A method and system for the production of fibers for use in biocomposites is provided that includes the ability to use both retted and unretted straw, that keeps the molecular structure of the fibers intact by subjecting the fibers to minimal stress, that maximizes the fiber's aspect ratio, that maximizes the strength of the fibers, and that minimizes time and energy inputs, along with maintaining the fibers in good condition for bonding to the polymer(s) used with the fibers to form the biocomposite material. This consequently increases the functionality of the biocomposites produced (i.e. reinforcement, sound absorption, light weight, heat capacity, etc.), increasing their marketability. Additionally, as the disclosed method does not damage the fibers, oilseed flax straw, as well as all types of fibrous materials (i.e. fiber flax, banana, jute, industrial hemp, sisal, coir) etc., can be processed in bio composite materials.

A mop having a base plate, a handle, a joint connecting the plate to the handle, a first grip at the end of the handle, a scrubbing mechanism in the base, and a cleaning pad attached to the bottom of the base. The scrubbing mechanism includes a scrub bar, and is movable between an inactive position in which the bar is flush with or above the lower surface of the plate, and an active position in which the bar extends through an opening through the plate to be at least partially below the lower surface of the plate. The cleaning pad moves from being flat on the lower surface of the plate when the scrubbing mechanism is in the inactive position, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the cleaning pad protrudes downwards from the lower surface when the scrubbing mechanism is in the active position.

A mop having a base plate, a handle, a joint connecting the plate to the handle, a first grip at the end of the handle, a scrubbing mechanism in the base, and a cleaning pad attached to the bottom of the base. The scrubbing mechanism includes a scrub bar, and is movable between an inactive position in which the bar is flush with or above the lower surface of the plate, and an active position in which the bar extends through an opening through the plate to be at least partially below the lower surface of the plate. The cleaning pad moves from being flat on the lower surface of the plate when the scrubbing mechanism is in the inactive position, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the cleaning pad protrudes downwards from the lower surface when the scrubbing mechanism is in the active position.

A cleaner includes a cleaner body including a main cleaning unit for generating suction force, a nozzle assembly rotatably connected to the cleaner body and including a suction port for sucking in air and dust, and an auxiliary cleaning unit connected to the nozzle assembly and including a cloth supporter to which a cloth is attached. The nozzle assembly includes a front wheel and a rear wheel spaced apart from the front wheel, and a shaft of the rear wheel is relatively movably connected to the nozzle assembly to change a contact area between the cloth and a floor.

Provided is a combination broom and cleaning fabric adapter apparatus. The apparatus may include a planar plate having a first and a second surface. The plate may be configured to position a cleaning fabric on the first surface. The first surface may include grippers to grip the cleaning fabric onto the first surface. A stick attachment device may be connected to the second surface for attaching a standard broom or mop stick to the plate at a first location on the plate. The stick attachment device may be configured to allow the stick to pivot freely in two-dimensions relative to the plate. A broom brush attachment device may be connected to the second surface adjacent an edge of the plate for attaching a broom brush to the plate.

A cleaning device for combining the use of a mop or broom and a sponge. The modular cleaning system for broom and mops will allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired. The sponge is easily attachable and detachable from the broom or mop. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend down or strain their back while cleaning. The sponge is retractable via a lever.

A cleaning device for combining the use of a mop or broom and a sponge. The modular cleaning system for broom and mops will allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired. The sponge is easily attachable and detachable from the broom or mop. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend down or strain their back while cleaning. The sponge is retractable via a lever.

A steam mop includes a housing comprising a foot assembly movable along a surface to be cleaned and a body portion coupled to the foot assembly, a supply tank for storing a supply of fluid, a steam generator fluidly connected to the supply tank for producing steam from the fluid, a fluid distributor fluidly coupled with the steam generator to distribute steam to the surface to be cleaned, a cleaning pad mounted to the foot assembly and positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned, and an agitator provided on the housing, separate from the cleaning pad.

A steam mop includes a housing comprising a foot assembly movable along a surface to be cleaned and a body portion coupled to the foot assembly, a supply tank for storing a supply of fluid, a steam generator fluidly connected to the supply tank for producing steam from the fluid, a fluid distributor fluidly coupled with the steam generator to distribute steam to the surface to be cleaned, a cleaning pad mounted to the foot assembly and positioned to contact the surface to be cleaned, and an agitator provided on the housing, separate from the cleaning pad.

A nonwoven sheet, having a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface. Wax is disposed in a wax pattern on the first surface; and oil is disposed in an oil pattern on the second surface. The oil pattern is not coincident the wax pattern so that wax blocks the oil from permeating through to the first surface. The first surface may be textured with peaks and valleys, having wax disposed on the peaks. This arrangement keeps the oil from contacting the target surface and leaving residue, while allowing the oil to collect and retain debris. The sheet may be executed as a dry sheet for cleaning surfaces such as floors or as a duster.