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The 11 Best Mops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get ready to let your floors shine and look totally spotless

A side-by-side selection of mops

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Cleaning your floors can be a sticky situation if you don't have a high-quality mop. Because not all cleaning supplies are created equally, we purchased dozens of mops to find the best models in a variety of categories. We put them to the test on different surfaces in The Lab and at home, mopping fruit punch, barbecue sauce, damp potting soil, and dry paprika to evaluate their effectiveness, maneuverability, and ease of setup and maintenance.

When looking for the best mop to invest in, finding a mop that is lightweight so it's easy to transport between rooms and floors is high on the list of must-haves, says Noell Jett, the creator of Jett Set Farmhouse and author of From the Ground Up.

We also think your mop should be easily maneuverable to clean under furniture and around corners. Plus, it's a huge bonus if it's adjustable, especially if household members of varying heights will be using it to mop hard-to-reach places. And for less than $50, we think you can find the perfect basic mop.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in March 2024 with further research.

Currently Testing

We are currently testing 18 new steam and spray mops from Bissell, Dupray, McCulloch, Shark, and Tineco at home after testing in the Lab.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Bosheng Mop and Bucket Set

BOSHENG Mop and Bucket with Wringer Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Microfiber pads perform well on a variety of surfaces and messes

  • Bucket wrings out mop's head

  • Easy to navigate around obstacles

What We Don't Like
  • Vague instructions

  • Longer cleanup time

The Bosheng Mop is everything a cleaning tool should be. We love it so much, we even ranked it as our best overall flat mop. It excels on most flooring types, cleaning up both wet and dry messes with ease, and it comes with an intuitive bucket that wrings out the head for you. 

In our testing, the flat mop was able to clean up fruit punch, barbecue sauce, damp soil, and dry paprika thoroughly and all without requiring too much effort. We also found that the swivel connection between the handle and the mop head made it very easy to navigate around obstacles and into tight areas.

This mop comes with three washable, microfiber pads that can be used wet or dry—which will save you from having to buy new mop pads. The unique bucket has two compartments: one for your water and soap, and one for wringing it out. The microfiber pads attach via Velcro, and we loved that this was easy to set up and extremely low-maintenance.

The only real downside we could find was that the mop takes longer than others to break down. The bucket, while absolutely essential to its functionality, needs to be emptied and washed, and the mop pad also needs to be wrung out. You can store everything in the bucket in between uses though, which we appreciated.

All in all, this mop is a stellar addition to any cleaning closet, and a definite favorite among those that we tested. In fact, we thought this mop was pretty close to perfect. You can count on it to be a great option for all floors in any home, thanks to its versatile and gentle cleaning pad.

Weight: 3.89 pounds | Handle Length: 48.6 inches | Mop Type: Flat | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best Budget

Swiffer Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit

Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweeper Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Extremely lightweight

  • Disposable cloth pads

  • Good for small living spaces

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for large messes

  • Need to buy replacement pads

You might know the Swiffer Sweeper is a popular option for both wet and dry mopping, and it definitely lived up to the hype during our testing. This lightweight mop is a breeze to set up, and you can’t beat the convenience of simply throwing away the disposable cleaning cloths when you’re done. (It took us just five seconds to remove a cloth and throw it away.) Overall, we think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better mop at such a budget-friendly price. 

The Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit comes with 10 disposable pads—seven dry pads and three wet ones—and you can buy more at any big-name retailer. While buying replacement pads does add to the lifetime cost of the flat mop, the product is safe to use on all floor types and cleans tight areas easily, so you'll likely find lots of uses for it. We found that it’s best for smaller messes because the design isn't heavy-duty. It also wasn’t a top performer during our dry-mopping tests, leaving behind a small pile of dust after several strokes. However, the mop swivels well and is generally just as great as you've heard it to be.

