What mop for cleaning floors is better: the main types, characteristics, pros and cons

But just recently, the housewives didn’t have a headache on the topic “how to wash the floor of the house”: there was a stick-on-stick mop and their own hands. Today in stores you can get confused by the abundance of designs. And after all, each has its own purpose, features of application and care, additional options. Mops are selected not only "for the hostess", but also for the type of flooring. How not to get confused in this variety and make a really useful purchase?

Progress does not stand still. And the cleaning equipment, he also did not pass by. Today, to get a perfectly clean floor, you don’t even have to bend over and touch the rag with your hands, which is important for older people and children. There are models that allow you to disinfect any surface without the use of "chemistry". This is especially important for allergy sufferers. The following types of floor mops are available:

1. T-shaped mop;
2. mop brush;
3. mop with sponge nozzle;
4. rope mop;
5. butterfly mop;
6. mop flounder;
7. electric mop;
8. Steam Mop.

We select "for yourself"

Each species has its own advantages and disadvantages. And each housewife will choose a tool for their requirements and wallet. And the housewives have different needs: 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 a fight with hair - 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 indispensable assistant? Here are the key points to consider before buying.

• Handle material. Do not buy a plastic mop. She will not last long. The reliable handle is made of metal or metal plastic.
• Ergonomic design. The handle should lie comfortably in your hand and be adjusted to suit your height. If the platform is swivel, move it across the floor in different directions, feel: is it obedient, does the mop crawl under the furniture and how does it fit into the corners. Does the mop have a squeeze mechanism? Where is it located and is it convenient for you to use?
• 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 to dryness and does not spoil the laminate or parquet, and the third will handle the most “insidious” places on the carpet or vinyl flooring.
• Reliability. Evaluate the ways of fixing the handle to the platform, the folding mechanism of the "butterflies" and the spin, if any. They should not be "flimsy." If at least one “weak link” is discovered, it is there that the mop will break. And quite quickly.

Mops: what and why

We should also dwell on what type of coating the various nozzles are intended for. Actually, the term "mop" and means a removable nozzle, which is worn on the platform. Mops are made from natural, synthetic or mixed fabrics.

• Sponge. It collects dust and wool well from any surface.It’s also convenient for her to quickly wipe up spilled liquid. However, such a nozzle is not squeezed dry, it can leave stains and some water on the floor. Accordingly, it is not suitable for laminate, wooden floors and parquet. But on linoleum, tile and vinyl coating 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. Recommended for linoleum, tile, vinyl. Machine washable.
• Synthetics and mixed fabrics. Absorb well and give away moisture. That means they are wrung out to dryness. Therefore, it is recommended for wood, parquet, laminate. And they collect dust and wool well. But synthetics do not tolerate high temperatures.
• Microfiber. Perhaps the most practical material. Such a nozzle and garbage will collect, and the parquet will not spoil. Suitable for any type of coating. But washing in a typewriter is not recommended.

Modern mops for mopping with a photo: how to choose the best

If we consider each type of mop in more detail, then we can definitely say: universal does not exist. And look at all kinds of ratings is not worth it, because what is good for one hostess is completely useless for another. But to buy a mop “at random” is only to throw money away. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of designs. See how to use simple models and a professional mop at home. Compare prices. (In the article, they are indicated according to the data for July 2017).

T-shaped

Familiar to everyone since childhood, the "Soviet" design. She’s a “lazy mop.”
It consists of a long wooden handle and a cross bar at the end, on which the rag itself is wound. The crossbar can be made of wood, or maybe metal with a rag mechanism. It costs from 35 rubles. A wooden mop is the simplest possible construction. But she also has a number of positive qualities and can compete with "tricked out" models.

Pros:

• a long base that allows you to wash inaccessible places;
• durable wooden handle;
• low price.

Minuses:

• handle length is not adjustable;
• the rag needs to be wrung out by hands;
• the mop is maneuverable, bulky.

How to use

1. Wet and wring the rag.
2. Wind on the base of the mop.
3. Collect dirt from the floor.
4. Rinse the rag.
5. Repeat until you wash the entire coating.

