Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Review
Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Review
Mopping used to be a tedious process. You’d carry around a bucket as you moved from one room to the next, dipping the mop, wringing it and proceeding to work on the floor. Dashing to and from the bucket to rinse the mop and get more cleaning solution to slosh over the floor took quite a chunk of time, lengthening the process. Then there was all that bending involved as you wrung out the mop head. This had been the system for long – until a new setup came into the market and quickly became a favourite in the cleaning industry.
Enter Spray Mops
Unlike the conventional mop and bucket, a spray mop is an all-in-one unit. It contains the mop structure and an integrated liquid container – the cartridge – all in the same setup.
How does it work? Depending on the design, there will either be a trigger or a button that is pressed, which releases the spray directly from the cartridge and onto the floor. One then glides the mop over the area where the cleaning solution has been misted on to remove the dirt and grime.
The liquid in the cartridge can be plain water, a cleaning solution that you have whipped up, or a specialised agent developed for that particular kind of floor, such as for wood floors which require chemicals that have a neutral or very mild pH due to the sensitivity of the material. This approach to mopping reduces the amount of time and energy spent on the task.
In this review, we will focus on one of the popular products in the market: the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop
Designed To Deliver
Let’s look at a breakdown of the different components of the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop that are responsible for its efficiency:
- Handle
The sturdy handle comes with a strong grip – particularly important to give you control of the unit as you manoeuvre it over the floor surface.
The trigger on the handle is used to release a fine mist of the cleaning product, allowing you to wet the floor and mop on the go – a far much more effective approach than traditional yarn and bucket mop functionality.
Given that the handle comes with a durable construction, the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop is able to withstand the rigours of the frequent floor mopping processes, giving prolonged usage.
When it comes to storage, the retractable hook on the handle allows you to hang up the mop and keep it safe and ready for the next round of mopping.
- Cartridge
This houses the cleaning solution, and the mop comes with the ready-to-use Original Formula Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Let’s delve into more about this formulation that is integral to the success of the mopping process.
This is one of the popular formulations from the brand, used by flooring contractors, professional cleaners and individual home owners alike. It comes with different advantages including:
- Thorough cleaning action
The main goal here is to get rid of the grime on the floor, and the Hardwood Floor Cleaner delivers on its mandate. It is highly effective in removing the dirt and grime, restoring the natural shine and glamour of your wood floor installation.
- pH Neutral
Given the concern that comes with cleaning wood floors – where you don’t want potent chemicals dulling the finish or damaging the wood, working with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner will assure you that your installation is safe. With its pH neutral formulation, the floor’s finish and the wood tissue itself are protected from getting discoloured and any harm that would have otherwise been occurred by using conventional cleaning agents. It’s so safe that it can be used on both unwaxed and finished wood floor installations.
- Residue-free cleaner
When you mop the floor with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, there won’t be any residue left behind on the surface. No sticky substances to worry about or spots that will attract grime, thus allowing the floor to remain cleaner for longer.
- Formulated to be ready-to-use
With this product, you don’t have to keep struggling with dilution ratios each time you want to mop the floor. No mixing is required. Simply fill the cartridge of the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop with the liquid, spray the floor and mop it clean. This is quite handy in reducing the amount of time spent on the task.
- Quick-drying
Speaking of saving time, you also benefit from the fast drying of the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. You actually don’t have to rinse the surface after mopping the floor with it, and you will be in a position to allow normal foot traffic back onto the area much quicker. This is also one of the reasons why it is a top choice for janitors and cleaning contractors in high traffic establishments.
- Refills available
Once the cleaner on the cartridge of the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop gets depleted, no worries – simply top it up with the economy size refills that are available from the brand. This also allows you to acquire sufficient products that will be in line with your cleaning needs.
- GREENGUARD GOLD certified
When it comes to environmental safety, achieving the GREENGUARD GOLD certification is testament to the quality of the product. It is safe to use around family and pets, and also an eco-friendly product given its low VOC emissions. The “GOLD” standard meant that the product can be used in environments with more strict safety standards like schools and healthcare facilities. Products that have obtained this certification have been taken through rigorous tests by independent third parties to ensure that they meet stringent chemical mission standards that are geared towards reducing indoor air pollution and risks of chemical exposure.
The cartridge itself is easily refillable as well, getting you ready to work on the floor in moments.
