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We Tested Almost 100 Mops—Here Are the 9 Best Mops of 2024

Whether you prefer a classic, electric, or robot mop, we found the perfect one for you.

Swiffer Powermop leans against wall

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

When taking steps to keep your home clean, mopping the floor is a crucial, though somewhat labor intensive, step. Sweeping and vacuuming can help keep the floor clear of granular debris, but you’ll have to turn to regular mopping to remove sticky spills, footprints, and grease.

“Mopping helps ensure the removal of anything tracked in from outside, spills, dried drool from pets, and other bacteria-harvesting environments,” says Sean Busch, co-founder of Puracy, a plant-based cleaning product company. 

The best mop for your home will often be dictated by the type of flooring you have. Wood floors and laminate can tolerate damp mopping, while vinyl, ceramic, and porcelain tiles can often withstand much wetter mopping.

What We Tested

To find the best mops, we tested almost 100 mops, evaluating each based on ease of setup, dry and wet mopping, portability, ease of cleaning, and maneuverability.

For more information on how we tested mops in our lab, check out our testing process below.

Best Overall

Swiffer PowerMop

Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • This lightweight spray mop effectively cleaned messes on both hardwood and tile floors.

Keep In Mind
  • Because of the position of the solution container, it did bump into some furniture occasionally.

Because of its impressive performance, our pick for the best overall mop is the Swiffer PowerMop. During our testing, this was the only mop that earned an overall 5 out of 5 star rating—it earned perfect scores for its setup, maneuverability, effectiveness, portability, ease of use, and value.  

This mop kit came with a mop, two mopping pad refills, one container of cleaning solution, and two batteries. We were pleased with how easy the initial assembly was. We simply had to snap the two poles into place, insert the batteries, attach the solution container into its designated spot, and attach a disposable mop pad to the mop head. The entire process took less than a minute, and we were able to put everything together without consulting instructions. 

As we were mopping, we were impressed with the maneuverability of the mop and how easy it was to mop around furniture. Although it doesn’t have a 360-degree swivel, we found that we were still able to move it seamlessly around obstacles. We appreciated that the flat, rectangular design of the mop head made it effortless to clean along straight edges. 

The mop effectively cleaned both hardwood and tile floors, erasing any signs of apple juice, canola oil, and butter. After mopping on both surfaces, we wiped the surfaces with a paper towel to determine just how clean the floor was, and the paper towel was completely clean. Although it took a few more sprays and wipes to clean the butter off the floor, the mop was still able to totally clean the surfaces. 

We also liked that this mop was lightweight, making it easy to push around while cleaning. The only issue we found with this spray mop was that the cleaning solution container did bump into some furniture (like chairs) due to its low position. However, this was a minimal issue and we otherwise found this mop to be highly effective and easy to use. 

Product Details: Mop Type: Spray | Handle Length: 49 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet |  Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Disposable

Why You Should Get It
  • A wallet-friendly option, this mop is lightweight and quite maneuverable, especially in hard-to-reach spaces.

Keep in Mind
  • The ringer does require some strength to work properly.

Weighing in at just 1.3 pounds, our pick for the best mop on a budget is effective at cleaning messes, although it may be a challenge to clean up very heavy spills. We appreciated that the Libman Wonder Mop comes fully assembled, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. 

In our cleaning tests, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the mop was effective at cleaning up light to medium messes. For a spilled paprika test, we found the mop just moved the mess around rather than cleaned it. 

We liked that this lightweight mop is so easy to maneuver all over the house. While it doesn’t require any heavy lifting, we found that the built-in wringer does require some muscle and finesse to use properly. 

With this basic mop, you’ll need to provide your own bucket or use the sink to rinse it out. The mop head tendrils can either be hand washed, which requires cleaning well in between the tendrils, or machine washed. In our test, the tendrils were easily stained, and it took a minute to run water in between each tendril to get it all properly cleaned. 

For the price, this is a highly maneuverable mop that does the job and easily gets around furniture or hard to reach spots. 

Product Details: Mop Type: Microfiber string mop with wringer | Handle Length: 55 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Machine or hand washable up to 50 times; replacement heads available

Libman Wonder Mop displayed on tile floor with nearby stains

Better Homes & Gardens / Tamara Staples

Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.8/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.6/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • This electric mop uses spinning mop heads to effectively remove liquids and oils from tile floors.