Brush

Option for dry cleaning. A long brush is attached to the unregulated handle. By functionality - a broom with a long stick. Suitable for dry cleaning.
As a variety - a rubber mop. It differs only in bristle material. Here, the villi are silicone. But this does not affect the quality of cleaning, in terms of efficiency it is approximately equal to a conventional mop brush. Cost - from 250 rubles

Pros:

• well sweeps dust and debris from corners, from under furniture, collects cobwebs;
• if you wet the bristles, it will collect wool from the rugs and upholstery;
• low price.

Minuses:

• low functionality;
• low maneuverability;
• bulkiness.

How to use

1. Lightly wet.
2. Like an ordinary broom, walk through contaminated areas.
3. Collect garbage in the dustpan.
4. Rinse after use.

With sponge nozzle

This mop has a telescopic handle. A platform for the nozzle is attached to it. The nozzle itself is spongy, more often made of foam rubber, may take the form of a round roller, oval or rectangular. There is a mechanism for spinning. For a small apartment with linoleum coating, perhaps the best option. Such a mop costs - from 420 rubles.

Pros:

• good quality cleaning;
• easily collects wool from floors, carpets and furniture;
• reasonable price of the mop itself and interchangeable nozzles;
• telescopic handle;
• compactness;
• the presence of the squeezing mechanism.

Minuses:

• the sponge breaks quickly;
• may leave stains;
• can not be used on wooden floors, parquet, laminate;
• the nozzle does not fit in a round bucket;
• does not creep under furniture;
• non-maneuverable.

How to use

1. Before use, you need to soak the nozzle in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Squeeze the sponge using the mechanism.
3. Pick up trash.
4. Rinse nozzle and squeeze again.

Rope

A round base with a rope attachment is attached to the telescopic handle. In the people - “mop-Cinderella” or just “noodles”. Depending on the model, the ropes may be longer or shorter. As a variety - a ribbon mop.

This design is more common with a mop made of cotton, less often - from mixed fabrics. The nozzle itself can be assembled from ropes or ribbons 30-45 cm long. Almost always, such a mop comes with a bucket for pressing and rinsing. There are buckets on wheels. The push-up section looks like a plastic container with slots. A nozzle is lowered into it, which must be rotated, thus squeezing. You should not buy a rope mop if you have a floor covering from a laminate, a parquet, a tree or a tile. The cost of such an assistant can vary from 400 to 2000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and additional accessories in the kit.

Pros:

• telescopic handle;
• the nozzle can be machine washed;
• easy to dry;
• there is a bucket with an extraction;
• gets to hard-to-reach places;
• collects dust and garbage well.

Minuses:

• may leave stains;
• not suitable for all types of coating;
• fragile squeezing compartment;
• poorly collects wool.

How to use

1. Moisten the nozzle.
2. Wipe the floor area.
3. Rinse the mop in the rinse compartment.
4. Then place in the squeezer compartment and rotate the squeegee, squeezing moisture.

"Butterfly"

This mop is also on a telescopic handle. Its peculiarity is that the platform has a folding mechanism: when you click on a special lever, it folds in half. Hence the name “butterfly”. Depending on the manufacturer and price, the platform can rotate in different directions. You can use nozzles from various materials.

The mop is most often made of microfiber or mixed fabric. Such a mop with a microfiber nozzle collects garbage, wool, dust well, does not pass corners and easily crawls under furniture. It also does not leave excess moisture on the floor, which means it is suitable for any type of coating. The price here depends on the material of the handle, the reliability of the mounting platform and the folding mechanism itself. On average - 1200 rubles.

Pros:

• adjustable handle;
• microfiber mop;
• maneuverable;
• good quality cleaning;
• suitable for any floor covering;
• easy to clean and dry;
• the nozzle is wear resistant.

Minuses:

• there is not always a spin mechanism and the nozzle needs to be moistened manually;
• the price may be too high;
• for cheap models, the folding mechanism breaks quickly.

How to use

1. Humidify the nozzle.
2. Put it on a folded platform.
3. Unfold the platform.
4. Wash the floor.
5. Fold the platform and remove the nozzle.
6. Rinse, wring and put on the mop again.

Flounder

The basis of such a mop is the usual “butterfly”. That is, the mechanism of putting on a mop is the same - the platform folds in half and the nozzle is put on folded "wings", like a cover.But then the fun begins. Each element has many variations and sizes. You can choose the platform size you need, choose a nozzle that suits your needs, or even buy a set of mops for different purposes. Mop-flounder is already a professional tool used by cleaning companies. There is a self-pushing flunder. There are models with integrated water spray. And the prices, of course, are appropriate - they reach 4,000-5,000 rubles.

