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A quality mop is, undeniably, a household staple — much like your trusty robot vacuum and go-to all-purpose cleaner.
And, much like washing your bed sheets, there’s simply no better feeling than prancing around a shiny, dust and debris-free floor. That’s where a quality mop comes in. (Related: best vacuums we reviewed).
To help you shop for the best one for (1) your space and (2) your cleaning needs, the New York Post Shopping team tested seven mops from top brands like Bissell, roborock and Swiffer to put well-reviewed models head-to-head (or, rather, solution-to-floor).
We’ve been using some models for upwards of four years, while others were recently paraded around our hard floors. Nevertheless, each mop has been tested for at least two weeks.
“You’ll want a mop that is high quality and versatile, as I always say, you get what you pay for,” Melissa Maker, founder of Toronto-based cleaning service, Clean My Space (and author of her brand’s accompanying cleaning book), told the New York Post. “A cheaper, flimsy mop can’t tackle ground in dirt and it’s not going to last you a long time. You also want a mop that suits your lifestyle and the kind of flooring you have; a pet parent with laminate will need a different mop than someone who has no pet and all tile.”
Additionally, Maker highlights the 411 on mops — including what to look for and how to best use them — in our in-depth FAQ section.
How we tested mops
Here’s the New York Post Shopping testing criteria when reviewing mops:
- Ease of use: Above all else, using a mop that doesn’t require much think-work is a high priority. From ergonomic handles to how streamlined the cleaning process is, we took this element into account.
- Efficacy of cleaning: Of course, you want a mop that actually picks up dirt and debris, while leaving your floors virtually streak-free (of course, they will be wet at first). We looked at the mop pads, depending on the model, and if there was leftover debris post-cleaning,
- Battery-charge time (if applicable): Some mops are smart, meaning they spin or require a battery charge. If that was the case, we compared the speed at which it takes a mop to generate a full charge from model-to-model.
- Added cost: Some models require corresponding solution or replacement pads. While initial cost is a given, we also took into account how much of an investment certain mops are over time.
Best Mops We Reviewed in 2023
1. Bissell SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Spin Mop, $154
Pros:
- Unique spinning system ensures all debris and dirt are picked up
- Includes two reusable microfiber mop pads
- Has an on-demand spray function
Cons:
- Doesn’t have an adjustable handle, so it may be heavier for some users, especially those with upper-extremity disabilities
- The charging cord length could be longer
When I first used the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Spin Wave, I was instantly amazed by its unique spinning technology that provides a 360-degree cleaning experience to pick up dirt and debris from corners and hard-to-reach places. It’s the perfect size, too; not too flimsy and not too bulky.
I love that it came with two reusable microfiber pads and detergent. When you’re in need of a restock, the Hard Floor Sanitize Formula (64oz) is $17, while its Multi-Surface Formula (64oz) and Eucalyptus Mint Sanitize Formula (32oz) range from $14 to $17.
It’s also one of the simplest to use: start by inserting the corresponding solution into its slot and start mopping away. While there aren’t a litany of speed settings, there isn’t a need for them; the rotating spinning heads effectively remove debris. Plus, they’re washer-dryer safe when you’d want to give them a clean.
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
2. Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner, $360
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight design and one of the easiest cleaners tested
- Has an antimicrobial brush head that helps minimize odors and create a fresh space
Cons:
- Isn’t the best for textured carpets; recommended for sealed floors and area rugs
After reviewing the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner, I was truly impressed by its ease of use and versatility. While it won’t replace your fully loaded vacuum, it’s an incredible cleaner for sealed floors and, impressively, area rugs. Simply switch to the rug button on the handle and voilá.
I love Shark’s conscious effort in making this cleaner result in a fresh space. Much ado to its antimicrobial brush wand and wonderfully scented solution, you’ll find yourself cleaning in a jiffy without the headache or hassle. Not to mention, its lightweight design is the cherry on top of your spic-and-span sundae.
