How to choose a mop

Mops have existed for thousands of years, yet there are styles and materials available now that improve mop performance and add convenience. However, each mop styles is best suited for different tasks. Using the right mop for the job increases productivity and product performance. Which mop is right for you depends on a few factors. How large is the area you need to mop? Do you need to apply products to your floors? How often do you need to mop your floors? OnTimeSupplies.com shows you the advantages of a variety of mop styles so you can choose the right mop for your maintenance tasks.

The three most common mop styles are flat mops, sponge mops and traditional mops.
Each style has advantages and limitations.

Flat Mops Flat mops use a replaceable cloth attached to a flat mop head for cleaning, often with a built-in spray for water/detergent in the mop head. They use less water and are far more hygienic than traditional mop heads. However, they are less versatile than traditional mops, and you may have to uses several cloths to clean a large area.  Furthermore, replacing the cloths is an ongoing expense, so they are best for light cleaning in small rooms with smooth floors

Sponge Mops Sponge mops can handle larger areas than flat mops, but they aren't as efficient as traditional mops. Sponge mops also last longer than flat mops, but they do wear out, so we recommend choosing a sponge mop with a removable head for easy, more economical replacement.

Traditional Mops

Traditional mops are the most versatile, resilient models. However, traditional mops do have their drawbacks -- they are often slow to dry and can harbor bacteria if not cared for properly. They also smell bad when put away wet.  Wringing the mops out by hand can be difficult, so we recommend using a bucket with a wringer. Still, nothing beats the traditional mop in efficiency and cleaning ability. Traditional mops are available in a range of styles and yarn fibers. Both impact performance.

Traditional Mop Styles

Loop Mops Least linting and shedding

Cut Mops Least expensive but shortest life span

Tailband Mops Best floor coverage for quicker job

Traditional Mop Yarn Fibers

Acrylic and polyester Best for stripping and applying finish

Rayon and cotton Best for cleaning and picking up spills

Once you've chosen the right mop head, then you can choose your mop handle. Since you'll need to regularly launder, and eventually replace, your mop head, choose a handle style that allows for easy removal of mop heads.