How to choose a mop for the floor: we are building a clean house

Properly selected mop can significantly reduce the cleaning time and make the process more comfortable. In addition, with the help of some models, it is possible to clean not only floor coverings, but also windows, tile joints, furniture, carpets and plumbing.

choose a mop

Which mop to choose - handle and nozzles

When buying, you need to pay attention to the handle and nozzle of your favorite mop. The handle should rest comfortably in your hand and not slip. To keep the product comfortable, many metal models are equipped with rubberized or plastic handles.

Handles for mops can be telescopic (sliding) and solid. Solid handles are considered the most durable and durable, but they are not very comfortable. Telescopic handles in this plan benefit. They allow you to adjust the height of the mop to your height and, if necessary, lengthen it so as to get to the farthest corners in the apartment. Some handles can move along the platform (from the middle to the edge of the nozzle), which makes it easier to wash out the most inaccessible places. Unfortunately, telescopic and moving handles break much faster than whole ones.

Mop handles are:

Wooden handles are used in the classic, "Soviet" models of T-shape, the nozzle for which are ordinary floor cloths. They are durable and reliable - their service life is more than 10 years. But still wooden handles can be scratched or damaged. In addition, their surface can be poorly polished, so when you buy should pay attention to the quality of wood processing - it should not have chipping and splinters.
Metal pens are most often made from aluminum. It is often combined with plastic and steel. Aluminum is a light and durable corrosion resistant material, but it can be bent or scratched. In general, metal pens are considered among the most reliable.
Plastic handles break faster than anyone else. But the most convenient telescopic handles, handles with a rotating platform and other devices are most often made of plastic. In addition, this material has a low weight, which greatly simplifies the process of cleaning for fragile girls or teenagers.

If any wooden cloth or even old clothes can be a nozzle for a wooden product, for modern plastic and metal models microfiber materials, cotton or synthetic ropes, sponges, etc. are used. The main characteristics of a mop depend on the type of nozzle.

Rope sex mops - the pros and cons

Rope floor mops

These products consist of a plastic or aluminum handle, to which is attached a rounded platform with thick ropes of cotton and / or synthetics. They are usually sold complete with an extraction bucket. To squeeze the nozzle or clean it from dirt, you do not need to touch it with your hands, for this it is enough to press the bucket “pedal” several times. The extraction of some rope models is carried out by lowering and turning the cylinder located on the handle of the product, or by twisting the handle.

Virtues

Affordable price.The simplest rope mop can be bought for 200–500 rubles, and the cleaning kit, consisting of a mop and a bucket with a spin for 1 400–2 000 rubles;
Well washes away the corners;
You can wash and squeeze the nozzle without hands;
Removable nozzle. It can be removed and washed in a typewriter or replaced with a new one;

disadvantages

The “pedal” of the bucket may break if it is pressed too hard;
Rope attachment absorbs a large amount of moisture that is released during cleaning. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it in rooms with wooden floors or low and middle class laminate;
Before cleaning the floors, it is advisable to vacuum the room - the mop does not collect garbage, wool and hair badly;
Failure. The nozzle comes into disrepair after 4–5 months of operation;

Mops with spin and roller sponge

Spinning Mops

This mop consists of a plastic handle and a sponge roller. To squeeze the nozzle, you need to pull the special lever located above the sponge. The product is very easy to use - even retirees and schoolchildren will be able to clean the floor.

Virtues

If necessary, the nozzle can be removed and replaced with a new one;
Well collects wool, hair and debris in the apartment;
Well washes out baseboards;
Ease of use - no need to squeeze or wash the nozzle by hand. The maximum that is required of you is to bend down to pull the lever;
Low price (from 250 rubles);
Little weight;
The good absorbing ability - with the help of a mop you can quickly remove spilled water;

disadvantages

It is badly wrung out, therefore the floor after washing can dry for a long time. Because of this, the mop is not suitable for cleaning wooden coating and laminate;
Because of the rectangular shape of the roller sponge, the floor bucket should have a large diameter or the same shape. Standard bucket does not fit;
Before use, the mop must be soaked in water for about 10 minutes, otherwise it will be “wooden”;
Poor washes away corners and hard to reach places;
Often breaks lever or design that holds the nozzle. Budget models (up to 400 rubles) withstand about 3-4 months of operation;

Mops with platform - distinctive features

Products with a platform can have various nozzles (mops) - from microfiber, cotton fabric, synthetics, sponge, etc. The platforms also differ - they can have different dimensions and functional features.