Weight: 1.14 pounds | Handle Length: 23.03 inches | Mop Type: Flat | Mop Head Material: Cloth

Person using the Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweeper Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit to clean a wood floor

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Best Spin

O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System

O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System

Target

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.9/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Bucket with pedal-powered compartment

  • Super absorbent

  • Separate container for clean water

  • Rivaled electric mops in performance

What We Don't Like
  • Bucket did not have wheels

  • Not as compact as other mop styles

The O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop and Bucket System is a smart twist on a traditional string mop. It comes with a special bucket with a pedal-powered compartment that quickly and easily spins water out of your mop. In our testing, we found the microfiber mop works quickly and efficiently on large spills, soaking up any liquid messes easily. The bucket system is intelligently designed, with a separate inner tank for storing clean water, and a built-in spout that makes it easy to refill your bucket without frequent trips to the sink.

While many mop heads are rectangular, the O-Cedar Mop has a triangular head that fits into corners easily. We liked that it was easy to maneuver against obstacles like chair legs, and much preferred it over the traditional, rectangular-style mop head. "The shape of the mop head can make a difference in the mop's ability to clean," says Jett, creator of Jett Set Farmhouse and author of From the Ground Up. "Triangle-shaped heads are great for getting into corners and all the nooks and crannies." Another detail of the mop head we appreciate its machine-washable design, which is more eco-friendly than disposables.

How long will a mop last?

If you purchase a steam mop, it will last as long as you take care of the water reservoir and ensure the cord does not experience any electrical damage. Most machine-washable cleaning pads, like the O-Cedar Mop, can last for up to 50 uses or more. Sponge mop heads tend to show signs of wear sooner and can last up to 3 months, if properly rinsed and allowed to fully dry between uses.

We like so many things about this smart system, but we did notice that the lack of wheels on the bucket could be a detriment for some who want that extra mobility. By nature, the design of this mop and bucket is also bulkier than other styles (It may not be the best option for someone who lives in an apartment or small space). Still, these are minor complaints compared to the overall impressive performance. If you have room for this mop and bucket set, we highly recommend it.

Weight: 6.69 pounds | Handle Length: Up to 51 inches | Mop Type: String | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best Spray

Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner

Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to attach and remove pads

  • Works on most hard floors

  • Cleaning solutions available

What We Don't Like
  • Need to apply pressure to tough stains

  • Some parts feel flimsy

The Swiffer WetJet boasts the same convenience as the beloved Swiffer Sweeper, but it offers more cleaning power, thanks to its on-board cleaning solution. In our testing, we found that you can spray the solution using a button on the handle, and then use the disposable cleaning pads to trap dirt and grime on your floor. While you'll need to apply pressure for tough stains, the starter kit comes with two styles of mopping pads for targeting different spills, stains, and messes.

The Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit also includes a bottle of cleaning solution and batteries, which is key because the spray mop requires four AA batteries to operate (which we haven't had to change after using weekly for over six months). All in all, setting up this product is a breeze. Another detail that we appreciated is the curved handle, which makes it more comfortable to hold and steer around the mop the floor and into corners.

Once we had it up and running, this spray mop was able to remove most stains and scuffs with just a few passes in our tests, but tougher stains required a little more elbow grease. Freshening up the mop and swapping the pads is super easy, but be warned, this pick isn't quite as budget-friendly as it may appear. We confirmed while testing at home that it's easy to run through the cleaning solution pretty quickly, so you'll want to plan accordingly for replacement bottles (and pads, too). You can however wash the mop head and we've done that weekly for over six months with no issues.

Weight: 3.85 pounds | Handle Length: 45.96 inches | Mop Type: Spray | Mop Head Material: Cloth

Best Steam

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

Amazon

What We Like
  • Signals when tank runs out of water

  • Easy to maneuver

  • Detachable handheld steamer with 7 attachments

What We Don't Like
  • Mop head flips up when passing over sticky stains

We were thoroughly impressed with the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop in our testing and found it to be easy, efficient, and versatile. It heats up in just 17 seconds and can run for up to 25 minutes when the 12.8-ounce tank is filled completely. Along with having intuitive set up instructions, it has an adjustable dial that controls steam output. The water tank will also signal—via a vibration and beeping sound—when it has run out of water.

In terms of maneuverability, this mop was not only easy to move around, but also simple to fill and remove from the base. It has a whopping seven attachments that make it a true all-in-one cleaning tool for garments, windows, shower tiles, and furniture. It also easily tackled a variety of stains on both tile and concrete (but the mop head did seem to get stuck and flipped up when passing over sticky stains like chocolate milk and syrup).

