Mops: Wet, Dust and Microfiber

What it is

• Wet mops apply and pick up cleaning solution or floor finish. They are string mops on a handle, wrung in a bucket wringer.
• Dust mops collect dry soil on hard floors before wet cleaning. They are wide flat heads on a swivel frame.
• Microfiber flat mops are pads attached to a flat frame, used damp or charged with solution, then laundered.

How to identify

A cut-end wet mop has strands cut off at the ends and fraying. A looped-end mop has strands looped back into a tail band so they do not fray or tangle. Mop heads are sold by weight in ounces or by size (small, medium, large) and by headband width. Dust mops are sold by width and by the frame size they fit.

Wet mop types

Key points

• Keep finish mops separate from cleaning mops. Cleaner residue in a finish mop spoils the finish.
• New cotton mops shed lint and need breaking in by washing or soaking before first use.
• Looped-end mops with a tail band last longer and can be laundered.
• Match the mop head weight to the wringer and the user. Heavy heads are tiring.
• Dust mops should be treated or used dry as the maker directs, and shaken out or vacuumed away from the floor.
• Use color coding to keep restroom and kitchen mops apart from general areas. See the microfiber color coding chart.

Common mistakes

• Using a cotton cleaning mop to apply floor finish.
• Storing wet mops head-down in the bucket, which breeds odor and mildew.
• Using fabric softener on microfiber pads.
• Buying mop heads that do not fit the existing handle clamp.

Governing standards: No single product standard. Follow the floor finish maker's application instructions and the facility's color coding plan. See the floor care process chart and microfiber basics.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.