Available in a range of sizes—from 60-inch-wide industrial mops to 10-inch home mops— dust mops are a valuable and necessary tool in the care of hard surface floors. They are easy to use and, if used daily, can be the first line of defense in protecting hard surface floors by removing dirt and grit that can scratch and damage floors. Dust mopping can extend the time between when more thorough floor cleaning is necessary.
The Evolution of the Dust Mop
Early dust mops were designed with a large, flat head that was pushed over the surface of a floor. The head was covered with cotton or wool yarn strings that picked up dust, lint, and hair. A swivel joint at the point where the mop head joins the handle allowed the mop to move more easily around furniture and reach spots with limited access. The heads of the first mops were permanently attached to the handle and were cleaned by taking the dust mop outside and shaking it to remove the dust. Eventually, the dust clogged the fibers, and the mop had to be soaked in a bucket of soapy water to get it clean. Many of today’s dust mops are made of microfiber materials that attract and hold onto dust with heads that have removable covers that can be tossed in the washer for cleaning. Some handles are adjustable to make using the mop more comfortable. The introduction in the mid-1990s of disposable electrostatic cloths for dry mops, like Swiffer, revolutionized dust mopping. While more expensive per use than a washable dust mop head, they offer a level of convenience that may encourage more frequent use.
How to Use a Dust Mop
The keys to successful dust mopping are using a clean mop head and keeping the mop head flat against the surface of the floor. If the mop head fills with dust before you complete the task, take it outside to shake out the debris, or replace the removable head or disposable cloth with a clean version. For mops with a fixed head, take the mop outside, and shake it vigorously to remove the trapped dust, lint, and hair. If the mop head is removable and washable, place it in the washer or laundry hamper. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for washing and drying. If you are using a disposable dry-mopping cloth, toss it in the trash. Hang the dry mop for storage to prevent the matting of the fibers on the mop head.
