10 Models Tested on Multiple Floor Types

The best mops make cleaning hard flooring surfaces easier. And for years, we’ve been putting highly rated mops through the wringer, scrubbing and steaming away layers of grime on laminate, vinyl, linoleum, wood, marble, stone, and ceramic tile floors. Through our research and testing, it’s become apparent that certain mops are more effective (and enjoyable) to use.

For homes with multiple types of hard flooring, our favorite mop is the Libman Tornado Spin Mop System. It features a machine-washable XL mophead safe for all sealed floors and an easy-to-use bucket and wringer system. Keep reading to learn more about that model and the other nine that made our best mops list.

1. BEST OVERALL: Libman Tornado Spin Mop System
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: O-Cedar ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop
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3. BEST DISPOSABLE MOP PADS: Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit 
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4. BEST FLAT: Microfiber Wholesale 18″ Professional Mop System
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5. BEST WET/DRY: Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry and Wet Starter Kit 
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6. BEST ELECTRIC: Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop
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7. BEST STEAM MOP: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
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8. BEST VACUUM MOP: Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Vacuum Mop
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9. BEST ROBOT MOP: ILife V5s Plus Robotic Vacuum and Mop
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10. MOST VERSATILE: Libman Wonder Mop
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Mops Comparison

Our Top Picks

Mopping a floor requires choosing the right tool for your preferences and flooring type. Each of the products below passed our tests for keeping hard floors spick and span. 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4.5/5 

If your home has multiple hard surface floors and you’re looking for a mop that can effectively and safely clean them all, the Libman Tornado mop and bucket is a standout. It features an XL deep-cleaning microfiber head that fits up against baseboards and cabinets, lifting dirt and grime. It also has a 2-gallon bucket with a stainless steel spin chamber to make wringing a breeze. 

We used this mop with spin bucket on our hardwoods, luxury vinyl plank, linoleum, and ceramic tile, and it left every floor visibly cleaner. The system removed dried-on pasta sauce and a spilled sticky drink from each surface, and every time we emptied the bucket, we were amazed at how dirty the mop water was. Plus, the spin mop bucket has a pour spot, making it easy to dump without making a mess. Also, the mopheads are washable, meaning all we had to do when we were finished was toss the used one in the washer and let it air dry for next time.

What our tester says: “This Libman won our top award because it’s so effective and easy to use. I really love not having to worry about oversaturating my floors since the spin bucket takes out all the excess water.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Libman Tornado mop at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 5/5

The O-Cedar ProMist microfiber mop features a flat, double-sided microfiber mophead and a refillable spray bottle. In testing, we found that design very easy to maneuver—it fit snugly against baseboards and easily under low-to-the-ground furniture. The spray trigger was perfectly placed for dispensing cleaning solution as we worked, and when we accidentally applied too much, we simply flipped the mophead over to absorb the extra moisture. Even with water alone, it’s designed to remove up to 99 percent of bacteria from floors. 

After mopping our floors once, the white mophead turned brown—a clear sign it was lifting ample amounts of dirt. In addition to coming at a very reasonable initial cost, we appreciated the O-Cedar’s eco-friendly features. It doesn’t need batteries, the mophead is reusable and machine washable, and the onboard water tank is refillable. Over time, this saves money and cuts down on waste compared with mops that use disposable pads and single-use solutions.

Get the O-Cedar mop at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5; 

Testing the Swiffer WetJet mop required a bit of assembly, but like using it, the process was a breeze. In only a few minutes, we’d connected the mop, inserted the batteries, added the mopping solution, and attached a cleaning pad. We were ready to scrub. 

We started on our luxury vinyl plank and were impressed by how well the disposable pads locked in dirt. Made with a microfiber-like material, they cleaned effectively and without us worrying about scratches. The scrubby pad in the middle made it easy to tackle stuck-on messes, and for especially stubborn spots, a little extra ultrafine cleaning mist did the trick. Once our tests were complete, our floors were not only clean but also smelled fresh. The only downside to this pick is that the disposable pads require ongoing replacement, and the cleaning solution seems to run out rather quickly.

