Dust Mops. A dust mop is a necessary tool for any home with pets or lots of dust. Many dust mops are made from microfiber or other materials that trap small particles. They can be used on floors, walls, ceilings, and even light fixtures. But dust mops are for dry cleaning only; they won’t help with wet spills or messes.
Flat Mops. Flat mops are a favorite cleaning tool because they have disposable or reusable pads that can handle daily cleaning on most types of hard flooring. These mops are best if you have wood or vinyl plank flooring since they don’t use much water to clean the surface. However, flat mops also don’t handle big spills or puddles very well and have difficulty cleaning grout lines on tile.
Sponge Mops. A sponge mop is exactly what it sounds like: a mop with a spongy head that’s often removable. A sponge mop is great for scrubbing tile and can handle most messes. But the sponge head can breed bacteria if you do not clean and dry it properly after each use. You’ll also need to be very careful when using a sponge mop on hardwood or vinyl plank flooring, as too much water on these flooring types will damage them.
String Mops. The traditional string mop has been around for decades for a reason; it’s a great all-around mop tool that can handle tough scrubbing jobs. String mops are not good for hardwood or plank vinyl floors, however, since they use a lot of water and might damage these floors. String mops are also difficult to wring out and must be washed and completely dried after use, or they may fall apart.
Strip Mops. A strip mop looks a little like a string mop but is made out of synthetic materials instead of the more traditional cotton. They tend to use less water and dry more quickly, making them good for use on a wide range of flooring types. But strip mops don’t have the same ability to scrub and absorb wet spills as other mop types.
Steam Mops. A steam mop is like a cross between a mop and a steam cleaning machine. They use electricity to turn the water in the mop’s water tank to steam, which cleans the floor’s surface as you scrub with a reusable mop pad. Because you are using steam, there is no need for detergents or harsh chemicals. A bit more heavy-duty steam mops shouldn’t be used on hardwood or vinyl plank floors, as the steam will damage the finish and the floor. They are also more expensive than most other kinds of mops.
Now that you know about each type of mop, you can more easily choose the one that best fits your budget, flooring type, and cleaning style!
Are you in the market for a new Gray rental home? Browse our listings online for a list of quality rental homes in your area.