- Microfibre cleaning pad
With its high absorbency, the Bona microfibre cleaning pad that the mop works with locks in more grime within its structure. Microfibre has such a high absorbency rate that it can hold in even 7 times its weight in water, making it one of the most popular materials used for cleaning tasks. With the Microfibre Cleaning Pad in particular, the mopping tasks will be a breeze.
Multi-Pad Usage with the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop
You can acquire extra pads for the mop, all from the same brand. These include the Bona Microfibre Cleaning Pad itself, the Dusting Pad and the Deep Clean Pad. This gives you more versatility with the unit.
With the Dusting Pad you get to quickly pick up different types of debris, from the pet hair and microparticles, to allergens that are covering the floor. The short and long microfibres on the pad increase the efficiency of the dust collection, and you get to complete the task without scratching the floor surface. These particles are locked in the pad courtesy of the electrostatic forces of attraction, and firmly held within until when the microfibre dust pad will be laundered. This enables you to get rid of the pet hair, allergens and microparticles that are on the floor with ease. Simply attach the Microfibre Dusting Pad onto the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop, then carry on with the task. You get to cover more area within a shorter time, without having to worry about pushing the dirt around the surface. This pad is reusable, and you can toss it into the washing machine after you’re done. Speaking of which, it is a highly durable unit, capable of withstanding 500 washes. This approach of dusting where you use the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop with the Microfibre Dusting Pad is safe for all hardwood and hard-surface floors, yanking up those particles while being gentle on the underlying surface.
The Deep Clean Pad on the other hand is specially designed for those situations where you’re handling heavy dirt build ups. Constructed with PowerLoop® technology, the dual-zone microfibre pad will trap the grime and stubborn gunk that is on the surface. The dirt is broken down at the outer dark blue fibres, providing the desired scrubbing action, while the rest of the inner light blue fibres will lift the grime from the surface and trap it in the structure of the unit. The unit comes with antimicrobial treatment which is particularly beneficial for preventing bacteria from growing within the unit. After fixing the Deep Clean Pad onto the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop, you can proceed to work on a wide range of surfaces from hardwood, to concrete, tile, and even luxury vinyl flooring. The material will be safe for the installation, enabling you to get rid of those stuck-on messes that are ruining its appeal.
Bonus tip: For the deep cleaning, use the PowerPlus® Hardwood Floor Deep Cleaner Refill. This is a GREENGUARD GOLD certified, that emits every low VOC content, and it is safe to use around kids and pets. It comes ready to use, and has been particularly developed for working with the PowerPlus® Microfibre Deep Clean Pad for those tough dirt situations, courtesy of its oxygenated formulation that penetrates into the area being worked on to deliver a powerful clean. There won’t be any residue left behind on the surface. Simply refill the cartridge on the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop with this water-based cleaning formula and continue with the task. The product is safe for wood floors across the board, from the unwaxed installations, to those that are polyurethane-finished. A fast-drying product, this approach can be used for cleaning high traffic areas since they will be ready to use in moments after the mopping has been carried out.
What The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Has To Offer
- Specially Developed For Wood Floor Cleaning
With one of the main concerns when mopping wood floors being the amount of solution used, working with the fine mist spray from the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop makes this unit highly recommended for the installations. With a single pull of the trigger, the mop will dispense just enough amount of solution to clean that particular section of the floor. That you get to mop without worrying about oversaturating the wood.
You can use this mop with all wood floors, whether they are unwaxed or unoiled, or completely finished with polyurethane treatments on the surface. This particular spray mop works on the numerous kinds of messes that can wind up on the floor. From getting rid of everyday dust, dealing with those drink spills that wind up on the surface, or those heavy builds ups of grime that have stuck to the installation – the mop is effective in the task. You simply attach it to the desired pad for the process.
Moreover, the setup time is minimal. Compared to the traditional approach of preparing a cleaning solution in a bucket and dragging it around the premises, bending over and wringing out the yarn mops with each pass you make – this is done away with. The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop allows you to get started on the task in moments, without having to go through loads of prep work for each mopping session. This also makes it particularly handy when you’re dealing with accidental spills, where it is imperative that the liquid contents on the floor get removed as soon as possible to prevent them from being absorbed into the wood tissue.
- Speed Cleaning
Why else do professional cleaning companies and janitorial teams love this unit? It cuts down the amount of time that they spend on the job. From the all-in-one mopping where you mist the cleaner and mop the floor on the go, to the extra-large mop head that covers a wider area compared to alternatives – it measures 16.5″ x 4.5″, you are able to carry out the cleaning faster.
