Best Overall
Swiffer PowerMop
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness5/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning5/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- This powerful spray mop is easy to use, and it cleaned all types of messes as efficiently on hardwood as it did on grouted tile during our tests.
This powerful spray mop is easy to use, and it cleaned all types of messes as efficiently on hardwood as it did on grouted tile during our tests.
- While the starter pack includes everything you need to begin cleaning, over time there are additional costs to consider, including the floor cleaner, batteries, and disposable mop pads.
While the starter pack includes everything you need to begin cleaning, over time there are additional costs to consider, including the floor cleaner, batteries, and disposable mop pads.
From the set-up to the clean-up, the Swiffer Power Mop performed strongly during testing. To get started right out of the box, simply push the two bars together and add a mop pad (if you’ve ever worked with any Swiffer product, it’s the same process).
To insert the solution, pop the included cleaner right into the slot. Because it’s ready as is and doesn’t need water, you don’t have to worry about concentration formulas or measurements.
With a 49-inch handle, the Swiffer Power Mop isn’t adjustable but has a long enough handle to reach underneath tables and chairs, and while the flat, straight mop head doesn’t have a swivel, it’s still a cinch to clean against walls and in corners.
Because the spray mop is manual, to release the spray, simply push down the button on top of the cleaning solution and it will release one spray onto the floor. We didn’t have trouble managing this button.
As for the clean, it got rid of the majority of the messes we created on grouted tile with one spray and six swipes—the exception being the butter, which took two sprays and eight swipes. We were also pleased with the results, as a wipe-down with a paper towel left no remaining residue.
While it took a bit more work to clean the hardwood floor, it wasn’t enough of a difference to take it off the top spot, especially because the results were equally effective. (Butter still proved to be the most difficult mess: it took four sprays and fourteen wipes to remove, and the other messes took considerably less to clean.)
Another bonus: the included cleaner had a pleasant, fresh scent that wasn’t overpowering. We also found the spray mop to be easy to carry around, weighing under 5 pounds out of the box.
There are a few things consumers should be aware of before purchasing. The first is that there will be some difficulty cleaning very narrow spaces, as the cleaning solution attached to the handle will only allow the head to go so far.
The second is that it doesn’t fold down, so keeping the mop in a small closet or space would require the user to unclick the two parts of the handle for easier storage.
And finally, while the starting price is affordable at under $40, expect to spend an additional $20 a month on the product (without considering batteries): refill pads and refill bottles both come in at around $10 a pack, depending on size and availability. Still, for its impressive cleaning power, this is certainly worth it for people looking for a quick and powerful clean.
Product Details: Pad Type: Disposable | Power: Battery | Weight: 4.65 pounds | Handle Length: 49 inches | Accessories: 2 mop pads, 1 floor cleaning solution, batteries
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Budget
Rejuvenate Click n Clean Spray Mop
AMAZON
- Setup4/5
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Portability4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.3/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- While the price is similar to our top pick, it saves money over time with its reusable mop heads and its ability to run manually without batteries.
While the price is similar to our top pick, it saves money over time with its reusable mop heads and its ability to run manually without batteries.
- During our tests, this performed excellently with liquid spills, but it left behind some debris on both the grouted tile and the hardwood when mopping up potting soil.
During our tests, this performed excellently with liquid spills, but it left behind some debris on both the grouted tile and the hardwood when mopping up potting soil.
This lightweight option from Rejuvenate made our list because it’s an effective manual option that has the additional plus of a 360-degree swivel head, making it effortless to maneuver in every direction. The mop worked well on both grouted tile and hardwood, removing all ketchup, oil, juice, and butter stains in three sprays and around seven swipes and leaving behind a dry, clean floor without residue.
The cleaning solution had a faint chemical smell, which wasn’t overly distracting, and did not clog at any time during the cleaning process.