Keep In Mind
  • It had difficulty removing butter from in between hardwood plans.

During our testing, the Bissell SpinWave Cordless PET Hard Floor Spin Mop, 23157, wowed us with its cleaning abilities. It earned the spot as best electric mop because it earned a perfect score for its maneuverability and portability, and it received high marks for its effectiveness and value. 

This mop came with a mop, four mop pads, a charging adapter, a storage tray, and two bottles of cleaning solution. To assemble the mop, we simply had to snap the main pole into place and it was ready to use. Thanks to its 18-volt lithium battery, it can run for up to 20 minutes on one charge.

The electric spray mop powers on with just a press of a button, and the spinning mop pads helped to effortlessly clean various surfaces. As we were mopping, we appreciated how easy it was to maneuver, and we were able to seamlessly move it around chairs and table legs.

We were pleased that the mop was able to completely remove apple juice and canola oil from hardwood floors. While it removed most of the butter, the mop wasn’t able to remove the bits that were wedged between the hardwood planks. However, when mopping on tile floors, the mop was able to remove all of the stains. 

We did notice during our testing that this mop didn’t handle larger debris, such as chunks of mud, as well. Because of the size of the debris, the mop flung the pieces across the floor. However, once we picked up the larger pieces, the mop effectively removed the remaining dirt and stains. 

Product Details: Mop Type: Electric | Handle Length: 45 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet |  Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Washable

Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro+

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Features
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • With an accompanying app that allows you to create mapping and scheduling, this robot mop cleaned floors with ease.

Keep In Mind
  • The device did get sticky after mopping up syrup.

If you prefer a robot to do all the hard work, the Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro+ is the best mop for you. This device vacuums and mop, so you can relax or do other chores while it cleans your home. 

The robot mop arrived fully assembled, and the quick start guide was easy to follow. We liked that this mop has an accompanying app that can be used to create mapping and cleaning schedules to make cleaning even easier. 

When using the mop function, we found that the device easily and efficiently cleaned wet messes. Thanks to the floor mapping, it was able to avoid bumping into any furniture or other obstacles. The robot is also designed to avoid rugs and carpet when it’s mopping, so we didn’t have to worry about them getting wet. 

After the robot was finished mopping, it docked itself to the self-emptying station effortlessly. The only issue we noticed with this device was that it was a little sticky from mopping up syrup, so it had to be cleaned after mopping. However, because of its app connectivity and efficiency at cleaning, it earned a top spot on our list. 

Product Details: Mop Type: Robot | Handle Length: Not available | Wet or Dry Use: Both |  Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Not available

Amazon O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop and Bucket System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.9/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.8/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The innovative triangular head is especially good at reaching in small or awkward spaces, and the bucket provides hands-free wringing.

Keep in Mind
  • The mop head strands make it difficult to fully clean debris and grit from the head.

Created as a hands-free cleaning system, this mop and bucket combo features a built-in, step-on wringer that lets you customize the saturation of the mop head. Easy to set up, the step-on pump works well but may not hold up to hard stepping and does require a gentle touch. Meticulous cleaners will appreciate the effective splash guard on the bucket.

Great for tackling big spills quickly, the mop’s triangular head can easily clean, be dunked and wrung out in the bucket, and used again in quick succession. A standout feature of this mop is the triangular mop head. We preferred this shape over the long rectangular mop heads of other mops because it can fit around furniture items, corners, and narrow areas.  

In our cleaning tests, this mop performed extremely well. It was super absorbent at picking up liquids and dirt and getting into grout cracks. In our big spill test, the mop cleaned up liquid effectively. We liked that the built-in spinner made it easy to tackle large spills because we could quickly dry the mop head and continue cleaning in two simple steps. 

The only drawback is the cleaning process for the mop. While the mop head can be machine or hand washed, we struggled with removing grit and dirt by hand. After three minutes of cleaning the head, there were still bits of debris left in the strands. While it works great at cleaning messes, it’s a bit of a bear to clean the mop prior to storage. Machine washing the mop is probably best.

