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We tested 16 popular models, including string mops, flat mops, and electric mops. 360 magic mop with wheels
Regardless of the tools you use, mopping requires quite a bit of elbow grease and energy. If you’re looking to clean your floors with more ease while also avoiding the icky task of ringing out dirty water from the mop head, a spin mop might just become your new favorite cleaning tool.
To find the best spin mops, we tested 16 options and evaluated them on setup, maneuverability, effectiveness on a variety of floor types, portability, and ease of cleaning. For expert insight on what to look for when buying a spin mop, we spoke with Michael Golubev, CEO of Mold Busters. and Justin Carpenter, cleaning expert and owner of Modern Maids.
It did the best job in our tests at removing tough stains from hardwood and tile.
The bucket does not have wheels, so it’s not as easy to move around while cleaning.
For an effective, reasonably priced, and easy-to-use spin mop with a machine-washable head, you can’t go wrong with the classic O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop System. The handle adjusts in height from 35 to 51 inches, and the bucket has a two-tank system—one for continuously refilling fresh water from the outer bucket, and the other with a hands-free spinning wringer powered by a foot pedal to keep the mop head clean and dry. The triangle-shaped base of the mop head also makes it easy to maneuver and get into tight corners. We especially loved that this mop could remove stains with minimal effort and that the mop head requires little effort to remove and replace.
The mop head is made of highly absorbent microfiber, so you can mop and wipe away stains for a while before having to wring it out (although we recommend wringing it out frequently to avoid spreading stains and spills). Throughout the testing period, it did a great job of removing all sorts of dirt, grime, and leftover food remnants from our floors. By the six-month mark, however, we observed that the microfibers tended to stick together after going through the washing machine, and the water seemed to take a while to dry.
It’s also worth noting that the entire system is not as compact as other spin or electric mops, but we think it’s worth it considering its effectiveness and wringing feature. If you want to get rid of heavy or thick chunks of soil or food from your floors, an electric mop might be more effective, but if you need a reliable spin mop for regular cleaning, this is your best bet.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 35–51 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
It’s very easy to set up and has a fairly compact size.
The mop head is not as absorbent as others, so the floor may take a bit longer to air dry.
Unlike the more common string or sponge mops, spin mops come with a spinning and wringing mechanism, so they tend to be more expensive in general. The O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System, however, is our choice for the best budget spin mop at under $50. We loved its simple setup (you just twist the pole into the head) and its ability to quickly remove stains like dirt, sauce, and oil from hardwood and laminate floors. Much like our best overall pick, the bucket has a hands-free wringing spinner to keep your mop head dry. Just note that this model only has one reservoir to catch all the water that is being wrung out in the spinner.
After two months of use, this mop is still meeting our standards. We like the extra-fluffy head and lightweight handle, although the fluff did occasionally get caught in tight corners and on furniture edges. We also appreciate that the mop head is conveniently machine washable, and it’s more compact for those with limited storage.
It's worth noting that the expandable handle often collapsed during vigorous scrubbing, so we would have preferred a more secure locking mechanism to keep it in place. The mop also fell short on our ceramic floors, tending to push liquids around rather than fully absorbing them. Aside from those minor complaints, this is a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly mop to clean grout, hardwood, laminate, and cement floors.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 48 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
The spray trigger allows you to control how much solution to spray on the floor.
The dual-head, circular design may not be the best for cleaning corners, grout lines, and cracks.
Most spin mops are categorized as such for their attached wringing feature. The Bissell SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Spin Mop, on the other hand, has two spinning heads to thoroughly scrub your floor with minimal effort on your part. It comes with four machine-washable mop pads, a charging adaptor, a storage tray, and two small bottles of cleaning solution, so you have everything you need to get to work.
While the handle is not adjustable, we thought it was set at a comfortable height, and the mop’s other features (like the cordless power and swivel head) make up for it. It proved to be effective on wood, tile, linoleum, and other sealed hard floors, and we found that it performed very well on hardwood and grouted floors. We only had to spray a minimal amount of solution to remove different types of stains, with the exception of some mud that remained in the grout.
While this is one of the most expensive mops on our list, it’s definitely worth the price if you’re looking for an efficient electric spinning mop. The charge lasts about 30 minutes, and the whirring noise is pretty quiet when in use, making it possible to mop while people are sleeping. While we expected the soft mop heads to squish into tight corners, they struggled to get into crevices. We also wish they were made of a better scouring material to really clean the grout. Still, the mop heads and spinning power will get your floors sparkling clean, and it maintained its performance after six months of use.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 45 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
The bucket is super portable with wheels and a foldable handle.
You’re better off hand washing the mop heads, because they’re prone to fraying.