When done with the tasks, we found that the Velcro reusable mop pad easily came on and off, and could be cleaned in a washing machine or a sink. Plus, the addition of a grout brush accessory makes this a great option for people whose houses are mostly tile.
One of its most notable issues came when cleaning up potting soil; on both hardwood floor and grouted tile, it left behind bits of dirt that we had to clean up afterwards. If you or someone you live with tracks in a lot of mud, this might make this mop less useful in your daily life.
The mop’s other issue came during set-up. We had difficulty connecting the bottle adapter for the cleaning solution to the mop itself, and the instructions given were far from adequate. After referring to a video on the brand’s website, the issue was quickly rectified, but some consumers might find this unnecessarily complicated.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Manual | Weight: Approx. 2 pounds | Handle Length: 50 inches | Accessories: Cleaning pad, dust pad, floor cleaner, grout brush, super scrub pad, 3 bottle adapters
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Splurge
Nellie's Wow Too Bundle
AMAZON
- Setup4.5/5
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.4/5
- Maneuverability4/5
- This is an item worth splurging on if you hate mopping, because it’s incredibly easy to operate with little elbow grease.
This is an item worth splurging on if you hate mopping, because it’s incredibly easy to operate with little elbow grease.
- Due to the larger size, it likely won’t fit into narrow areas.
Due to the larger size, it likely won’t fit into narrow areas.
Spray mops don't have to cost hundreds of dollars, but if you really hate to mop, it might be worth splurging on this pick. The Nellie’s Wow Too is meant to make a dreaded household chore effortless, with a design and added features that make for a luxurious cleaning tool that is well worth the price for the right consumer.
Two features in particular really make it stand out. One is its rechargeable and cordless electric power source, complete with a small, simple charger (no docking station here) and a battery life of up to 50 consecutive minutes.
The other is likely the most attractive—a flat mop head that uses two pads at a time and mechanically oscillates them side-to-side. This is the primary feature that takes the “work” out of cleaning. Simply start the machine, press the button on the handle to release the spray, and much of the heavy lifting will be done for you.
As for its effectiveness, we found that while it performed slightly better on hardwood floors than it did on grouted tile, it cleaned up juice, butter, and oil on all tested surfaces with no trouble at all.
Ketchup proved to be a minor issue requiring more passes of the machine than the other spills, but the soil took the longest to clean thanks to the larger particles of dirt. Although the mop did pick those pieces up, it took some extra time to do so.
The design features also leveled up this spray mop considerably. A push of a button easily removed the reservoir of cleaning solution, the Velcro attached to the mop heads could be removed in a way that didn’t get hands dirty, and the handle collapsed for easy storage.
Still, there are some kinks that come with this mop. The largest issue was the steel tin the cleaning solution came in, which made it incredibly hard to fill the reservoir without spilling. A cup is recommended to transfer the solution easier.
And while the mop could be easily maneuvered in most positions (we found it could practically go vertical), pushing it forward at an angle provided a challenge—plus, because of its larger size, it would likely not fit in narrow spaces.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Rechargeable Electric | Weight: 9.33 pounds | Handle Length: Adjustable from 34 to 46 inches | Accessories: Nellie’s Floor Care Solution, 4 scrub pads, charger
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best for Hardwood Floors
Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.5/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.5/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- Bona is known for its hardwood floor cleaners, and this proves why, as it cleaned wood down to the little crevices between the planks.
Bona is known for its hardwood floor cleaners, and this proves why, as it cleaned wood down to the little crevices between the planks.
- It works on grouted tile if necessary, but it’s best for hardwood.
It works on grouted tile if necessary, but it’s best for hardwood.
This Bona Premium spray mop is the ideal choice for hardwood floors, which is no surprise considering Bona is a brand specializing in hardwood floor products. There are basic perks to this model that we expect to see in high-quality spray mops: it’s easy to set up, quick to clean, and efficient at removing most stains with ease.
