25 July 2016, Monday, 12:10PM

Still using an old, worn-out mop? Don’t worry, we are all guilty of it unconsciously as stretching the limit with our mop seems to be the most economical way to save cost. But little do we know, this is a misguided practice that will eventually worsen the spread of bacteria, which clearly defeats the purpose of mopping in the first place.

Let’s look at 3 types of mop before furthering our discussion. Firstly, the most basic mop type is none other than cut-end mops. Cut-end mops are widely preferred by many as it is the least expensive compared to others, but despite it being the most affordable, they can’t be laundered. Hence, this type of mop is to be disposed of if used frequently. However, compared to looped-end mops, cut-end mops are more absorbent, making them ideal for soaking up spills.

Moving on, though cut-end mops may have the upper hand in the price category, but looped-end mops carry much more value. Looped-end mops provide much more surface coverage with each stroke and also delivers better cleaning results, reasons being it will not leave any gaps or lint while mopping, unlike the cut-end mops. With its durable and longer lasting yarn, utilizing a looped-end mop could save time as it can clean twice the surface area in half the time.

Regarding the cost which is deemed pricy, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a bad bargain. According to a source, 1 looped-end mop is able to outlast 8 inexpensive disposable cut-end mop. So, which is the better bargain now? And most importantly, a looped-end mop can be laundered and reused continuously as looped-end mops prevent unravelling.

The last type of mop that we are going to talk about is of course the reputable microfiber mop. Microfiber mops are amongst the most hygienic mop out there with its outstanding ability to absorb, collect and trap dirt. Here are a few general facts about microfiber mops:

1. Absorbs up to 7 times its weight in liquid
2. Able to be washed up to 500 times or more without degrading
3. Removes up to 95% bacteria
4. Lasts 6 times longer than traditional mops

Sounds intriguing? There’s more. Do you know that cleaning with a microfiber mop is one way to support the environment? This is because microfiber mops doesn’t require a lot of cleaning chemicals to get the job done. It is already effective when used dry or with water because it cleans surfaces mechanically, not chemically.

Now that you have a rough idea of how these 3 types of mops vary from each other, try putting the differences aside and think about what could possibly make them better. If you’re thinking about color-coding them, you’re absolutely correct! But how exactly does color-coding work?

Not only mops, there are color-coded buckets and microfiber cloths as well. Why is color-coding gaining so much of popularity? Well, color-coding cleaning tools is an excellent step for preventing cross-contamination in places where bacteria and germ spread easily.

Cleaning tools like these mops are often used in public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes where hygiene care is of utmost importance. Therefore, getting a color-coded mop range is not just necessary, but crucial to ensure a safe and hygienic environment where it is needed.

Generally, 4 colors are used in the industrial color-coding system. Those colors are red, yellow, green and blue. Below are the explanations of each color and what they represent or where they should cover:

1. Red: For high risk areas. Used in restroom areas which has higher bacteria concentrations and require specialized cleaning solutions, or in areas where sanitation is a priority. Such areas include toilets and urinals.
2. Yellow: For low risk and specialty areas. Can be used in restroom as well but only for general cleaning in low bacteria concentration areas. Those areas include the sink area and the mirror area. It may also be used for specialty cleanings in places such as laboratories and gymnasiums.
3. Green: Food service areas. Used in areas that involves frequent food handling or storing. Such areas are none other than the kitchen, cafeteria and pantry. It should be a practice not to take lightly and mix up cleaning tools when it comes to cleaning those areas as harmful bacteria will potentially come into contact with exposed food.
4. Blue: Multi-purpose cleaning or user preference. Suitable for regular cleaning in common office areas, hallways and even reception areas. Ideally, one should prepare a set of cleaning tools of such flexibility without concerning about cross contamination issues, especially if cleaning had to be done in a large scale like in hotel rooms, classrooms, manufacturing areas and hospital wards.

Of course, besides taking care of the cleanliness of the floor, the mop that you’re using should not be neglected as well as proper care and storage of a mop goes a long way. Here are some tips to maintain your mop regularly:

1. Before mopping, rinsing your mop’s head thoroughly in warm water will aid in clearing out any leftover chemicals from previous usage. This can reduce the risk of cross contamination.
2. When wringing your mop in the mop wringer, avoid twisting your mop head to prevent strands from loosening.
3. After you’ve finished mopping, soaking your mop head in hot water for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing acts as a minor sterilization to keep your mop head clean.
4. Leaving your mop in contaminated waters for a long period of time is not a good idea. This practice can weaken your mop fibers as rapid-growing bacteria, mold, and mildew will undermine it.
5. To prevent mold formation when storing your mop, hang your mop with the head facing upwards after it has dried.
6. Machine laundering your mop head on a regular basis will help to prevent it from breaking down, but make sure your mop type is fitted to be laundered. Laundering cut end mop heads is highly discouraged as they are likely to get tangled in the washing process.
7. Remember to never bleach your microfiber mop head when you are washing them as this will break down and damage the fibers. Instead, consider using a mild disinfectant.

Now that you’ve equipped yourself with the basic knowledge on the types of mops, considered the additional benefits of color-coded mops to your mopping process as well as learnt ways to take care of them, it is prime time that you are introduced to iMEC’s new mop range!

iMEC’s new mop range consists of 3 types of mops, the iMEC Dolly Mop, the iMEC Kentucky Mop and also the iMEC  Microfiber Mop. So, what is so unique about these 3 mops? Firstly, none of these mops fall under the “cut-end” category. Instead, all of them are the favorable looped-end mops, which includes the iMEC Microfiber Mop! Guess what? There’s more to it. Now you can get extra benefits in a single mop with iMEC’s new mop range because they are all color-coded. How convenient!

You are welcomed to click on this link to find out more about iMEC’s Mop Range: https://www.imec.com.my/product/catalog/imec-mop-range/ or if you are already inclined to purchase them, here are the links to all 3 new mops in iMEC’s Online Store:

1. iMEC Dolly Mop – http://store.imec.com.my/imec-dw10-dolly-mop-looped-end-head-only.html
2. iMEC Kentucky Mop – http://store.imec.com.my/imec-kv115-kentucky-mop-looped-end-head-only.html
3. iMEC Microfiber Mop – http://store.imec.com.my/imec-mfd350-microfiber-dolly-mop-complete-set.html

Lastly, do head on to the “Mopping System” under the “Cleaning Products” in this website to look at other mopping equipment such as iMEC’s variety of mop buckets and pair it up perfectly with your chosen iMEC mop.

Time to change up your old set of mopping equipment and transform your mopping experience with iMEC!