Choosing The Right Microfiber Mop

Of course there are still many venues that may require the traditional dust mop system instead of vacuuming. Microfiber flat mops can make a real difference in cleaning productivity. Areas that tend to accommodate traditional dust mops include long hallways, large open foyers, gym floors and grocery stores where productivity can be enhanced by using a large surface system.  

The traditional dust mop is made of a looped cotton head stretched over a 12-inch to 48-inch frame (although larger frames are available), treated with a water based or an oil based – sometimes high VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) oil based product and pushed back and forth until it was shaken at the end of the run.  Some people believe in regular laundering while others claim that once the dust mop has been “treated and seasoned” it becomes a dust magnet and is much more effective than a newly laundered mop head. This debate may not have a final answer today. The final judgment should be based on effectiveness in utilizing the dust mop to capture soils before they are ground into the floor finish or carpet.

The benefit of having larger dust mops allows a person to perform a task in reduced time. For instance, a if it takes one hour to dust mop an area with a 24-inch mop head, a worker could accomplish the same task in 30 minutes with a 48 inch head. Consider whether you are dust mopping a large unobstructed room (example: gym floor), a long wide hallway or a congested area that will not allow a large dust mop to be used.

There are variations of microfiber mop heads. An advantage of a pre-moistened microfiber mop system is that it attracts and picks up dust and soils without need for an oil-based product. Since the mops are wrung out in a double bucket system and laundered often, the floors are actually touched by cleaner solution and clean mop heads.  One smart thinking individual applied two 24-inch flat mops to a 48 inch frame and claims to have great success with reducing two steps to one since the pre-moistened flat mops function as dust catchers and damp mops at the same time. If this process works for you, floor time could be cut in half in many areas freeing up workers for other tasks.

We will look further into microfiber systems in future articles.  Your comments and questions are always welcome.  I hope to hear from you soon.  Until then, keep it clean….

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.