How to choose a floor mop

What to choose?

Any housewife chooses cleaning equipment, taking into account various factors:

• floor covering;
• the presence of furniture in the room;
• the presence of allergies among the residents of the house;
• preferences.

Table for comparing different types of mops

Each option has pros and cons - you should focus on cost and your needs

Selection criteria

A doormat wrapped around a wooden bar with a long stick is a relic of times gone by.The modern mop is gradually turning into a real gadget, which is a pleasure to work with. Those who have not been familiar with the new products for cleaning the house for a long time will be surprised by the rich assortment of devices for cleaning floors.

How to choose the right mop for cleaning the floor? In order not to get confused, you should familiarize yourself with the defining criteria for selection in advance:

• Material. The main materials from which modern "lazy people" are made are plastic, aluminum or wood. The wooden tool is the least functional, the handle is not flexible, the structure itself is clumsy, which makes it difficult to clean the floors properly. Aluminum and plastic assistants are considered more convenient today.
• Nozzle. The variety of materials for attachments or mops will make you get confused, as among them you can find microfiber, sponge and even ropes. In addition, there are flounder attachments, mop brushes and steam models.
• Handle type. The handle can be telescopic, retractable or one-piece. One-piece will serve the hostess a little longer, but with an adjustable handle, cleaning clearly becomes more comfortable. It should be noted that the telescopic handle is easier to adjust than the retractable handle.
• Quality. A better home assistant will last longer - that's a fact. Often the quality directly depends on the cost, but this does not mean that you need to buy the most expensive model. Before deciding on anything, you should determine for yourself the important functions of this tool.
• Functionality. In stores, you can find models with floating nozzles that allow you to get into any place, as well as units with a spin function. The purpose of the additional properties of the cleaning unit is to save the hostess's time, as well as to save her back from frequent bends.
• The size. Do not ignore this quality, since a thicker mop will not allow you to wash the floor under the sofa, and a narrow and thin one will help you get into the most difficult to reach places.

You should also pay attention to the length of the handle, if it is not adjustable, and to its thickness - the mop should lie comfortably in your hand.

• Design. The appearance for cleaning plays the last role, but still, if desired, the hostess can choose the color of the model that she will like
• In addition, there are mops of various shapes - round, triangular or rectangular. In this case, the design can affect the functionality, because with a triangular platform it is easier to climb into corners, and a round platform is safer for furniture.

Classification

Depending on the type of construction, the materials used and the scope of application, floor mops are divided into the following categories:

• wooden. Standard version made from regular wood. The advantages of wooden models include simple construction and low cost. The mop consists of a wood handle and an attached rag. The disadvantages of this type are fragility and limitations in use - you cannot process parquet with a mop;
• porous / spongy. The construction consists of a handle and a porous material. The sponge effectively cleans the floor from hair and fur. The presence of an automatic spinning simplifies the rules of operation. The spongy mop absorbs liquid well and often has a telescopic handle;
• rope. The rag is made of ropes tied with plastic holders. Harnesses are natural or synthetic. A bucket is often sold with the mop. Rope material may be machine washed. Rope models are used for cleaning wood flooring and linoleum;
• flat (flounder). The flat design of the nozzle allows the rag to penetrate into places inaccessible to other mops. The foldable model is compatible with several mop options. The main advantage of flat mops is the rotation function, thanks to which they are suitable for washing horizontal and vertical surfaces;
• butterfly. Butterflies are used for wet cleaning. The design provides for a PVA sponge, which differs in the volume of absorbed liquid. The mop does not leave marks (even when cleaning carpets).Telescopic handles are made of the most reliable materials - aluminum or metal;
• with microfiber. The mop heads from this group are made of synthetics - polyester or polyamide. Microfiber copes with cleaning floors without cleaning chemicals. The design has two important elements: the telescopic handle and the articulated flat microfiber platform;
• steam room. Prof. mops belong to the premium segment. Such models get rid of dirt and bacteria due to the formation of steam. Steam models are practical and versatile. In addition to cleaning the floor, they are suitable for ironing clothes, cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture, and washing glass.

Laminate requirements for cleaning products

Laminate floors look attractive and expensive, but they have a number of cleaning requirements, since this flooring is prefabricated and has problems in the joints of the planks. In inexpensive species, they are not treated with wax-containing compounds, and with constant wetting when cleaning floors, they lead to swelling and delamination of the coating due to the peculiarities of the composition of the laminate. In expensive types, the bonding points are treated with water-repellent mixtures, which prolongs its service life. Daily wet cleaning is contraindicated in laminate flooring. To wash the laminate, use different types of mops, using aids. But, before wet cleaning:

sweep the floor with a soft broom to remove debris, dirt, sand and other abrasive substances that can scratch the surface from the floor surface; carefully, using a wooden spatula, remove plasticine, paraffin, wax; vacuuming, collecting hairs and dust particles. They clean according to the following principle:

They clean according to the following principle:

• prefer a mop with a height-adjustable handle;
• they mainly use a microfiber rag so that after washing the floor does not leave streaks and pile, this happens when the floors are washed with old knitted T-shirts;
• squeeze the rag thoroughly to avoid moisture getting into the cracks;
• they are washed along the floorboards, with such cleaning, the amount of water falling into the joints is reduced;
• if possible, use water, the temperature of which is about 70 degrees, in this case the floor is disinfected, and the moisture evaporates faster from the surface;
• after wet cleaning, open the windows for faster drying of water;
• do not walk on a wet floor so as not to leave marks;
• when cleaning a contaminated room, do not use scrapers and do not try to clean the surface using other mechanical methods;
• use special cleaners and detergents for the laminate that do not have abrasive properties, do not contain carbonate salts and do not have an acidic or alkaline reaction;
• the dried laminate is polished with a soft cloth or dry lint-free cloth.

Attention!

Since tap water leaves streaks after washing, it is softened by adding a glass of 3-9% table vinegar to the container for rinsing a rag.

General recommendations

To choose a good product, you need to pay attention to:

Reliability. All parts, regardless of the type of tool, must be firmly connected to each other. Looseness and shakiness of the mountings indicates that the tool is defective and may fail very soon.
Joint between handle and platform (for flounder and rope mop). The handle should be tightly attached to the working part, but at the same time, it should be easy to move up and down and around its axis.
Serviceability of mechanisms. If a semi-mechanical spin is built into the design of the squeegee, it should be easily influenced. When the video jams, moves intermittently and does not reach the end, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Nozzle quality

It doesn't matter what material it is made of. The main thing is that it has a presentable look and keeps its shape well.

No spools, protruding threads, scuffs, cuts. Any damage is a reason to refuse to purchase (or ask to replace a removable attachment with another).

When buying, it is worth spending 5-10 minutes for a thorough inspection of the product. This will save you from an early breakdown and a waste of money.

Inexpensive

The models below are in a fairly inexpensive price range. However, the affordable price does not prevent them from doing an excellent job with the declared functions and making it easier to clean the house. Choose a model based on specifications and, of course, customer reviews

Below is a list of inexpensive mopping and mopping mops to look out for.

1. Kitfort KT-1002

This assistant for the home will cost about 3,600 rubles, it is at this level that the average price is kept. For this money, you will get a lot of great features that will greatly simplify the cleaning process. Three steam modes with a delivery rate of 28 g / min tackle even the most difficult dirt. The steam pressure reaches 1.5 bar.

The capacity of the removable water tank is large enough - 0.45 liters. Time of continuous operation of the device - up to 16 minutes, a comfortable handle and low weight allow you to wash the floors even every day. There is additional protection against overheating.

Advantages:

• quite compact and lightweight;
• 2 microfiber cloths included.

Disadvantages: May leave streaks when mopping.

Prices for Kitfort KT-1002:

2. Kitfort KT-1001

Another model from the manufacturer Kitfort will cost a little more - 3,900 rubles on average. The device combines several functions, in addition to washing the floors, you will have access to a glass cleaner and a steamer. Steam pressure up to 1 bar, steam flow up to 30 g / min, which ensures quick surface cleaning. The power of the device is 1300 W. A 0.35 liter water tank is enough for cleaning a large enough room, the water heats up in 30 seconds to a maximum temperature of 105 ° C. Continuous operation time - 12 minutes, additional protection against overheating is provided.

Advantages:

• the set includes a protective mitten;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• not very high build quality;
• inconvenient mechanism for winding the cord.

Prices for Kitfort KT-1001:

3.H2O X5

This steam cleaner pleases the eye of the buyer with its striking design, but this is not its main advantage. The average price for the device is 2,500 rubles, but the low cost does not prevent it from performing its basic functions with high quality. The power of the mop is 1300 W, which provides quick warming up of the device (less than 30 seconds), and the steam supply reaches 55 g / min. Tank with a volume of 0.44 liters. The temperature reaches 120 ° C, there is a vertical steam function.

Also suitable for cleaning furniture and carpets.

Advantages:

• the presence of a steamer function;
• replaces the iron;
• good steam.

Disadvantages:

• only one pad included;
• short cord.

Prices for H2O X5:

4. Marta MT-1180

The Marta model combines a ton of convenient and useful features to help you clean up in minutes. Maximum power consumption - 1500 W, built-in steam regulation.

Water heating time less than 1 minute, steam heating up to 110 ° C in 30 seconds. The high temperature will ensure high-quality cleaning without the use of chemicals. The volume of the water tank is 0.55 liters, for the convenience of users, a water availability indicator and a power indicator are also installed. The set includes a nozzle for cleaning carpets, which is very important for those who have pets.

