The 8 Best Mops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
The 8 Best Mops of , Tested and Reviewed
When it comes to cleaning floors, choosing the right mop for the job can make a huge difference in the resultsand dare we say, make your cleaning experience somewhat satisfying. Each type of mopwhether its a spray mop, spin mop, steam mop, or flat or microfiber mopis a master of a different set of messes. For example, you might use a spray mop to tackle apple juice spills or a microfiber one for dusting off your hardwood floor. Simply put, mops have evolved a lot from the traditional cotton mop head dripping across your floor.
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But with so many variations of mops on the market, its hard to know which one is the best cleaning tool for the job. We've tested dozens of models from Swiffer, O-Cedar, Bona, Shark, and more since in The Lab and at home, evaluating them based on type, maneuverability, portability, ease of cleaning, accessories, and price.
To help you navigate the seemingly endless choices and select a mop that's really going to work for you, we gathered the best mops from all of our years of rigorous testingones that represent four main mop categories, including spray, spin, steam, and microfiber. We put them head to head, tackling stains like dark soda, sawdust, sticky maple syrup, crusty cheese sauce, and oily salad dressing.
We didnt just let any mop get into the competition, thoughwe selected only our winners from our previous tests to face off in a cleaning showdown with the most common household spills, squirts, and stains. So, roll up your sleeves, and see which mops wiped up the competition, because weve tested more than 105 mops and these eight are true standouts in their respective fields.
Editor's Note: This review was updated in August with new buying considerations from our head-to-head mops testing.
Spray Mops
We know you want to take care of messy food spills in your kitchen or dining room quickly. That's why we think a spray mop is a convenient cleaning tool that will literally spray a controlled amount of cleaning formula onto your floor. With the cleaning solution readily available and built into the unit, a good spray mop is efficient and fast, quickly cutting down on cleaning time.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
What's So Great About Them
Spray mops assemble in a snap and transport easily. They are generally lightweight, so theyre great for toting from room to room. And you wont have to worry about lugging around a sloshing bucket of water, because the bottle of formula is already built into the spray mop.
We think the big advantage is that you can control how much cleaning solution you spray onto your floor given the mess you have, which means less waste and less hassle. And unlike a traditional mop and bucket, a spray mop's slender frame wont take up too much storage room in your utility closet or garage, making it a great option for small and large spaces alike.
Cost Consideration
Expect spray mops to cost anywhere from $20 to $300. For the most part, a starter kit is roughly $30 and will come equipped with a spray mop, extra mop pads, a bottle of solution, and batteries (if its a battery-operated system). On more advanced units, you may shell out more money upfront for a spray mop equipped with rechargeable batteries.
Its advised that you change your mops cleaning pad regularly. Refill pads come in boxes of 4 to 25 and generally cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Depending on the brand of mop, you might be able to find washable pads that are reusable and generally considered more eco-friendly.
What You Need to Know
Compared to a traditional mop and bucket, a spray mop can get costly because they require new cleaning pads and solution thats specific to a certain brand and model. Additionally, if your mop is battery-operated, it may require new batteries. If so, youll need to see how many are required and factor that into your overall cost. A battery-powered mop can be more expensive in the long-run, but it also can be more powerful when it comes to cleaning.
You should also be aware that spray mops are activated by a trigger and the nozzle may get clogged with cleaning formula. A well-maintained spray mop can also last one to five years, but that depends largely on the frequency and intensity of cleanings, as well as proper care and storage.
What Wiped Up the Competition
During our extensive testing, the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit easily came out on top. It effortlessly cleaned oily salad dressing, sticky maple syrup, dust, and dried cheese sauce stains. We especially loved how easy it was to set up this spray mop; it took just seconds.
If faced with an urgent mess, this is the spray mop wed grab out of the closet in a jiffy. The kit comes with a PowerMop, two mopping pad refills, one bottle of solution, and two batteries. It sprays a fine mist of powerful cleaning solution, and the solution comes in three scents. (As a multipurpose spray, there are fresh and lavender scents available, and for wood floors, there is a lemon scent available.)
