Velcro Mop Backings Expected To Stick Around

With the move to microfiber, Velcro mop backings are gaining popularity for their convenience and versatility.

“Now you can have one dust mop frame with Velcro strips that you can either adhere a dust mop to or in some cases a damp or wet mop,” says Franiak.

More traditional backings, such as snaps, ties and slot pockets, often accompany traditional cotton or synthetic dust mops — but distributors agree that the type of backing is most often a matter of personal preference.

Barrett Supplies and Equipment offers a sleeve type backing with ties in response to customer preference.

“Occasionally we get somebody that wants snaps or full ties, but historically we do what we’ve always done,” says Simerly. “Our choice of mops is dictated by our choice of frames. We’ve consistently offered a standard wire frame with a snap-on handle, and we want to make something that’s convenient. That’s why the half sleeve with the ties is popular.”

While Kramer agrees that the choice of backing is usually driven by mop type and personal preference, he admits that he favors ties for certain applications.
“When you’re pushing a dust mop the drag on the floor can reposition the head onto the frame and cause the edge to roll up underneath,” he explains. “With a firmly tied dust mop you don’t have that problem.”

Finding a dust mop that matches a facility’s needs can be challenging, but distributors can take the guesswork out of this important purchasing decision.

“Dust mops are one of the most used tools in the industry,” says Kramer. “When we look at bids we’ll see one school or facility has cut ends, the other doesn’t. It’s what they believe in for them. But we also attempt to upgrade a customer to improve the quality of their work.”

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte, N.C. She is a frequent contributor to Sanitary Maintenance.