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
3. Swiffer WetJet Hardwood Spray Mop Cleaner, $28
Pros:
- Affordable and positively reviewed
- Doesn’t take up much storage space in the home
- Doesn’t take long for hard surfaces to dry
Cons:
- Isn’t the best for picking up heavy dirt and debris
- May leave streaks if you ‘over-spray’ the detergent
- User must come in contact with debris when removing pad
I have been using the Swiffer WetJet Hardwood Spray Mop Cleaner for years. It has practically traveled with me to my college apartment and now lives rent-free in my laundry room. It’s a stellar model (that also boasts more than 42,000 rave reviews on Amazon), namely for its compact size, simple execution and it-does-the-job make.
Though ultra-affordable, it does have its setbacks: it’s not the best for picking up large debris (but, if you mop often, this isn’t a huge deal-breaker) and it may leave streaks if you spray too much solution at once. But, if you’re not looking to spend upwards of $1,000 on a mop, this is your best bet.
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
4. roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum & Sonic Mop, $700, original price: $950
Pros:
- Doubles as a robot vacuum
- Includes a docking station to ensure your mop is always charging and stored in place
- Connects to a paired app and memorizes cleaning routes
Cons:
- Some users may not like that it doesn’t use any form of detergent (only water)
- The vacuum may stop cleaning when coming in contact with wires on the floor, like chargers
OK, I know what you’re thinking: $1,000 for a mop? Are you ridiculous? I had the same thought myself, but after months of testing, I can certainly stay its a home device that’ll (1) last for years and (2) is highly efficient.
Given that it’s app-paired and memorizes your specific floor plans, you’d think there would be a high learning curve. Surprisingly, I found myself learning how to use this spinster quite quickly (and, because it’s a smart mop, I can shower or paint my nails as it’s running!)
It doesn’t require any liquid detergent (only water) and it mops and vacuums at once. That said, there will be less clutter in your laundry room and less steps when it comes to cleaning your floors.
While it has bumped into a few cords on the floor, I value that it doesn’t scuff up my floor molding or furniture legs. What’s more, it’s perfect at venturing from room-to-room on one level and can even make its way above area rugs. I never find much debris left over, either.
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
5. Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac, $300, original price: $350
Pros:
- Designed for all sorts of hard-surfaced flooring, especially for picking up pet hair
- Allows users to vacuum, wash and steam simultaneously
- Has LED headlights to effectively see underneath furniture
Cons:
- Doesn’t stay fully upright, due to its slightly curved handle
- May not be the best for tall users, as the handle isn’t adjustable
- Is quite heavier compared to other mops tested
Part-mop, part-vacuum, the Bissell CrossWave HydroStream Plus Wet Dry Vac is a new launch from the brand that’s more vacuum-like than other mops tested, though still sanitizes and steams away your debris.
What’s great about this mop, compared to others I tested, is how versatile it is from room to room. If you need to clean your hardwood floors, laminate or tile, there’s virtually no guesswork. More, it’s durably made and doesn’t take long to charge.
While it doesn’t stay fully upright, it’s great for small and large spaces alike. It’s also wonderful because you’ll never come in contact with dirt and debris until you empty a tank (as you would for your vacuum).
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
6. BLACK+DECKER 8-in-1 Steam Mop with Glove, $150 to $200
Pros:
- Has a lightweight design and a glove for cleaning glass, stainless steel and other surfaces
- Has a large-capacity tank to allow for a longer cleaning cycle
Cons:
- Takes longer to steam, compared to other steam mops tested
- May not last as long as other mops tested, given its slim design that some users call ‘flimsy’
The BLACK+DECKER 8-in-1 Steam Mop (with a glove, let’s not forget) is one of the best for customized cleaning. Consider it a mop that’s also your finest all-purpose cleaner.
Specifically, it does a great job at controlling steam — how much you want, and when you want it. Its steam also heats up quickly (in 20 seconds to be exact), making (1) your floors impressively shiny and streak-free and (2) lessening your overall cleaning time.
This portion of the review was written by Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist
7. Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum & Mop, $400 to $700
Pros:
- Can be programmed using your smartphone in the app.
- Able to detect carpet areas to avoid mopping (no one likes a soggy carpet!) as well as high-traffic areas to go over extra well — think the front hall or the pet’s room.
- The mop’s docking station is also a charger, so you never need to worry about it running out of battery.
