Types of Mops

Cut end mop heads feature cut strands that are highly absorbent. When you need to quickly clean up a spill, a cut end wet mop head is convenient and fast. One thing to keep in mind with cut end wet mop heads is that they can fray over time. This means they cannot be laundered and are often considered disposable. While this may seem like a downside, it actually makes them more suited for quick cleanups. You can simply dispose of the mop head after use and grab a new one when you need it.

Materials: 100% cotton, cotton blend, rayon, rayon blend, microfiber

Advantages: Economical, high absorption, disposable

Best Uses: General purpose cleaning, small spills

These looped end mop heads are made with looped strands that are ideal for cleaning large areas. The design of the mop head allows for a wider spread, so you’ll save time by covering more surface area in each pass. One of the major advantages of looped end wet mops is their durability. The looped strands are stronger than cut strands, so they won't fray or come apart while you're cleaning. This means you can use the same mop for a longer time, saving money on replacements. 

Materials: 100% cotton, cotton blend, rayon, rayon blend, microfiber

Advantages: Durable, absorbent, wide spread, no tangling

Best Uses: Large spills and surface areas, applying disinfectants and finishes 

Tube mop heads are a popular choice for commercial cleaning applications due to their unique design. The strands are comprised of material made into a tube-like shape with looped ends. This design reduces tangling and absorbs seven times its weight in liquid. One common material used in tube mop heads is microfiber. Microfiber is a synthetic material that is designed to target and remove more bacteria than traditional cotton mops. This is because the fibers are much smaller than cotton fibers, allowing them to reach into crevices and trap more dirt and bacteria.

Materials: Microfiber

Advantages: Lasts through 500+ washes, targets bacteria, highly absorbent, hypoallergenic, non-abrasive, eco-friendly, requires fewer chemicals

Best Uses: Heavy traffic areas, deep cleaning, healthcare applications

The standout feature of a quick-release handle is the convenient side release gate. This gate allows the user to remove the mop head without handling the dirty or contaminated mop strands. Limited contact with the mop head reduces the potential spread of bacteria and keeps your workspace clean and sanitary. Another benefit of the quick-release handle is that the plastic head won't rust or corrode, which is especially important in wet environments. 

Advantages: Minimal hand contact with mop head, fast removal, corrosion-resistant 

Use With: Narrow headband mop heads

If you want a mop handle that provides an extra-strong grip on the mop head, a jaw-style handle is the best choice. These handles are designed with a clamp that securely locks onto the mop head, allowing for precise use and handling. This is useful when you need to navigate tight spaces or corners. Jaw-style mop handles are typically used with wide-band mop heads, which are wider than traditional mop heads. This allows for greater coverage and more efficient cleaning.

Advantages: Strong grip, precise cleaning for corners and tight spaces

Use With: Wide headband mop heads

One of the key features of the stirrup mop handle is its durable metal head. Just like a jaw-style mop handle, the stirrup handle grips the mop head securely which makes it a good choice for precision cleaning. The difference between the two types of mop handles is that a stirrup handle is heavier and works with a narrow band mop head, while a jaw-style mop head is made from lightweight plastic and works with a wide band mop head.

Advantages: Extra-strong grip, durable metal material, precision cleaning

Use With: Narrow headband mop heads

The metal connector on these threaded mop handles allows them to be used with screw-on style mop heads. Threaded mop handles aren't just efficient – they're also built to last. The threaded metal handle provides a secure attachment without the bulk, making it a durable option for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Consider a threaded metal handle for its quick mop head changes and long-lasting durability.

Advantages: Secure grip, light-weight but suitable for heavy-duty cleaning

Use With: Screw-on mop heads

Hook-and-loop mops, also called flat mops, consist of a long frame that can be paired with a fastening pad or hook-and-loop pad. These mops can be used for wet and dry mppig applications. It's easy to remove a mop pad from this type of frame when you're done mopping, either to wash the pad or swap it out with a different pad. Hook-and-loop dry mops are highly effective at picking up dirt and debris from floors. The flat design of the mop head allows it to easily glide over surfaces and reach tight corners and crevices, ensuring that floors are thoroughly cleaned.

Advantages: Flat design covers large areas, easy to remove pads

Use With: Hook and loop pads, fastening pads

Microfiber mops are a popular choice for commercial cleaning due to their superior cleaning abilities in wet and dry applications. The microfiber material is densely packed with fibers, which effectively removes bacteria and other contaminants from any non-porous surface. This makes microfiber pads an ideal choice for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in commercial spaces such as hospitals, restaurants, and offices.

Advantages: Lint-free, works on non-porous surfaces, long-lasting

Use With: Hook-and-loop frames

Made from powder-coated metal, these wire mop frames are built to withstand heavy use without bending or warping. Use this type of dry mop frame in high-traffic areas like lobbies, hallways, and other spaces that require frequent cleaning. Wire mop heads are also designed to work with a swivel snap handle, which allows for easy maneuverability and control when cleaning. This makes wire mops suitable for use in tight spaces or areas with obstacles that require precise movement and control.

Advantages: Easy to maneuver around corners, durable material won't bend

Use With: Pocket dust mop pads, swivel snap handles

One of the main advantages of cotton wet/dry mops is their cost-effectiveness. They are disposable, which means they are simple to use and easy to replace. This makes them a great option for businesses that need to keep their cleaning costs low. In addition to being economical, cotton dry mops are also incredibly efficient at cleaning up dust and other debris. The natural cotton fibers quickly and easily attract and whisk away dust, leaving floors and surfaces looking clean and polished. Use cotton mop pads for wet and dry applications.

Advantages: Economical, disposable, 100% cotton

Use With: Wire mop frame