After Testing 91 Mops, These Are the Top Picks for Hardwood Floors

Top-Rated Mop Overall

The Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop meets all the criteria for an exceptional mop: it's lightweight, efficient, and user-friendly. This mop performed exceptionally well on hardwood floors, effortlessly removing apple juice, ketchup, and dry dirt. However, it faced minor challenges with oil and butter, spreading them slightly before absorption. Despite this, the mop left the grooves between wooden planks spotless, showcasing its impressive cleaning capabilities. It also proved effective on grouted tile, though stubborn dirt needed a few extra swipes. The spray mechanism is highly intuitive—just press the trigger on the handle to release a fine mist. The cleaning solution is housed in a slim bottle that slots neatly into the mop handle for easy storage.   

Weighing only 5.8 pounds, this mop is incredibly light and simple to transport from room to room. Its slim head design and swivel functionality made it effortless to clean around furniture and reach tight spaces near walls. While back-and-forth motions yielded the best results, the rotating handle also accommodates other cleaning styles. The thin pad effortlessly slid under tables and sofas. Attaching and detaching the pad is a breeze thanks to the Velcro fastening, though it’s advisable to remove it gently to prevent scattering debris. 

Even after six months of weekly use, the mop remains in excellent condition—its spray is still powerful, the handle is sturdy, and its maneuverability hasn’t diminished. We particularly appreciate that the mop pads are machine washable. Despite some minor debris lingering in the fibers after washing, the pads appeared nearly as good as new. 

Type: Spray mop | Dimensions: 28.44 by 5.75 by 4.5 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Head Type: Machine washable

Top Affordable Mop

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Swiffer PowerMop stands out as one of the top-performing mops we’ve tested. It includes two mopping pad refills, a cleaning solution, and two batteries, making it versatile enough to handle both grout and hardwood floors. This mop excelled on hardwood surfaces, removing stains in just two minutes. Typically, one or two sprays were enough per stain. While butter required a few extra passes, the process remained manageable. 

This mop is remarkably lightweight and easy to carry. Its foldable head ensures compact storage. Although it lacks a swivel feature, the long, flat, and narrow head allows it to clean close to furniture. The extended handle also made it easy to reach tight spaces, though the cleaning solution compartment occasionally posed a minor obstruction. With over 300 scrubbing strips per pad, it effectively removes hidden dirt from crevices and grout lines.  

Compared to the Swiffer WetJet, the PowerMop offers notable upgrades, including a larger mop head, effective scrubbing strips, and a broader spray range. The spray mechanism is user-friendly—holding the trigger longer releases more solution—and the cleaning solution bottle lasts surprisingly long. After six months of regular use, the mop continues to impress. However, it’s not recommended for unfinished or waxed wood or unsealed tile. 

Replacing the mop heads was effortless, and the Velcro stayed securely in place during cleaning. Each disposable mop pad costs $2, which could add up over time depending on usage frequency. However, the mop’s affordable initial price helps offset this recurring expense. 

Type: Spray mop | Dimensions: 28.47 by 5.24 by 4.53 inches | Weight: 4.65 pounds | Head Type: Disposable

Top Premium Mop

If you’re willing to invest in premium cleaning tools, Nellie’s Wow Too Bundle is worth considering. Its standout feature is the oscillating mechanical head, which ensures thorough cleaning in every corner. The adjustable handle caters to users of all heights, with multiple length settings. At 6-foot-3, the longest setting felt perfectly tailored for us. 

While this mop excels on grout, it truly shines on hardwood floors. It handled every type of mess with ease, leaving minimal traces behind—only slight ketchup and detergent residues remained, which were easily wiped away with a paper towel. Apple juice was removed in a single swipe without cleaner, and stubborn canola oil required just one spray and three passes. However, it struggled slightly with soil, pushing larger particles rather than lifting them. Despite this, the mop pads stayed remarkably clean. 