Over the years, Swiffer has developed different iterations of their spray mop, including the popular WetJet. We like how the PowerMop sports a full 360-degree swivel head that is able to easily move around objects, such as the legs of tables and chairs.
The best part, though, is the mopping pads 300-plus scrubbing strips that clean all of the nooks and crannies of the floor. Compared to the other winning brands we tested, we were impressed with how the scrubbing strips quickly mopped up our sawdust during testing. Our trick was to let the solution soak into the dust for 10 to 20 seconds; then, the mopping pad seemed to grab it all with ease.
Just be aware that the PowerMops pads are meant to be disposable, but the good news is that the scrubbing strips have the capacity to hold lots of grime and dirt.
Weight: 4.65 pounds | Handle Length: 28.47 inches | Mop Head Type: Disposable | Machine Washable: No
When is it time to replace a mop pad?
Disposable mop pads, which are meant to be thrown out after each use, should be replaced each time you start a new cleaning task. A machine-washable cleaning pad, on the other hand, wont need to be replaced as frequently and should last for at least 50 usesthough, you may still want to wash it after every use.
Ideally, its best to air-dry a washable mop pad, as dryers can be loaded with lint which may affect the absorbency of the pad over time. If you're cleaning a spin mop head, a great tip is to throw it into a mesh laundry bag to save it from getting tangled or ripped.
If you love a good spray mop, but prefer to avoid going through so many disposable mopping pads, we suggest the lightweight Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop, which can be used on all hard flooring types, including vinyl, laminate, tile, and hardwood.
At $40, it made our list because it was a top performer during our mop testing, earning points for its effectiveness, maneuverability, and spray function that delivers a squirt of your choice of cleaning solution. Yes, you read that rightyou can top off the refillable, 22-ounce bottle with whatever your favorite floor cleaner is. Overall, we found that the sprayer worked well, never jamming or clogging once.
We especially were impressed with the mops thick microfiber pads that have the ability to swivel and are the ideal size for cleaning up large areasthough they may not be the best for wedging into tight crevices. Still, the non-scratch pads are machine washable and last up to 100 washes. That adds up to big savings in our book, and as a manual mop, you also wont have the added expense of stocking up on batteries.
During our testing, we noted that the pads washed up well after use. In fact, after our wash, the pads were odor-free and ready to get straight back to work.
Weight: 3.06 pounds | Handle Length: 57.3 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
What exactly is dry mopping?
We think a dry mop is a great cleaning technique to pick up dirt and debris before wet mopping. It also works great for dusting baseboards, moldings, and walls.
Spin Mops
Believe it or not, spin mops are trending, making appearances all over TikTok. Besides being cleaning stars, they are known to be fast-absorbing and are typically equipped with a spinning mechanism to draw out excess water, away from the mop into a bucket. Many are easy to assemble and use, and all our favorites clean up floor messes effectively. Most models come with the benefit of foot pedals on their buckets, so you wont have to bend over and strain your back while wringing out dirty water.
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The Spruce Team Finds the Best Spin Mops
What's So Great About Them
Overall, weve found spin mops to be quite user-friendly and super hygienic, because the cleaning system takes care of wringing out any excess dirty water. This means each time you swipe the spin mop across the floor, youre working with a fairly clean mop headand not constantly spreading dirt and germs.
Like some spray mops, a spin mop has a replaceable mop head. These tend to be washable and can be used for up to three months before needing a replacement. What we love the most is the triangle-shaped mop head (which most have) that can effortlessly glide into dusty corners and small areas of the floor, making sure every inch is clean.
Cost Consideration
A spin mops cost can range anywhere from $35 to $150. On average, spin mops tend to be $40. Like spray mops, youll need to assess costs for replacement mop heads, which range from $10 to $15 per refill. On the plus side, you wont have to worry about batteries or staying loyal to a floor cleaner. By using a bucket system, you can use whichever cleaning formula you want and works best for your type of floor.
