Keeping your floor clean can be a real hassle at times. But do you know what helps? Having the right tools, of course. Nowadays, you can enjoy a tool for everything you need to do to maintain your house clean. You have vacuums for dust and dirt, there are specific cleaning solutions for anything from glass to wood, and there is a washer for anything, whether it is clothes or dishes. No matter how you look at it, there is something that will provide help in any area of your house.
But what about mops? “What about them?” you may ask. A mop is the most basic cleaning tool you have in your home, but it has evolved as well over the years. It may not have reached a hi-tech level. I don’t see that happening, but it has come a long way. It’s no longer a simple sponge at the end of a stick. That sponge has been improved. It’s denser and has better cleaning abilities. Manufacturers have added all sorts of mechanisms that can help you squeeze it dry. The point is that the sponge mop has become better overall.
The advantages of using a sponge mop
As simple as it may be, a sponge mop is very helpful around the house. I can’t deny the fact that there are a few other alternatives, but this one still proves to be among the best floor cleaning solutions.
It can scrub like nobody’s business.
The good thing about a sponge mop is that it can clean efficiently without too much effort. Have you ever tried to remove a dry spot of food on your kitchen floor with a microfiber mop? It’s hard. Why? Because the microfiber mop was not designed to scrub, only to gather all the dust. Whereas a sponge mob can do both. It can collect dust, but because of its flat design, it will leave a clear trail over every single inch of your kitchen floor. You don’t have to go back twice in the same spot, and you definitely don’t have to soak it first.
It can fit into tight spaces.
Again, the design is responsible for this. Not only that it is square most of the time, but a sponge mop can modify its size, as you well know. You can squeeze it into small places. You don’t have to do it by hand. Just think about the space between the stove and the countertop cupboard, or the fridge and the wall. Would another mop fit in there? Of course not. But a sponge mop will. Also, don’t forget about the corners. No other mop in the world will clean corners as well as a sponge mop.
You can cover large surfaces in a short period.
Especially if you choose a wide sponge mop. The way it crosses over every kind of surface will be very helpful. It goes smoothly. Also, some other mops leave fibers behind. They get hooked under the chairs, for example, or because you have been using them for a while, they just begin to rip apart. But you won’t have these issues with a sponge mop. Unless you cut it yourself.
Disadvantages
Just like any other product on the market, a sponge mop comes with drawbacks as well.
It can get tiring at some point.
But only if you have a huge house. Pushing a sponge mop around, or giving a proper scrub to the kitchen floor, may consume some of your energy. But then again, so will every other mop. As far as I know, they still haven’t invented a mop that goes around the house by itself.
You have to clean it regularly.
It’s not enough to stick it in the bucket. You must clean it properly, or the next time you use it, the mop will not give you the satisfaction you need. It can leave nasty trails. But again, you have to do this with all mops, no matter the kind.
It can suffer shape modifications.
Sponges are this way. After a while, they lose their elasticity, and they can solidify. It’s a natural process. Nothing lasts forever. Other types of mops go through the same wear and tear, each in its own way.
There is no such thing as a perfect mop. A sponge mop has its disadvantages, but one thing is for sure. It will do its job as long as it can. Especially if you go for a high-quality product, which I recommend you do.
Features to look for in the best sponge mop
Sponge mops fall into two categories: poor quality and excellent. While owning a poor-quality one can make your life harder, having the best sponge mop can simplify your life. Honestly, I have never seen an in-betweener. Here is what a great sponge mop should have:
A high-quality sponge
Not all sponges are the same. Some are weak and will tear at the first linoleum-covered floor, but the ones you seek are made of high-density foam. That ensures durability and a great scrubbing ability. You can rub that sponge mop all you want. Tearing will be the last thing it can happen.
Sturdy handle
Mop handles made of low-density aluminum will bend the minute you force them. That means you have to buy a new handle. Save yourself some money and go with a handle made of hard metal. It will last a lot longer than the aluminum one.
A hook at the top of the handle
Why would you need a hook at the top of the handle? Because sponges modify their shape if they are kept in one position for too long. Leave it wet in the closet, and the next time you want to use it, you will notice that it’s no longer round at the edges. It will be flattened on a side. But a hook will allow you to hang it somewhere. It’s the best way to keep a sponge mop.
A reliable squeezing mechanism
Nobody likes squeezing the mop with their hands. You know where it’s been. Do you really want to touch it? I thought so. But at the same time, you don’t want a mechanism that will fail you anytime soon. So make sure to choose the right one. The best way you can tell is from the reviews. Read a few sponge mops reviews, and you will know which one is suited for you.