This mop head is quite large though, which can make it difficult to do detailed cleaning on floors. But, we found that its multiple attachments and handheld feature make up for the size of the main head. Overall, this mop's performance made it a strong rival against many of the other name brand steam mops we tested.

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Handle Length: Not listed | Mop Type: Steam | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best Robot

Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Vacuum & Mop Robot

Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Vacuum & Mop Robot

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Powerful vacuum and mop combination

  • Self-emptying

  • Washable mop pad and disposable pads included

What We Don't Like
  • Brushes need to be cleaned after mopping

Out of more than 40 robot vacuums and mops that we've tested, the Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Robot Vacuum and Mop has stood out for its impressive performance, practical and useful features, and overall value. Robot mops are not always built to handle tough messes, but we saw firsthand how the N8+ tackled coffee and syrup spills like a champ, leaving only a little bit of residue behind.

The corresponding smart phone app was easy to set up and use too, and a quick QR code scan leads to step-by-step instructions on how to smart map your home. This mapping allows the robot to avoid any unnecessary bumps into walls and furniture, and it also optimizes its cleaning path. Even without using the smart app during our lab testing, the robot easily navigated through the chairs and furniture we had set up.

Along with its stellar mopping abilities, you can also expect consistent vacuuming without having to fight hair wrap on this vacuum's tiny brushes. We've tested this at home for over six months, using it a couple of times per week.

During home testing, we were thrilled with this vacuum's performance, and how it always accurately identified flooring surfaces—mopping when necessary and vacuuming when needed. And while this robot is almost entirely hands-off when operating, take note that you will have to clean the brushes after mopping to avoid dragging residue during future cleans. We think this small effort is more than reasonable given how well this robot performs overall.

Weight: 26.4 pounds | Handle Length: Not applicable | Mop Type: Mop and vacuum combo | Mop Head Material: Not listed

Best Heavy-Duty

Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Twist Mop

Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Ratchet Twist Mop with Blended Yarn Head

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    3.5/5
  • Portability
    3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    3/5
What We Like
  • Heavy-duty design

  • Self-wringing mechanism

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy when wet

  • Not the most absorbent

There’s no mess you can’t tackle with the Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Twist Mop. In testing, we were impressed by this mop’s heavy-duty design, which features thick strings that offer superior scrubbing power. The head has double tail bands and looped ends that prevent the strings from getting tangled, which we also appreciated. We did note that its microfiber strings aren’t the most absorbent, but we really didn't mind because the mop excelled in other areas, like being easy to push and having that aforementioned scrubbing power.

Thanks to the intuitive design, you'll have no issues getting into crevices with ease, or preparing it for a fresh use. We liked that you can wring the mop out by pulling it taut and then twisting it against a ratcheting mechanism on the handle. The mop is quite heavy when wet and it may be a bit too hardy for smaller homes, but it's ultimately a durable product that's built to last. For anyone looking to add a heavy-duty cleaning tool to their collection, we think it's a great choice.

Weight: 1.2 pounds | Handle Length: 54 inches | Mop Type: String | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best Microfiber

Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop

Microfiber Wholesale Mop System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    2/5
What We Like
  • Large pad is ideal for big spaces

  • Heavy-duty, telescoping handle

  • Adjustable handle

What We Don't Like
  • No way to wring it out

  • Hard to tighten handle

This oversized mop from Microfiber Wholesale is ideal if you have a lot of floor to clean. Its rectangular mop head is 18 inches wide and comes with both wet and dry microfiber mopping pads for soaking up spills or picking up dust bunnies.

One of the standout factors of this mop is its telescoping metal handle, which felt substantially more heavy-duty than most of the other options we tested. We also loved that it can extend up to 70 inches, making it an amazing option for a household with several members who want to help with chores. Just know: You'll want to put the microfiber pad in the washing machine to clean it in between uses.

And speaking of the microfiber pad, it definitely did a good absorbing messes, but it wasn't as effective with dry materials. It really handles liquid well, but without a streamlined process to rinse and wring it out, you might feel limited in how and when you use it. We also ran into some issues with keeping the shaft tight, too, despite a design that otherwise feels durable and strong.