The following types of mops are distinguished:

Microfibre mops

Products with microfiber mop absorb moisture well, but unlike rope mops and models with a sponge-roller, they wipe the floor dry, leaving no stains. Thanks to the flat rotating platform and telescopic handle, they are well washed out inaccessible places and far corners. With their help it is easy to clean up spilled water, so they are suitable for cleaning floors in the bathroom and kitchen.

To remove or put on the nozzle, you need to fold the platform by pressing a special button. It is necessary to wash and squeeze the nozzle manually.

Virtues

Well washes the floor, removes wool, dust, hair and other debris;
Using a mop, you can clean the floor under low furniture and vertical surfaces;
The nozzle can be washed in a washing machine;
It flushes out dry, oily and persistent stains (for example, from spilled jam);
The nozzle can be removed, washed, if necessary, replaced with a new one;
Suitable for cleaning all types of floors, including coatings that are sensitive to moisture (laminate, parquet, etc.);
Can be used for dry cleaning;

disadvantages

The nozzle must be pressed and washed by hand;
Microfibre can not be ironed, dried in a typewriter and use whitening agents and conditioners during washing;
After cleaning the microfiber needs to be washed and dried so that it does not lose its properties;

Flaunder

Mops Flounders

Flounder is considered one of the most convenient mops. It has a flat rotating platform with velcro to which the attachment is attached. Nozzles can be made of microfiber and cotton materials.

Virtues

Thanks to the rotating platform and low weight, the mop can be used for cleaning hard-to-reach places, steps, walls, loggias and ceilings;
The nozzle can be washed or replaced;
Well removes dust and debris;

disadvantages

The nozzle needs to be washed and wrung out;
High price;
Velcro can cling hair, thread and wool.

Mop butterfly

The mop butterfly consists of a plastic or aluminum sliding platform handle with velcro to which the sponge attachment is attached. It can also be attached nozzles of microfiber and cotton materials. Spin is carried out when lifting and pressing a special lever on the handle of the product. At the same time, the two parts of the platform, together with the nozzle, are folded like butterfly wings and repositioned again.

Virtues

The nozzle can be replaced with a new one;
Suitable for quick cleaning in the office or in any other room with a high maneuverability, especially during slush;
Can be used for carpets;
Good wipes the dirt and removes animal hair;
During operation, no need to wet hands in water;

disadvantages

The sponge wears out quickly, and the nozzle has to be changed;
If the dirt is dry, it does not rub off the stains badly. But some models are equipped with an additional abrasive brush, which can clean up strong dirt;
Quickly breaks the side spin lever;
In some models, the sponge is squeezed out badly, so the floor dries long after cleaning;

How to choose a steam mop

Steam mop allows you to perfectly clean the surface without the use of household chemicals. It works by a steam generator that converts water into steam. Hot steam penetrates into the deepest pores and microcracks, making the dirt more “pliable”. Thanks to this, you can clean the most complex and old spots. In addition, steam disinfects the surface.

Virtues

Helps to get rid of mold, dust mites and fungus.
Suitable for all types of flooring, including laminate and parquet. In addition, it can be used to clean carpets, plumbing, tile joints, clothing, etc.
After cleaning the floor dries instantly.
No need to use detergents.
Reduces cleaning time.
Removes persistent and stubborn stains.

disadvantages

High price.
Budget models quickly break.
Can not be used on waxed parquet and high temperature sensitive clothing.
Great weight. Some models weigh 4–5 kg, so it’s hard to keep a mop for a long time.

When buying a steam mop, pay attention to the following parameters:

Double steam supply. A mop with this feature is suitable for cleaning very dirty surfaces. It is useful for cleaning the premises after the repair.
Power. Steam mops can have a power of 1,200–2,100 watts. From this value depends on the efficiency and rate of formation of steam. The optimum is 1500 watts.
Maximum steam pressure. The higher the value specified by the manufacturer, the higher the bactericidal effect of the mop. The best indicator is 1.5-2 bar.
Steam Steering. If the mop has this function, you can set the speed and intensity of the surface steaming.
Water tank capacity. The larger the tank volume, the longer the device will be able to work without rest (as a rule, about 20–40 minutes) and the longer it will heat up.
When buying, pay attention to the nozzles that come with a mop. The functionality of the product depends on them.For example, a point attachment allows you to clean the joints and other hard-to-reach places. You can use it to clean the bathroom and kitchen. A power brush facilitates the removal of old stains, but is not suitable for cleaning wooden and plastic surfaces. Also remember, the more nozzles included in the kit, the more expensive the product will be.