Best sponge mops
Tough questions. There are so many out there that you get all confused. They are made of different kinds of sponges, the handles are different, and even the wringing mechanisms are dissimilar. Just to get you out of confusion, here are a few products that you may like.
Best for Tile Floors: Rubbermaid RCPG780 PVA Sponge Mop
If you’re in need of a highly absorbent sponge mop, the Rubbermaid PVA sponge mop is an excellent choice. It can absorb any liquid, from water to syrup, making it ideal for cleaning up spills from small children’s high chairs. The sponge itself is made of high-quality material that won’t lint or tear easily, and the mop is so soft that it won’t scratch any surface. In fact, it’s gentle enough to use on windows without leaving any scratches. Despite its softness, the sponge’s high density allows it to effectively remove dirt and debris from deep grooves, such as between tiles or on your porch.
The handle of the Rubbermaid sponge mop is comfortable to grip and won’t slip out of your hands. It can also extend up to 48 inches, making it easy to reach high walls or windows. The sponge itself is 12 inches wide, which allows you to clean a larger area in a shorter amount of time. This is especially convenient for busy moms looking to save a few extra minutes.
One of the standout features of the Rubbermaid sponge mop is its riveted wringing mechanism. It’s of the highest quality and won’t break or disappoint you. It’s easy to use and will effectively squeeze out the sponge, ensuring that your floors dry quickly. Overall, the Rubbermaid PVA sponge mop is a reliable and efficient choice for keeping your home clean.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3kXbqbt
Best for Vinyl Floors: Quickie Super Squeeze Sponge Mop
The Quickie Super Squeeze Sponge Mop is a durable and effective cleaning tool for your home. Its foam sponge is highly resistant to tearing, so you can expect to use it for a long time without needing to replace it. The spring-back metal hand wringer is also durable and efficient at squeezing out excess water, ensuring that your floors dry quickly. The cellulose sponge is highly absorbent, but also smooth and soft, making it safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including laminate floors and windows.
One convenient feature of the Quickie sponge mop is its 48-inch handle, which allows you to reach high places and even use the mop to clean walls. The handle also has a hang-up feature, so you can store the mop in a closet without it losing its shape. The built-in spot scrubber is another helpful feature for tackling stubborn stains on your floors.
One potential drawback of the Quickie sponge mop is that it may shed some strings when it’s first used, but this problem should resolve itself after a few uses. Overall, this is a reliable and effective choice for keeping your home clean.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3JonsUG
Best for Wood Floors: Vileda Professional Roll-O-Matic
Vileda Professional Roll-O-Matic is a classic sponge mop that has stood the test of time. First released in the 1980s, it has undergone improvements to keep up with the competition in the cleaning industry. Despite this, it remains one of the best sponge mops on the market.
One standout feature of the Vileda Professional Roll-O-Matic is its highly absorbent self-wringing mop head, which can hold any type of liquid. The sponge mop head has a straight design, allowing you to flip it over and use it for longer before needing to replace it. The mop is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to handle, and the smooth sponge ensures that mopping your floors is a nearly effortless task.
The handle of the Vileda Professional Roll-O-Matic is straight and 48 inches long, allowing you to reach high places with ease. The manufacturer recommends using the mop on walls and ceilings, but it’s most commonly used on floors. The mop is made of galvanized steel, which ensures a long lifespan. In the long run, the Vileda Professional Roll-O-Matic will save you money by not needing to be replaced as often as cheaper mops. Overall, it’s a reliable and effective cleaning tool.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3Zq3XR7
My recommendation for the best sponge mop
Making a choice among these three products is pretty hard considering the fact that they are all high-quality and durable. But judging by their features, I would go with Quickie Super Squeeze. It seems that the wringing feature is the most efficient, and the built-in spot scrubber makes a difference. That is why I consider it to be the best sponge mop I could find.
Conclusion
Cleaning your house is a pretty serious thing. At least in my opinion. Nobody likes a cluttery house, but at the same time, nobody likes making too much effort. Having the right helpers around is something to invest in. A high-quality sponge mop makes no exception.
FAQ
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Last Updated on March 12, 2023
Dustin Hopkins has over 12 years in the cleaning industry, working in the past for one of the top 5 cleaning companies in the US. Currently, he is the chief editor of CleaningRank.com and the proud father of a 5-year-old, Chris.