Product Details: Mop Type: Microfiber string mop | Handle Length: 48 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet and dry | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Machine or hand washable

Amazon Rubbermaid Self-Wringing Ratchet Twist Mop with Blended Yarn Head

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    3.5/5
  • Portability
    3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    3/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Robust enough for an industrial job, this mop comes fully assembled and ready to use. The texture of its loops helps it power through sticky spills.

Keep in Mind
  • The mop isn’t as absorbent as we expected for its large size.

Prepare yourself for industrial-sized messes with this heavy-duty mop from Rubbermaid. Where this mop really shines is in the power of its rough, textured loops, which made it easy to scrub stuck-on messes. The loops were also the right length to cover a lot of area without getting tangled during mopping.

The mop features a self-wringing mechanism to help you control the saturation. We found it easy to use and quite effective in drying the mop head. To wring the mop, pull it taut and twist it against the ratcheting mechanism. Once the water has been squeezed out, simply push a button to release the mop head from the ratchet.

Testers said this mop was a great choice for large mopping jobs and that the mop felt durable when using. While the loops are thick, heavy, and durable, they’re not as absorbent as we would have preferred. That said, a lower absorbency level did make the mop easier to clean.

It took us only about a minute to clean the mop; the thick and beefy threads were easy to remove debris from and dry before storing.

Product Details: Mop Type: Yarn/string head | Handle Length: 54 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Hand wash

Amazon OXO Good Grips Butterfly Mop

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    3.5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    2/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Lightweight and easy to use out of the box, the butterfly fold effectively squeezes out liquid in between cleans.

Keep in Mind
  • The mop head doesn’t swivel, which may make it challenging to clean around furniture and access hard-to-reach areas.

Lightweight and effective, the Oxo Good Grips Butterfly Mop has a sponge-style mop head that folds in half to wring out water. Our testers praised the mop for its easy wringing process and appreciated that the butterfly fold makes it simple to monitor the moisture level of the mop head. 

We also liked that this mop offers a truly hands-free experience. The mop didn't require us to dirty our hands or put lots of muscle into the wringing process—it’s easy and intuitive.

In our wet test, this mop was a standout at cleaning up spills, thanks to its ability to wring it out so easily after each pass. This prevented the mop from spreading dirt around with each pass. The dry test was a bit of a different situation; the spongy nature of this mop made it less effective on messes when used dry. 

Once we were done mopping, we found cleaning the mop to be a cinch; we were able to clean the head in mere seconds by just wringing out the sponge. Keep in mind that the sponge is not machine washable, and if it becomes especially soiled or worn, you’ll need to replace it. 

If you need to clean around a lot of furniture or hard to reach spots, note that this mop doesn’t have a swivel function, so it’s not the most maneuverable option.

Product Details: Mop Type: Sponge | Handle Length: 50 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet or dry | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Hand wash

Best with Washable Head

Simpli-Magic Spin Mop

Amazon Simpli-Magic Spin Mop Including Three Mop Heads

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • An all-in-one system, this set comes with three mop heads and a foot-pedal spin bucket.

Keep in Mind
  • The bucket is on the larger side, so make sure you have a spot to store it.

Our choice for the best mop with a washable head, the Simpli-Magic Spin Mop includes three machine-washable microfiber mop heads so you always have a clean one on hand. It also comes with a foot-pedal-powered wringer and bucket combo that makes quick work of drying the mop heads. 

In our dry test, the mop’s threaded strands performed well at grabbing debris and leaving the floor clean. In the wet test, we found that the mop cleaned up soil, sauce, and juice effectively on both tile and non-tile surfaces. Both the wet mop head and the water-filled bucket did get heavy, but the mop itself is lightweight when dry. 

This pick also ranked highly on our maneuverability test. We found the round mop head to be effective at getting into hard-to-reach spots under and around furniture. 

The wringer on the bucket helped keep the mop clean while we were actively mopping so we didn't spread dirt around the floor. (We like to run a robot vacuum or use one of our favorite stick vacuums to pick up any loose crumbs before mopping.) Once our floor was sparkling, we hand washed the mop head—we was able to clean it in just a couple of minutes—or machine wash it.

Keep in mind that the included bucket is on the larger side, so you’ll need a big closet or laundry room to store it when it’s not in use. 