With a mop head measuring 1 foot wide and 10 inches long, this tool is ideal for spacious areas but less effective in confined spaces. During testing, the mechanical head occasionally rotated on its own, especially when angled, and the handle provided limited control. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly portable and easy to store. The cleaning solution has a pleasant lemony scent that’s refreshing without being overwhelming. The spray mechanism is user-friendly—holding the button longer releases more solution. However, refilling the canister was trickier than anticipated. The manufacturer advises against leaving excess solution inside, but we found it difficult to fully air out. 

After six months of regular use, this mop continues to perform exceptionally well. While it’s the most expensive option on our list, its outstanding performance may justify the cost. Just be sure to clean out any buildup periodically to prevent clogging. 

Type: Spray mop | Dimensions: 17.4 by 16.1 by 5.5 inches | Weight: 9.33 pounds | Head Type: Machine washable

Top Electric Mop

Featuring dual spinning heads, the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop made it easy to achieve spotless floors without straining our backs or muscles. It performed exceptionally well at removing most stains from our hardwood floors, though a small amount of butter remained trapped in the cracks. Apple juice and oil were completely eliminated with minimal effort, and the marinara sauce stain required very little water to clean. The spinning motion caused mud clumps to scatter slightly, but they were easily cleaned up with a few additional passes. It also worked well on grout, moving smoothly across both surfaces. Additionally, its quiet operation ensures it won’t disturb anyone during late-night or early-morning cleaning sessions. 

This mop comes with two soft-touch pads and two scrubby pads to handle various types of dirt. It includes a stand to prevent mess or dripping when not in use, along with a portable charging cord, an extra set of pads, and two cleaning solutions. The water and cleaning solution are stored in a built-in tank, eliminating the need for a separate bucket. We appreciate the convenience of spraying water with a simple button press, and no additional cleaning solution is required.

We found this device lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its ergonomic handle positioned in the center. The mop head adeptly navigated around couches and chair legs, reaching close to the edges of our bookshelf. However, the rounded pads had some difficulty cleaning sharp 90-degree corners. Despite these minor limitations, it delivered consistent performance over six months of use, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Type: Electric spin mop | Dimensions: 27.48 by 16 by 7.4 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Head Type: Machine washable

Top Spin Mop

The O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System earned its title as our top spin mop due to its user-friendly design and exceptional performance on hardwood floors. It smoothly cleaned wood surfaces during testing, effortlessly removing spills, scuffs, and food debris with minimal effort. The only challenge was dirt, which was easier to clean with a paper towel. This mop also performed admirably on grouted floors. 

This mop features a dual-bucket system, allowing access to clean water from the lower reservoir without frequent refills. Its efficient wring-out mechanism—activated by a foot pedal—spins and cleans the mop head effectively. Despite being a traditional mop-and-bucket setup, it’s surprisingly space-efficient. The handle adjusts from 35 to 51 inches, accommodating users of different heights. However, the handle often retracted during use, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain the desired height.

The microfiber mop head is highly absorbent and machine washable. After washing, it appeared 98% clean but felt slightly greasy. After six months of use, we noticed the fibers began to clump together. Still, for those seeking a reliable spin mop, this is an excellent choice. 

Type: Spin mop | Dimensions: 19.29 by 11.81 by 10.35 inches | Weight: 6.69 pounds | Head Type: Machine washable

Top Robot Mop

While robot mops might seem intimidating, the Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum Mop proved to be remarkably user-friendly. We were impressed by how swiftly it mapped our space—after a quick scan, it generated a precise layout. It effortlessly maneuvered around furniture and chair legs, avoiding wires and cables while adapting to raised room dividers. You can choose from preset cleaning routes or create custom ones, including targeted spot cleaning. We particularly appreciate the ability to select the cleaning mode: vacuum and mop, vacuum only, or mop only. Note that this mop uses only water for cleaning. 