What You Need to Know
Spin mops typically take up more space than a spray mop, because they tend to come with a bucket system to help wring out used water. Youll need to make sure you have the floor space to store both a spin mop and its bucket in your cleaning closet. While they are efficient cleaning tools, you will also need to consider that spin mops require a bit more time to use and maintain than a spray mop.
Unlike a spray mop, youll take out both a bucket and mop, so spin mops are better for long cleaning sessions, rather than quick spot-cleaning jobs. Youll also need to account for time to add water into the bucket and occasional drips, which are less likely with a controlled spray unit.
What Wiped Up the Competition
If youre looking for a powerful mop without the mess, we think youll love the O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop and Bucket System. It comes equipped with a special, pedal-powered bucket that spins dirty water out of your mop.
In our testing, we thought O-Cedars microfiber mop head worked well on large areas and was great for deep cleaning. The bucket is designed with a dual-chamber system for storing clean water and dirty water separately. Still, the bucket lacks wheels, so be mindful of how much weight you can carryyou might be getting an arm workout as you mop.
Like most spin mops, the O-Cedar has a triangular, microfiber head that fits into corners and is easy to maneuver while working between chair legs. When it came to picking up sawdust specifically, we noted how well the mop head absorbed all of the fine particles. A huge bonus is that the mop head is also totally machine washable, so you wont have to go through as many replacements.
All in all, using this mop is a major cleaning win. It can tackle any job on any hard floor surface, and talk about versatility: this mop can be used either wet or dry, and the microfiber mop head ensures itll be gentle on surfaces, even your delicate hardwood.
Weight: 6.69 pounds | Handle Length: Up to 51 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
While its not exactly a spin mop, we love the Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Twist Mop's heavy-duty design. This pick is technically a string mop that offers excellent scrubbing power and is equipped with double tail bands and looped ends that will prevent the mops strings from getting tangled.
In our testing, we noted that the mops microfiber strings arent quite as absorbent as some mops, such as the O-Cedar, but we found that the Rubbermaid is easy to push and maneuver into all types of tight spots. At less than $50, we think it will work great for sizable cleanup jobs. Just be aware: youll need to go out and buy a bucket companion before you start working.
We especially love that you can actually wring the mop without getting your hands dirty. Just pull it taut and twist it against the handles mechanism. During our testing, we felt that the mop was quite heavy while in use, making it difficult to transport from room to room. Overall, we were wowed with its durable and sturdy construction, though. If youre looking for extra cleaning power for a big job, we think this self-wringing twist mop from Rubbermaid is the way to go.
Weight: 1.2 pounds | Handle Length: 54 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: No
Steam Mops
Steam mops work by heating water and sending powerful steam into a mop pad. The heat is what makes a steam mop a wizard at cleaning, eliminating bacteria and killing dust mites on contact. And much like spray mops, steam mops are equally convenient (although, thanks to the water and plug, not as quick to pull out and get ready to work). You can use one for touch-ups around your home or weekly cleaning sessions.
The Spruce / Eric Brockob
What's So Great About Them
Steam mops are powerful cleaners and great for regular cleaning. Without having to use a bucket to rinse its mop head, a steam mop tends to be a more compact and an easy-to-use cleaning companion.
We also love that steam mops are versatile tools and come with a variety of attachments. Yours can double as a squeegee, grout cleaner, scrub brush, or a fabric steamer. Depending on your model, you can even use it to clean window blinds, upholstery, or countertops. Best of all, you wont have to use a cleaning solution. Steam mops rely strictly on water; theres no formulas involved or storing bottles of cleaner. If you have allergies or are sensitive to cleaners, this mop type may be a wonderful option for you.
Cost Consideration
Steam mops do cost a pretty penny and can range in price from $80 to $300, depending on the type of steam mop you get and the number of attachments it has. Mop head replacements are generally $10 to $25 per pack, but pads are generally washable. On the flip side, depending on how frequently you use yours, steam mops can be great investments because they serve as multipurpose cleaning tools around the house.