Product Details: Mop Type: Microfiber string | Handle Length: Not listed | Wet or Dry Use: Wet and dry | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Machine and hand washable

Amazon Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweeper Dry and Wet Sweeping Starter Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Great for lighter messes, the Swiffer is super easy to use and can effectively sweep and mop.

Keep in Mind
  • This can’t handle heavy-duty spills.

Fast and easy to assemble, the Swiffer Sweeper is the original disposable mop and our pick for the best mop with disposable pads. The set is perfect for small messes and regular sweeping. 

The Swiffer earned high marks in our maneuverability test, with testers praising how easily the mop head swivels to reach under furniture and access other tricky spots.

In our tests, cleaning this mop after a mopping session literally took five seconds—just the time it takes to remove the cloth and throw it away. While it’s quick and easy to dispose of the Swiffer’s pads, it means that they aren’t reusable and may not be the most environmentally conscious pick.

On the other hand, replacement heads are relatively affordable and easy to find, making this mop a good option for someone who finds washing mop heads inconvenient or doesn’t have a lot of storage space for bigger mops and buckets. 

In our tests, the Swiffer was good at cleaning lighter messes but not as effective with wet, heavy-duty spills, so if you’re regularly mopping large messes, you may want to choose a mop with more cleaning power.

Product Details: Mop Type: Combination sweeper mop | Handle Length: 46 inches | Wet or Dry Use: Wet and dry | Washable or Disposable Mop Cloths: Disposable

The Bottom Line

For robust cleaning needs, the best mop to buy is the Swiffer Powermop. It earned a perfect score during our testing, and we found that it effectively cleaned various types of flooring and was easy to maneuver. It was also lightweight, so we didn't feel fatigued after using it.

Our Testing Process

We tested almost 100 mops in our testing lab and in the real world through a series of tests to see how each cleaned both wet and dry on a variety of flooring types.

We spilled sticky red fruit punch and barbecue sauce on three different flooring surfaces. Once the liquid had dried onto the floor, we wetted each mop and observed how well the mops cleaned up the mess. The same wet mops were then used to clean a mess of smeared, damp dirt on all three surfaces.

For mops tested in the real world, we tested the mops on a variety of surfaces and mopped up messes such as butter, canola oil, and syrup to see how effectively the mops cleaned the messes. After each test, we swiped a paper towel over the floors to see if any debris remained. We then rated the mop’s performance. 

During the testing process, we took note of how easy to use or unwieldy each product felt and whether it got a lot heavier when soaking wet. It was important for us to note how well each mop cleaned in nooks and crannies, such as in corners and around furniture.

Finally, the we evaluated the process of either wringing out the wet mop, squeezing out the sponge, or replacing the cleaning cloth. After approximately 16 hours of testing, we were able to narrow the selection down to the seven best mops for your money.

person mops tile floor with Windup Wet Dry mop

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

What to Know About Mops Before Shopping 

Type

Mops and mop heads are available in varying designs and materials. When selecting a mop, choose something that fits your storage and cleaning needs, flooring type, and lifestyle. The best mop for a single person in a small apartment might not be the best mop for an active family with pets in a house. Here are the main types of mops.

  • Flat: These mops usually have a slender, rectangular shape with a rotating head. They’re good for wood and vinyl floors since they don’t require too much water to work well. The head is often removable and can be used wet or dry. They’re not great for super large spaces or heavy, wet spills. 
  • Sponge: Highly absorbent, sponge mops are excellent for very wet spills. Most are quite sturdy and designed for scrubbing the sponge on any soiled area. Since they are so absorbent, sponge mops can get heavy when wet. Butterfly sponge heads fold in half for easy, hands-free wringing.
  • String or Yarn: String and yarn mops are the most traditional style of mops. They have strings, or loops, made of materials like cotton or microfiber. This type of mop usually needs a bucket to accompany it. While string mops are very absorbent, they can be difficult to wring out and require dipping the mop into a bucket of water that gets dirtier with each dip. 
  • Microfiber: Useful as a wet or dry mop, microfiber mops are one of the most popular mop styles on the market. They’re highly absorbent and can be machine washed, so they’re easy to clean, versatile, and good on a multitude of surfaces. 
  • Disposable: Relatively inexpensive and easy to store, mops with disposable mop heads or pads are good for small spaces and can be used wet or dry on floors. They excel at cleaning up light spills or dirt, but since they don’t hold a lot of liquid, they aren’t the best choice for heavy-duty messes. 
  • Spin: Essentially a string mop with a twist, spin mops come with buckets that have a spinning function to wring out the water and the dirt. These are effective on stains and can be used to clean up both light and heavy messes on floors. 

