Specifying The Correct Cleaning Supplies – Mops

At Optima Pro Clean we understand the importance of having the correct cleaning equipment for the job. However with so many variants in weight and material available. It’s not always obvious which cleaning product is most appropriate for your customer’s needs.

Floor type, surface area, frequency of use and durability. These are all considerations which should be made before any purchasing decision. Understanding the difference and benefits of each mop will allow you to offer the correct solution, resulting in better service and happier customers.

Socket Mops

The most popular type of mop used in the UK. The relatively low cost and durability make them ideal for cleaning small to medium sized areas. They are very popular in the cleaning industry.

Traditional socket mops such as our CXS12JM have a metal socket and are used with a wooden handle. However plastic sockets have become more popular with cleaning professionals with the introduction of colour coded cleaning regimes. The use of plastic sockets also provide improved options with regard to the type of handles they can be used with.

We supply a selection of different plastic sockets to suit your cleaning requirements:

  • Swift- An easy fit socket for most handles. Push in wooden or create own thread by screwing in an aluminium handle.
  • RHP- designed with all handles in mind (including excel) simply push handle in. No need to purchase new handles.
  • Threaded- Fits our EAH colour coded aluminium handles by simply screwing it in.

Kentucky Mops

Kentucky mops have much longer yarn and are particularly effective for cleaning large areas of flooring. Stitched in the middle using a polyester band which help to secure the fibres as well as maintain shape. All of our Kentucky mops are supplied complete with sewn in colour coded tags. This helps to identify their area of use and reduce the risk of cross contamination.

Common Mop Materials

Twine Yarn
A strong thread composed of two or more woven strands twisted together with a high cotton content. Absorbent but thinner than other types of yarn and so are more resistant to abrasion. Hard wearing and durable, ideal for professionals and suitable for rougher floors. Twine yarn does not lint as much as PY.
PY Yarn
PY yarn is a thick, super absorbent, cotton rich yarn. Ideal for everyday use. Perfect for cleaning small to medium areas and occasional use. This type of material has a limited life. Great for smooth surfaces such as lino and laminate flooring. Ideally suited for domestic use.
Multifold Yarn
Made by combination of two or more single strands which are treated as one in the weaving process. However the strands are not twisted together. This process produces an absorbent yet very hard wearing yarn. Suitable for all surfaces and ideal for heavy duty applications.
Non-woven fabric
A cost effective alternative to traditional cotton mops which provide many benefits. Made from spun-lace blend of viscose and polyester. The mops are super absorbent, durable, machine washable and provide great dirt collection.
Microfibre
The effectiveness of microfibre is its ability to remove and hold dirt, grease and bacteria from the surface. The dirt is trapped in the minute fibres until the mop is laundered. It has been proven that 99% of bacteria can be removed from surfaces when using microfibre properly. The fibres have a series of cutting edges, unlike a cotton fibres which are round. Microfibre cut into the surface and trap the dirt. When used damp, the extremely fine fibres create a capillary effect. Sucking up and holding the dirt or liquid into the inner fibres of the mop.