These top-tested mops make vinyl, hardwood and tile floors shinier than ever!
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Vinyl, tile and hardwood are popular flooring surfaces because they are durable and combine the benefits of beauty with easy care. Even the best vacuum cleaner can't do it all, but the best mops from our testing and research can give you the deep-clean your floors need.
Thankfully, many of today's mops have disposable or washable microfiber pads and onboard canisters of cleaning solution making them easy to use and store. Then there are robot mops that will do the mopping for you, vacuum mops that combine dry pick-up with wet cleaning and steam mops that clean without the need for extra chemicals, so keeping bare floors looking great has never been easier.
To find the best mops, we use test panels of different flooring materials that are built into our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. After soiling the panels, we assess how well each mop cleans, along with how easy it is to assemble, use and store. Often, we'll send mops home with staffers or to consumer testers to use and provide us with feedback.
This oversized version of the original Swiffer Sweeper has an extra-large head to make cleaning big areas quick and easy. Long a favorite of the GH Cleaning Lab and a GH Seal star, Swiffer's disposable dry cloths grab and trap the fine dust other tools miss and can reach under and behind low-profile furniture where most vacuums can't go.
Swiffer Sweeper works on all floor surfaces and, because the head pivots and locks at 90º, it can even be used to dry dust vertical surfaces like walls. Along with the Sweeper, the kit includes eight dry and two pre-moistened wet cloths. And because it has no sharp edges and the pole can be shortened, it's a fun and safe way to get kids cleaning too.
Wet mopping is as easy as dry dusting, however, the wet cloths can dry out if left unused for too long and a second one may be necessary to finish especially large jobs. Both wet and dry replacements cloths need to be purchased regularly.
Type: Dry dust and wet mop | Mop-head type: Disposable dry and wet cloths | Mop-head width: 15" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
We chose this versatile Bona Microfiber Mop as our best value pick because it comes with two washable, reusable and interchangeable microfiber pads to dry dust and wet mop floors without the need to buy refills.
The fluffy pad has short and long fibers to pick up dust, pet hair and other fine debris. The looped wet cleaning pad has scrubber strips to loosen grime while the center section absorbs and locks it away. Both attach easily to the wide mop head that has soft, flexible corners to prevent damaging woodwork and furniture.
Bona mops are lightweight, very maneuverable and easy to use. We like the telescoping handle to accommodate short and tall users and the pads hold up very well to washing. For wet cleaning, you'll have to pair this mop with one of Bona's spray floor cleaners for hardwood or stone, vinyl and laminate floors.
Type: Dry dust and wet mop | Mop-head type: Washable and reusable microfiber pads | Mop-head width: 16.5" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
The newest member of the Swiffer family takes all the benefits and convenience of the traditional Swiffer WetJet and kicks them up a notch. Swiffer's PowerMop, also a GH Seal star, has an innovative disposable pad with hundreds of scrubbing strips to clean faster, more deeply and last longer than other Swiffer pads.
In our tests, we found both of Swiffer's cleaning solutions — wood and multipurpose (available in two scents) — to be effective and quick-drying, something we especially liked for cleaning hardwood floors. There are two spray nozzles for even application and the pads are absorbent and picked up and locked in the ketchup we smeared on our test floors without spreading it. The PowerMop is easy to assemble and maneuver and after cleaning, simply peel off the pad and toss it.
This kit includes the mop, two pads, one bottle of solution and two AA batteries. The cleaner bottle isn't refillable and only Swiffer PowerMop cleaner cartridges and pads can be used.
Type: Wet spray mop | Mop-head type: Disposable pads | Mop-head width: 15" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
In our experience, Bona knows a lot about making the best wood floor cleaning tools and formulas, which is why we like this spray cleaner-and-mop combination. It comes with a full cartridge of solution that's easy to remove and refill (with any Bona solution) and a washable, reusable microfiber pad.
In our tests, the mop dispensed a fine, even mist when we pulled the trigger, dissolved stuck-on grime and dried stains and the floors dried quickly after mopping. We also found that the pads also held up well to washing.
Soft bumper corners on the large mop head keep it from accidentally marring walls and furniture as you go. The ergonomic pole has a soft grip midsection for more comfort while scrubbing, though the pole length might be a bit long for some users. There's even a pull-out loop at the top for easy hanging during storage
Type: Wet spray mop | Mop-head type: Washable and reusable microfiber pad | Mop-head width: 16.75" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood and laminate
Spin mops and buckets are a hit with consumers, but one dirty little secret remains. What happens with many of them is that you're dipping a dirty mop into the clean detergent solution so you end up "cleaning" with dirty water. That's not the case with O'Cedar's EasyWring RinseClean system and its dual tank approach.