This device performed exceptionally well on both hardwood floors and tile during testing, effortlessly collecting hair and larger debris such as cereal and dust. After wiping the cleaned area with a wet paper towel, we found no traces of dirt, highlighting the machine’s impressive efficiency. We were also pleasantly surprised by its quiet operation—conversation was easy without raising our voices—though the self-emptying feature was louder than anticipated. Fortunately, you can turn off the automatic emptying function. Its low profile allows it to glide effortlessly under couches and tables, while its compact design ensures it’s unobtrusive and easy to store. 

After six months of use, this vacuum mop revolutionized our cleaning routine. While the price is on the higher side, especially since it doesn’t include extra mopping pads, the RoboRock S8+ Robot Vacuum Mop is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a smart, feature-rich cleaning solution.  

Type: Robot vacuum mop | Dimensions: 15 by 19.25 by 14.53 inches | Weight: 29.3 pounds

Top-Rated Vacuum Mop

Shark, a brand renowned for its high-performance cleaning solutions, delivers yet another standout with the VacMop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum. Its lightweight build makes it exceptionally easy to handle, effortlessly gliding across hardwood floors while leaving a pleasant, fresh aroma. Setup was a breeze—no instructions needed. Simply attach the pad and add detergent, and it’s ready to go. 

This vacuum mop includes four disposable pads, a charging unit, and a 12-ounce bottle of cleaning solution. Charging takes just over three hours, providing a 12-minute runtime. Equipped with LED headlights, it effortlessly illuminates dark corners and spots hidden dirt. Additionally, its quiet operation ensures it won’t disturb anyone while cleaning.

Unlike traditional mops that require manual pad removal, this model features a touch-free disposal system, keeping your hands clean. Since the pads are designed for single use, frequent replacements are necessary. Despite the ongoing expense, this vacuum mop is an excellent cleaning companion for those who prioritize convenience.

Type: Vacuum mop | Dimensions: 47.87 by 9.5 by 5.3  inches | Weight: 3.34 pounds | Head Type: Disposable

Final Verdict

Our favorite choice is the Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop, praised for its powerful spray, lightweight build, and excellent maneuverability. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Swiffer PowerMop is a great option, performing well on both grout and hardwood while being highly portable.  

Additional Options to Explore

O-Cedar Microfiber Spin Mop: Despite its budget-friendly price, this spin mop exceeded our expectations during testing, effortlessly eliminating dirt, sauce, and oil stains from hardwood and laminate floors. However, the expandable handle lacks a reliable locking mechanism, which may cause it to collapse during use.

Hurricane Spin Mop: This spin mop was simple to assemble and equally easy to clean. While it performed well overall, it had difficulty reaching tight corners, making it better suited for spacious areas. 

Our Testing Methodology

To identify the top mops for hardwood floors, we rigorously tested 91 mops in both lab and home environments, assessing their ease of use, cleaning performance, and maneuverability. 

For setup, we adhered to the manufacturer’s guidelines, noting how straightforward the process was. For mops with adjustable handles, we customized the length to our preferred height. If the mop included an onboard cleaning solution, we evaluated how easily it could be removed and refilled. 

We then assessed each mop’s cleaning effectiveness. To replicate real-world scenarios, we used substances with varying textures and consistencies, such as spices, potting soil, water, apple juice, butter, mustard, and canola oil, allowing each to sit for 10 minutes on hardwood surfaces. 

We proceeded to clean each stain, recording the number of swipes (and sprays for spray mops) needed to remove it. Beyond the number of passes, we also timed the cleaning process. After the surface appeared clean, we used a paper towel to check for any residual debris. For mops with disposable pads, we evaluated the ease of pad removal and reattachment, as well as any mess created. For reusable pads, we examined their durability after machine washing and whether they were thoroughly cleaned. 

To assess maneuverability, we moved each mop around our testing area, weaving around chair legs and furniture. We also tested how close the mop could get to a bookshelf. During cleaning, we evaluated the handle’s comfort and how smoothly the mop navigated obstacles. For robot mops, we checked their ability to map the space accurately and avoid objects.

