Buying guide for Best floor squeegees
While most households own a mop, sometimes you need a specialized tool to keep hard flooring clean. When dealing with spilled liquids, a floor squeegee is a helpful addition to your cleaning arsenal.
A floor squeegee resembles a window squeegee that is larger in size. Its primary function is to move or absorb liquid from the floor with a soft blade. In particular, it is highly effective at pushing water toward a drain to clear a floor. You can also use it to attain a streak-free shine.
Floor squeegees are suitable for most hard flooring surfaces, including concrete and asphalt. Commercial and residential models are available, with commercial-grade floor squeegees offering a larger size and enhanced durability. Size, blade material, and the nature of the handle and bristles can all affect your satisfaction with the tool.
Key considerations
Size
Floor squeegees come in several sizes. Commercial-grade models are typically larger, as they’re designed to clean large spaces with efficiency. Residential models are usually smaller to make cleaning hard-to-reach areas convenient.
- 13- to 18-inch-long squeegees work best for small areas like around a toilet or along floorboards.
- 22- to 24-inch-long squeegees are a good size option if a primary need is to push water toward a drain.
- 30- to 36-inch-long squeegees are the largest models and work well for big, open areas. Such squeegees can also move snow and ice on outdoor surfaces.
Blade material
The blade is the portion of the tool that contacts the floor and/or liquid. Rubber, foam, and neoprene are common blade materials.
Rubber
Rubber is an effective blade material for squeegees that are used daily to remove water, mud, and other debris from smooth flooring, such as tile or linoleum. Rubber isn’t likely to scuff or scratch floors, either.
Foam
Foam is an excellent choice when an absorbent squeegee is sought. Foam squeegees work well on textured flooring, such as a nonslip floor and grouted tile.
Neoprene
Durable neoprene is often found on commercial-grade floor squeegees. It resists grease and oil, making it ideal for use on kitchen and restaurant flooring.
Frame material
The frame is the portion of the squeegee that attaches the blade to the handle. Aluminum, plastic, and steel frames are available.
Aluminum
Aluminum frames are usually the most affordable. These frames are lightweight and easy to maneuver in tricky areas. Aluminum resists rust and corrosion.
Plastic
Plastic naturally resists rust and corrosion and is more flexible than aluminum, making it suitable for cleaning tight spots.
Steel
Steel frames are highly durable and often found on commercial-grade floor squeegees. Powder-coated steel frames resist corrosion.
Did You Know?
Many floor squeegees include a head and a handle. However, some include only the head, which requires you to purchase a compatible handle separately.
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Features
Handle
A floor squeegee handle should be made of a sturdy material that feels comfortable in the hand. Many models have plastic handles, though you can find others with wood, aluminum, or steel handles. Wood and steel are the most durable materials, but squeegees with plastic or aluminum handles are usually more affordable.
A handle with a molded grip is easier to hold. The grip is usually nonslip to promote security in the hand.
Some floor squeegee handles are adjustable in length to afford you precise control in various situations.
Frame style
Floor squeegees can have either a straight or curved frame. A straight frame is best for pushing large amounts of water across the floor and cleaning spacious areas. A curved frame makes it easier to control where the water goes and is more effective at absorbing water than straight models.
Bristles
In addition to a blade, some floor squeegees have foam or rubber bristles at the blade’s end. A model with bristles is usually more effective at removing debris or residue from a floor.
Wet/dry
Floor squeegees are usually meant for use on wet floors. However, some are also suitable for use on dry flooring and won’t scratch or scuff the surface.
Floor squeegees with steel handles tend to be the heaviest, which can impact how easy they are to maneuver.
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Floor squeegee prices
Floor squeegees vary in price based on size, blade material, frame material, and other features.
Inexpensive: The most affordable floor squeegees are smaller models, usually 18 inches long or less. Most have foam or rubber heads and aluminum or plastic frames. Expect to pay between $6 and $25 for these squeegees.
Mid-range: Mid-range floor squeegees generally measure between 22 and 24 inches. They often have foam or rubber heads and plastic frames. Expect to pay between $20 and $50 for these models.
Expensive: The priciest floor squeegees are commercial-grade models that are larger than 24 inches. They have rubber or neoprene heads and plastic or steel frames. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for these squeegees.
Did You Know?
Rubber and foam squeegee blades can be cleaned with water and regular soap.
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Tips
- Clean your floor first. Before using the squeegee, apply floor cleaning solution to your floor with a mop or scrub brush. Go over the area with a damp mop to rinse it away.
- Use the squeegee while the floor is still wet. Work in a top-to-bottom pattern, using even strokes to avoid streaks.
- After each use, rinse it well. Use warm water to wash away residual dirt and debris.
- Use a bristled rubber floor squeegee to remove pet hair from flooring, including carpet. Run it over your pet’s favorite areas to keep the dander under control.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between a floor squeegee and a floor scraper?
A. Floor squeegees are designed to move water over hard flooring surfaces and to create a shiny, streak-free finish after you mop or scrub the floor. There is little risk of floor damage with a squeegee.
A floor scraper has a sharp edge that can loosen gum, food, stickers, and other stubborn stuck-on messes. Notably, a floor scraper can damage some types of flooring. Be sure the scraper is suitable for your flooring surface, or you risk scratches and nicks.
Q. What type of floor squeegees should I buy if I work as a cleaner?
A. If you work in a cleaning business, it’s best to have several squeegees for different tasks. Smaller squeegees are good for accessing tight spots like around a toilet, while large squeegees can quickly create a streak-free finish. Foam and rubber squeegees work well for residential cleaning, but if you clean commercial properties, you may want a neoprene squeegee for different flooring types.
Q. What else can I use a floor squeegee for besides moving water and creating a streak-free finish on my floor?
A. Depending on the size, a floor squeegee may come in handy for cleaning large windows around the house. It can also work well for shower doors and walls. Some people use them to contain large, dry messes, such as dirt that spills from a fallen potted plant.