We recommend the Oshang Deluxe Spin Mop & Bucket System for kitchens because of its absorbency, long and sturdy stainless steel handle, and portable bucket that comes with wheels and a foldable handle to carry easily. This mop’s best feature, though, is its stringy microfiber mop head. This makes it easy to get into nooks and crannies while effectively cleaning up all kinds of spills and messes. In fact, the microfiber strings are so absorbent that it took a few spins in the bucket to completely wring them dry.
After six months of consistent use, we noticed no signs of wear and tear. While the bucket may be a little too bulky for storing in small spaces, it still does an excellent job at keeping the water and mop head separate. Although the mop heads are considered machine safe, we recommend hand washing them instead, as the microfiber strings can become loose or frayed in the washer. Since this mop comes with four mop heads, you can swap them out after every use.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 63.2 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes, but we advise against it
Assembly and disassembly is quite simple.
The bucket is bigger than it needs to be.
When it’s time to clean your spin mop bucket and its wringing system to get rid of any dirt, hair, and other debris, disassembling may sound stressful. The wringing bucket usually includes smaller pieces while the larger bucket may have some grooves and drain plugs that require more meticulous cleaning. The Bulbhead Hurricane Spin Mop, however, is a winner because not only is it easy to clean, but it’s also easy to use. We loved how effortlessly the mop head popped off and snapped back on the handle, and its 360-degree swivel design made it extra maneuverable.
We found that it performed excellently on hardwood floors, but it needed some extra pressure to get in between the grout and effectively clean tile flooring. After six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality (aside from needing a replacement head due to the frequency of use.) While the bucket itself is quite large, it may be handy for those using more water than usual. This mop struggled navigating tight crevices, though, so we think it’s best suited for handling larger spaces. Similar to other spin mops, the main bucket has a foot pedal to wring out and dry the mop. Plus, the handle is lightweight, flat, and long enough to reach beneath furniture.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 50 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
t’s extremely compact, only taking up about 1 square foot.
The flat mop heads aren’t great for cleaning grout lines or in between wood planks.
Whether you live in a home with limited storage space or just want an easier way to transport your mop bucket, the True & Tidy True Clean Mop & Bucket System is a compact and portable option. Even when the bucket was filled with water, it felt lightweight and was easy to pick up and carry. Instead of a string mop head, it has a flat mop head that proved to be quite absorbent for its small size. The square mop head also made us feel more in control of the area we were mopping and the pressure we wanted to apply. Even better, the mop heads are machine washable and attached to the base with Velcro for easy removal.
The bucket has two reservoirs—one that pumps out clean water, and another that stores dirty water once it has been wrung out. There are also red indicators that let you know when the mop is clean and dry. Because of its size, it may be best to use this mop for smaller surface areas or just light cleaning tasks. It also had a hard time getting into grout lines and between wood planks, so we recommend it for flat surfaces like vinyl only. Nevertheless, the mop endured six months of use with no signs of wear and tear, proving to be both a convenient and durable choice.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 47 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
This commercial mop is a true workhorse and best for large spaces.
It’s very large and can only be stored in spacious closets.
Mopping heavily soiled floors requires elbow grease, and the Bissell CycloMop alleviates some of that effort. This mop reigns as our favorite heavy-duty spin mop for its absorbency, ability to remove tough stains, and overall cleaning performance. Despite its intimidating appearance, we appreciated the light handle and bucket on a detachable base with wheels, making it easy to move around. The centrifuge wringing system is easily operated by a foot pedal, and the mop head has a 360-degree swivel head. While it’s the most expensive product on our list, it can’t be beat for tackling big messes and big spaces. Plus, the extendable pole makes it easy to reach areas near and far.
In addition to the bucket, handle, and dolly, the set includes two microfiber mop heads, a microfiber hand mitt that can be useful for drying, and a nylon scrubber to clean even heavier-duty messes. We did find the mop head a bit challenging to take off, so the removal process may require some extra strength. The bucket can hold just over 4 gallons of water, but to avoid splashing, the manufacturer recommends filling it with a minimum of 1 gallon of water or cleaning solution, or a maximum of 2 gallons.
After two months of use, this mop is still exceeding our expectations—it excelled at cleaning mud, butter, and oil on grout tile, hardwood, and laminate flooring. Better yet, the mop head made it through the washing machine unscathed, with no loose threads or signs of wear. Although you may need some extra detailing in between tiles, grout lines, and wood planks when using it, we can confidently say that we trust this mop for handling any type of mess.
Head Material: Microfiber | Handle Length: 55 inches | Machine-Washable Head: Yes
Our top pick is the O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop System for its affordability, easy setup, impressive cleaning performance, and two-tank system. If you’re looking for a spin mop that’s a bit more budget-friendly, we recommend another model from the same brand: the O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System, which has just one tank instead of two.
