By: Jasmine Harding, Amanda Lauren
Posted on Apr 12, 2024 8:14 AM EDT film pvc
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Popular, budget-friendly vinyl flooring is attractive, comfortable underfoot, and holds up well to daily wear and tear, but it still requires regular care and cleaning to stay in good shape. That’s why we tested these top-reviewed products to find if they really left floors spick-and-span.
The best mop for vinyl floors cleans away dust, dirt, grime, and spills while maintaining the protective finish, be it a glossy shine or flat matte. Use this guide to find the one that suits your cleaning style, and learn why the following are among the best mops for vinyl flooring.
We researched the most sought-after mops for vinyl floors in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, mophead material, ease of use, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best mops for vinyl flooring, we found that the most popular types among users were the spray, sponge, flat, electric, spin, and vacuum/mop combo options with sponge heads or microfiber pads. Many of these picks are suitable for vinyl, but most can also be used on hardwood, tile, laminate, ceramic, linoleum, stone, and other sealed hard floors.
Though the majority of these picks do not have hands-free wringing mechanisms, select picks come with manual hand triggers, 180- to 360-degree heads, additional accessories or scrubbers, telescoping handles, and refillable bottles for ease of use.
First, we assembled each mop taking note of how easy or difficult this was to do, the quality of the material, as well as the included accessories. We let dirt, dust, dog hair, and general debris collect on the floor for a few days. Then we spilled juice and tomato sauce on the vinyl floor, letting both dry for a few minutes. As these were drying, we filled the solution container with a mixture of water and floor cleaner. Then we used each mop to clean, picking up the spilled food as well the debris on the floor, in corners, and on baseboards.
While not all mops are good for baseboards, even just brushing the mophead against the surface of the baseboard from side to side is a great way to remove surface dust with minimal elbow grease. We repeated this on tile and laminate flooring.
Once we finished cleaning, we took note of how clean the floor looked after drying, assessing whether there was any dust or hair left over and whether the floor had a noticeable shine.
Hours spent testing: 3 hours per mop
A good cleaning routine for vinyl floors begins with sweeping or vacuuming to remove dry debris before mopping. With regular cleaning, vinyl flooring can be kept in excellent shape for upward of a decade. The best mops for vinyl flooring offer a thorough but gentle clean. They remove dust and dirt without scratching or scuffing the protective finish. We tested the following mops, all of which do a good job of cleaning and are sturdy, comfortable, and easy to use.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5;Storage 5/5
The Rubbermaid Reveal mop features gentle and wide microfiber pads suitable for daily cleaning. For deep-cleaning jobs, we found that the non-scratch scrubber on top of the mophead nicely swiped away stuck-on material.
To use the spray feature, fill the 22-ounce refillable spray bottle with cleaning solution and water and squeeze the trigger. The trigger controls the amount of cleaning solution distributed. It can help saturate messes or lightly mist-sensitive flooring. This simple design means there’s no need to lug around a mop bucket or extra scrubbers; this all-in-one mop is ready for any job.
The 5-pound Rubbermaid Reveal mop is safe to use on all sealed floor types, including hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl. The microfiber pads are machine washable up to 100 times to provide an effective clean.
Rubbermaid’s Reveal microfiber spray mop cleaning kit worked equally well on all types of flooring, including our laminate, vinyl, and tile. We found that it was easy to use, lightweight and maneuverable, and didn’t require much elbow grease to pick up everything from dust and hair to dried orange juice. Because it comes with multiple pads, which are easily removed and cleaned in the washing machine, there’s no need to worry about purchasing or running out of refills. This also justifies the slightly high yet still accessible price.
We also liked how the pads were slightly larger than the head, making it easy to clean corners and baseboards. This is a smart choice for tight spaces.
The only thing we didn’t like about this mop is that the spray wasn’t as powerful as it could have been. The mist also lands far away, but somehow not close up, so users may need to press the trigger and move the mop back several inches to get the cleaner in the right spot. But considering what an excellent product this is otherwise, it’s a very minor issue.
