Microfiber mops are essential to
the wood floor owner because they
I mean, they aren't just how to clean hardwood floors. Microfiber mops, like Norwex, are how to sanitize hardwood floors, as well.
(As an aside, are you a self-described "clean freak"? Not just a neat-nick, but an enemy to all illnesses lurking on your home's hard surfaces?)
Otherwise, the following video introduces you to the choices in applicator fabrics, mop heads, and mop handles.
We recommend
Norwex Superior Mop Systems in 14 inch or 20 inch models.
Just like the terms "organic" and "all-natural", hyper marketing of "microfiber" has led to confusion
as to what it really is.
Microfibers are produced by splitting one length of polyester-polyamide into 9 to 16 individual filaments, each approximately 4-6 microns in size. A human hair averages 100 microns and bacteria range from 2 – 8 microns.
The shape you would see looking down the end of one of these microscopic filaments is that of a star. This is what makes it so effective at physically picking up EVERYTHING, even microbes, until it's full, of course.
But it hardly ever GETS full. Better microfiber can hold up to seven times its weight in matter. How? Well, besides the star shape, the microscopic size of the filament results in a high percentage of fiber, per square inch.
Microfiber performance is literally supercharged by the material’s overall positive (+) electrostatic charge, which is greater than the electrostatic charge chemically induced by disposable dust sheets.
(Ever heard of Swiffer?).
Dirt and dust, bacteria and pollen, organic particles, in general, all have a negative (-) charge. Microfibers literally act as thousands of tiny magnets attracting and binding all types of particles.
Fiber quality and quantity provides an enormous surface area within the material which means wicked wicking of solution through the material. It's this powerful capillary action (suction) that leaves your wood floor so dry
despite the fact that it was just damp-mopped.
You can order Norwex Superior Mop Systems in 14 inch or 20 inch models.
The locking mop head in this major motion picture allows for all kinds of overhead cleaning, not just the floor.
in that video is sturdy and extendable, and that's what you want. Saves a few bucks
when you only have to buy something once AND you can use it both high and low, right?
We have all seen the infomercial black light on the bathroom tile floor that lights up the piddle in front of a toilet
left over from a conventional infomercial cleaning.
Then the bald magician, under the black light, waves his magic steam cleaner over the same piddle
AND IT DISAPPEARS!
But that is slight of hand, my friends. The magician wants you to focus on the STEAM coming out of his expensive electric mop,
and assume that the steam is killing the bacteria lit up by the black light. However,
Steam doesn't instantly kill anything!
Hospital autoclaves use steam to sterilize surgical instruments under high pressure for 20 minutes
AND EVEN THEN CAN'T KILL EVERYTHING!
So, what removes that bacteria under black light, after all?
Not the steam, but the microfiber applicator on the floor!
By vaporizing the water, moisture is introduced into the applicator surface and the microfibers take it from there!
A periodic rinse and wring would release debris and microbes so that the same mop applicator could be used over and over.
But then you wouldn't need the steam gadgetry, would you!
The magician would prefer you buy a dozen of those microfiber mitts, sewn to fit his mop, and replace them as often as you need to!
Whether you wet the mop or the steam cleaner does it for you, what's great is
the ultra-absorbency of the material leaves less water sitting on your wood floor.
Rule one of how to clean hardwood floors:
Minimize moisture, no matter what.
Here's my take on why I prefer microfiber over chemicals to keep things healthy.
Sure you could pull out the chlorine or ammonia, but dis-infectants are:
Disease-causing nasties simply live and learn and recreate themselves in a more resistant form than before.
“Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise in Europe and elsewhere in the world. We are losing our first-line antimicrobials."
Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization
March 16, 2012, in Copenhagen
Dr. Chan added that bacteria were starting to become so resistant...that it could bring about
“the end of modern medicine as we know it.”
“Things as common as strep throat or a child’s scratched knee could once again kill."
To REALLY get depressed, you may want to read for yourself The World Health Organization's publication entitled,
The Evolving Threat
of
Antimicrobial Resistance
Options for Action
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