What You Need to Know
Before you use a steam mop, you generally need to prep your floor. That means loosening dirt and grime with a broom or vacuum before you plug a steam mop in. Steam mops also cant be used on every floor type. Hardwood floors, or any flooring for that matter, that are sensitive to moisture are not compatible with steam mops. Steam can cause damage to these delicate surfaces and possibly lead to warping.
Based on our testing, we suggest sticking to sealed floors. Steam mops work wonders on ceramic or porcelain tile, water-resistant laminate, and linoleum. That said, its best to check with your floors manufacturer to make sure you can apply steam to your specific surfaces.
Want more information on microfiber hard stripe mop manufacture? Feel free to contact us.
Youll also need to pay attention to your steam mops capacity. For the most part, steam mops can hold 12- to 15-ounces of water. Canister-style steam mops are able to hold 60 ounces. Steam mops can also be corded, so you may be tied to an outlet when cleaning.
What Wiped Up the Competition
The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop can be used on so many surfaces beyond your floors. For example, it can double as a handheld steamer for sprucing up fabric curtains, upholstery, and clothing.
At roughly $100, it comes with multiple attachments and reusable mop pad replacements that are easy to take off and change. During testing, we noted that, after six months of use, the mop pads were still working greatthough, we think its a good idea to soak stained pads in soapy detergent before laundering.
While the size of the mop head made it difficult to maneuver the mop into nooks and crannies during testing, we found that it was ideal for easily cleaning larger rooms. The one problem we encountered was that the mop head had a tendency to flip when passing over sticky stains. Through continued use, we discovered its best to move slowly over a really dirty spot to let the steam do its work and clean its best. We were especially in awe of the mops ability to tackle tile, quickly eliminating messy dribbles of maple syrup and soda.
We noted that the 12.8-ounce tank is large enough for regular cleaning, but the cord is a little short at 15.9 feet, so youd have to make sure you are close to an outlet when cleaning. As we tested, we observed that the cord was long enough to clean a room, but we had to switch to a new outlet once we moved to another space. Still, we like that the PurSteam mop heats quickly (in under 30 seconds) and cleans well.
Weight: 4.4 pounds | Handle Length: 23.94 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
We love the efficiency of the Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop. It has an attachable spray mop that works great for cleaning floors, and it heats up and cools down quickly and easily. Plus, it has a 22.4-foot cord, so its long enough to travel from room to room.
We put it to the test on tomato paste and syrup, and found that the steam broke down each mess as the pad absorbed any residue. Its less than 12 pounds, so its a bit heavier than some of our other options. Yet, we can easily overlook that, based on how it performs. Were especially thrilled that the reusable mop pads are easy to remove with just a touch of a button, so you wont have to get your hands dirty when replacing the pad.
Overall, Shark is a well-respected brand for good reason. (We also love Shark's vacuums.) We think this steam mop, in particular, is pretty straightforward. It doesn't come with any extra attachments, making it a solid option for beginners and those looking for a simple, effective cleaning tool.
Weight: 11.41 pounds | Handle Length: 26.6 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
Microfiber or Flat Mops
Microfiber or flat mops are popular for cleaning everyday messes. They tend to have fewer bells and whistles than a steam mop or a spin mop, and can be used with a disposable or washable mop pador padded with a cloth. Specifically, microfiber mop pads are soft, gentle, and easy to wring out. And these types of mops are great for both wet and dry cleaning.
The Spruce / Eric Brockob
What's So Great About Them
We love using a good microfiber mop to clean hardwood floors, because it wont scratch the surface. And a flat mop that uses a cloth mop head is specifically great for tile. Both options are portable and easy to store, although they sometimes require a bucket, depending on the brand and the cleaning you're hoping to do. Generally speaking, microfiber mops tend to be easy to use and are a breeze to set up.
Cost Consideration
Microfiber and flat mops can cost you between $15 for a very basic model and $150 for something more advanced. Youll have to consider the extras down the line, especially if you opt for a model that relies on the convenience of disposable mop pads.