There are also a few bonus perks, like the extra-large microfiber pad that securely locks into place and even washes well in the sink without leaving behind a noticeable odor.
The spray mop has a swivel head that makes corners and edges easy to clean, it’s manual, and it’s relatively lightweight. The cleaner bottle on the handle clicks on and off with ease. The cleaner is easy to disperse via a trigger on the handle, and it disperses evenly without jamming or clogging. Keep in mind that the handle is not adjustable.
When tackling grouted tile, we had mostly favorable results, but it did leave a faint red stain behind from ketchup in the grout, making us reconsider recommending it for both surfaces. Where it does shine is on the hardwood floor, removing all traces of juice, dirt, and ketchup quickly and easily.
A note: we did record some light residue left over from the butter and oil, which could have been because we did not use as many sprays on this floor as we did on the tile. However, because Bona is a water-based formula that is made to be used on finicky unwaxed floors, the gentler formula’s primary concern is to preserve and protect wood floors.
A good wipe with a paper towel should remove any leftover residue without harming the wood with a stronger chemical.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Manual | Weight: 5.8 Pounds | Handle Length: 49 inches | Accessories: 1 refillable cartridge, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner refill, microfiber cleaning pad
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best for Tile Floors
O-Cedar ProMist MAX Spray Mop
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.3/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.2/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- This spray mop is meant to be used with just water, and we found that it did a great job on grouted tile floor with no cleaner needed.
This spray mop is meant to be used with just water, and we found that it did a great job on grouted tile floor with no cleaner needed.
- Water won’t completely remove tough stains like oil, so consider having some concentrate around for those jobs.
Water won’t completely remove tough stains like oil, so consider having some concentrate around for those jobs.
If you have a house that has mostly tile floors, or you can see wanting to use a mop in a kitchen or bathroom with tile floors, this O-Cedar model is a lightweight and manual option that will get the job done.
It’s also sure to please those averse to using chemicals in the household because you have the option of simply using water to mop. In fact, the manufacturer claims it removes 99% of messes with just water alone.
Another nice feature is its ability to flip the mop head 180 degrees, allowing you to use both sides of the mop pad without having to switch them out, increasing cleaning power without adding more time. Paired with its ability to swivel, this made it easier for us to clean in small spaces and under tables.
The microfiber pad grabbed onto dirt and liquid mess on the tile floor fairly quickly during testing but did indeed struggle with butter (one of the more challenging messes in this test, as many mops had some trouble with it).
Ultimately, we had to wipe some debris off the floor manually after using it. Of course, this could be because we only used water on the butter stain—a cleaner could potentially have helped.
Because the grout came out completely clean with just a few passes and it was effective on the other messes, we think this is still a solid mop—just consider using some concentrate when working with oil-based messes.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Manual | Weight: 2.01 pounds | Handle Length: 49.5 inches | Accessories: Reusable pad
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Microfiber
OXO Microfiber Spray Mop
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.8/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning5/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- The addition of a slide-out scrubber that can help clean between planks of wood or grout make this OXO model a great spray mop—and the microfiber pad is especially durable.
The addition of a slide-out scrubber that can help clean between planks of wood or grout make this OXO model a great spray mop—and the microfiber pad is especially durable.
- The price is high considering it’s manually powered and comes with few accessories.
The price is high considering it’s manually powered and comes with few accessories.
There are two defining reasons why this microfiber spray mop stands out among the others: you don’t want to wash your microfiber pads in a washing machine every time, and you actually like to scrub and scour things until they’re completely clean.
The microfiber pad of this OXO model is easily washed in the sink—we reported no odor and no staining after doing so, and it dried around 80% in 24 hours. For those who don’t have access to a washing machine, this is a great perk, as we detected some faint odors on the pads from other models after only a hand wash.
This mop also has a cool feature unavailable on the other models on this list: if you remove the mop head, there is a scrubber revealed underneath.
