Finds: Commercial Cleaning Gear

As Toolmongers, you don’t buy the set of chisels with technicolor handles that come in a set marked “good for homeowners,” do you?  You buy the ones the pros use, that’ll work wonderfully (at least to the extent of your own experience and talent) and’ll last a lifetime.  Why not apply the same thinking to cleanup?

Pros — who clean up after-party messes like yours every time a touring act visits the local mega-plex — don’t use a car-wash bucket with their mop; they use a dedicated wringer bucket like the one pictured above.  You can have your own starting at around $75.

You have lots of options, but we’ve had good luck with Rubbermaid’s commercial models — usually labelled “Brute” just like your favorite shop trash cans.  Regardless of what bells and whistles you choose, you should start with the basics: a rolling unit with a side-press wringer.

If you want to get really fancy, pick up a dual-water version, which has separate tanks for clean and dirty water.  One of my Miata’s leaks like a sieve — that’s a project for this year — which means that with a single bucket I’m in for at least two water changes just to keep from spreading oil all over the floor.  The dual-water bucket means just one change.  Nice.

If you need one of these in a major hurry — can’t imagine why — you can find them at most Sam’s Clubs.

And hey, if anyone laughs at your bright-yellow piece of commercial cleaning gear — just be sure and hold the party at their place next year.

Commercial Mopping Equipment [Rubbermaid]
Street Pricing [Froogle]