Advantages:

• two replaceable microfiber nozzles included;
• low power consumption.

Disadvantages: May leave streaks on laminate flooring.

The average cost of a model is 2,900 rubles.

Prices for Marta MT-1180:

5. ENDEVER Odyssey Q-606

The ENDEVER steam mop is one of the best cleaning tools for a reason. The model will cost a fairly reasonable price - only 3,000 rubles. The power of the device is 1700 W, which will provide fast heating of water - only 30 seconds. Suitable for almost all types of floors. There is a power indicator, carpet nozzle. Steam delivery up to 28 g / min with a tank volume of 380 ml, which allows the device to work uninterruptedly for 45 minutes.

The steam pressure reaches 1.5 bar. In addition, you get a carpet cleaner and a handy measuring cup.

Advantages:

• light weight - only 2 kg;
• two microfiber cloths with Velcro.

Disadvantages: inconvenient cord winding.

Prices for ENDEVER Odyssey Q-606:

Popular types of household mops

Let's go through each type separately in order to understand what each model is.

1. The classic "helper" of the T-shape consists of a long handle and a cross bar on which a rag is thrown.

Classic

2. The model equipped with a sponge is more convenient to use: the dense roller does not need to be squeezed out by hand, it is enough to pull the lever at the base of the handle.

Spinning

3. "Butterfly" - an improved version of the previous mop, the design feature is a bar that folds in half.

"Butterfly"

4. The flounder has a movable platform and is most often equipped with replaceable nozzles.

Flounder

5. Rope. A plurality of synthetic or cotton cords are attached to the circular platform of the rope mop.

Rope

6. The steam mop is "the pinnacle of evolution", such a household appliance can be called universal.

Steam

How to choose a steam mop?

"Mechanized" helpers make cleaning much easier and make the washing process quick and efficient. It can be said that steam models have somewhat supplanted traditional mops. With the help of steam, a similar technique takes care of any surfaces: marble, parquet, laminated. No additional cleaning agents are required. Advantages: multifunctionality (washes and disinfects surfaces, plastic windows), a high level of maneuverability, elimination of odors. Disadvantages of technology: not all stains (paint, brilliant green) are removed, some models are unreliable, preliminary cleaning of large litter is recommended, high price. Which steam mop should you choose? When evaluating a technique, several requirements are taken into account.

• Operation time of the product. The average operating time is 20 minutes, then the steam mop should cool down for a while. During this time, it is quite possible to wash the floors in a small apartment. Powerful models can work without interruption for about 30 minutes and will help to clean up larger areas.
• The dimensions of floor cleaning products may vary. Models weigh up to 5 kg, which is important when cleaning vertical surfaces. In such cases, it is preferable to use small models, but it is necessary to take into account the small volume of the tank.
• The functionality of the unit directly depends on the price, so if you plan to wash only the floors, there is no need to buy expensive equipment.
• Steam supply is an important parameter and it is good if it can be adjusted (because the reaction of different surfaces to steam is different). And when cleaning heavily soiled surfaces or after renovation, this feature is very valuable.

How to properly care for microfiber?

There are recommendations for cleaning the material, the strict adherence to which will significantly increase its service life. At the beginning of cleaning the microfiber, large particles of debris trapped in the fibers must be manually removed from it. Wash the material in cold or warm water. The temperature should never exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Which mop do you use?

Microfiber

It is imperative to add detergents to the water for washing microfiber. The use of soaps, fabric softeners and chlorinating agents is not recommended. For a machine wash, it is best to use the full load mode. It cleans microfibers best of all from dirt.

Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna

The drying process is very important for microfiber. This should be done in the fresh air in a drafty place.

Housewives Tips

When cleaning floors with a microfiber mop, a small amount of cleaning agent must be added. They don't have to be aggressive. Crumbs, hair and animal hair should be removed only with dry material.

Microfiber is a material that is safe for the human body. With proper care and use, it can last for a long time.

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Which mop to choose

Devices are different depending on the flooring and additional necessary functions. Before deciding which mop is best for cleaning the floor, you must first assess the technical capabilities of each of the options.

Today in the store you can find a large number of different types of mops with different principles of operation.

Characteristics for which you should choose a mop for your home:

• material;
• nozzle;
• handle type;
• quality;
• functionality;
• the size;
• design.

Kitfort KT-1001

The best option for home cleaning, because the device is equipped with a steam function, water heating is carried out in 30 seconds. The device can even replace the steam cleaner, because the maximum steam supply is 35 g / l.

Mop Kitfort KT-1001.

It can be used for cleaning carpets, tiles in the kitchen, washing windows; for these purposes, additional attachments are included in the kit.