Read our full review: Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop Cleaning Kit
Get the Rubbermaid mop for vinyl floors at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 3/5; Durability 3/5; Storage 4/5
This manual spray mop features a squeeze-trigger control on its handle that dispenses a fine mist of product onto vinyl, hardwood, linoleum, cement, tile, laminate, stone, and concrete floors. Suitable for wet and dry use, especially for dusting, it comes with a refillable 13-ounce container, allowing users to mix their own cleaning solution.
The mophead rotates 360 degrees, which allows users to maneuver around furniture and into corners easily. Additionally, it comes with a multifunctional cleaning brush that can be used to remove dirt from the microfiber mop pads or to scrape up particularly sticky messes. At only 1.6 pounds, this top pick is very lightweight.
Spray mops can be very expensive, but the Mexerris model proves that a quality mop for vinyl floors doesn’t have to be. It cleaned surface debris, spilled juice, and tomato sauce easily and quickly. However, stuck-on dust, dirt, and pet hair required a little bit more effort than we anticipated, even when we used the scrubbing pad.
Nonetheless, this mop was comfortable to maneuver. While it’s useful for light to moderate cleanings, it may prove to be inconvenient for deep cleaning. Still, we thought this affordable, compact model was the right choice for smaller spaces like studio apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs.
We also liked that the pad was reusable and cleaned well in the washing machine. Unlike many alternative options, there’s no need to buy anything additional in the future, making it a true bang for the buck.
Get the Mexerris mop for vinyl floors at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Storage 3/5
A wide 18-inch mophead means this microfiber flat mop can cover a larger flooring area with each pass, so it’s an excellent choice for commercial properties and offices. Three mopping pads are included in this set: one dust mop pad with dust-trapping microfiber loops and two wet mopping pads with absorbent foam cores. Each is made with soft microfiber and is safe to use on all hard flooring, including vinyl. It also comes with two microfiber cleaning cloths, which are not really useful for mopping but are helpful for other types of cleaning.
The durable stainless steel handle and 360-degree swivel head help this mop power through large cleaning jobs. The handle is adjustable from 42 inches to 70 inches to suit all user heights. After mopping, the reusable microfiber pads can be machine-washed for a good deep clean.
For those who are looking for a large, durable mop, the Microfiber Wholesale mop kit is a smart choice. It’s truly a mopping system. Use the dusting pad to get rid of dust, pet hair, and other small debris on the surface and in corners. Then, easily lift it off and swap it out for the mopping pad. Just add water and floor cleaner directly to the mophead or dip in a bucket of solution. Then get to mopping. We were particularly impressed with how little liquid was needed to make the pad effective. It’s an ideal choice for those concerned about conserving water.
Because the mophead was so large, we were able to clean all test surfaces, including vinyl, tile, and laminate flooring—fast. However, keep in mind that the flip side of a large pad is that it isn’t able to fit easily into corners or on baseboards. For those planning on cleaning dirty corners, be thorough with the dusting pad first.
Get the Microfiber Wholesale mop for vinyl floors at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3/5; Storage 3/5
Using a dirty mop can spread germs and grime rather than clean the floor. The O-Cedar ProMist mop features a dual-sided microfiber mop pad. When one side is dirty, just swing the mophead by its 180-degree swivel to the other side for a fresh cleaning surface. This convenient design offers double the cleaning surface in one mop pad. When the pads get too dirty, they can be machine-washed for a deep clean. The mop pad can be used for dry dusting floors as well, though we did not test for this purpose.
To punch up cleaning power, the refillable bottle and spray feature can mist water or a vinyl cleaning solution of choice. The spray feature doesn’t need batteries and is controllable by a simple handle trigger.
One of the best spray mops available, the O-Cedar ProMist mop is truly an excellent choice for all types of flooring, particularly vinyl flooring. We found the textured, quilted microfiber pad was useful for picking up dirt, dog hair, and sticky juice. The solution bottle was a perfect size and easy to fill with water and cleaning solution. Users just have to fill it once and, depending on how often they clean their floors, go weeks or perhaps a month or two without needing to refill it.
