Buying guide for Best dust mops
If you’re still using an old-fashioned broom to clean your hardwood and tile floors, it may be time to try a dust mop. Quick and efficient, modern dust mops come in a variety of materials engineered to have more surface area and fibers to grab small particles and debris. They can even pick up germs.
However, there are many models, brands, and styles to choose from, and each offers slightly different features to help make your dust mop a favorite tool. Do you want a mop head with synthetic or natural fibers? Will you need a telescoping handle for hard-to-reach areas? Do you prefer a reusable mop head over a disposable one?
Key considerations
Mop head materials
Natural fibers: The two top choices for natural-fiber mops are cotton and wool. Both have been around for generations and do a decent job, but they have some drawbacks when compared to their manufactured-fiber competitors.
Cotton is a traditional choice for mops. While you may think of this only as an option for a wet-mop, it can also be a reliable material for dusting. A lot of industrial dust mops are cotton. They are efficient and inexpensive, and you can throw them in a hot-water washer for a good cleaning. But cotton can wear out more quickly than other materials — particularly if not cared for properly.
Wool is another natural choice with great pick-up power. The wooly fibers do a good job of holding the debris inside until you shake it out. Additional bonus: the natural wool does not require any extra cleaners, because it has a natural oil in it. However, they are more expensive than other mops and are harder to wash.
Manufactured fibers: The manufactured-fiber mops available make dust-mopping almost seem like a miracle. The advantage is that they can work without cleaning products and can even pick up bacteria with just a swipe. They are relatively inexpensive and hold up well over time. The disadvantage of some of these products is that they are manufactured with petroleum products, which can break down in your washer, lowering your carbon footprint.
Microfiber is a special form of polyester (or a combination of polyester and nylon manufactured with very thin fibers) that traps very small particles and holds onto them. They have an electrostatic property, which also makes microfiber a very effective material for dusting. This material can also pick up microscopic matter, including bacteria. While microfiber mops can be cleaned in the washing machine, using fabric softener can ruin them.
Synthetic and mixed fibers are common dry- and wet-mop materials in industrial settings. Like microfiber, the mixed fibers also build a static charge. But they do have some advantages over microfiber: they are more durable, less expensive, and easier to wash.
Disposable mop heads are popular for their convenience. They also work primarily by picking up dust using a static charge. The main disadvantages are the waste and the ongoing expense of replacing mop heads.
Size
When you are considering what you need to clean with your dust mop, you should look at the length and width of the mop head and the length of the handle.
Mop head dimensions: Most dust mop heads have a flat rectangular shape. The advantage of this style is that it can cover a wide area quickly. This style also allows you to dust underneath furniture and chairs. Industrial mop heads come extra long and are usually too large for most households (common sizes are 24, 36, and 48 inches long and 5 inches wide). Good household dust mops are much smaller and will be easier to store. Household dust mops are usually 15 to 18 inches long and between 2 to 5 inches wide.
Handle length: A handle can vary from about 40 to nearly 70 inches. Most have a length that runs between 50 to 60 inches. Those extra inches might not seem like a big deal but can make a difference in the comfort and efficiency of your mop, offering a longer reach if you are trying to clean underneath furniture. A smart choice is a telescoping handle, which will allow you to adjust the length to your preference.
Expert Tip
Before choosing a dust mop, be sure that the dust head is the appropriate size for your home.
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Cleaning your mop head
While you can shake a good amount of dust and debris out of the fibers of your dust mop after each use, they do need to be washed occasionally. Unless you are going disposable, the most convenient way to clean a mop head is in the washing machine. This is possible with many dry mop heads. The laundry detergent you use should be mild. The water temperature should not be hot, and the dryer should be on a low-heat setting. However, some materials, such as wool, must be hand-washed only and drip-dried.
Features
Mop-handle extras
Double-sided mops
Some microfiber dust mops offer a double-sided mop head. These dust mops will have a flatter fibered side for dusting only and a soft looped or stringed side for grabbing and holding larger debris. The advantage of these mops is that they can pull double-duty as a wet mop. But keep in mind, if you wet-mop, you will need to clean and completely dry your mop head before you use it as a duster again.
Extra mop heads
When your dust mop gets dirty and needs to be laundered, you may not have time to completely dry it before the next day’s dusting is needed. Choose a model that comes with an extra mop head, or order an extra mop head to stay on top of your cleaning schedule.
Expert TIp
Dust mops are also great for removing dust from the walls.
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Dust mop prices
Inexpensive
A dust mop does not have to be an expensive item. For about $20, you should be able to find one with a basic handle and a decent microfiber head that will likely be on the small side.
Mid-range
For around $30, you will find industrial-style mops. In addition to being very durable, these mops should be able to fit with several different types of mop heads, including cotton or microfiber.
Expensive
For about $40 to $50, you’ll find a mop with all the features you would want, such as telescoping or bent handles and large mop heads. Wool mops are also available in this price range.
Expert TIp
Shaking out your dust mop head after each use will help your dust mop last for a long time.
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Tips
Do not mix your mop heads. For wet mopping, purchase a second mop or at least a second mop head.
Dust mops can be periodically washed, but they should be dried thoroughly before you use them again.
While dust mops will pick up and hold many particles from your floor, you will still want to keep a dustpan and brush handy for excess dirt and debris.
- Dark hardwood floors are beautiful, but they can show dust easily. For quick daily cleaning, a microfiber mop is very helpful.
FAQ
Q. How many times can I use my dust mop before having to clean the head?
A. You should be able to shake out much of the dust in your mop head after each cleaning. You can also use the tube attachment of your vacuum to free the mop of dust and debris. When the mop head looks dirty, it is time to wash it.
Q. Can I use the same dust mop on my hardwood floors as my tile?
A. The general answer to this question is yes. You would want to choose a different type of wet mop for your tile than your hardwood floors, because hardwoods could be damaged by too much water. However, dry mops should be safe for any hard surface.
Q. Can my mop use a different mop head than the one that came with it?
A. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you get a good industrial-style mop handle, you will be able to find a wide variety of mop heads available on the market. Just double-check the size to make sure it will fit your handle and frame. On the other hand, you will have a more difficult time swapping out the heads with many home-use dust mops. They may have a Velcro system or another kind of proprietary locking system, which makes it impossible to change brands.
