Mop Heads & Parts

Commercial Mop Heads: What You Need to Know

Whether you prefer cut ends, looped ends, or sponges, commercial mops are an essential component of most floor maintenance routines. Choosing the right style for your needs generally depends on two important considerations: your desired use and your budget. Although they perform simple functions, commercial mops are available in a few very different styles, each with its own benefits and ideal uses. Below, you can learn more about disposable mop heads, heavy-duty options, and which style is best for your facility.

Common Questions About Commercial Mops

Which type of commercial mop do I need?

There are three main mop styles: cut ends, looped ends, and sponge. Cut-end mops and looped-end mops look very similar, but the strands on these commercial mop heads are designed different enough that it's important to know which one you're purchasing.

• Cut-end mops: The strands of cut-end mops are not contained by a tailband and do not loop back to the top of the mop head. They usually can't be laundered and may be thought of as disposable mop heads due to their shortened service life, though mops intentionally designed for a single use are also available. Although they can't match the longevity or floor coverage of a loop-end mop, the cut-end style is generally the more economical option and is great for operators on a budget.
• Looped-end mops: Usually differentiated from cut-end mops by a tailband that holds every strand together, these commercial mop heads provide superior coverage and absorbency. While they are more expensive than cut-end mops, they can typically be laundered repeatedly to extend their usable lives. If you can afford the additional investment, this style provides a heavy-duty commercial mop capable of cleaning and sanitizing large areas in less time.
• Sponge mops: Easy to distinguish from cut-end and looped-end mops, a professional sponge mop looks exactly as the name suggests. These large sponges – measuring between 8 and 12 inches long – attach to a handle with a built-in wringer system, making them easy to wield around smooth floors and wring out when needed. They don't cover as much ground as other options and are recommended for cleaning small areas. However, the design of sponge mops is great for cleaning walls, a versatility that traditional mop heads can't provide.

How do I choose a headband style?

When choosing a cut-end and looped-end mop, you'll also need to pay attention to the headband style and the material the strands are made from. Handles for these mop heads either screw on or grip the mop with a "jaw" at the end, so if you're ordering a replacement or buying a whole new mop, you should ensure you purchase a style that's compatible with your handle.

What material do I need?

If you aren't purchasing a sponge mop, you'll have several materials to choose from for the strand construction, which affects use, performance, and cost. Cotton mop heads are a popular option, but most are made with a blend of materials. Blended strands lint less than cotton during use, which can make them more operator-friendly because cotton mop heads also require some break-in and will dry slowly. Other common materials include synthetic, yarn, and microfiber, all of which make great general-purpose mops.

How do you clean a mop head?

Some commercial mops with looped ends have woven tailbands, which allow them to be laundered in a machine rather than handwashed. However, you should check the product information and any manufacturer recommendations to verify if and how your mop head can be cleaned. Some styles can be washed several times to clean and deodorize them to extend their service life, but cheaper commercial mops usually cannot hold up to anything more than handwashing, and some are not meant to be washed at all.