What You Need to Know
Theres a lot of variety when it comes to flat and microfiber mops. The general rectangular shape of the mop itself can be limiting, especially when it comes to navigating around furniture. However, in general, these mops can be a great place to start if you or someone you know is new to mopping. If you're just moving into a dorm room, apartment, or your first home, this is also a great and versatile cleaning tool to add to your toolkit right away.
What Wiped Up the Competition
When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, we think the Bona Microfiber Floor Mop is the best at handling the tiny grooves of wooden floors and making this delicate surface shine. With its plant-based formula (which you can buy separately) and gentle microfiber pad, you can feel confident in this mop's cleaning abilities.
The mop uses a reusable microfiber cloth thats nearly 17 inches wide and makes quick work of all those large, high-traffic areas in your home. The spray mop version comes with a pre-filled, 32-ounce bottle of Bonas popular hardwood floor cleaner, as well as extra concentrated cleaning tabs, so you can mix up batches as you need it. The water-based formula is also gentle and fast drying. In our experience with the spray mop, we also found that the built-in cleaner snaps easily into the chamber and wont leak as you clean.
In our head-to-head test, the Bona microfiber mop worked well soaking up an oily salad dressing spill and was also a master at handling dried cheese sauce. We had a hard time picking up sawdust, but despite that, we felt the Bona maneuvers well and glides seamlessly under tables to mop up crumbs and dirt. As a bonus, we like that the mop head sports flexible corners; it wont scratch furniture or mark up baseboards as it glides along your floor.
Weight: 5.2 pounds | Handle Length: 28.4 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
After testing it in the lab, we think the Bosheng Mop and Bucket Set is especially great at cleaning multiple floor types and tackling both wet and dry messes. For less than $50, it comes with a handy bucket that wrings out the mop head for you, much like a spin mop.
During our testing, the mop cleaned up fruit punch, barbecue sauce, damp soil, and dry paprika without much effort. It relies on a swivel connection between the handle and the mop head, and that makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
Plus, it comes with three Velcro-attached, washable, microfiber pads, and the included bucket has two compartments to hold clean water and soap, and then wring out the dirty mop separately. By keeping the water chambers separate, you wont have to worry about spreading grime and bacteria as you work.
As we tested, we found that the Bosheng mop was easy to set up, but can take time to break down and store away. The bucket itself requires extra time to empty and wash after each use. Despite that, we think this mop is pretty perfect and a great cleaning tool to handle all sorts of messes.
Weight: 3.89 pounds | Handle Length: 48.6 inches | Mop Head Type: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
How We Tested the Mops
In The Lab, and at home, weve tested a long list of mops through the yearsincluding spray, microfiber, spin, steam, and even sponge versions. Straight out of the box, we start to evaluate each mop. What does it come with? How much did it cost? And how easy is it to setup and how long did it take? Then, we roll up our sleeves and get to the dirty work. We assess performance and effectiveness on a range of stains. In the case of our head-to-head test, we used maple syrup, dried cheese sauce, sawdust, oily salad dressing, and dark soda to gather our testing results. To decide which product was best for which job, we also factored in all of our previous mop tests, including other models and styles, to be sure we were considering all categories.
On the day of testing, we got to work mopping and evaluating how well each of the mops actually worked on the stains. We even kept track of how much water we used when we rinsed out and refreshed the mop heads.
We used each mop in a mock dining area to test for portability and maneuverability, observing how well they performed around furniture and other household obstacles. We especially focused on how tight each mop could get against the edges of a wall and under and around a dining table set, without moving any tables or chairs.
While we did this, we took note of how easy each mop was to use as well as the overall sturdiness, comfort, and usability. Lastly, we evaluated how messy the cleaning process was for each mop, and then we looked at the price of each product to come up with its overall value. After hours of testing, we narrowed down our list to find out which mops are really the best of the best.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
How We Picked the Mops
We picked mops to test based on our editors experiences, a brands popularity, and general reviews. Weve tested over 100 different mops to date. In this test, we decided to stick to four main types of mops: spray, spin, steam, and flat or microfiber.