- The mop can be run remotely, allowing you to do your chores when not at home.
- The water reservoir can also hold cleaning liquid for a deeper clean as opposed to just water.
Cons:
- The mopping pad gets dirty quite easily, so be sure to un-velcro and wash the pad between each use.
- The app can be finicky when mapping your home, so you may need to re-map a few times before the robot learns the layout of your home.
- Cannot be used without access to a power outlet and less functional without the app.
We reviewed the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum & Mop and it’s a unique mop-vacuum hybrid that’s offered in multiple variations, depending on your budget.
Breaking it down, the robot comes with two attachments: a regular vacuuming self-empty dust bin and a vacuum and mop 2-in-1 dust bin. The latter has a reservoir for water and a cleaning solution the robot vac uses to mops floors while also simultaneously vacuuming, eliminating the need to vacuum before you mop. It uses Shark’s trademark Sonic Mopping feature as well, getting floors clean the first time, without needing to go over any missed spots.
This portion of the review was written by Sophie Cannon, senior commerce journalist and special projects coordinator
An FAQ on Mops
We turned to Melissa Maker, founder of Toronto-based cleaning service, Clean My Space (and author of her brand’s accompanying cleaning book), who provided expertise on what to look for in a quality mop, the different mops on the market, how to use them and more.
What to look for in a mop, according to a cleaning expert
Ahead, Maker lists some criteria to keep in mind when shopping for a brand-new mop:
- Build quality: Features like a metal pole, heavy duty components that don’t feel flimsy are worth considering. Is the mop head or pad well made or does it look and feel like cheap material that will unravel or be non-absorbent? If a robot mop or steam mop, is it a trusted and known brand with good reviews?
- Comfort and convenience: Is the mop heavy (like a steam mop) or arduous to use (having to refill a reservoir), or do you have to bring a bucket around everywhere you go? Is the mop pole extendible or static (extendible means it’s more ergonomic). If it’s a robotic mop, how often do you have to refill it and what’s the cleaning process like for the mop itself?
- Purpose: In other words, where can you use it? Do you need to buy multiple floor care tools or will this one handle more than one surface? Looking for a mop that works for your whole home, rather than getting one for one type of flooring and one for another, may be ideal.
The different types of mops, explained by an expert
Ahead, Maker explains each mop that you can find on the market, how they differ and what floors they’re best used on:
- Mops with disposable pads: These are useful for some ‘in-between clean’ mops but shouldn’t replace a proper mop. Consider this: you have to purchase refill pads which can add up and need room to store this extra mop. Their build can also be flimsy.
- Sponge mops: These are ‘old school’ mops but may not be the best options, compared to others They may leave a lot of liquid behind, aren’t the most durable and are the most difficult to clean, so they’re not apt for most household flooring. People like them for how easily the can be wrung out into a bucket (i.e. for your garage, cleaning other surfaces). Think about how gross a kitchen sponge can get, and imagine that cleaning your floor.
- Twist/spin mops: These are versatile and can be used on most flooring safely and with ease. Stay away from using these on hardwood or laminate, as excess moisture can seep into the planks, and the stringy nature of the mop head can leave streaks and uneven ‘wipe marks’ behind. If the head isn’t washed regularly and the mop water isn’t changed regularly, it can deposit dirt back onto the floor. However, they do allow you to put a lot of force into your mopping so you can ‘scrub off’ a really tough spill.
- Pad-style mops such as flat head or taco mops: These are safe for all flooring, the pads are easily swapped out and you can control the level of moisture used by using a spray bottle to spritz product onto the floor, or placing your pads into a bucket to pre-soak them and then wringing a clean pad out and use it until it’s soiled. Depending on the design of the mop, you can apply significant pressure to ‘scrub’ heavy stains. They are also easily able to navigate under and behind furniture. And, they are versatile, too: they allow you to clean walls and some people even use them to clean showers and tubs if they have mobility issues. What’s more, these are best for controlling moisture and streaks and are recommended for hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring, as well as natural stone and tile.