Very lightweight, the mop was comfortable to maneuver and the pad was easy to put on and remove. We loved how well it cleaned in corners and on baseboards. Our only complaint is that we wish it came with an extra pad. Without extras, users can only use this mop in between laundry days. Still, refill mop pads are available for a separate purchase, and the mop cleans impressively well at a good price.
Get the O-Cedar ProMist mop for vinyl floors at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 3/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3/5; Storage 3/5
With a hands-free, foot-controlled wringer, the O-Cedar EasyWring spin-mop set makes it easy to wring out wet mops. The bucket features a spinning wringer mechanism controlled by a foot pedal. Just place the mop in the ringer and step on the pedal a few times to control the dryness of the mop. A splash guard around the wringer keeps water droplets from escaping the bucket.
This set includes a microfiber strip mop with a fluffy, machine-washable mophead. Instead of a round mophead, this spin mop boasts a triangular shape that allows it to reach into snug corners. The pivoting head has a slim profile to clean around and under furniture.
It was easy to assemble and a pleasure to use; there really wasn’t anything about the O-Cedar EasyWring spin mop and bucket system we didn’t like. From dog hair to human hair, general dirt, and food messes, it scored highly on all of our tests. In addition to cleaning vinyl flooring, this mop also cleans tile flooring quite well, particularly dirt on grout.
It’s also one of the most ergonomic options on the market. It wrings out hands-free while also keeping excess water off the floor. The mop is superlight and one of the most comfortable to maneuver. Better yet, the triangle shape of the mophead makes it easy to access tight corners and baseboards.
The bucket is just as comfortable to move around. Of course, adding water and cleaning solution makes it heavier, but the bucket holds far more liquid than one would need to clean the average home.
The only minor issue with this product is that the plastic mophead is slightly bulky to clean in smaller upright washing machines. It may end up taking up a lot of space or hitting against the washing machine walls or agitator loudly.
Get the O-Cedar EasyWring mop for vinyl floors at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Our Ratings: Assembly 3/5;Weight 5/5; Ease of Use 3/5; Effectiveness 3/5; Durability 5/5; Storage 4/5
For excellent scrubbing power, reach for this handy mop. Its absorbent sponge mophead has a honeycomb texture to deep clean floors. There’s also an attached scrubbing brush for stubborn stains and messes as well as a squeegee that can help contain and clear away liquid spills.
The mop handle includes a lever wringer to squeeze excess water from the sponge head. The handle is height adjustable from 42.5 inches to 52 inches with a twist of the pole lock.
Shoppers who like sponge mops will want to consider the Yocada model. It’s simple to use: Just wet it in the sink or dip it in a bucket with water and cleaning solution. Once the sponge is saturated, pull down on the lever to wring it out. We were incredibly surprised at how easy the lever was to move.
This mop particularly excelled on vinyl floors, picking up stuck-on juice with just two wipes. We also liked how it easily lifted embedded dirt off tile flooring in just seconds. Lastly, we noticed how well our laminate flooring shined after using this mop, so we highly recommend the Yocada sponge mop for a variety of surfaces.
There were only two caveats with this cleaner. First, it wasn’t the best for larger particles, such as the chunky tomatoes in our spilled sauce. The pad just pushed the pieces instead of picking them up. Second, its rigid design isn’t ideal for cleaning corners or baseboards. Still, it was quite impressive with fine particles.
Get the Yocada mop for vinyl floors at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 2/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 3/5; Storage 2/5
This Bissell SpinWave mop is a good choice for those who want a convenience upgrade because it offers a deep clean with minimal effort. The mop features two rotating mop pads to clean floors to a sparkling shine. It comes with two sets of washable mop pads: one soft-touch microfiber set and one scrubby set for deep cleaning.
This corded electric mop safely cleans all sealed hard floors, including vinyl and hardwood. The on-demand spray feature controls the amount of cleaning solution that is applied. A swivel steering feature makes it easy to maneuver the mop around baseboards and under furniture.
Baseboards and corners that collect dust can be frustrating. Fortunately, the Bissell Spinwave mop is perfect for cleaning them. Because this mop has two spinning pads on round disks, we found it was really easy to get into those areas where typical vacuums and mops just won’t fit. This is because the pads are just a little bit larger than the discs they cover.
