in cleaning and is inferior only to a foam sponge. Every day the functionality of the manufactured models grows, and their use becomes more and more convenient. You should know what types of mops with sponges exist now, the nuances of choosing and caring for them.

There are several main varieties of mops.

• The most common model is a roller-shaped mop with a foam sponge. You can almost always get it in a regular supermarket, it has an affordable price. It is equipped with a spinning mechanism. The sponge is squeezed out using a special lever. Unfortunately, sponges deteriorate quickly and need to be replaced regularly. Wash surfaces with a large layer of dirt can leave streaks. There are analogues with melamine sponge, but they are usually used for cleaning windows. Models with polyurethane foam nozzle are used to clean up spills or animal hair.

• Deck mop. It is an assembly with a long metal handle in the form of a pipe and a bunch of cotton ribbons. It is wrung out in a vertical way. This mop is not good at cleaning, but it is suitable for picking up large debris and damp cleaning of baseboards. Such a nozzle is moisture-absorbing and stays wet for a long time.

• Rope mops. Similar to deck mops, but uses rope trims instead of ribbons. Cleaning with such models is also not effective; they are best suited for wet cleaning of linoleum.

• Another common model is the butterfly mop. It is spongy, but has a different squeezing system from the roller mop. Thanks to the special mechanism on the handle, the sponge can be bent in half. The product is intended for cleaning floors under beds, as well as for collecting cobwebs.Usually the foam sponge is replaceable, but models are sold with cellulose sponges. They absorb moisture well, collect small debris, but, as customers note, they wear out quickly.

When choosing a mop, you need to remember that an expensive model does not mean the best.

• It is best to purchase a model with a telescopic or collapsible handle. Such products are much more convenient to store than mops with conventional handles.
• The handle should be metal, plastic models break quickly. Other parts can be plastic, but must be wide.
• The best option for the attachment is not a regular foam sponge, but a microfiber. It is especially good for cleaning windows.
• For washing a car, it is better to purchase a special mop-cloth.

There are market leaders over the past year.

• As with many other home products, German manufacturer Leifheit tops the list. Model Leifheit 57029 made in a combination of gray and turquoise shades, characterized by a long service life. Distinctive features - high-quality microfiber nozzle, rotating 360 °, durable metal handle, good spin system.
• Almost the same position is occupied by the model of the manufacturer Vileda called Ultramax Easy Twist 203030... Has a convenient foldable handle with rubber locks. Designed for cleaning not only floors, but also windows. Has a high-quality microfiber attachment that does not damage the surface. Made in red.

Among the leaders, you can also note:

• Hausmann HM-39;
• Xiaomi Deerma Spray Mop TB500;
• York 073110.

Among the products of manufacturers of the post-Soviet space, it is worth highlighting the following models:

• Lime double-sided 601465;

• Lyubasha with a flounder with a spray 603787;

• Lime butterfly 601468;

• Ginger cat Noodles MopM4 310416.

For a new, never used mop, the first step is to soften the sponge. You cannot immediately wash the floor with such a product. You need to collect boiling water in a bucket and lower the mop there so that the sponge is completely immersed in water. The product should be in this state for about 5 minutes. The same procedure must be repeated if the mop has not been used for a long time and the sponge must be made soft again.

The simplest solution is to remove the old sponge, dry it, and go with it to any major hardware store. It is necessary to pick up a replaceable sponge, focusing on the roots of the old one. The sponge roots are attached to the squeegee's metal frame. Usually there are 4 of them in the mop. It is important to check that the distance between the roots of the old model matches the distance between the roots of the new model. On average, one mop can change the sponge up to 10 times.