Considerations When Selecting Mopping Handles

As cleaning professionals, we have all used various mop handles throughout our careers. Some of them we’ve liked, and others, not so much.

There can be various reasons for liking or disliking a particular wet mop handle. Things to consider include weight, size of handle and especially the attachment feature. You can usually get them in wooden, fiberglass, or metal (coated and uncoated), which can also impact product preferences.

Before purchasing mopping handles, facility cleaning managers should consider the following pointers on just some of the options available on the market today:

The Thread-Through Handle
These units can be very time consuming in that they can be challenging to thread a 24- to 32-ounce mop head through the two bars that are then closed using a twisting nut or other process to keep it tight when in use. Some units do have a breakaway feature that makes this much more doable, but can still be quite messy.

The Metal Clip Handle
These units have a springy, metal clip that can be opened to attach a wet mop head. This handle can be quite fast in swapping out heads, if you only have one or two handles in a job that requires you to swap them during mopping procedures. The weakness of these units is that some mop heads simply will not stay locked in place and, over time, the metal becomes fatigued. This results in eventual failure, which means the entire mop handle is of no value.

The Alligator Clip Handle
This is a variation of the prior unit, but it features plastic jaws with teeth that help hold the mop head in place. It is loosened and tightened by a twist lock on the handle. Although it may take a little longer than the Metal Clip Handle, I prefer it since it tends to last longer and has a better grip.

Managers must remember to consider not only the cost of the mop handle and the mop head, but also the cost of labor that could be lost or saved based on the products used. 

CHARLES “MICKEY” CROWE is a trainer, speaker and consultant that has been involved in the cleaning industry for over 35 years. He writes daily tips about cleaning trends and challenges at www.CleanLink.com/CleanLinkMinute.