Weight: 4.65 pounds | Handle Length: Up to 70 inches | Mop Type: Flat | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best for Tile Floors

Hoover Steam Complete Pet

Hoover Steam Complete Pet

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.7/5
  • Portability
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • 10 attachments included for whole home cleaning

  • 2 clean water tanks

  • Heats up and cools down almost instantly

What We Don't Like
  • Mop head stretches when maneuvering around furniture

When it comes to cleaning tile floors, a powerful steam mop can be not only a timesaving tool but also a must for stubborn grout stains. The Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop comes with a suite of attachments designed to tackle everything from hard flooring like tile, grout, and sealed hardwood floors to carpets, upholstery, and windows.

This mop heats up almost instantly, which adds to its overall convenience. We recommend taking extra precaution when cleaning around furniture though, as we found during testing that this mop's microfiber cloth head did stretch when it pushed around chair legs. However, it easily slid under the chair, thanks to the triangular mop head and swivel joint. It effectively removed stains on both tile and concrete, requiring the most passes on a syrup stain.

There was no mess left on the mop heads, and we could easily pull them off without burning our fingers because this unit cools down so quickly. We loved that the pads can go into the washing machine after each use and re-use them. After testing at home for over six months, we did wish the water tank was a bit bigger—if you're using this to clean your floor it might take a few refills. This is a better option for someone who's doing small jobs like tile and grout, and even the microwave and stovetop.

Weight: 6.8 pounds | Handle Length: Not listed | Mop Type: Steam | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best Mop and Bucket

Simpli-Magic Spin Mop

Simpli-Magic Spin Mop

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Includes bucket with built-in wringer

  • Lightweight design

  • Durable materials

What We Don't Like
  • Hard to remove mop heads

  • Bucket is a bit big for storing

For those who like having a bucket to dunk their mop in while completing their chores, the Simpli-Magic Spin Mop includes a microfiber string mop and bucket with a convenient foot-operated wringer. In our testing, this mop was able to absorb a variety of materials with ease, barely leaving any residue behind. We liked that the built-in wringer lets you clean the mop easily during use and leaves the head damp enough to clean any surface—but not overly wet. While the setup instructions mop could have been clearer, this mop was generally very user-friendly.

This set does get somewhat heavy when filled with water, but that's to be expected. Our only real complaints about this product: the heads are somewhat hard to remove, and the bucket is a bit big and would take up a lot of real estate in a closet. If you live in a small space, you may want to find a more compact option.

Weight: 5.89 pounds | Handle Length: Not listed | Mop Type: String | Mop Head Material: Microfiber

Best for Hardwood Floors

Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum

Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop

Target

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cordless design

  • Very quiet operation

  • Vacuum and mop combined

What We Don't Like
  • Short battery life

  • Need to buy replacement pads

Instead of vacuuming and then mopping, you can tackle both tasks at once with the Shark Vacmop. This vacuum and spray mop combo uses powerful suction to pull dirt and debris into its disposable Vacmop pad. Once all of your loose debris is picked up, you can spray cleaning solution from the on-board container to make any hard and sealed floor shine. Not sure if your floors are sealed? Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, says, "If new, ask your installer this question. If you inherited the floors, rub your finger across the surface. If a smudge appears, the floor likely has been sealed and waxed.”

In our testing, we loved that this cleaning tool is lightweight and easy to maneuver into tight areas, like under a bar cart. A light on the floor head also allows you to see into poorly lit areas. As an added bonus, it's cordless. We found that the battery life is generally long enough to complete several small tasks or one big deep clean of a townhouse (and then we liked charging the vacuum overnight so we could wake up and use it again). Just keep in mind that the mopping pads double as a dirt chamber. While you'll receive a couple in the original package, you'll also need to purchase more refill pads to have on hand.

