Box Sweepers and Dry Mops: Housekeeping Cleaning Equipment

By Sumit Manwal, Founder, Hospitality Vacancy

Manual equipment such as box sweepers and dry mops remains useful in hotels where noise or power points are a concern.

Here is how they work.

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Box Sweepers

These are also called carpet sweepers and are used for sweeping up dust and litter from soft floor coverings as well as rugs and carpets. They are ideal for the removal of spills and for light cleaning of small carpeted areas. A box sweeper consists of a friction brush that revolves when the equipment is pushed manually over the carpet bottom to facilitate emptying after use. Choose sweepers with a wide base that is low enough to be pushed under furniture and that will clean close to a wall. In sweepers meant to clean hard floors as well as soft floor coverings, the brush can be lowered to the floor to sweep.

Care and cleaning of box sweepers

The friction brush should be kept clean; else the efficiency of the equipment will be seriously impaired. After the cleaning process, the dustpans should be emptied of all the collected dust.

Dry Mops

Also called dust control mops, these are designed to remove soil and debris from floors, walls and ceilings without raising and dissipating dust. These mops generally consist of a handle to which a metal frame is attached. The mop head is either inserted into the frame or stretched over it, according to the type.

Types of dry mops: There are 4 principle types of dry mops:

• Mops with impregnated fringes: These mops consist of dense cotton fringes, approximately 15 cm in length, inserted into a metal frame of 15-120 cm length. These mops are usually pre-impregnated or will require impregnation by soaking in or spraying with mineral oil or a synthetic impregnating fluid. The dust is held onto the mops by the oil.
• Impregnated mop sweepers: These mops consist of a double-hinged frame and are thus called ‘V-sweepers’ of ‘scissor-action sweepers’. The mops can be pre-impregnated or may require impregnation before each use. Following impregnation, sufficient time must be allowed for the mineral oil to cure the fibres; else the mop will leave a film of oil on the cleaned surface due to improper curing. To be effective, an impregnated mop must also be manoeuvred correctly. It should be worked in long, even strokes in a continual movement, keeping the mop head in contact with the surface all the time. This way, maximum dust collection and minimum dust dissipation is ensured.
• Static mops: These mops consist of acrylic, nylon or polyester strands fixed to a backing stretched over a metal frame. When in use, the fringes splay out to form a large surface area, holding dust by means of a static charge that builds up on the fringe. Static mops are more easily maintained than impregnated mops.
• Disposable mops: These mops consist of a handle with a soft pad at the end, onto which a cheap cotton or synthetic material is affixed. The material has properties enabling it to attract and hold dust. The fabric is held in place by clips or a special tape and is usually purchased in large rolls, from which the desired amount can be cut. The fabric is disposed off after each use and replaced immediately. Although very expensive due to constant replacement of the head, they are extremely hygienic and are particularly suitable when infection control is required.

Care and cleaning of dry mops

Shake mops well after use outdoors. The mop head should be easily detachable so they can be frequently washed in hot water with detergent. The use of soap-free detergent will prevent the formation of scum that clogs the fibres of the head. The mop must be worked up and down in at least 2 changes of clean, hot water. The clean mop should then be tightly squeezed out, shaken well to get rid of excess moisture and left to dry in open air. Once dry, the mops may need to be re-impregnated.

Manwal

FAQ

Where are box sweepers useful?

For quick, quiet cleaning of carpets in restaurants, corridors and public areas.

How should dry mops be maintained?

Shake out or launder mop heads regularly and store them hanging, not resting on the head.

Your next step

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• Hotels hiring: Register as an employer on Hospitality Vacancy.

Related reading on this blog

• Brooms: Types and Uses in Hotel Housekeeping
• Brushes in Housekeeping: Types, Uses and Care
• Housekeeping Carts and Trolleys: Types and Uses

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About the Author

Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy (since 2017) and has 20+ years of experience in hospitality. He received the "Excellence in Hospitality Sector of Uttarakhand" award, presented by Shri Dhan Singh Rawat ji (January 2023), and the Dainik Jagran inext Uttarakhand Ratan Samman for Excellence in Hospitality & Education, presented by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji (2023). He helps hotels build reliable teams and professionals grow their careers.

📧 Contact: manwal@hospitalityvacancy.com | 🔗 LinkedIn

SUMIT MANWAL

SUMIT MANWAL