- Steam mops: These are great for tile and natural stone as long as it’s sealed only; the steam can be damaging to unsealed or planked flooring and can also lift off finishes. They do take up space, which is a consideration, and they also have a bit of a learning curve. Pads do need to be laundered after each use.
- Robotic mops: These can be shaped like robotic vacuums, small and circular, or large 2-in-1 sweeper mops that lift up debris and mop at the same time. This technology is relatively new, and while the mapping capabilities have definitely improved over the past several years, the mopping and sweeping capabilities may not be as precise as you would like them to be.
How often should you mop your floors?
Of course, this depends on your lifestyle (how tidy you are, how often you are home), how many people live at home (less mopping for less people) and whether you have pets (they make floors dirtier).
“My kitchen and bathroom get mopped at least once a week, and my living spaces (rec room, offices, bedrooms, etc.) much less so, perhaps once a month or more frequently as needed (this is because I have hardwood and they do not like to be wet mopped),” Maker explains. “We vacuum the hardwood two to three times per week since we have a young child and a cat and we do not wear shoes inside the house.”
However, Melissa mops tiled spaces more frequently because these floors can withstand it. “Knowing your lifestyle and habits will dictate how frequently you should mop; and looking at the floors will be the ultimate tell: if they have splash marks, dull marks or stains, then you know it’s time,” she adds.
How to mop your floors, according to an expert
Ahead, Maker provides a step-by-step guide for mopping your floors like a pro:
Expert tips for mopping your floors that you should keep in mind
Above all else, working smarter and not harder is the goal. That said, there are a few tips and tricks Maker notes that you should keep in mind while mopping.
“If using a bucket, place a ‘coaster’ underneath (a dry cloth) so that the bucket doesn’t leave a water ring or splashes are easily picked up by the cloth,” she recommends. “In general, you can wet mop most floors without any issue, but you never want to soak the surface as it can cause permanent damage and it’s not necessary.”
The exception is hardwood or plank flooring, and in this case you really want to stay away from excess moisture as much as possible.
Additionally, your pad should be damp, not wet. “When I mop with my taco mop, the floor is dried within seconds of me finishing,” she adds. “High-polish flooring such as certain ceramic or porcelain tile, slate or marble, would definitely benefit from a dry wipe afterward to leave that high-polish shine.”
How to clean your mop, according to an expert
It seems like an oxymoron — cleaning your cleaning device. But, just like cleaning your dishwasher, it should be done regularly to (1) ensure longevity of your mop and (2) keep things sanitary.
“Rinse any mop head, regardless of the type, after each use to remove detergent, dirt and debris,” Maker begins. “Following this, I believe flat-head mop and steam mop pads should be laundered after each use. I would also recommend spin or twist mop heads get laundered frequently as well or at the very least, rinsed well and air dried.”
Should a mop have different attachments?
Steam mops will come with them, but generally a mop should have one type of head or pad. “Pad-style mops may come with different types of pads for different uses, and can be used in different parts of the home,” Maker notes.
Should a mop have a mop head-release mechanism to avoid coming in contact?
Some mops come with a release-style mechanism so you’re never touching debris that your mop recently picked up. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker, but a surefire bonus if it comes with one.
“It’s definitely convenient to have one for a spin or twist mop, and unless you’re mopping up a corrosive substance, there’s no reason why you can’t use your hands to release the mop head or pads after use,” Maker points out. “If you’re feeling iffy about touching the dirty mop head or pads, a pair of rubber cleaning gloves will suffice.”
Can you mop all types of floors?
Unfinished or waxed wood flooring you would want to avoid mopping, and specialty floors such as certain types of cork or rubber flooring (that you may see in an at-home gym) will have to be cleaned according to manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions, per Maker.
How often should your mop head be replaced?
According to Maker, your mop handle should last if you’re buying a good quality one. “Pads or heads should be replaced when they look worn or discolored,” she advises.
When is it time to buy a new mop?
“When it comes to cleaning tools and supplies, I like to ‘buy once, buy well,'” Maker notes (which is why it’s important, in our opinion, to invest in a quality one we reviewed). “I find that if I make an initial investment in good quality items, they’ll last and do their job better so I don’t have to work as hard, or spend more money replacing items that are constantly breaking or falling apart.”
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
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