A mop is a textile mounted on a handle used in cleaning. It is generally used for cleaning floors.
The inventor Eddy Key received a patent for a mop holder in 1837.
The modern version of the mop was developed by two Spanish inventors (Emilio Bellvis, Manuel Jalon Corominas) who, in 1956, improved the drying rollers system used at Zaragoza (Spain) U.S. Air Force Base by substituting them by a truncated cone of plastic. The mop is generally used for cleaning floors of buildings.
Types of mops
1) Classic round yarn mop for wet use
In daily speech a mop is used in reference to a yarn mop. The mop consists of thick lengths of yarn (about 25 cm) or, in newer models, soft strands of water-absorbing fabric. A yarn mop is usually mounted on a long (about 1.5 m) handle with a thread end on which the mop can be fastened by turning it clockwise.
To clean a floor, the mop is soaked in a bucket of water, into which some cleaning solution has usually been added, and swept against the floor surface. Some buckets include a wringer to strain excess water from the mop, to control the amount of water transferred to the floor. Leaving excess (contaminated) water on the floor will result in a dirty residue.
2) Dry-mop, dust-mop
Flat mop for dry use. Open end yarn with microfiber. Velcro back.
A dry-mop or dust-mop is designed to pick up dry, loose contamination like dust, earth and sand from the surface. It consists of yarn and/or microfiber and is used as a first step in cleaning a floor.
Professional dry mops consist of a flat sheet of micro fiber textile or sheets with a surface of looped yarn, usually about 15 cm wide, and comes in variable lengths (usually 30 - 100 cm).
The dry-mop can in many instances replace a broom and has the ability to hold a limited amount of dust or sand within itself. Ideally, it should be machine washed when it becomes saturated with dust. Another option is using a vacuum cleaner to suck surface dust away from the mop, however this is limited in its effectiveness.
Single-use dry-mops are available.
3) Wet-mop, moist-mop
Professional wet-mops consists of a flat sheet of microfiber textile or sheets with a surface of looped yarn (which might contain microfiber as well), usually about 15 cm wide, and comes in variable lengths (usually 30 - 100 cm).

Working conditions
Using a mop for cleaning floors and, for example tiled walls, greatly improves the hygienic working conditions for the handler. The mop is also good at cleaning small and tight areas and can help a person really clean their house. When a mop is used, first you have to soak it in soapy water and then mop the floor with it.