Pros:

• durable metal telescopic handle;
• reliable hinge and folding mechanism;
• high-quality mounting of the mop to the platform;
• You can choose the size of the platform;
• wide selection of nozzle options;
• suitable for any floor covering;
• in addition to the floor, you can wash vertical surfaces: walls, windows, shutters;
• nozzles are not afraid of machine wash;
• maneuverability;
• You can choose a model with a squeezing mechanism;
• high quality cleaning.

Minuses:

• high price.

How to use

1. Put the wet mop on a folded platform.
2. To process a site of a floor.
3. Fold the platform and remove the nozzle (if there is no squeezing mechanism).
4. Rinse, squeeze and put the mop on the folded “butterfly” again.

Electric mop

It is rather an electric broom and is suitable for dry cleaning. By the principle of action it resembles a vacuum cleaner. The ideal tool for carpeting. Some models have a steam cleaning function. It can work both from a network, and on the battery. The second option has an additional stand, it is also a charging station. The wireless electric model is convenient in operation: no need to mess around with the cord, it does not interfere underfoot during the cleaning process and does not restrict movement. Cost - from 4000 rubles.

When choosing a model, pay attention to the following points.

• Is there a trash suction function. There are models that simply brush the hair and garbage into a container with a turbo brush, and there are those that suck everything around them like a vacuum cleaner.
• Is there a built-in handheld vacuum cleaner. Some models have a removable manual vacuum cleaner on the handle. Small but convenient to quickly collect the scattered debris, crumbs, walk around the car.
• Is there a cleaning mechanism for the turbo brush. For example, models of the Electrolux brand have a knife built into the platform. It is enough to press the button and it will cut the hair wound on the brush, and then suck it into the container. This eliminates the unpleasant need to clean the brush by hand.
• Model weight. Here you need to really assess your physical capabilities. In the bulk, such devices are compact and do not weigh much, but after all, we are all different: what is easy for one is unbearable burden for the other. Bring the attractive model to the store, try moving it in different directions for five to seven minutes. Are you comfortable and your hand does not hurt? So, withstand the weight with a full tank.
• Steam supply power. Provided that there is such a function. Here you need to consider the type of flooring. Excessive steam blows can ruin a laminate, parquet or wooden floor. For linoleum, tile, vinyl, it is not terrible.

Pros:

• mobility;
• compactness;
• maneuverability;
• functionality;
• combination of dry and wet cleaning (if there is a steam function);
• collects hair, garbage, wool well;
• cleans and disinfects carpets and upholstered furniture with textile upholstery;
• can clean walls, ceilings, windows.

Minuses:

• high price;
• scale formation, which can ruin the device (if there is a steam function);
• if there is no steam function, limited cleaning options.

How to use

1. Connect to the network or press the foot switch if the device is rechargeable.
2. Moving the device back and forth to treat contaminated areas.
3. Turn off the appliance.
4. Remove and clean the dirt tank.

Steam

In fact, it is a small steam generator with various nozzles. There are triangular models that rotate 180 degrees.The main "trick" is the ability to destroy bacteria without aggressive "chemistry" on any surface. This appliance is designed exclusively for wet cleaning. A steam mop can climb into hard-to-reach places, wash the floor, carpet, and double-glazed windows, and the bathroom, and even a gas stove from grease. At least that's what advertising promises us. But how really?

To meet your expectations, you need to approach the choice of the device quite soberly. Firstly, the models that are sold in all kinds of television stores, in the vast majority - fakes. Customer reviews are often negative: the devices will not work for a long time, and returning goods and money is problematic and not always realistic. Perhaps there are decent sellers with quality goods, but are you lucky? Secondly, in order not to be disappointed, do not expect a miracle. The thing, of course, is good and useful, but it will not do all the work for you. The device is not able to remove old spots and dried dirt. Maximum - softens and you have to wipe off the remains of pollution manually. Thirdly, the device is more suitable for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the house, rather than for general cleaning and large areas. The volume of water is enough for only 15-30 minutes of work, depending on the volume of the tank, and then you need to cool the device, fill in the water, wait again until it heats up.

