1. There are two classifications of mops: wet and dry.

2. The most common places cleaned by wet mops are kitchen and bathroom floors.

3. In order to keep a wet mop working at its greatest capablility, clean the mop head after every use.

4. Dry mops are also known as dust mops.

5. Dry mops are characterized by a large, flat head and strings that absorb particles as it runs across a floor.

6. The best way to clean a dust mop is to take it outside and shake out the dust. If dust adheres to a dust mop, soak it in water overnight.


7. Some dust mops have removable heads that can be machine washed.

8. Thomas W. Steward, an African American, created the first mop.

9. Steward's original mop was a yarn mop with a wringer.

10. Peter Vosbikian is credited with creating the first sponge mop with a metal apparatus to squeeze out excess water.

11. Since the mid 1990s, disposable cloth headed mops have become increasingly popular.

12. In order to assure quality control, mop companies have professional mop inspectors that carefully examine each mop. Mops are inspected for cracks, scratches, or loose threads. These would indicate that a mop is defective and unfit for shipping.

13. Mop production creates very little byproduct or waste. The most common forms of debris leftover from mop production includes yarn trimmings and bits that mainfest as dust.

14. No hazardous chemicals have been shown to result from mop production.

15. There are three main types of wet mops: loop end mops (yarn ends in a loop), cut end mops (yarn ends in a single cut-off strand) and microfiber mops.

16. The most common fabrics used to make wet mops include rayon and cotton.

17. Never leave a mop soaking in water overnight. This causes a buildup of bacteria.

18. It is best to use different types of mops for different types of jobs, especially if you plan to use different chemicals to clean different floors.


19. If you wash your wet mop head, you can buy a special mop laundry bag that will keep the yarn from tangling.

20. A wet floor can be dangerous after mopping. Always make sure to put up a sign to caution people about the wet floor.

21. Sponge mops work better on flat floors, and rag mops work better on textured floors.

22. Always sweep or vaccuum a floor prior to mopping.

23. When mopping, never use excess detergent. It will not make for a cleaner floor. In fact, it will leave a film of residue.

24. Sponge mops clean best when used back and forth in a straight line.

25. Yarn mops work best when moved in a figure eight pattern.

All knowledge is power. Read enough factoids and you will be the winner of American Gladiators.

Not that I even own a mop (though I think I have a swiffer), but what's the best way to clean a wet mop? Just rinse it and put it in the fancy bag?

JANITOR: "It always gets this way in the fall, you know? Summer's over, Winter's coming, it makes me feel so...........what's the word?"

JD: "Sad?"

JANITOR: (Stares angrily) "Yes, that's it. I'm a janitor, so I couldn't think of the word 'sad.' I was going to say, 'It makes me feel so MOP.'"

JD: "Let me explain-"

JANITOR: "Go ahead, I'm mopping......."

JD: "Maybe I just shouldn't bother."

JANITOR: "Maybe you mopn't."

Rinsing seems to be a good option.

And I finally know of something that Adam doesn't have that I can get for him for Christmas! But I'll have to look at the texture of your floor to determine the best mop to meet your needs.

No. No mop. No place to put mop. Give me hug instead. HUG ME, DAMMIT! HUG MEEEE!!!