Fill the reservoir with clean water and allow it to drain into the top bucket. After mopping, rewet and spin the mop to send the dirty water into the separate tank below. The top bucket refills automatically with clean water for the next pass.
In our tests, we found the mop with its telescoping pole easy to use and wring thoroughly. The mop head is hefty, with fibers all around for 360º cleaning and removable for machine washing.
Note: It takes up a bit of storage space and you can't add liquid cleaner to the bucket; it must be applied directly on the floor or you must drop one of O'Cedar's concentrated cleaning packs into the bucket.
Type: Microfiber wet mop | Mop-head type: Microfiber strings | Mop-head diameter: 13.3" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
Bissell's SpinWave can be used to wet clean or dry buff floors and with either plain water or Bissell's cleaner. It's corded for non-stop power and comes with two sets of round, washable and reusable microfiber pads — one set for scrubbing and one for buffing.
We have tested many Bissell vacuums, carpet cleaners and vacuum mops in the Lab so it's a brand we know and trust. And this mop has more than 8,80 five-star Amazon reviews, so it's a consumer favorite too.
The cleaning solution dispenses when you press the trigger, so you control how wet the floors get — a plus when cleaning hardwood. And it's not a steamer, so we're okay recommending it for hardwood and laminate floors. But because the pads are round, they likely won't get into corners. However, it is easy to carry and store.
Type: Electric wet spray mop | Mop-head type: Washable and reusable microfiber pads | Mop-head width: 14" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
In our opinion, vacuum mops are worth a second look. We've found them to be an easy and quick way to simultaneously dry vacuum and wet clean floors with little effort. Performance-wise, this Tineco ONE S3 was a superstar, earning great cleaning scores and acing our dry debris pick-up and tank-capacity evaluations. It had the largest capacity dirty water tank tested.
Vacuum mops can be messy to empty, but we like that this model automatically increased water and suction when it sensed more debris and automatically upped the water it used during the self-clean cycle if it sensed a dirty brush roll. The dirty water tank separates out the dry debris for neater emptying too.
Other useful features are the LED display that alternates colors as the suction changes and the app which is great for checking on cleaning performance and troubleshooting errors. It's self-propelled for easy pushing, however the battery takes about five hours to completely charge.
Type: Electric dry vacuum and wet mop | Mop-head type: Microfiber roller | Mop-head width: 9" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
If cleaning floors is one task you'd happily relinquish, a robot mop may be a solution. We've tested many iRobot vacuums in the GH Cleaning Lab — along with an earlier version of this robot mop — all with great results. There's an app for even more features and functions, and it can work through voice commands via Amazon Alexa.
The Braava Jet includes dry sweeping cloths to grab pet hair and dust bunnies as well as two types of wet cleaning pads: disposable and reusable. While most robot mops clean with plain water, this one uses warm water and iRobot's own cleaner to moisten grime for the wet pad to remove so it's actually cleaning.
Its small footprint and square shape allows it to go places larger robot mops can't — like into corners. It can clean up to 1,000 square feet on a single charge. Like all robot mops, it's expensive and takes longer to clean an area than it would take you by hand.
Type: Robotic wet mop | Mop-head type: Washable and reusable pads and disposal pads | Mop-head width: 10" | Suitable floor types: Sealed hardwood, vinyl, tile, stone and laminate
The irons and clothes steamers we've tested from Reliable are steaming champs, so it's no surprise to us that this Steamboy Pro is among the best steam mops we've tested. It removed sticky stains from our test floors with ease and its triangular swivel head and scrub brush got into corners for a deep clean. With four reusable microfiber pads, you'll have plenty to get the job done.
The Steamboy Pro's slim design and large handle make it easy to carry and store. It releases steam on demand when you press the trigger, giving you more control over the steam output, however, it does not have a continuous steam option. There's also a water filter to remove impurities to prevent clogging.
Still, we don't recommend using any steam mop on hardwood or laminate floors. There's a carpet freshening attachment, though we've never found these particularly effective on any steamer we've tested.