We tested 16 spin mops in our Des Moines lab and at home, including string mops, flat mops, and electric mops. To start, we first timed how long it took to assemble each mop out of the box, and then we examined each product and measured the length of the handles. Next, we measured maneuverability. Using the dry mops, we simulated cleaning around a mock dining room setup, evaluating both maneuverability and overall comfort.
We then assessed the effectiveness of mopping with each product. We started out by pouring 1/4-cup of water onto the hardwood floor, and then we evaluated how quickly and effectively each dry mop was able to absorb the water. Once the floor was dry, we added apple juice, butter, canola oil, marinara sauce, and potting soil to the hardwood floors and let them sit for 10 minutes.
When it was time to clean, we first filled up each bucket (or mop head, if electric) and transported it to the stains, taking note of portability. Following manufacturer instructions for usage, we cleaned each stain one at a time using only warm water, and noted how many times we had to wet and rinse out each mop before cleaning was finished. We then manually cleaned each mop head in the sink and repeated the cleaning process on grouted flooring.
The next day, 24 hours later, we evaluated how dry the mop heads were before washing each one per manufacturer instructions. When testing was complete, we scored each product on its setup, maneuverability, effectiveness on a variety of floor types, portability, and ease of cleaning. For long-term insights, we took the mops home and evaluated them after two months and six months of use.
Golubev says that the two most common spin mop types either have a foot pedal or are operated by pushing the mop into the wringing system in a pumping motion. Foot pedals require less energy since you don’t have to bend down to work them, but those buckets may be trickier to clean. Golubev says that choosing the best one for you is based on your own preferences and how much you want to clean or maintain your mop bucket.
It’s rare to find a spin mop with a mop head that isn’t made of microfiber material. Golubev recommends always choosing microfiber for its absorbency, ability to trap dirt efficiently, and machine washability. Another common mop head material is terry cloth, while mop head handles are typically made of plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of both.
While extra features are not necessary for a spin mop, they can be useful depending on your cleaning frequency and other preferences. “Consider options like splash guards, built-in soap dispensers, or adjustable handles for added convenience and functionality,” Golubev says. For example, the O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop System, our best overall pick, has an adjustable handle.
Like any other cleaning tool, spin mops require proper care and maintenance, especially if you’re expecting them to last a long time. Golubev recommends choosing a spin mop that has an easily removable and machine-washable mop head, which improves the mop’s durability and increases the lifespan. All of the products we recommend in this article have machine-washable heads, although we recommend taking extra care with the Oshang Deluxe Spin Mop & Bucket System, as the mop heads are prone to fraying and tangling in the washer.
Libman Tornado Spin Mop System: We liked this compact, affordable spin mop for its ability to get into grout lines and comfortable maneuverability. However, we wish the mop head had longer microfiber strings and were disappointed that the bucket didn’t stay in place when wringing the mop head in the spinner.
Pulnda Spin Mop Bucket System: If you prioritize price over performance, this budget-friendly spin mop makes a good option for quick cleanings. We found, however, that it tends to move around and splash quite a bit of water when using the wringing system, and the mop head is not as absorbent as other microfiber mop heads. The extra-long handle is useful for getting under appliances and furniture, though.
According to Carpenter, this answer depends largely on the type of surface being cleaned. "Spin mops are usually more effective than regular mops when cleaning tile and hardwood floors, as they can pick up dirt and debris more quickly because of their spinning action and therefore avoid the spread of germs and bacteria," he says.
Golubev adds that spin mops also offer more efficient moisture control, noting that the spinning action helps remove dirt and grime from the mop head, ensuring a cleaner floor.
Standard sponge or string mops are notoriously difficult to clean and tend to hang onto stains, dirt, and other debris, even after you’ve washed them for the next use. To get a more effective and hygienic clean, a spin mop is best.
“In general, spin mops are considered to be more hygienic than regular mops because they remove more dirt and bacteria from the floors more efficiently,” Carpenter says. Plus, the mop heads can be thrown in the washer for easy cleanup, so you’re not reusing the same mop head every time you clean.
Carpenter says the lifespan of a spin mop depends on its quality and how often it is used. Replacing your mop heads once they’ve degraded or frayed too much can also help keep your spin mop working the way you want it to.
“Generally, spin mops can last for several years with proper maintenance and care,” he says. “However, some cheaper models may need to be replaced more frequently, so it’s important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and caring for your particular model.”
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 16 spin mops in our lab and at home, including string mops, flat mops, and electric mops, evaluating each on setup, maneuverability, effectiveness on a variety of floor types, portability, and ease of cleaning. Daniela also consulted Justin Carpenter, cleaning expert and owner of Modern Maids, and Michael Golubev, CEO of Mold Busters.
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