Weight: 5 pounds | Handle Length: 28.34 inches | Mop Type: Mop and vacuum combo | Mop Head Material: Cloth

Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum cleaning wood flooring

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Compare

Setup Effectiveness Portability Ease of Cleaning Maneuverability
BOSHENG Mop and Bucket with Wringer Set
Best Overall:
Bosheng Mop and Bucket Set
3 5 4 4 5
Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweeper Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit
Best Budget:
Swiffer Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit
5 4 5 5 5
O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System
Best Spin:
O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System
5 4.9 4.8 5 5
Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit
Best Spray:
Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Cleaner
5 4 5 5
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop
Best Steam:
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop
4.4 4.5
Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Vacuum & Mop Robot
Best Robot:
Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Vacuum & Mop Robot
4 4.7 4
Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Ratchet Twist Mop with Blended Yarn Head
Best Heavy-Duty:
Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Twist Mop
5 3.5 3 5 3
Microfiber Wholesale Mop System
Best Microfiber:
Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop
4 4 5 3.5 2
Hoover Steam Complete Pet
Best for Tile Floors:
Hoover Steam Complete Pet
5 3.5 4 3.5
Simpli-Magic Spin Mop
Best Mop and Bucket:
Simpli-Magic Spin Mop
4 5 5 4 5
Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop
Best for Hardwood Floors:
Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum
5 5
Final Verdict

No matter what you’re cleaning, the Bosheng Mop and Bucket, our best overall, will get the job done in a flash. We loved this mop’s unique two-chamber bucket, which makes wringing out dirty water easy. It also performed extremely well, both wet and dry, on a variety of surfaces. For those who don’t mop frequently or are looking to spend less, the Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Starter Kit, our best budget, stood out in our testing, thanks to its extremely compact and lightweight design and its ability to maneuver around any and all obstacles easily. 

Illustration of different types of mops

Lara Antal / The Spruce

Other Options We Tested

Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop: Although we had many good things to say about this steam mop, we found that it didn't stand out against other models we tested that had various attachments and functions. This mop is effective at removing stains, but it's not as effective at tacking grout without specific brush attachments. It also takes around 9 minutes to cool, which may be a concern for households with curious children and pets; however, a mop head release button allows you to easily remove the mop head and store it somewhere else until you want to clean it.

Shark AV2001WD AI VACMOP 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop: Although the Shark AI Vacmop did a good job cleaning up the syrup and coffee spills, it ran straight through our chocolate pudding and smeared it all over the floor. We couldn't, in good conscience, recommend this robot vacuum-mop in our top picks, but we did really like its vacuum capabilities. One of our editors also tested this model at home and ended up docking the robot mop and hand-scrubbing her kitchen floor.

How We Tested the Mops

At the Lab, we cleaned up with 15 standard mops and 27 steam mops—during two separate testing periods—to decide which product was best for which job. We also sent some of the mops home with our team fo real-world situations and spills. Here is how we tested the mops:

  • Setup: For steam mops, we timed the setup of each mop and made note of how long it took each mop to heat up and be ready for use.
  • Effectiveness: To test effectiveness, we spilled sticky fruit punch and barbecue sauce on three surfaces: tile, laminate, and hardwood. We tried to clean up the spills with just warm water, and we noted whether the mop could tackle the spill with total ease or whether more scrubbing and elbow grease was required. We then spilled damp potting soil and dry paprika on the surfaces and tried to clean up those messes, too. We followed each of these tests up with a swipe of a paper towel to see whether any residue remained on the floor. Our steam mops were put through even more challenges tackling both tile and concrete stained with hot sauce, chocolate milk, syrup, and dirt.
The Spruce Team Finds the Best Spin Mops
  • Portability: While we cleaned with the standard mops, we also took note of how easy to use or how unwieldy each product felt, and whether it got a lot heavier when soaking wet. That led to a portability rating.
  • Ease of use: When testing steam mops, we noted how many passes it took to clean up a stain, working with the steam mop's various features and attachments. We considered each mop's overall ease of use, noting how clear the instructions were and how smooth the set-up process proved to be.
  • Maneuverability: We tried to use the mops around the legs of the chair and to navigate it into tight areas to test its maneuverability.
  • Ease of cleaning: We evaluated the ease of cleaning the mop and preparing it for a fresh use, by either wringing out the wet mop, squeezing out the sponge, or replacing the cleaning cloth.
  • Overall value: We looked at the price of each product and rated its overall value, given our experience.

After 16 hours of testing, and many more hours at home, we narrowed our testing insights down to what we believe are the best mops for your money and household.

What to Look for in a Mop

Type

When thinking about mops, you may picture traditional string mops, which feature long strands of absorbent fibers, but there are lots of different mop styles available today.

  • String mops tend to be useful for heavy-duty jobs, and picking up both wet and dry messes on a variety of surfaces. They can sometimes come with a bucket that allows you to wring them out and prepare them for a new use, and may feature a wringing mechanism that twists and bunches up the mop head.
  • Flat mops: There are also flat mops, which use easy-to-clean microfiber or cotton pads. Some even use disposable pads. They're arguably the easiest to clean up after and can also be the easiest to store. If you're living in a college dorm room, apartment, or RV, a flat mop may be the best mop for you. They're typically good at reaching tight areas, but they might not be the best option if you deal with heavy-duty, sticky spills regularly. Our best overall pick, the Bosheng Mop and Bucket, is a flat mop that comes with a bucket stand, which rings out excess water. We loved this mop's convenient design and storage functionality.
  • Sponge mops: These are very absorbent, but not typically great for use on any floor that's sensitive to moisture. You'll want to steer clear of them if your space mainly has wood floors that you're looking to spruce up on a weekly, or everyday, basis.
  • Dust mops: Dust mops can be a great option for picking up dry messes on wood floors, or any surface that you'd like to be gentle on.
  • Spray mops: We think spray mops can hold and apply cleaning solution to your floor with the press of a button, so you don't have to carry your bucket of water around.
  • Steam mops: These can lift tough stains, and also tend to be multi-functional tools you can use on upholstery too, with the proper attachments in tow. “As opposed to using harsh chemicals, steam mops heat water to sanitize flooring," says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid. "For those that are sensitive to chemicals, a steam mop makes for the perfect alternative!”
  • Robot mops: As an advanced option, robot mops turn cleaning into a hands-free experience. They'll clean all of your floors on their own—just like a robot vacuum—and can often be controlled through an app.

Portability

It’s important to consider the weight and portability of the mop you choose, as a heavy mop can be cumbersome to use. Aside from looking at the weight specification for a product, factor in the style of the mop when thinking about portability. String and sponge mops tend to absorb a lot of water—this can make them substantially heavier during use. They also may come with a bucket that's hard to carry up a flight of stairs or into another room. Flat mops are typically the most portable, but for the most comfortable experience you should also look for products with a grippy handle or a mop head that isn't too big in comparison to the length and durability of the handle.

Our best steam pick, the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1, is surprisingly lightweight, despite having a larger water tank. We loved not only how easily this mop glided over flooring, but also how convenient it was to use the detachable handheld steamer for detailed tasks throughout the home.

Ease of Cleaning

As you mop, chances are you’ll need to dispose of dirt or spills you’ve picked up along the way. This is where wringing out your mop comes into play. Many mops today have self-wringing mechanisms so you don't have to do this work by hand. Your mop might come with a self-wringing bucket or a built-in handle mechanism, both of which make maintenance substantially easier. Others require you to switch out the cleaning pad by hand and throw it away or put it in the washing machine.

"Ensure your mop head is properly wrung out before placing it on your floor," notes Jett. "Too much water can cause damage to some types of floors, plus the more water you add, the longer it will take to dry, which can lead to streaking." Jett also stresses the importance of switching out your water to ensure the best type of clean: "As soon as your mop water begins looking murky, change it out! Scrubbing your floors with dirty water will do you no good."

Be sure to check how often the manufacturer recommends replacing the mop head and the cost of replacement parts. A reusable cleaning pad may not be the easiest to swap out, but it will be a cost-effective option in the long run. A self-wringing bucket might be the easiest option for cleaning your mop, but it will be heavier to carry and use, and it might be especially inconvenient when you need to change out the water. What you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Standout Features

Attachments

Mops with multiple attachments can be more expensive than simple, flat mops. However, it may be worth investing in a mop with attachments if you want to tackle more tasks with just one cleaning tool. Several of the mops in this roundup come with helpful attachments—or have detachable handheld pieces—that make cleaning other surfaces in your home, such as kitchen backsplashes, upholstery, and carpets, much easier. For example, our best steam pick, the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1, comes with seven attachments, including a big brush tool, an angled nozzle, steamer jet, and a scrape tool.

Aside from packing a lot of cleaning power into a single tool, these multipurpose attachments are helpful when it comes to budgeting for and storing your cleaning supplies. That way, you won't need to buy and find homes for many separate tools.

Mop Head Release Mechanism

While the whole task of mopping is not enjoyable, one of the worst parts is having to remove the mop head cloth and rinse it after each use. Some of the latest mop designs come with mop head release buttons, which allow you to avoid touching whatever debris and hair the wet pad may have picked up. Our best for hardwood floors pick, the Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop, uses disposable pads and has a release button that you can push to drop dirty pads directly into your trash can.

Wall Mount

A wall mount makes storing your mop a total breeze. It saves you space by giving your cleaning tool a designated spot in your cleaning closet, separate from the precious real estate on the floor. Once it's set up, a wall mount helps all members of your household know exactly where to find your mop, and where to put it away.

Some steam cleaners and cordless mop-vacuum combos also have charging stations that double as wall mounts. This ensures that the unit is always powering up when not in use and gives you a designated space to store the tool and all its attachments.

The Yocada Sponge Mop is wrung out over a white bucket

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

FAQ
  • What are the different sizes of mops?

    While the actual size of a mop's head may vary from one product to another, there are a few shapes of mop heads that you can expect with certain types of mops. The size of your mop head will also affect its absorbency. Flat mops, spray mops, dust mops, and steam mops all tend to have rectangular mop heads that can range in size from 8 inches to 24 inches. Some steam mops and spray mops may have triangular heads, which make it easier to maneuver around furniture. Robot mops have much smaller pads because of their size, but can still absorb plenty of liquid before needing to be replaced.

  • Can you mop all types of floors?

    Generally speaking, all types of hard floors can be mopped. Just be sure to pick a mop type that's compatible with your surfaces. In most cases, moisture-sensitive floors, such as hardwood, shouldn't be paired with a water-absorbent sponge mop.

    You'll also want to pay attention to the solution you use, as some formulas can affect the finish, dull the surface, or scratch it. Be sure to check which type of liquid cleaners are recommended for your specific material. When in doubt, use a mild, neutral solution.

  • How can you keep your mop clean and sanitary after use?

    To keep your mop sanitary, clean the pad regularly, preferably after each use. Many of today's mop heads are machine-washable, which makes it easier to keep them clean.

    "To properly clean and sanitize your microfiber mop heads, as well as ensure they last as long as possible, only wash [them] with other microfiber when possible," says Jett, adding that she'll save her microfiber cleaning products in a bucket as she cleans. "Once it's full, I run a load." If that isn't practical for your household, she recommends making sure there are no cotton items in your load with your microfiber pad. It's also best to air-dry the pad when possible because dryers are typically loaded down with lint, which can affect the absorbency of a mop head, she adds. 

    Another option is to get a mop with disposable pads, which you'll throw away after each use. Berry notes that disposable wet pads are designed for use in one room before it's time for a new one.

    For spray mops, clean out the water tank after every few uses (if not every use). A mild solution containing distilled white vinegar and water should do the trick, but be sure to read your user manual for any specific care instructions before cleaning out the tank.

  • How often should your mop head be replaced?

    String mop heads with traditional bucket systems should be replaced every two or three months with weekly use. After several uses, the material will get worn and dirty and won't clean as effectively. However, Berry notes that if you can launder your string mop head, it can last for much longer. "A better rule of thumb is to replace it when it still looks dirty despite laundering," she says.

    Machine-washable cleaning pads don't need to be replaced as frequently. Many of them last for 50 or more uses, though durability varies among brands and designs.

Three people mop up spills on hardwood and tile surfaces with different mops

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Phelps is an associate editor at The Spruce. She has ample experience testing cleaning products. Phelps also consulted testing insights from the lab, where we put 15 mops through a variety of head-to-head tests.

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