If you decide to buy, it is better to go to a household appliance store and choose a model from a trusted manufacturer, with a real guarantee and the possibility of returning goods. Get ready: the cost of the device is from 3,500 to 9,000 rubles.

Pros:

• disinfection without "chemistry";
• the ability to control steam power;
• suitable for any flooring;
• cleans carpets and upholstered furniture;
• collects animal hair well;
• washes any vertical surfaces, including windows;
• You can steam clothes and curtains;
• maneuverability;
• has nozzles for different purposes;
• high quality cleaning;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• often overpriced;
• dependence on the operation of the mains;
• electricity costs;
• heavy weight;
• cannot cope with old mud;
• steam can be burned;
• scale forms, which can ruin the device;
• nozzles quickly gain moisture and they have to be pressed manually;
• short time of continuous work;
• fakes are often sold.

How to use

• Pour water into the tank.
• Turn on the mop.
• Wait until the indicator lights up, indicating that the device has warmed up and is ready for use.
• Proceed to surface treatment.
• If the water has ended and the front of work is not yet complete, turn off the device and allow it to cool.
• Pour in water and repeat all steps again.

Which floor mop is best? Each hostess will answer this question in her own way. One thing is clear: the more clearly you define your needs and opportunities, the more nuances you consider before buying, the more chances are that you will get a thing that is really useful for yourself.

New Mop Reviews

I got a steam mop shark. Used so far a couple of times, but cool, I liked it. Water is recommended, of course, to pour distilled water, but I think that with kalgon, it may also work. No scams, the wire almost does not bother me. The child only has to isolate during cleaning. And so is the cleanliness and beauty in the apartment. I only wash the microfiber cloth after each cleaning (3 minutes with my hands - soap, shuffle a couple of times and rinse). Well, she does not collect garbage. Well, this is how someone copes with this. In general, I am still delighted. An excellent option for the lazy and for the felts =)

Lika, http://www.woman.ru/home/medley9/thread/4208802/

In my house there were just no mops. The first time I washed the floor with a wooden mop when I helped my grandmother, but it is still used in some families. Its minus is that the rag is rolling off the mop. Then I had a mop with a sponge nozzle, but it broke very quickly, the sponge came off, I had to change it often. Then I bought a butterfly mop and it just became a find for me. Firstly, it is very comfortable, secondly, it is squeezed easily and well, and thirdly, it perfectly eliminates dust and animal hair from the floor.

Alyona, http://www.colady.ru/7-vidov-shvabr-dlya-mytya-polov-kakaya-luchshe-i-kak-vybrat-pravilno.html

Hello everybody! Yesterday I bought a steam mop and I want to share my impression, but I have two of them. On the one hand, it really IS WASHING; in the kitchen, spots are washed off with a bang without effort, but there are also enough minuses. The most important thing is HEAVY, the average weight of a steam mop is about three kg, so having washed the whole house, I personally was left without a back. I don’t even imagine how to wash windows with such a weight in a bathroom or taps. The second minus is it is very inconvenient to change the washing nozzle, I have it from microfiber, during cleaning I have to remove and remove it several times and here's the problem again pull it wet on the mop and carefully fix it with Velcro. Another minus is the cord, which interferes. In general, the result, in my opinion, is that if there is money, then you can buy such a miracle of technology, but it’s definitely not worth saving up for something for the sake of this mop. It is much better to buy a push-up mop for 200 rubles, much more convenient.

Olga, http://www.woman.ru/home/medley9/thread/4208802/

Most of all, I like mops such as a flounder and a rectangular one with microfiber. Very comfortable and stable, well washed floor. I also tried other types of mops, but it's not that. But I do not forget about the usual mop with a rag, as everyone used to.

Mara305, http://mixfacts.ru/articles/shvabry-dlya-mytya-pola-kakaya-luchshe-i-udobnee-i-kak-vybrat

I tried mops with sponges and pasta. Yes, they are comfortable, but it's a hotbed of germs. It is still impossible to wash it humanly anyway, an unpleasant smell and dirt will remain. A simple wooden mop with a rag is the best for cleaning floors.

Catherine, http://sovets.net/6250-shvabra-dlya-mytya-pola.html