Why did we skip sponge mops? In our experience, they tend to be a bit messy and arent exactly our favorites, especially as mops for hardwood floors. But if a sponge mop is what you prefer, the rust-resistant Casabella Painted Steel Original Mop is our best overall sponge mop.
Youll notice we also veered away from robot mops in this test. We absolutely love them and all of their cleaning power, but we think its like comparing apples to oranges when it comes to using a robot mop versus a manual one. For a great robot mop, we think the Ecovacs T10 Omni magically cleans up everyday spills and messes (think Cheerio crumbs, yogurt drips, and squashed berries).
For this story, we chose only the best of the best for each of the categories we chose to include.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Other Cleaning Considerations
To make your mopping experience even better, we think theres a few things you should consider, such as picking the best mop size, buying accessories, and opting for the best floor cleaner.
Select the Proper Size
After testing and handling so many mops, the size of a mop's head really varies from one model to another. Most mop heads range in size from 8 to 24 inches. A smaller, compact size will allow you to get into tiny areas and tight spots, while a larger mop head can cover more ground and help you get the job done faster. Be sure to pick a mop thatll work for your space, and think about storage, too. The perk of owning a smaller mop is that it will easily take up less space in your cleaning closet.
Invest in Accessories and Attachments
Like most cleaning tools, mops come with a whole assortment of accessories, such as attachments, wall mounts, and yes, buckets.
Depending on the brand and type, your mop may come with a number of additional attachments, which can come in handy when scraping up tough spills or cleaning other surfaces, like curtains. Many steam mops come with additional accessories that turn your mop into a handheld cleaning device. You can look for detail brushes, a window squeegee, a pivoting mop head, and a tool that's designed specifically to clean grout.
A wall mount can help to organize and store your mop, so it wont have to lie haphazardly on the floor. Itll save space by giving your cleaning tool a dedicated hanging spot in your closet, making it easy to grab if youre in a rush to clean. Plus, we like that a wall mount will help household members know exactly where to find the mopas well as where to store it.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Some steam mops have charging stations that can double as wall mounts. Using the station will help you keep the unit powered up when it's not in use. It'll also provide a place to neatly store all of your mops attachments.
Some mops require the use of a bucket. If thats the case and your mop doesnt already come with one, youll want to consider the size of a mop bucket before you shop. Make sure your mop head will actually fit into the bucket, and be sure to check the buckets overall capacity. For example, if you have a large kitchen, youll want to choose a container that wont be too heavy to lift, but will carry enough water to clean the area in one go. Youll also want to check how easy it is to maneuver a bucket and possibly look for one that has wheels.
Find a Compatible Cleaner
As you think about mopping in your home, youll want to carefully consider your floors materials and constructionas well as the type of mop you want. Its crucial to pick a good cleaner that'll not only do a good job, but will also avoid being harsh and abrasive. A good cleaner can be the second half of the equation to spotless results.
To avoid damaging your floors while mopping, weve tested 19 floor cleaners to help you pick the best one for the job, whether its cleaning tile, hardwood, or laminate. Youll find that weve paid attention to price, drying time, and ingredients. Still, if you're unsure about what kind of flooring you have, or you just want a mop that can tackle all kinds of jobs, we suggest looking for a mop thats suitable for all types of flooring.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Lau is an editor at The Spruce, specializing in appliances, cleaning, organization, and home tech. For this story, she analyzed all of our mop testing results from The Lab, looking at each options material, maneuverability, and design. Then, she focused on the winners across the board and took our analysis a step further.
By focusing on the best of the best, weve put together a powerful list of cleaning tools to tackle your next mopping job. At home, Michelle is a fan of the Swiffer PowerMop, which is one of our top spray mops, because the scrubbing strips are truly wonderful at lifting grime and dirt in her kitchen.
Our Experts:
- Noell Jett, creator of Jett Set Farmhouse and author of From the Ground Up
- Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member
- Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce
For more microfiber bath towel benefitsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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