Care

Some mop heads are disposable, while others are machine or hand washable.

Alexandra Wojenski, a sustainable cleaning expert and at Grove Collaborative, suggests cleaning out debris by hand immediately after you've used the mop. “This may feel like an extra step, but mops are not designed to lift up larger dust and dirt particles, so if skipped, these are likely to be left behind by the mop and smeared around the floor during mopping."

Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your mop head. Store your mop head up so that it stays dry and isn’t facedown in a damp bucket with any debris or dust. A clean mop head is essential to clean floors effectively.

Technique and water temperature will vary by floor type, but in most cases filling a bucket with warm water paired with your choice of floor cleaner is recommended.” 

Accessories

Some mops come with buckets, changeable mop heads, or even extendable poles. While accessories can be helpful to tackle specific needs, make sure you have the right storage space for whatever accessories you purchase. 

Other Products We Tested

While the Microfiber Wholesale 18-Inch Professional Microfiber Mop absorbed liquid well in our wet test, we had a hard time wringing this mop out, leading to sopping wet floors. It also performed mediocrely in the dry mopping test and would be better for dusting. With that in mind, we felt there were better mops on the market for the money.

The Yocada Sponge Mop with Telescopic Handle did a decent job cleaning up spilled juice during testing, but we found it merely pushed dirt and barbecue sauce around the floor rather than picking up the mess. Additionally, we found it hard to put this mop together—both the assembly process and the instructions were not very intuitive. 

We felt that the Bona Microfiber Floor Mop was an effective duster but failed the tests for wet mopping. Since there is no wringing function, once it was wet, we found this floor mop essentially rendered useless unless you wanted to wait, rinse the microfiber cloth, and let it dry each time it got dirty while mopping. While easy to assemble, this mop is best suited for use as a dry duster or for mopping only if you have a stack of microfiber cloths that you’re willing to switch out as the cloths get soiled. 

A person mopping the floor with the True & Tidy Multi-Surface Spray Mop 250 with Refillable Water Bottle

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best mop for tile floors?

Tile floors are much more resistant to water and stains. Steam mops, microfiber mops, and spin mops can all be used to clean tile floors. Our favorite mop for cleaning tile is the Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop.

What is the best mop for hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors must be treated with care. While they are very durable, some upkeep is required to keep them looking and functioning their best. Water and moisture are a hardwood floor's worst enemies. It is generally not recommended to use steam mops or very wet mops on hardwood floors. Dust mopping with a microfiber mop head is best followed by a very light application of wood-safe floor cleaner and one of our favorite mops for hardwood floors.

What is the best mop for cleaning laminate floors?

Laminate floors are deceivingly delicate. They scuff and scratch easily and especially do not like moisture. Steam mops are not recommended to use on laminate floors. We suggest a microfiber or spin mop to clean laminate floors as these kinds of mops don't retain as much water as sponge or string mops. It's also important to use cleaners that are formulated for and safe to use on laminate flooring.

Can you put a mop head in the washing machine?

Follow specific directions for your mop head, but generally speaking, it’s safe to wash the mop head alone on a gentle cycle. Use hot water and mild detergent. After washing, hang dry until the mop head is completely dry and then store with the pole and other accessories.

“It is also recommended to clean the bucket used for mopping,” Wojenski says. “It can be tempting to store mops in a mopping bucket, but that can build up dust. They are best stored once dry with the mop side up.”

Who We Are

Maya Polton is a freelance writer with an active family of five that makes her house highly trafficked—and her floors reflect that traffic. For this story, Maya researched the best mop styles, sizes, prices, and features and then compared her findings with testing insights from our mop lab test in New York City. She also consulted with Sean Busch, co-founder of Puracy, and Alexandra Wojenski, a sustainable cleaning expert and Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative

This article was updated by Brandi Fuller, a shopping editor at Better Homes & Gardens. She has also written about home and outdoor products including air quality monitors, sewing machines, birdhouses, mosquito repellents, and more.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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