8 Best Eco-Friendly Mops of 2023 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)

Q: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Mops

Q: How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Mop – Buying Guide

・Choose a Type Based on Flooring and Mess Size ・Mop Head Material Determines Eco-Friendliness ・Make Sure the Handle Is Convenient to Use and Dispose Of >> Click here for details >> View Full Ranking

How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Mop – Buying Guide

There aren’t too many big, glaring differences when it comes to eco-friendliness, so it may work out better for you to keep your personal needs in mind first.

Choose a Type Based on Flooring and Mess Size

Choosing a mop type goes beyond just preference, and depending on what kind of flooring you have and how much of a mess you regularly have to clean, one may be much better for your situation than another.

String Mops Are Scrubby and Cover a Large Area

String mops are probably what you think of when you hear the word “mop.” These are great for scrubbing at tough messes and can easily get into small spaces and corners. They hold a ton of liquid and require a bucket with a wringer in order to avoid splashing water everywhere, although some come with a built-in wringer.

Because they hold a lot of liquid and are made up of so many separate strings, it can be hard to get all the excess out, so you may be left with streaks. That being said, these are best for heavy-duty mopping on water-resistant floorings like tile or concrete.

Sponge Mops Are Absorbent and Compact

Sponge mops are basically giant sponges attached to the end of a handle that you can push around. They’re super easy to use, don’t make a huge mess, and are pretty versatile. They’re great for larger and smaller messes and can be used on a variety of surfaces including walls.

However, they can soak up a lot of liquid, and it can be hard to wring them out completely; so like twist mops, you may experience some streaking. They’re probably better for surfaces that can handle some dampness.

Additionally, the sponge part of the mop can get pretty dirty, so you may find yourself changing out the head fairly often, depending on how often you use it and how dirty the floor you’re cleaning is.

Flat Mops Are Great for Everyday Cleaning and Work on All Surfaces

Flat mops feature a flat, rectangular head that you can attach fabric pads to. Swiffers are probably the most well-known flat mops, though the attachment doesn’t have to be disposable and can be made from a variety of different materials.

Flat mops are great for both dry and wet mopping, and the attachments are pretty easy to get the excess liquid out of as they’re small enough for you to wring with your hands before attaching to the mop. These are best for smaller messes or daily cleaning and can be used on basically any type of flooring.

Mop Head Material Determines Eco-Friendliness

Most of what makes a mop eco-friendly comes down to what the head is made of, how easy it is to clean and re-use, and how much chemicals are required in your cleaning process.

Microfiber Cuts Down on Chemicals but Is Made of Plastic

Depending on your definition of eco-friendly, microfiber can be either the holy grail of cleaning or an overrated contributor to pollution. On one hand, microfiber’s unique structure allows it to catch particles and effectively clean surfaces largely without the need for harmful chemicals and solutions. Plus, it’s machine washable and reusable.

On the other hand, microfiber is made from polyester, a type of plastic, and will break down with use and possibly contribute to environmental microplastic pollution. In either case, microfiber is still way better than unnecessary disposable options.

Cotton Is All-Natural but Requires Thorough Cleaning

Cotton is probably the most eco-friendly mop head option. It’s all-natural, washes easily, and you can dispose of it once it’s worn out without worrying about plastics or chemicals.

However, you may have to consider the potential for stains and microbial growth on cotton, but as long as you’re conscious about washing and drying it thoroughly, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Cellulose Sponges Biodegrade but Break Down Quickly

If you’re going with a sponge mop, the only real eco-friendly option is to find a mop that has a cellulose sponge head.

Cellulose is super absorbent and will also biodegrade. Most sponge mop heads are made from synthetic plastics, and when you have to change heads as often as you do with sponges due to their moisture-trapping, bacteria-friendly structure, all that plastic will quickly add up.

Environmental Health & Safety ScientistGwen Lynn

Reduce, reuse, recycle is an environmentalist's mantra. When you absolutely have to buy an item, durability and eco-friendly disposal are musts. Mayshine's mop durability and product build outshines them all, and Casabella's sponge component eases disposal concerns. Personally, I prefer the Casabella for that end-of-life factor.

Make Sure the Handle Is Convenient to Use and Dispose Of

Even though it might be less critical, don’t forget to consider the handle for a well-rounded understanding of eco-friendliness.

Mop Handles Are Normally Not Eco-Friendly but Can Be Recycled

Although you’re likely to use the same handle for years and years, you’re still going to have to get rid of it eventually, and you want to make it as easy and eco-friendly as possible.

Most mops have either a metal or plastic handle, both of which can be recycled. However, when it comes time to take it in, be sure that your recycler accepts the specific material type, and make sure to remove any attachments that might otherwise make it ineligible (for example, separate a plastic grip attached to a metal handle).

Some mops have wood, and obviously that’s the best option, but they’re harder to come by and tend not to have any of the convenient features listed below.

Extra Features Make Life Easier

A handle is not always just a handle, and having the right extra features can make your cleaning experience a lot easier. Telescoping handles, for example, can extend and retract to your ideal mop length and help you reach tough spots.

For string mops, having a wringer attached to the handle can save you a lot of time, effort, and money on a separate wringer. Plus, because they’re built for your specific mop, they can also be more efficient. Some handles even have spray functions that will wet the floor in front of your mop and save you the trouble of using a bucket.

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