Type: Electric steam mop | Mop-head type: Washable and reusable microfiber pad | Mop-head width: 10.5" triangular | Suitable floor types: Sheet vinyl, tile and stone
For those who prefer a sponge mop, this one from Libman is a sturdy, well-made choice. It has a large head with a two-layer sponge to draw in dirt and a built-in brush to scrub stuck-on messes and tile grout so it's like getting multiple tools in one.
The wringing mechanism worked well in our tests to squeeze out excess water; simply pull up the steel handle on the pole and your hands stay dry. When the sponge head is no longer useable, simply pop it out and replace it. It's recommended to avoid using bleach cleaners to keep the sponge intact.
Some online reviewers complained the sponge could have been more absorbent or that it popped off too easily. The mop head also may not fit all buckets. An upside is that Libman offers with a 1-year warranty.
Type: Sponge mop | Mop-head type: Replaceable sponge | Mop-head width: 10" (sponge), 8.5" (scrub brush) | Suitable floor types: Vinyl, tile, stone and laminate floors
It may seem like there isn't much to testing a mop, but not so. When we test mops in the GH Cleaning Lab, our evaluations begin the minute we open the box or package. We assess how easy the mops are to assemble, giving additional points to those that don't need any assembly at all.
We evaluate how easy the pads, mop heads and cleaner bottles are to attach, remove, replace and, when appropriate, refill. The length of the handle is examined to determine if it will work equally well for tall and short users and whether or not the mop will be a challenge to store.
Then we put them to work. Dry mops are evaluated for how much pre-applied dust and hair they pick up from our Lab's wood, vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile and natural stone test floor panels. We even note whether the dirt clings to the mop or falls from it as it's carried around.
Wet mops are tested on the same flooring surfaces for how well they remove scuffs, greasy grime and dried spills like chocolate syrup or soda. Whenever possible, we also test the mops in real home settings with consumer testers to see how easily they reach under low-profile furniture and how easy they are to store.
For water-sensitive surfaces like finished hardwood floors that shouldn't get overly wet, we assess how much liquid the mop puts down on the floor and how long the floor takes to dry after cleaning. Wringing mechanisms are also tested for how much water they remove.
Finally, any washable pads or mop heads are laundered multiple times and reattached to make sure they continue to perform after laundering.
In our last test of 11 vacuum mops, we cleaned up over 143 dry and wet messes, and in a previous test of 15 steam mops, 14 tests were conducted on each mop for a total of over 200 assessments. These numbers don't even include the one-off tests of new mops that come our way all year long for our Good Housekeeping Seal applicants or that enter our yearly Cleaning Awards.
But the testing doesn't stop there. We keep the mops in our Cleaning Lab when we need to clean up testing spills and messes to see how they hold up and perform over time and even loan them out to other GH Institute Labs when they need one.
✔️ Dry vs. wet: A dry mop is a great cleaning tool to quickly nab dirt and debris before wet mopping. It can also dust baseboards, moldings, even walls. If storage space is a concern, some mops have the option of wet and dry pads that attach to the mop and are interchangeable.
✔️ Mop-head width: Mops with a large head can cover more ground and help cut down on cleaning time but may not be able to navigate corners, around furniture legs and smaller spaces as easily as a more compact mop head. And they take up more storage space — all important factors to consider.
✔️ Disposable vs. washable mop pads: Disposable mop cloths are convenient and take the worry out of wondering if your mop is sanitary. However, you will need to buy refills when you run out and there is the issue of adding trash to the landfill. Washable mop cloths and heads can be used over and over. Simply toss the reusable cloth in the wash and dry per the manufacturer's directions.
✔️ Cost of refills: Most mops with disposable cloths require refills specific to the mop brand, and some also require a cleaning solution refill. Over time both of these can get pricey but may be a good option for someone who does not want to worry about storing a damp mop or likes the convenience of disposables.
✔️ Replacement heads: With repeated use over a long period of time, mops become dingy and may lose their effectiveness. You may want to consider a mop that has a replaceable head option so that when it’s time for a new mop, you can replace the head rather than the whole mop.
✔️ Type of floor: When shopping for a mop, make sure the mop-head material and any cleaning solution it may come with are recommended for your floor. Certain types of floors like hardwood or natural stone may not be compatible with all cleaning solutions or harsh scrubbers. If you’re in doubt, be sure to check with the flooring brand as some types of mops, such as steam mops, can void the warranty if the floor gets damaged from it.
