Types of Mops

Dry (or Dust) Mops

• Looped Dust Mops - This is the kind of mop that may be compared to a lap dog. Available in cotton, wool, nylon, and other synthetics, these string mops feature heads that are usually washable. The head is attached to a long handle. They are suitable for cleaning hardwood floors, walls, ceilings, and baseboards, and are often treated with a special product that helps them to collect, rather than spread, dust.

Dust mops keep hold of dust best if they remain on the floor, running over it without being lifted until the job is done. At that point, one may choose to shake the head into a paper bag, shake it outside, vacuum it, or — if necessary — launder it.

Prior to using the dust mop, it’s a good idea to cast an eye over the floor to make sure that the mop won’t meet any messes it’s not prepared to handle, e.g., anything that would be better approached with a wet mop.

Replacement dust mop heads of a number of varieties can be purchased.

Wet Mops

• Sponge mops - These mops combine a sponge head with a scrubbing pad. The mops referred to simply as sponge mops have rectangular sponges, while roller mops have a curved sponge. Heavy duty versions of either type are able to clean floors with irregular surfaces and tile floors with grout. Sponge mops may come with a head attachment that you use to wring or squeeze them, or may have a handle attachment for wringing, which many people find to be convenient.

• String mops - This traditional style mop used to require hand-wringing by twisting the strings together, but new models have a self-wringing mechanism built into their handles. Formerly made only of cotton, new models may feature microfiber “rags.” String mops are favored by some people for applying wax to a floor.

• Swiffer WetJet™ - This battery-operated, no-rinse system sprays solution onto your floor as you mop with the cleaning wand. It has replaceable heads, and is good for low-grade cleaning. Contrary to a rumor posted on the Internet, the solution used is not harmful to pets when used as directed. This is an example of an all-in-one mop, which are available from different manufacturers with different accoutrements. The Clorox Ready Mop™ is another example.

• Other Mops - Besides these, one can find deck mops, made tough enough for outdoor mopping jobs, some including an attached scrubbing pad. There are also mops made from new materials, and with special systems to wring them. There are also specialized tub and tile mops, a scrubbing mop made to fit the size and shape of surfaces typically found in the bathroom, and can be used wet or dry.

Wet or Dry Mops

• Swiffer Dry Mop™ - This long-handled tool has a flexible swiveling head equipped with a pad that traps dirt by means of static. Its small size makes it possible to use in difficult-to-reach locations. Pads are discarded when the task is done, and can be replaced not only with dry pads but also with wet cloths from the same manufacturer, allowing the tool to do double duty.

• Microfiber Mops - Covered with a microfiber mitt, this type of mop can be used dry for dusting or wet for mopping. Some models may feature a telescoping handle to adapt the height to the job.

• Mighty Mop™ - This mop features a terrycloth cover that covers the head and can be used dry or wet. The cover, referred to as a mitt, is both washable and replaceable.