What our tester says: “The Swiffer WetJet is so easy to grab for quick spot cleaning. I also really like the smell of the included cleaning solution—I just wish it lasted longer.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Swiffer WetJet mop at Amazon (10 pads), Lowe’s (5 pads), The Home Depot (5 pads), Walmart (5 pads), or Target (5 pads). 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

With its extra-wide 18-inch head, this professional flat microfiber mop from Microfiber Wholesale is designed to clean large areas quickly. The 360-degree rotating mophead is easy to move under and around furniture, and the sturdy stainless steel handle adjusts from 42 to 70 inches to accommodate users of different heights.  

This microfiber mop for wooden floors​ also works well on other hard surfaces, including laminate and linoleum. Since it comes with a dust map in addition to two mop pads, it even doubles as an effective wall-cleaning mop. Each mophead attaches securely to the aluminum head with velcro strips and is machine washable for extended use. In our tests, this hardwood floor mop was strong enough to remove dried-on juice and salsa but gentle enough to avoid scratching. Built for professional use, it has an overall excellent build quality, though the handle’s height-locking mechanism can slip if you don’t twist it tight enough.

What our tester says: “I find myself grabbing this microfiber dust mop several times a week. It’s easy to swap between wet and dry heads, comfortable in hand, and makes cleaning both my floors and walls so much faster.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Microfiber Wholesale mop at Amazon or Microfiber Wholesale.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5

The Swiffer 2-in-1 mop works as both a wet and dry mop cleaner, making it perfect for small homes with limited storage space. As a basic flat mop with removable pads, it’s simply designed and easy to use. All you need to do is attach either a dry pad for dust mopping or a wet pad for wet cleaning and get to work. 

In our tests, the sweeping pads worked well for trapping dry debris like pet hair, dust, and dirt instead of scattering across the floor. And for dried-on pasta sauce and sticky messes, the heavy-duty mop pads were remarkably effective. If you have a smaller space to keep tidy or would rather not store a broom and a mop, this dual-purpose tool might be ideal—as long as you don’t mind keeping track of both dry and wet refill pads.  

What our tester says: “It seems like the Swiffer 2-in-1 wet/dry mop has been popular forever, and it’s easy to see why. It’s lightweight, convenient for quick cleanups, and doesn’t take up much storage space.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Swiffer mop at Amazon (19 refills), Lowe’s (10 refills), The Home Depot (10 refills), Walmart (10 refills), or Target (8 refills).

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5 

The Bissell SpinWave Pet is an electric spin mop with two rotating heads. It comes with two types of washable mop pads: a pair of scrubby pads for cleaning sticky messes and a pair of soft-touch pads for more delicate floors. It also includes two 8-ounce bottles of multisurface cleaner, although you can use any mopping solution in its refillable clean-water tank. 

Thanks to its electric-powered mopheads, the Bissell SpinWave scrubbing mop​ feels self-propelled, making it effortless to maneuver. What we were most impressed with, though, was how clean our floors looked every time we used it. The rotating heads removed even the toughest messes, and the on-demand spray button allowed us to control how much cleaning solution hit the floor. Since the spinning mop pads extend from the mop slightly, we were even able to clean against baseboards.

However, the circular pads and thicker mophead made mopping corners and under low furniture difficult. Also, since it’s corded, it’s not the most convenient mop to pull out for quick spot cleaning. That said, its electric mopping action is ideal for deep cleaning and will leave your floors spotless.

Get the Bissell SpinWave mop at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Steam mops make light work of clearing sticky spots, stuck-on food, and other grime from sealed hard floor surfaces. The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is one such model that can clean the dirtiest floors, killing 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria in the process. It features three steam settings (low, medium, and high) and comes with two washable microfiber mop pads, two fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.

Thanks to this mop’s swivel steering, slim mophead, and extra-long power cord, we were able to reach all the nooks and crannies in our home. The mophead fit nicely under our cabinet overhangs, around toilets, and up against baseboards, with the high-powered steam leaving our floors spotless. This Bissell mop also came out on top in our tests on stuck-on pasta sauce and soda, effectively pulling up these substances and absorbing them into the mop pad.

According to Bissell, the PowerFresh floor mop with steam is safe for most sealed flooring surfaces. However, many laminate and hardwood manufacturers caution against using steam on their products, so if you’re worried about compatibility, check your flooring manufacturer’s instructions before use. 