Moreover, with the cartridge holding 850ml of fluid, the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop is suitable for working on multiple rooms on each round before topping up is required. Note that you can add different cleaning fluids to the cartridge, from plain water to specialised cleaners, and the occasional DIY solutions that you whip up at home. However, ensure that the liquid used will be suitable for the particular floor that is being worked on.
Topping up the cartridge is also a breeze. The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop comes with a simple design where, at just the press of a button, the cartridge is released from the structure. You then refill it with the desired cleaning liquid, then push it back into place. It will emit an audible click to notify you that the cartridge is securely in position.
- Ergonomic unit
While working on the floor, you want to use a mop whose grip is actually comfortable, to reduce the strain on your arm. The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop comes with a soft cushion grip which, in addition to the foam handle of the unt, contributes to its comfortable design.
The unit itself is so easy to use such that it works for all ages, meaning that you can get your kids on board. It’s that cleaning tool that makes carrying out those chores around the house a breeze – and it’s far much preferable than having the kids lug around pails of water and keep splashing it all over the area.
You also don’t have to worry about the furniture and baseboards being damaged as you carry out the cleaning. This is as the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop comes with soft flexible corners, that protect the surrounding units and structures from damage as you clean.
- Convenient storage
Where do you house your cleaning equipment? Definitely, the amount of storage space that the different tools take up is a key factor to be considered. After all, you don’t want to crowd out your storage space and have a difficult time each moment you want to reach for a cleaning tool. The design of the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop has been developed to make this easier on you as well. It comes with a retractable hook, that allows you to hang it up at a suitable location, freeing up space for other items in your cleaning arsenal. Since the mop itself has a slim shape, when you hang it up on the wall of your janitorial closet it will be pretty much out of your way.
Working With The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop
Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor. This is always advised before cleaning, in order to remove the loose dirt and debris that is on the surface. It goes a long way in reducing your workload.
Follow these steps to use the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop:
1. Take the Wood Floor Cleaner Cartridge and insert it into the Spray Mop, pressing it firmly into the socket.
2. Next, take the cleaning pad and attach it onto the mop head.
The tool is now ready to use.
3. Mist the cleaning product onto the floor surface and proceed to mop as normal.
In case you’re dealing with particularly troublesome spots, the cleaner should be sprayed directly on that section and allowed to dwell for a couple of minutes. This is to allow it to chemically break down the grime, and make it easier to mope off, as is usually the case for sticky spills, rubber heel marks and similar stubborn sections.
Taking Care Of The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop
The longevity of the equipment is tied to how well it is taken care of. From squeegees to cloths and brushes, they all need to be cleaned after use. The same case applies to the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop, especially the cleaning pad.
Guide To Getting The Right Mop For Your Needs
Given that there are different factors that go into the floor mopping process, getting the right tool can be confusing. how do you pick the mop that suits your needs? Let’s break down several factors that should be put into consideration:
- Handle comfort
“Just grab and mop” – well, there’s more to it than that. Say you’re working on a large area. You don’t want to use a tool that will have you getting fatigued quickly, or even cause injury or pain. For starters, you want to use a mop that has a suitable height, that way you won’t be bending all through the task. What’s more, models like the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop that comes with ergonomic grips will be key to prevent arm fatigue.
- Dry mopping vs Wet mopping
Given that it is a spray mop, definitely you’ll be using it for wet mopping. But this doesn’t mean that the unit has to be limited to it. Here, the flexibility comes with the cleaning heads that can be attached to the mop. For instance, with the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop under review, the models can be used with both dusting and mopping heads. Here, the reusable microfibre pads come in handy when you simply want to carry out a quick dusting of the premises, and then cleaning solutions are used for wet mopping. This saves you more time.
- Cleaning head attributes
Here there are two main issues to consider:
- Material
The material of the cleaning heads that the mop has been designed to work with will be a huge factor in determining the effectiveness of the mopping process. For instance, cotton and microfibre mops have different absorbent capacities, with the latter having the ability to soak up even 7 times its own weight in water – which proves to be particularly handy when you have a lot of area to cover and you want to distribute sufficient cleaning solution and soak up as much grime as possible with each pass of the mop.
The material also determines how suitable the mop will be in sanitising the floor. This is especially for cases where there are strict health standards to be met, like in nursing homes, food establishments, and healthcare facilities. Mopping goes beyond removing just the visible soiling and stains. There those particles that are too small for the naked eye to see, including germs that are crawling all over the premises, allergens that can trigger reactions in sensitive persons, and pollutants that deteriorate the indoor air quality. When looking at different materials – like comparing cotton yarn mops and microfibre, there will be varying rates of effectiveness. Here, microfibre is much more thorough in picking up those microparticles that are on the floor, making it a preferred choice for areas where floor sanitation is to be prioritized.
- Size:
Bigger does not always equal better. After all, working with a massive mop pad will be an inconvenience when you come to those tight and awkward areas. On the other hand, in case you’re dealing with multiple rooms or are working on an expansive floor area, having a mop with a large cleaning head onto which the attachments are fixed will enable you to cover more area in a shorter time.
- Powered vs Manual
Most spray mops on the market are manual. They are pretty straightforward to use, and can be worked with at even a moment’s notice. There are no power cords or batteries to bother with. The mist is sprayed onto the floor when the trigger is pressed, releasing the solution from the cartridge or tank on the unit, as is with the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop.
On the other hand, there are powered pray mops, which will either need to use batteries, or come with cords that will need to be connected to an outlet. It becomes quite the hassle, but granted such models are equipped for more than spraying the solutions and mopping the floor like the steam mops where the higher temperature aids in breaking down the grime.
- Liquid capacity
For specifically spray mops, you will also need to consider the size of the cartridge. This is where the cleaning fluid is held, and its size will be a direct determinant in how much area you can cover within a particular time. The more that the cartridge can hold, the further you can go before being required to refill it.
- Target application
Where will the mop be used? Are you looking for a mop that can work on specific surfaces like hardwood or ceramics, or are you going for a mop that cuts across the board even working on stone and other types of hard surface installations? There are spray mops that have been particularly developed for specific floors, especially the situations where scratches are a key concern. However, note that there are mops that allow you to attach different cleaning pads to the mop head. These are the likes of the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop under review, which give you more flexibility regarding the target areas that the mops can be used on.
- Price and Warranty
Definitely, the price tag will be a key consideration before you make your final decision. Leading brands with established production lines can take advantage of economies of scale to produce quality products at affordable prices. Watch out for those extremely low prices though – especially from non-descript brands, as this can be a pointer to low quality materials being used in the production of the items. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the powered mops and even robot models, which comes with quite high prices compared to the manual spray mops. Here the focus will be on getting a unit that matches your particular application needs while being within a price range that you’re comfortable with, without compromising on the quality. For the warranty, it will vary from brand to brand, with many stick mops not even having a warranty at all. Go through the warranty that comes with the particular unit you’re interested in to ensure you’re well versed with what is covered and the terms that are included.
While on this, be sure to go over the reviews that previous buyers have made about the model, such as on the product listing page, as well as general comments about the brand. After all, wouldn’t you rather learn from their experience before making a purchase and go through its whole range of merits and demerits? More positive reviews that a model has, as well as the legitimacy of the brand – taking into account issues such as how long it has been in operation and the size of its market share, will enable you to form an idea of what you can expect from the unit. Certainly, no company worth its salt, especially one that has been around for long, will have 100% positive reviews. The occasional negative comment can be expected. When going through the different products in its offering, the focus is to weigh the positives, which should be more, from genuine buyers who have used the product.
Efficient on the indoor air quality
When looking through the different options of the cleaners to use with the mop, their environmental impact also comes into focus. What kind of emissions does it have, and will they affect your family members? This is hot on the heels of reports indicating that the majority of the chemical exposure that people get occurs through the air breathed in when indoors – from homes and offices, to schools and entertainment venues. These chemicals – which are usually referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used in the manufacture and maintenance of building materials cleaning products, interior furnishing items, all through to personal care items. In fact, studies by the Environmental Protection Agency show that the prevalence of VOCs in indoor environments is so high that it beats the outdoors by 2,000 times.
Effects of VOCs vary. Some can be at low levels such that there is no noticeable smell, many result in irritation of the respiratory tract, the eyes, headaches and dizziness, while long-term exposure to some VOCs puts one at risk of lifelong conditions like cancer. Some VOCs, especially at high concentrations, get toxic. As such, it is important to check the impact of the cleaning product being used in the premises.
Here, check for certification of the product, especially by independent third parties that are used in the regulation of the industry. These are the likes of the GREENGUARD Certification Standard that undertake some of the most rigorous testing methods and strict standards in the world.