We found this mop provided a far better alternative to hands-and-knees scrubbing because the pads rotate and move powerfully, so no elbow grease is needed. From surface sauce to sticky messes, it gets everything up. However, it does have a different feel than standard mops, so we found it took a few minutes to get the hang of using it.
Get the Bissell SpinWave mop for vinyl floors at Amazon or Wayfair.
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5;Weight 2/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3/5; Durability 3/5; Storage 2/5
Vacuuming or sweeping is typically done prior to mopping to clear floors of dry debris that could scratch the floor while mopping. With the Bissell CrossWave wet-dry vac, vacuuming and mopping can be done with the same machine to simplify and speed through floor cleaning.
The multisurface electric cleaner features a vacuum that picks up dust and dry debris. For mopping, the sprayer distributes the cleaning solution. The dual-action microfiber-and-nylon brush roll picks up dust and hair when dry and helps scrub floors when wet.
Any excess liquid is then sucked back up into the vacuum while mopping. Dirty water is separated into a second tank to ensure that only clean water is sprayed for mopping. This handy mop-and-vacuum combo is safe to use on vinyl flooring, other sealed flooring, and even area rugs.
We tested this mop on four different types of flooring (vinyl, laminate, tile, and carpeting) and were truly impressed with how this model could easily go from room to room with just the push of a button.
Furthermore, while we’ve tried other vacuum/mop combos and found many lacked suction, we were practically in awe of how this model picked up stuck-on dirt, food, dog hair, and other debris.
The only caveat is that the Bissell CrossWave wet-dry vac doesn’t distribute the cleaning solution evenly; users may have to pull the trigger a few times to dispense the correct amount. On the other hand, it can also distribute too much solution, leaving the floor a bit wet, which can be problematic for vinyl flooring.
It also provides a decent alternative to having carpets professionally cleaned, if used regularly. Although this vacuum/mop combo is on the pricier side, it can end up saving some money in the long run.
Get the Bissell CrossWave mop for vinyl floors at Amazon, Lowe’s, Bissell, or Target.
Vinyl floors are durable and water-resistant, so most mop types will be safe and effective to use on them. However, damp mopping is the best cleaning approach because sitting water can get into seams between the vinyl planks, which could lead to peeling and warping of the floor. Steer clear of hot steam and abrasive brushes and cleaners as well to avoid damaging adhesives or protective coatings. To choose the ideal mop for their home, shoppers will want to consider the mop type, material, wringing mechanism, and handle design.
Residential mops come in a range of types to suit a variety of home flooring. The most popular mop types include string, strip, flat, spray, sponge, and steam mops.
Mophead material can affect absorbency, texture, and cleaning power. For vinyl flooring, a gentle mophead is usually best because overly abrasive brushes or scrubbers can damage the finish. Common mophead materials include cotton, synthetics, microfiber, and sponge.
Classic cotton, often used for traditional string mops, is highly absorbent. The strands can suck up a good amount of water, spills, and dirt from messy floors.
Synthetic materials such as microfiber and nylon are often selected because of their absorbency and gentle scrubbing power. Synthetic mopheads often dry faster than cotton, so they are less prone to mildew and musty smells. Microfiber is a popular option because it’s durable, affordable, and easy to clean.
Sponge mopheads are also highly absorbent, and their texture offers great scrubbing power for dirt and stuck-on messes.
Vinyl flooring should be cleaned with a damp mophead and not a sopping-wet one. Vinyl itself is waterproof, but vinyl flooring is only water-resistant. Water damage can occur if moisture makes its way into the seams between vinyl planks. Because of this, a sturdy wringing mechanism is an important feature of many mops to prevent oversaturating the floor.
The mop-wringing mechanism is generally located on the mop handle or the mop bucket. Handle wringers include levers or twist mechanisms that compress the mophead to squeeze out excess water. Bucket wringers include a wringer that often needs manual pressure to force excess water from the mophead.
There are also spin mops, which feature a convenient type of bucket wringer. Most spin mops have string or strip heads and a spinning mechanism in the bucket that quickly spins the mophead, wringing it out. The mechanism is usually controlled by a hand or foot pedal.
