Mops may seem like the most basic device in your home, but there are quite a few mop types to choose from. In fact, there are 11 mop types that can be useful for your home, but they have different pros, cons, and specs.
Keep reading to learn about these mop types and whether they are right for your kitchen.
Mop Type | Best For |
Cut-end mop | Home uses; wet-safe floors; budget-friendly |
Looped-end mop | Commercial purposes |
Strip mop | Home uses; wet-safe floors |
Sponge mop | Home uses; wet-safe floors |
Microfiber mop | Home uses; all floors |
Flat mop | Home uses; all floors |
Spin mop | Home uses; wet-safe floors; individuals who need help wringing out the mop |
Brush mop | Home or commercial uses; wet-safe floors |
Steam mop | Home or commercial uses; all floors; expensive |
Robot mop | Home or commercial uses; all floors; expensive |
Dust mop | Home uses; all floors |
Table of Contents
1. Cut-End Mop
Cut-end mops are the most basic type of mop. They are incredibly inexpensive and can be found at nearly any cleaning store. These mops do a great job of cleaning up small messes and generally come with a big bucket for the suds.
The downside of the cut-end mop is that it isn’t very durable. Because of its open-end design, it breaks relatively easily, especially if you use it frequently and use it with a lot of force. Most homes have to buy cut-end mops once every year. Another downside of this mop is that it is difficult to clean.
2. Looped-End Mop
The looped-end mop is similar to the cut-end mop. The main difference of this mop type is that it is more absorbent due to the looped nature of the strings. Looped-end mops are a favorite among janitors because they are perfect for big jobs. It is even machine washable!
Even though the looped-end mop is a highly effective mop, most families don’t need anything this heavy-duty. Because it is so large and effective, it is best for commercial uses or areas that see heavy messes frequently.
3. Strip Mop
The strip mop, sometimes called the rag mop, is named after the strips of rag that make up the mop head. In many ways, the style of the strip mop is much like the cut-end or looped-end mops. Because of their design, they are very affordable.
The problem with strip mops is that you can buy them for very cheap, but these cheap models often are not very effective. The trick is finding a strip mop with highly effective and durable strips on the head. If you find a mop of this type, it will likely do a great job at keeping your kitchen clean.
4. Sponge Mop
One of the most convenient mops for home usage is the sponge mop. It is great for small spills and accidents, but it can also be used all over your kitchen. It is easy to use, affordable, and straightforward. If you are looking for a basic but effective kitchen mop, the sponge mop may be for you.
Because of the sponge head, sponge mops are great at absorbing liquid. At the same time, the sponge end makes it easy to scrub up individual messes and spots. When the sponge gets gross, you can simply throw it away and replace it, helping you save money in the long run.
The only downside of sponge mops is that they aren’t quite as effective for large jobs and commercial purposes.
5. Microfiber Mop
Microfiber mops are a favorite in many kitchens due to their convenience. They have a flat head that is covered in a microfiber cloth which is super easy to remove and toss in the washer for cleaning. They also are easy for spotting individual messes an getting the job done in homes.
Microfiber mops are not frequently used for commercial purposes because they aren’t as absorbent as the options above. Additionally, they are a bit more difficult to scrub with, but microfiber mops make a perfect everyday mop for regular kitchens.
6. Flat Mop
The flat mop is similar to the microfiber mop in that the head is flat and has a fabric at the bottom that can sometimes be tossed in the washer. The benefit of this mop type is that it allows you to clean up your kitchen without using too much water. This makes a flat mop perfect for hardwood and other similar floors.
Of course, the fact that the flat mop does not use as much water can be a downside in some scenarios. For example, those who need an incredibly absorbent mop for heavy-duty messes will not be pleased with the flat mop.
7. Spin Mop
The spin mop works just like any other mop. The main difference is that it comes with a spin function so that you can wring out the mop easily. Because of the spin function, spin mops are great for individuals who don’t have a lot of arm muscle for wringing out mops but still need a heavy-duty mop.
8. Brush Mop
If you need an affordable way to really get all the grime up from the floor, a brush mop is for you. Brush mops are designed so they can be vigorously scrubbed against the floor and lift up all mud and sticky spills. When you use a brush mop with a traditional mop, your kitchen floors will never be dirty again.
9. Steam Mop
The steam mop is one of the most expensive products on this list, but it is great for removing stains from the floor. This mop is different from other models because it specifically uses steam to remove all built-up grime, not loose water and soap.
This is helpful for extra dirty floors, but it might be too expensive for some families.
10. Robot Mop
The robot mob is another expensive model. It will mop for you when you are not at home. It isn’t quite as effective as the traditional mopping method, but it is a great way to ensure your home always looks clean and ready for guests.
11. Dust Mop
Finally, the last mop on our list is the dust mop. This mop is a bit different from the others in that it is not a wet mop. This mop is used dry to remove any dust or loose dirt from the ground.
A dust mop is a good choice for hardwood floors and other similar smooth surfaces where brooms don’t quite pick up all of the debris.
Resources
- https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-mops/
- https://ohsospotless.com/types-of-mops/