Get the Bissell PowerFresh mop at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.8/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5 

For ultimate ease while cleaning hard floors, Shark’s VacMop mop and vacuum combo tackles wet and dry messes simultaneously. It has a disposable pad that traps dirt and debris, and its no-touch disposal system allows users to release soiled pads into the trash without touching them. This cordless electric mop and vacuum comes with four disposable mop pads and a 12-ounce bottle of Shark’s multisurface hard floor cleaner.

During testing, we found the Shark VacMop convenient for suctioning crumbs and spot cleaning wet messes. Pulling a trigger on the handle activates the vacuum, and pressing a separate button disperses the cleaning solution. Though removing dried-on food messes takes some back-and-forth scrubbing, the Shark mop was able to handle regular dirt buildup without issue. Because of that, it wouldn’t be our top pick for deep cleaning, but it’s perfect for quickly removing crumbs and dirt.

Get the Shark VacMop mop at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Target.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Value 4/5 

The ILife V5s is a robotic model that has an interchangeable dustbin and water tank to enable both vacuuming and mopping. To test this pick, all we had to do was charge it overnight, press play on the included remote (it also works via a companion app), and let it bounce around the room pulling dust and debris from the floor. Once it was done, we emptied the dustbin, inserted the filled water tank, installed the mop pad and bracket, and pressed play again. Other than getting stuck on a doormat once, it didn’t require manual intervention and left our hardwoods clean and streak free. 

While this model did a relatively good job vacuuming and mopping, and we love that you can create schedules with the app, the fact that it moves in random patterns versus neat rows means it tends to miss some spots. Given its convenient operation and budget-friendly price, however, we think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better robot mop.

Get the ILife mop at Amazon or ILife.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.2/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5

If you need a basic, compact mop that’s reasonably priced and machine washable, the Libman Wonder Mop is a great pick. Made from antibacterial and extra-absorbent grippy strips, the microfiber mophead makes it easy to mop excess moisture from the floor. And since this model features a built-in wringer on the handle, there’s no need to touch the cleaning solution or mucky water. 

We first tested the Libman on our ceramic tile and found it perfect for maneuvering around the toilet and under cabinet overhangs. We then used this floor-cleaning mop on the rest of our hard floors and found it effective across the board. When used in conjunction with hot water and a multisurface mopping solution, the microfiber GripStips on the head were excellent for scrubbing dried-on food and sticky spots. However, we did find that twisting the built-in wringer took a bit of manual power, meaning we wouldn’t recommend this pick to anyone lacking arm or grip strength. 

Get the Libman Wonder mop at Lowe’s (no refills), The Home Depot (2 refills), Amazon (3 refills), Walmart (no refills), or Target (no refills).

How We Chose and Tested Mops

To find the best mops in each category, we reviewed winning models from our past tests as well as a range of other highly rated products. After narrowing down our top contenders, we put 10 mop through a series of tests to see which ones were the easiest to use, most effective, and provided the best value.

In addition to regular cleaning over a period of 2 months, we also used each option as a floor scrubber for stuck-on food and drink. We evaluated included features or accessories, washed the mopheads (if applicable), and repeated our tests on multiple hard flooring surfaces. At the end of testing, we tallied up scores and gave awards to the models that performed best.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mop

Before purchasing a mop for floor cleaning, think about the floor material it’s intended for. Mops are available with different features, and not all mopheads are created equal. Additionally, consider wet or dry functionality and whether you prefer a wringer mechanism in the handle or bucket.

Types of Mops

The most common floor mop varieties include string, strip, flat, sponge, steam, robot, and vacuum mops. Each has its pros and cons, and some will work more effectively than others for given floor types. 

Manual

Manual mops are made to get the job done without breaking the bank, though they do require a bit more effort to use than electric models.

