Not all floors are created equal and different types of flooring require a different level of care. Knowing the kind of floor you have and how different types of mops work will help you make a good choice. Here are some floor types and the best choice of mop for each one.
Hardwood and Laminate
Hardwood floors are made of natural wood. Laminate floors are made of three heat and pressure-treated layers. The bottom layer is a waterproof material. The middle layer is a core made of wood composite. The top layer is the decorative pattern, which is treated with a surface coating to give it durability. Both hardwood and laminate floors cannot handle high amounts of moisture. Moisture can cause both to swell, which can damage to your flooring. The best type of cleaning mops for this flooring is a flat head mop. These mops usually have a reservoir for a cleaning solution. A small amount of liquid can be sprayed on the floor, then immediately soaked up by the flat head mop.
Linoleum and Vinyl
Linoleum and vinyl are extremely durable flooring materials often used in kitchens and bathrooms. This type of flooring is typically glued down which gives it a high degree of water resistance. Since this flooring is so water-resistant, a sponge mop or string mop are both great options for cleaning it. A sponge mop has a head made of sponge and usually comes equipped with a way to wring out the sponge. A string mop is a traditional mop with multiple strings of cotton attached to its head. Both types of mop need to be wrung out, but linoleum and vinyl can handle excess moisture is present.
Tile, Slate and Stone
Tile, slate and stone floors are tough; literally. This type of flooring is often coarser and rougher to touch. Due to their texture, flat head mops don’t work well as they will get caught on the coarse surface. Similarly, sponge mops aren’t a great choice as the sponge will be destroyed when it is passed over the rough material. The best choice for this type of flooring is a string mop. String mops are tough and can endure the rigors of cleaning such abrasive surfaces.
All Floor Types
For a general, all-purpose mop, consider a microfiber string mop. They have the durability of a string mop, but the gentleness of a flat head mop. For general touch-ups to your flooring, use a dry mop. These are great for cleaning up small spills and dirty footprints.
When you pick your mop, be sure you know your floors. Use this guide to pick the best mop for your home.
5 Comments
Now I know which ones to buy for my floors. Thanks a bunch!
I love using microfiber string mop!!! Thanks for sharing this!
There’s no doubt that selecting the right mop is the first step to keeping the floors neat. Thank you for sharing.
These are some great tips! And you’ve got it right; it makes a massive difference. Choosing the right technic can be pretty tricky, but this guide made it a lot simpler! Thank you so much for writing; this was helpful!
You nailed it! Laura.
We have laminate floors in our living room and I only use a microfiber dust mop to keep them neat and shiny.
Nowadays, I’m more worried about keeping them sanitized and looking for safe ways to deep clean them. I have come across the idea of using the steam mop. However, there are so many contrasting views on using them on laminate.
What do you think?
Would appreciate your thought.
Thanks,
Alex