H2O X12

The device is multifunctional, it is possible to wash floors with any coating, additionally use it for carpets and upholstered furniture, windows or even as a streamer for clothes. The device generates hot steam and heats water up to 110 ° C.

Mop H2O X12.

Water tank with a volume of 0.45 liters, there are also 15 different attachments. Such parameters contribute to the long operation of the device.

ENDEVER Odysseу Q-606

The device is ready for use in just 30 seconds, which is quite fast compared to other models.

Mop ENDEVER Odysseу Q-606.

There are also 3 microfiber nozzles and one steam nozzle for cleaning furniture. When working, the surfaces are disinfected, perfect for choosing for people with allergies.

Leifheit "Care & Protect"

An excellent option for use on parquet floors, as there is a water spray function. The main feature of this model is that you do not need a bucket to clean the surface. The capacity for fixing water on the mop handle itself. Cleaning takes place by pressing the handrail, water is sprayed and the microfiber nozzle cleans the surface.

Mop Leifheit “Care & Protect”.

The only drawback of this model is that the handle is not folding.

Vileda “Easy Wring”

Mop with a round nozzle, comes with a bucket with a pedal wringer. It is a simple and convenient option. The microfiber nozzle will perfectly cope with various kinds of dirt and will be able to reach all corners. Telescopic handle, height adjustment possible. The bucket is made of impact-resistant plastic, inside there is a scale with marks for water intake, which is convenient for mixing the cleaning solution.

Mop Vileda “Easy Wring”.

On the side surface, the bucket with a wringer and a mop is equipped with a spout for easy drainage of water after use.

The mop relieves the stress of cleaning and helps to clean inaccessible areas.

We select "for ourselves"

Each species has its own advantages and disadvantages. And each hostess will choose a tool for her requirements and wallet. And the needs of the housewives are different: one has a small apartment and there is no one to dirty the floor, so it is enough to wipe it once a week from dust and nothing more. The other has two Persian cats and the fight with fur is daily and merciless. The third has two-story mansions and children.

What to look for

So what to look for when choosing a mop so that it becomes a truly irreplaceable assistant? Here are the main points to consider before purchasing.

• Handle material. Don't buy a plastic mop. It will not last long. Reliable handle - made of metal or metal-plastic.
• Ergonomic design.The handle should fit comfortably in your hand and adjust for height. If the platform is swivel, move it across the floor in different directions, feel: whether it is obedient, whether the mop crawls under the furniture and how it fits into the corners. Does the mop have a squeeze mechanism? Where is it located and is it convenient for you to use it?
• Nozzle material. Here you need to tell the seller the type of flooring in your home. After all, each nozzle performs its function: one copes well with linoleum and tiles, the other is able to wipe the floor dry and does not spoil the laminate or parquet, and the third will process the most "insidious" places on the carpet or vinyl.
• Reliability. Evaluate the ways of attaching the handle to the platform, the folding mechanism at the "butterflies" and the wringer, if any. They shouldn't be "flimsy". If there is even one "weak link" - this is where the mop will break. And quite quickly.

Mops: from what and for what

Separately, it is worth dwelling on what type of coating the various nozzles are intended for. Actually, the term "mop" means a replaceable attachment that is worn on the platform. Mops are made from natural, synthetic or blended fabrics.

• Sponge. It collects dust and wool well from any surfaces. It is also convenient for her to quickly wipe up spilled liquid. However, such a nozzle does not wring dry, it can leave stains and some water on the floor. Respectively - not suitable for laminate, wood floors and parquet. But on linoleum, tiles and vinyl it shows a decent result.
• Cotton. It absorbs moisture well and collects small debris, threads, wool and other dirt. But it can leave villi and, as a result, whitish stains on the floor. Not suitable for wood, laminate and parquet flooring. Recommended for linoleum, tiles, vinyl. Machine washable.
• Synthetics and blended fabrics. They absorb and release moisture well. So they are wrung out dry. Therefore, they are recommended for wood, parquet, laminate. They are also good at collecting dust and wool. But synthetics do not tolerate high temperatures.
• Microfiber. Perhaps the most practical material. Such a nozzle will collect debris and will not spoil the parquet. Suitable for any type of coating. But washing in a typewriter is not recommended.

How the steam mop works

In appearance, the steam mop is similar to its progenitor, on the handle of which a steam generator with a water tank is fixed. The cleaning heads are installed at the bottom. When connected to the mains, the filled liquid boils, the formed steam is directed through the holes to the floor. Softened dirt is removed with attachments. Simultaneously with washing, disinfection is carried out, since microbes and dust mites die under the influence of steam.

The intensity of the steam supply is regulated depending on the degree of soiling. Clothes and furniture are cleaned at a low rate. The average value is set for the carpet. Laminate, wood and ceramic tiles are processed at maximum power. On multifunction models, the lower part can be detached, turning them into steamers.