Mop handles are usually made of plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or wood. A sturdy handle will help with deep cleaning because it can take the pressure of vigorous scrubbing without bending or breaking. That’s why most high-quality mops eschew plastic handles in favor of sturdier stainless steel, aluminum, or wood.
Plastic, however, is often used to add an ergonomic handgrip or for buttons, levers, and spray triggers. A handle with ergonomic features will be more comfortable to use. Many mops feature curved handles or soft foam grips for added comfort.
An adjustable handle adds to the ergonomics and comfort of a mop. Stooping over while mopping can cause back pain, and a handle that’s too long can be difficult to control. An adjustable handle can be positioned to suit any user and minimize these concerns.
A height-adjustable handle is a handy feature for multipurpose mops. Some mops include a range of cleaning heads to double as dust mops or dusters. A telescoping handle helps tackle other household jobs such as dusting walls or ceilings. Whether for daily mopping or a deep clean, an adjustable handle makes cleaning more comfortable.
A highly maneuverable mop makes it easy to clean every nook and cranny of a room. For thorough cleaning, consider a mop that can reach into corners and under furniture.
Lightweight flat mops and spray mops have a thin profile that makes them easy to maneuver under furniture. Most of these mops have rotating heads that allow the user to change direction smoothly and swerve around obstacles. String, strip, and spin mops can also easily swipe across smooth vinyl floors. They often have thick fibers that can reach into corners and under cabinets and furniture.
Electric mops are larger and heavier, and it can be difficult to get them into tight spaces. Although electric mops are the least maneuverable option, their extra scrubbing power makes them a competitive pick for extremely dirty floors.
Multiuse mops, extra mopheads or dust pads, and washable mopheads are common extra features. Some models use disposable mopheads for convenience, but many others have reusable, machine-washable mopheads, which makes them cost-saving and eco-friendly picks.
Some mops can handle other household cleaning tasks such as dusting floors and even walls and ceilings. Microfiber mops are a popular pick for cleaning vinyl and other types of hard flooring. These mops can be used for both dry dusting and wet-mopping floors. Combined vacuuming and mopping devices offer a two-in-one clean with minimal effort.
With the right cleaning tools, cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring is easy. A quality mop can keep vinyl spotless and shiny clean. If you’re still contemplating the best mop for your vinyl floors, read on for some commonly asked questions and answers.
It is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using steam mops on vinyl floors. The high heat and moisture can cause damage if seams or adhesives are breached.
Durable vinyl can handle an array of mops, so the best mop will depend on your personal preference. Flat mops and spray mops are popular because they are lightweight and easy to use. String mops and sponge mops are superabsorbent and excellent for scrubbing. And for the easiest clean, reach for an electric mop that will do most of the work for you.
To clean vinyl flooring, first make sure to sweep or vacuum any dry dust, dirt, and debris. Next, use a gentle mop with your floor cleaner of choice, working your way from one end of the room to the other in steady, sweeping motions.
Amanda Lauren is an interior design, lifestyle, and cleaning expert who has written for many publications including Forbes, Real Simple, and Better Homes and Gardens. She has tested a variety of products for Bob Vila including vacuums, mops, shower squeegees, and more. She prefers to clean with vinegar and water whenever possible, and pet stains are the bane of her existence.
Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding.
Jasmine Harding is a freelance writer specializing in home products. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2020 and covers a range of product-related topics, from the best household appliances and tools to the latest gadgets and tech for the home.
We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.
By: Jasmine Harding, Amanda Lauren
By: Andreana Lefton, Jasmine Harding, Katie Barton
By: Katie Barton, Carol Benton
By: Jasmine Harding, Katie Barton
By: Manasseh Reddigar, Mark Wolfe, Katie Barton
By: Alisa Martin, Anne Holub
By: Alexa Erickson, Amanda Lauren
By: Katie Barton, Mark Wolfe
By: Deirdre Mundorf, Debbie Wolfe
By: Savannah Sher, Katie Barton
By: Jasmine Harding, Katie Barton
Subscribe to our newsletters for the best tips, tricks, and ideas to transform your home and yard.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
cheap laminate flooring Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.