ArticlesSome people appreciate charts as a key method of conveying information in a graphical format.
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Some people appreciate rants as a key method of conveying information in a cynical format.
For those people:
I am about 180 cm (5′ 11″) tall. That’s not absurdly tall. I am not a statistical outlier.
So, why the hell won’t anyone sell me a damn mop with a handle that comes up past nipple height? I want to clean the floor, not ruin my back by applying force while bent almost in two. Do I really have to spend my time working out how to custom-build my own mop handles?
It isn’t 1940 anymore; men use mops too.
(Ref for height data – an interesting read, as it documents another phenomenon I have frequently noticed: people tend to grossly exaggerate their own heights. Never trust self-reported heights, including mine.)
Update: Based on a recommendation in the comments, I bought a commercial-grade long-handled mop, which I reviewed in excruciating detail.
Comment by Anon on June 30, 2008
Try a store that sells commercial cleaning equipment (eg Enviroclean on Parramatta Rd).
Comment by Julian on July 1, 2008
Dear Anon,
First, I am enjoying coming up with hypothetical situations where complete anonymity is critical – for the sake of your life and those of your family – while discussing distributors of mop handles. Thanks for that!
Secondly, with all seriousness, thanks for the suggestion. I figure you mean the Envirochemicals. According to their site, they do sell professional-quality mops. I can’t see any mention of handle-length, so I will have to go visit them some day and check out the options.
Comment by Alastair on July 8, 2008
Anon is quite clearly a puppet of the powerful mop handle vendors lobby, don’t get taken in by their cleaning-equipment-related propaganda, Julian!
Comment by Dena on January 4, 2009
Anon,
As a 5’10 stay at home mom I completely feel your pain. Literally! I have been wondering for some time why I can’t find brooms, vacuums, mops, etc that are made for taller people. Is it so hard to make an adjustable handle? I find the same problem with strollers, if you have children you know what I am talking about.
Comment by Teah on February 23, 2010
Julian,
Thank you so much for mirroring my frustrations! I am only 5’9″ and yet my back aches for a couple of days after I clean because of the short broom and mop I have. Why can’t someone put out an affordable handle extender or simply a tall mop/broom for home use? I hate to have to invest in commercial equipment in order to clean my home. How irritating!
Comment by Joyce on March 13, 2011
im 5′ 3″ and they are to short for me
Comment by Maxglitz on July 24, 2011
Found this page while sitting here with a backpain from hell, even after February surgery. I echo the anger in Julian’s post. I’m 6’2″ and every time I vacuum or mop, I’m shot for a couple of days, EVERY TIME. I can’t ever vacuum the whole house. Our kitchen is very large and mopping it is double the chore with these short handled mops. Wondering “Do we REALLY have to pay some high price for a commercial product?” These things are traditionally high priced.
Hoping that I receive updates with suggestions.
Comment by Julian on July 24, 2011
Maxglitz,
It’s interesting that I never had a problem with vacuuming. I don’t use an upright vacuum cleaner. Do you? I wonder if that makes a difference.
As I have mentioned I did buy a long-handled mop, and it was overpriced (6-7 times the price of a regular mop). However, it was certainly worth it for me, and it sounds like the problem is even worse for you.
Now, my biggest grumble is trying to wash the dishes over kitchen sinks made for people a foot shorter than me. I have used a sink custom-installed for a 6’2″ man, and the difference in comfort is huge.
Comment by Susan on October 26, 2012
Did anyone ever find a decent priced set of cleaning supplies for taller people. I’m sitting here looking after breaking my back over sweeping the floor in the kitchen again. This is crazy!
Comment by Julian on October 26, 2012
Susan, yes! If you look at the last line of the article, you’ll see an update where I did indeed buy a long-handled mop. Four years later, it remains my pride and joy.
Comment by Trista on August 4, 2016
I’m 5’10″tall with chronic backache due to the fact I have to have bended my back to do the household chores. All the brooms, vacuums and mops are not designed for tall people.