The most effective type of mop is the one that works best for your specific floors — there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and each type of mop on the market has its own advantages. And you may want to consider having several on hand for different uses.
✔️ Steam mop: If you’re looking to kill germs on your floors without the use of cleaning solutions, a steam mop is the answer. It can reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria on hard floors in places that may need more attention like bathroom floors and pet areas. They are also very effective at loosening sticky messes like jelly or muddy footprints without the scrubbing regular mops require. The one downside: We don’t recommend steam mops for hardwood floors. Few hardwood floors are in perfectly sealed condition and if steam seeps under the finish, it can damage them.
✔️ Spray mop: This type of mop is a great way to wash away grime and clean sticky stains from floors without the mess of a water-filled bucket. Plus, because you control how much cleaner is dispensed, it is a safe and easy way to prevent over-wetting and damaging wood floors. Simply pop on a pre-filled canister of cleaning solution or fill the onboard bottle with your own water-and-cleaner mix. Then, just spray and mop. Spray mops use disposable or washable microfiber pads.
✔️ Dust mop: A dust mop is an excellent option for picking up dry dirt and debris. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, they are less cumbersome than lugging out a vacuum. Since most dust mops are made with microfiber materials, they are also a good option for floors that may scuff easily with a vacuum's rotating brush roll or plastic wheels. They take either disposable or washable microfiber pads and because they are so slim and flat, they can slip into tight spaces and under low furniture where a vacuum often can’t go. Dust mops can also be used to clean baseboards, crown moldings and walls. ✔️ Sponge mop: These mops come in handy when cleaning up a spill since the sponges — either of cellulose, synthetic or PVA — absorb liquid fast. Most sponge mops are also slim and lightweight, making them a good option for someone who finds other types of mops too heavy or awkward to use or doesn't want to deal with disposable or washable pads. They come with either a roller or butterfly wringing design, and can require a fair bit of strength to thoroughly squeeze out the sponge. Be sure to rinse them well during use before storing them to control germ growth and odors. They are generally used with a bucket for cleaning and once the sponge mop head gets too dirty to use or it falls apart, it’s time to replace it.
✔️ Vacuum mop: The newest category of floor cleaning appliance, vacuum mops can pick up dry dirt, wet messes and wet-clean floors all at the same time and are revolutionizing the way we wash floors. Most are rechargeable, have separate clean and dirty water tanks and mop floors by dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor via a spinning microfiber brush roll. Self-cleaning models are the easiest to maintain and most have app connections, multiple cleaning modes and voice prompts to guide you. They are convenient, easy to use and always ready when you need them. They do take up a fair bit of storage space, though, so keep that in mind before you buy.
✔️ Spin mop: Spin mops can be manual or electric. They either have round heads with microfiber strings that clean in all directions or they are electric appliances with round spinning microfiber pads.
All floors can be dry-dust mopped and most hard floors can be wet mopped, but you do have to take care to use a mop head that won’t scuff or over-wet the floor and a cleaner that's safe for the surface. For floors that are prone to scratching like wood and laminate, you’ll want to use a mop with a soft material that’s non-abrasive. Ceramic, vinyl and porcelain tile floors are not as prone to scratching or water damage, so most mops should be suitable for this type of flooring.
Beyond the mop, you’ll also want to make sure you’re using the right type of cleaning solution for your floor. Some floors, like hardwood, require specific floor cleaners. Also, steam mops should never be used on any unsealed, peeling, glued or unfinished floors and even though mop manufacturers claim it is safe, we caution against using them on wood and laminate floors even on the lowest steam settings.
With the exception of steam mops, other types of mops will remove dirt and debris and wash away some germs, but they don’t actually kill bacteria or viruses. In order to kill germs and bacteria, you need to use a steam mop — which can sanitize floors because they reach high enough temperatures — and pass it across the floor slowly enough to give the steam time to work. Check the manual of your steamer model to see how many passes you need to make or how long you need to steam to actually sanitize an area.
Or you can use a floor-cleaning solution or a pre-moistened wet cloth that has germ-killing ingredients, following label directions.
Take note though: Most steam mops are generally safe for sheet vinyl, ceramic and porcelain tile floors, however, they may damage vinyl tile, wood or laminate floors — so be sure to check with your flooring brand to confirm if steam mops can be used and that doing so won't void your floor's warranty. Also, be sure to check that your cleaning solution is compatible with your floor type.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
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