Sanitation & Janitorial

Wet Mop Basics

April 23, 2014

Nelson-Jameson Inc.

Welcome to our exploration of wet mops for cleaning and maintenance, brought to you by Nelson-Jameson. This comprehensive guide sheds light on different yarn materials, such as Cotton, known for its absorption and cost-effectiveness, and Rayon, prized for quick absorption and resistance to mildew. Discover the advantages of Cotton/Synthetic Blend, a harmonious fusion of performance and durability. The guide also delves into the distinction between Cut-End and Looped-End Mops, offering valuable insights into their characteristics, cost considerations, and longevity. Whether you're looking to understand the nuances of yarn materials or seeking guidance on mop types, our mop buying guide equips you with essential knowledge. Additionally, explore care and maintenance tips for maximizing the lifespan of your mop heads, and learn about the benefits of Color-Coded Mops in preventing cross-contamination. Enhance your understanding of yarn varieties and elevate your cleaning practices with Nelson-Jameson's expertise.

Yarn Varieties

Cotton: Good absorption and retention with limited shrinkage and a low initial cost. Requires a "break-in" period to remove natural oil and gain full absorbency of mop. Slow drying yarn promotes mildew and deterioration. Lints.

Rayon: Absorbs quickly with easy release, however has low water retention making it less effective for general cleaning. Dries fast and is mildew resistant. Cleaner yarn with less linting. Used primarily in special applications such as floor finishing.

Cotton/Synthetic Blend: Combines high performance with long product life. Cotton fibers provide high water absorption and retention for effective floor drying. Synthetic fibers provide maximum water pick up and strength for increased product life. No "break-in" required.

Cut-End vs. Looped-End Mops

Cut-End Mops

Most popular, with lower purchase prices and perceived to be more economical. However, because cut-end mops cannot be laundered they are often thrown away before their lifespan is complete, making their ultimate cost higher. They can fray and unravel with use and have a tendency to leave behind loose strands and lint.

Looped-End Mops

Offers a more superior performance and lasts longer than cut-end style mops. Prevents fraying and unraveling, resulting in reduced labor costs and lower replacement cost. Can be laundered. With proper laundering, mop will last 8 to 10 months longer than cut-end mops.

Care and Keeping

Break-in new mop heads in warm, mild detergent solution for at least twenty minutes.
Avoid scrubbing with the top portion of mop. This tends to tear strands and shorten mop life.
Avoid strong cleaning solutions (lye, bleach, caustics, etc.) They will break strands far more quickly.
When mopping a rough surface, mop in a direction that minimizes snagging. If possible, reserve one particular mop for these surfaces.
Cut off any loose strands to prevent snagging and splattering.
Thoroughly rinse and wring out mops after each use.
Store mops, strands hanging down, in a warm, dry, well-circulated area.
Discard and replace worn out mop heads. Lost strands decrease mops ability to perform. If a mop is only 75% of its original weight, it will take 1/3 additional time to get the job done.

SHOP MOPS & ACCESSORIES

Color-Coded Mops

Many of our wet mops are available in color-coded options to help prevent cross-contamination in your plant. To learn more, download a copy of our Color-Coded Catalog today.