Mops are a key tool that no homeowner can live without, yet it can be surprisingly tricky to find the best mop for every type of floor. Too many people end up using the wrong type of mop to carry out different cleaning tasks, and finding that it doesn’t produce the best results. Even worse, some people use a mop that hasn’t been cleaned properly, pushing it from room to  room and moving the dirt around.

Knowing the different types of mops available and the different functions that they are best suited to is key to getting your home and floors as clean as possible, so this is our basic guide to the best mops for every possible kind of floor – you’ll be amazed at the difference!

Cotton Mops

A classic cotton mop may be the first thing you think of when you hear the word “mop”. Made from heavy cotton, this mop is best used for a single clean up operation of spillages or fluids since they are capable of soaking up a large amount of liquid. They are also very affordable, and so can easily be disposed of when worn out, although they aren’t necessarily the most economical solution since they will need replacing fairly frequently.

Blended Mops

A blended mop can be spotted by its stitched bottom. This type of mop is best saved for heavy household tasks which require plenty of absorbency since it can easily mop up large spills without any difficulty. The advantage of a blended mop is that it is not only very absorbent but also more long-lasting than a standard cotton mop. It can be cleaned many times before it has to be thrown away making it a more economical choice. Perfect for use on vinyl floors or linoleums, a blended mop is a staple for every bathroom and kitchen.

Flat Microfiber Mops

The benefit of a microfiber mop is that it is perfect for low moisture household cleaning tasks. Ideal for use on quarry or ceramic tiles that have grout lines, this type of mop requires very little liquid to get the job done, and this is vital for tiles where keeping excess moisture to a minimum is necessary. Although a microfiber mop costs more than a standard cotton mop, it will be lighter and easier to use, and is also more economical since it can be washed countless times and re-used. If you have the right handle to fit to your mop, you can also use it to clean tiled walls too thanks to its wide cleaning path and light weight design. Remember, when you wash your microfiber mop, you need to launder it in a separate wash from other fibers and cottons, and you should also avoid using fabric softener, high temperatures and bleach when washing since they could damage the mop’s fibers, shortening its lifespan.

Steam Mops

If you’re ready for a high-tech solution to your cleaning problems, a steam mop could be the answer. Designed to be easy to maneuver and lightweight to use, steam mops use electricity to heat water inside its canister to an extremely high temperature in order to get your floors hygienically clean. If you want to be sure your floors are absolutely spotless and free of bacteria, a steam mop is the solution, and because they leave very little moisture on the floor, it will take very little time to dry. Even better, steam mops are suitable for use on all kinds of hard floors, including laminates, hardwoods, linos and tiles, so they are a multi-functional option for any home.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to using mops in the home. Feeling overwhelmed? Let the professionals handle it. Call Scruples today.