This did an excellent job of completely removing all traces of dirt from the grout between the tiles during testing, and is a nice feature to have to remove particularly stubborn stains (although some butter needed to be removed with a toothpick from the wood planks).
Additionally, it’s got a nice long handle and a swivel head, and also came completely assembled—a nice plus for those who hate reading instructions. It did a great job of removing everything on grouted tile completely, and while it did leave a faint film of butter on the hardwood floor, the scrubber helped with removing most of it.
We also praised its rounded edges and found that it was so easy to maneuver around corners, it almost felt automatic.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Manual | Weight: 3.29 pounds | Handle Length: 50 inches | Accessories: Refillable bottle, detachable scrubber, reusable microfiber pad
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Lightweight
Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.5/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning5/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- This model weighs a little over 1 pound, making it super easy to move around, and also benefits from a powerful spray.
This model weighs a little over 1 pound, making it super easy to move around, and also benefits from a powerful spray.
- While it performs quite well on tile, there were some remnants left in grout and on hardwood.
While it performs quite well on tile, there were some remnants left in grout and on hardwood.
If you’re looking for a mop that functions well without you needing to lift anything heavy or bend down, this lightweight Rubbermaid cleaning kit is a solid option. There are multiple features that make it friendly for people with limited mobility or who have trouble with the physicalities that can come with cleaning.
First, it comes completely assembled, so no need to screw things in or tighten knobs. The spray trigger is located at the top of the handle so you won’t need to bend down to distribute water. It has a swivel feature that eliminates the need to crouch or go out of your way to reach stubborn spots.
The cleaning bottle can be easily secured by flipping it upside down and snapping it in place, no twisting required. The microfiber pad can be pulled off as it is attached by Velcro. There’s a hook at the top for easy storage and access, and the entire mop weighs a little over 1 pound.
However, with all of these positives, there were some issues when it comes to cleaning. Perhaps the most important is that it did not thoroughly clean the hardwood of butter and left a slight film of oil when done, and there were also some butter remnants in the seams between the planks.
On the tile, it cleaned effectively and left no trace of oil or butter, but there was some debris remaining in the grout (although this could potentially be solved with the scrub pad). Still, if the above features will make your life easier, this will do a fine job as a basic cleaning tool and will keep your tile sparkling.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: *Answer TK | Weight: 1.37 pounds | Handle Length: 49 inches | Accessories: Refillable bottle, scrub pad, microfiber cleaning pad
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Colors
True and Tidy Multi-Surface Spray Mop 250
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Effectiveness4.3/5
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.1/5
- Maneuverability5/5
- This spray mop from True and Tidy comes in fun colors like mint, blue, pink, gray, and white, with an overall design that’s retro and fun.
This spray mop from True and Tidy comes in fun colors like mint, blue, pink, gray, and white, with an overall design that’s retro and fun.
- It didn’t remove every bit of oil or ketchup from floors during our tests.
It didn’t remove every bit of oil or ketchup from floors during our tests.
You really can’t beat the aesthetics of this adorable spray mop that comes in fun colors like mint green and powder pink. It’s a great and affordable pick for, say, a college student who will never clean the house otherwise, and there are some good things to say about its performance.
The mop is lightweight, easily swivels around furniture and under tables, and releases a spray with a pull of the trigger. It’s especially good on hardwood floors, too: we noted that the only residue left behind was some butter between the wood planks, but the floor itself didn’t have any leftover residue.
However, things did not get completely spotless on the grouted tile. While we praised its ability to completely get rid of juice and oil, some ketchup staining remained in the grout and some film was left behind from the oil and butter.
Still, this cleans better than elbow grease and, as some parents of college kids might note, certainly better than nothing at all. So, paired with its other features, this is a decent choice that will get your house cleaner than it started out.
Product Details: Pad Type: Reusable | Power: Manual | Weight: 1.13 Pounds | Handle Length: 49 inches | Accessories: Refillable bottle, reusable mop pad
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK