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Best Mops

Updated May 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket
O-Cedar
EasyWring RinseClean Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert appreciates this mop and bucket set's ability to clean a variety of floors with ease.

Pros

Dual-chamber bucket separates clean and dirty water tanks. Microfiber materials are designed to deep-clean your floors. Foot pedal allows users to wring the mop without bending over.

Cons

Water reservoir may not be enough for larger areas.

Best Bang for the Buck
Simpli-Magic 5-Piece Mop Bucket Set
Simpli-Magic
5-Piece Mop Bucket Set
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert loves how easy it is to wheel this mop and bucket from room to room without any heavy lifting.

Pros

Complete mop system with wringer basket and soap dispenser. Mop includes three microfiber heads that are machine-washable.

Cons

Bucket is bulky. Some durability concerns with the mop handle after regular use.

Libman Freedom Spray Mop
Libman
Freedom Spray Mop
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Built-in Sprayer
Bottom Line

Great for all floor types, according to our expert, and the mop heads are conveniently machine-washable.

Pros

Built-in sprayer makes mopping a breeze. Mop is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Microfiber heads are reusable.

Cons

Tank is awkward to fill and is prone to developing leaks.

Swiffer WetJet Spray Starter Kit
Swiffer
WetJet Spray Starter Kit
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A longtime customer favorite that makes mopping incredibly quick and simple; approved by our expert.

Pros

Cleaner is designed for multiple surfaces, including hardwood floors. Convenient pre-moistened pads make mopping easy and mess-free. Absorbing strip traps dirt and grime in the pad.

Cons

Not as friendly for the environment as traditional mops.

Libman Wonder Mop & Refills Kit
Libman
Wonder Mop & Refills Kit
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Our expert recommends this mop for its dirt-trapping abilities and easy-wring technology.

Pros

Sports a durable, reusable head that's made of real cotton and is machine-washable. Simple to operate with a built-in wringer. Reasonable price.

Cons

Mop head occasionally sheds strands of fibers.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best mops

You wouldn't think it would be that hard to choose a tool for simple cleaning duties, but not all mops work for every mess. Picking the right mop for your needs can help make cleaning up messes and spills a lot more efficient.

A good mop will help you achieve a spotless home, and you won't mind pulling it out when something needs to be cleaned up. Contrary to popular belief, mops don't simply move dirty water around. Not if you choose a good, quality mop and follow some no-nonsense cleaning tips!

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Don't begin your mopping duties in the middle of a room. Work from a corner toward the exit.

Mop considerations

Mops are relatively simple cleaning tools, but there are some elements you should pay attention to when selecting one for your cleanup needs.

Handle

Mop handles can be made of wood or plastic. Wood is more durable, but it can potentially splinter or break if mishandled, and it's heavier than plastic. Plastic is much more lightweight, and most plastic mop handles are ergonomically constructed, often with padded grips, for comfort.

Weight

To mop effectively, you need to be able to move the cleaning tool vigorously back and forth across a surface. Scrubbing off stubborn dirt can take a lot of effort, so a mop should be easy to maneuver.

Cloth string mops are the heaviest of the bunch and take quite a bit of strength to handle.

Sponge and microfiber mops with plastic components are much easier to move around. Their lighter weight makes it easier to clean with them for extended periods of time and suitable for all types of homeowners.

Expert Tip
If you have a large area to mop, a spin mop will work best.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Durability

Not all mops can be used forever. Some cloth string types cannot be washed; instead, they must be replaced over time.

Mops with reusable pads can last a long time, since the pads can easily be replaced.

Plastic handle mops are less durable, since plastic parts can snap and break, especially when pressure is applied. Wood handle mops are much more durable, but are heavier to move around.

Material

Mops are made of various types of materials. Cotton string mops are probably what you picture when you hear the word “mop.” String mops are harder to rinse and keep clean, and are not the ideal cleaning tool for at-home users. String mops can also be made of rayon or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. They are the best choice for cleaning very large areas, which is why you'll often observe janitorial staff using them.

For the home, sponge or spray mops with disposable (or washable) pads are better options. Microfiber and sponge mops tend to be less bulky than your traditional string mop, so they're easier to maneuver. This makes them suitable for users with less upper body strength, such as elderly persons or those with back issues and ailments. Because they are easier to handle, they’re more effective at scrubbing. Sponge mops are easy to wring out, too. Mops with disposable or reusable pads are easy to keep clean, since the part of the tool that gets wet either gets thrown away or quickly washed.

There are also dust and steam mops available for purchase. Dust mops are useful for cleaning hardwood floors — they utilize tacky pads to pick up dust and dirt. Steam mops are great for lifting stuck-on messes from all types of surfaces. Steam helps to loosen dirt, so it can be cleaned more easily.

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Expert Tip
Clean your microfiber cloth heads after each use. That way, your mop is ready to use the next time you reach for it.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Pricing

While most mops are inexpensive, there are fancier options available that offer more features to help make cleaning a little bit less annoying.

Spray and steam mops are more expensive than their more basic counterparts, and can retail for well over $50.

High-quality, commercial grade mops are made to clean up big messes and retail for a pretty penny, but most homeowners shouldn't need that kind of mop.

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Caution
Don't wash your mop pad with strong detergents. Avoid bleach altogether.
STAFF
BestReviews

Caring for your mop

It's essential to maintain your cleaning tool to ensure it lasts years down the road. Don't just stuff it away in a closet right after you've finished cleaning. Make sure to keep the mop itself clean, and clean it right away, don't wait. If you wait, your mop can begin to smell. If your mop uses pads, remove them right away and throw them in the washing machine to avoid lingering smells. Don't forget that if you're using a mop with a bucket, that bucket needs to be sanitized, too.

If you're using a cloth-string mop, it's likely that it can't be washed. Wring it out with clean water and cleaning solution after you're done cleaning. Keep an eye on your string mop, too, to spot whether it needs to be replaced. If fibers are starting to come off en masse, it may be time to get a new mop. The same goes for sponge mops. If pieces of sponge are coming off, it's time to think about buying a new one.

Tips for using a mop

Mopping seems like a no-brainer cleaning activity, but plenty of folks make mistakes when using a mop to clean their floors.

  • Don't start mopping before you sweep or vacuum. You'll likely end up moving a lot of dirt and gunk around instead of cleaning your floors.

  • Move furniture out of the way to make mopping easier and to ensure you get every inch of a room clean.

  • Block off the area you'll be mopping. You don't want pets and kids tramping in with dirty feet.

  • Use warm water if you're mopping with a bucket and not a spray mop.

  • Make sure to use a cleaning solution that's safe for your floor type.

  • Start from the edge of a room, so you don't get trapped while mopping

  • Don't be tempted to use a soaking wet mop. Too much water doesn't equal better cleaning. Too much water can make things dirtier, believe it or not.

  • If using a bucket, change the water when it starts to look dirty. Don't reuse dirty water. It spreads germs around.

  • If you can, go with a rectangular bucket. It will give you more room to dunk your mop.

  • Flush that murky water down the toilet. It's the most sanitary option.

  • Allow air to circulate in your home, so your floors can dry quickly once you're done mopping.

Expert Tip
To get floors as clean as possible, always sweep or vacuum prior to mopping.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Content Image
To make your life easier, pick a mop that can be machine washed.

FAQ

Q. When I mop my floors end up looking streaky, and they feel sticky. What's going on?

A. You're using too much cleaning solution. Try a smaller amount next time you mop. If you reduce the amount and this keeps happening, make it a point to mop the area with plain water before you sit down to relax. It'll get rid of some of that build up that's making your floor feel sticky.

Q. What's the advantage of a string mop?

A. Although it's tougher to clean and can be harder to handle, a string mop is excellent for picking up debris and dirt. These types of mops also hold a lot of water which is good for cleaning larger rooms.

Q. Do I really need to sweep or vacuum before I mop?

A. Yes. It'll make your life a lot easier. A mop can pick up some debris from the floor, but it's not meant to pick up all that loose dust and dirt. If you choose not to vacuum or sweep, your mop will spread all that gross stuff around your floors. It'll dry there, and you'll still need to vacuum or sweep once your floors are dry.

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