• String mops are the traditional go-to mops for residential and commercial cleaning. Their mopheads are made from strands or loops of string, usually cotton. These mops are very absorbent and effective at cleaning large surfaces. However, they can be tough to wring out or fully dry because the strings absorb a lot of water and can become rather stinky as a result.
• Strip mops are very similar to string mops, but their mopheads consist of strips of synthetic fabric rather than cotton strings. These mops tend to absorb less water and dry more quickly, so they’re less likely to stay damp and develop an odor.
• Flat mops have a flat head with a cleaning pad. The mopping pad can be disposable, reusable, or machine washable. As lightweight and easy-to-use options, flat mops are a popular pick for daily home cleaning.
• Sponge mops feature a spongy head that is useful for scrubbing. One possible drawback to a sponge mop is that it may push dirty water into grout lines. For this reason, those who have light-colored tile grout might want to consider a different mop type.
• Spray mops eliminate the need to tote around a mop and bucket as you clean. This type of mop has a bottle of cleaning solution mounted on the handle. At the squeeze of a trigger, the solution sprays on the floor for easy cleaning.

Electric

If you’re looking for a mop upgrade, consider an electric model. They come in both corded and cordless versions, which offer tradeoffs in terms of convenience and runtime. Battery-powered mops allow freedom of movement but may only work 20 to 40 minutes before requiring recharging. Corded electric mops will keep working as long as you need them, though they need access to a wall outlet for power. 

• Steam mops feature a refillable water tank. When turned on, they heat the water in this tank and turn it to steam, which moves through the mophead and onto the floor. The hot steam is effective at disinfecting and cleaning tough messes. Steam mops are good mops for sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles.
• Vacuum mops are another electric option, offering dual vacuum and mopping functions at a higher price point. These cleaning tools have a mopping pad connected to a cleaning fluid container and spray mechanism. Suction from the vacuum draws in debris through a narrow opening that runs parallel to the pad and into a dirt container. While not as effective as a true vacuum, these mops are useful for small messes that would usually require vacuuming first.
• Robot mops tend to be the priciest models, but they are also the most advanced. These autonomous units mop a floor for you, usually with a mopping pad and spray function. Robot mops include high-tech features like programmable cleaning times, smartphone operation, and voice control.

Wet vs. Dry

Mops fall into one of two categories: wet or dry. Wet mops use water and a cleaning solution in order to cut through dirt and grime. Dry mops, also known as dust mops, use no water and are designed to sweep loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor.

The ideal is to use both types of mops on hard surface floors. Essentially, dust mops for floors are used to remove fine particles from the surface in preparation for wet mopping. Some mops are designed for wet or dry functionality, so you can choose based on the floor type.

Mophead Material

Mopheads are made from different materials, and each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

• Cotton: This material is the most economical and is extremely absorbent, making it great for daily use and large spills. Cotton dries slowly, however, making it prone to mildew and quick deterioration if the mop isn’t dried thoroughly after each use. 
• Cotton and synthetic blend: This combination offers a good balance of affordability and performance. Cotton blends are a good choice for everyday cleaning and disinfecting.
• Synthetic: Manmade synthetic fibers provide the greatest strength of all the available materials. They are resistant to mildew, lint-free, and can be bleached without damage. Synthetic mopheads are popular in health care facilities.
• Microfiber: This type of fiber is highly absorbent and offers good cleaning power. Though they tend to be more expensive, microfiber mops are durable, and the heads can be laundered without deteriorating. Microfiber is a premium choice for general-purpose cleaning.

Wringing Mechanism

The wringing mechanism for a mop is designed to press the excess water out of the wet mop, preventing floors from becoming overly saturated and slippery. Mops have the wringing mechanism on either the handles or on their buckets.

Mops with handle wringers are popular choices for home use due to their versatility and ease of use. The wringers on mop handles will have either a lever or a built-in ratcheting system. Lever wringers are usually found on sponge mops. They work by pressing down the lever, and then a mechanism on the sponge presses against the sponge and folds or rolls over it, squeezing excess water back into the bucket.

Self-wringing mops are generally easier to use and involve a ratcheting twist action to remove excess water. The ratchet system also allows for better control of how wet or dry a mophead is with a simple twist.

Mop buckets with built-in wringers use levers to either squeeze or spin the moisture from mopheads. Spin mop cleaners are sold with their own specialized mop buckets that use a lever mechanism to spin out the moisture in the mophead.

FAQs

If you still have lingering questions about mops for floor cleaning, such as how to maintain them, consult the answers provided below.

Meet the Testers

Katie Barton is a freelance writer and product tester with over a decade of experience. She specializes in home improvement and cleaning content.

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last.

Additional research provided by Debbie Wolfe and Kat Hodgins.

 

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