For long-term performance insights, we took our top mops home and tested them in real-world conditions over one, three, and six months. Combining lab and home results, we curated a list of the best hardwood floor mops.  

How to Choose the Best Mop for Hardwood Floors

Type

If you’ve ever browsed the cleaning aisle or shopped online for home goods, you’ve probably noticed the wide variety of mop types and styles available.

Flat Mops: The classic mop design, flat mops feature a rectangular head, making them ideal for cleaning corners and reaching under low furniture like couches and dressers. They come with either reusable, machine-washable pads or disposable ones. Known for their simplicity, flat mops are often the most affordable and practical option. However, models with disposable pads, such as the Swiffer PowerMop, will require regular pad replacements. 

Spray Mops: These mops include a built-in or refillable cleaning solution bottle that dispenses liquid as you clean. Many, like the Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop, have a handle compartment to store the bottle for easy access. 

Spin Mops: Spin mops use a spinning mechanism to tackle stubborn dirt and wring out excess water, minimizing mess and preventing over-wetting. The O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System, our top pick for hardwood floors, features a dual-tank system to keep the mop head clean and dry. Electric spin mops, such as the Bissell SpinWave Cordless PET Hard Floor Spin Mop, 23157, offer similar effectiveness with less physical effort and reduced strain.

Microfiber String Mops: These mops are highly effective at absorbing water and capturing dirt, trapping debris within their strings. Though slightly bulkier than flat mops, they deliver powerful cleaning performance.  

Vacuum Mops: Combining the suction power of a vacuum with the cleaning capabilities of a mop, these devices are perfect for tackling tough grime and liquid spills. Their versatility makes them ideal for homes with mixed flooring, as they can seamlessly transition between wood, tile, and carpet. 

Robot Mops: For a more automated cleaning experience, a robot mop is an excellent choice. These advanced devices, often equipped with mapping and scheduling features, can navigate around obstacles and clean specific rooms at set times. Models like the Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum Mop can even operate while you’re away. 

Steam Mops: “Steam mops simplify cleaning by using only water,” Beuter explains. “They’re chemical-free, quick, and efficient, with the added benefit of killing germs through high heat.” However, the combination of heat and moisture can potentially harm hardwood floors. 

Cleaning Solution

Choosing between a mop that uses chemical cleaners or water depends on your cleaning objectives and personal preferences. “For those aiming for a chemical-free home, especially with young children or limited time, a water-based option is ideal for quick daily cleaning,” Beuter explains. “However, if achieving a thorough clean is your priority and you value product strength over convenience, a cleaner-based mop is better suited for routine deep cleaning.”

Beuter also highlights the availability of versatile mops that allow you to switch between water and cleaning solutions based on the intensity of your cleaning needs. 

Attachments 

Many mops include extra tools or features to simplify cleaning. Some models come with scrub brushes for tackling tight spaces, while others feature built-in storage compartments for cleaning solutions, eliminating the need for a separate bucket.  

While advanced attachments and accessories may seem appealing, Beuter notes they can often be unnecessary. Over time, she has preferred simpler mops with fewer add-ons, as most extras rarely fit into her regular cleaning routine. 

“When selecting a mop for cleaning floors, prioritize features like power settings, temperature controls, and battery life over attachments,” she advises. “Attachments are usually only necessary for occasional deep cleaning tasks, such as maintaining baseboards.”

Questions You May Have

How much should you spend on a mop for hardwood floors?

Prices for mops can range from $20 to over $1,000. To decide your budget, assess your cleaning needs and the layout of your home. “Consider how much hardwood flooring you have versus carpet. If you have more carpet, investing in a high-quality vacuum might offer better value than a mop,” Beuter suggests. 

High-end mops, such as the Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum Mop, often come with advanced features like automatic charging stations. While effective, Beuter notes they may not be essential for homes with limited hardwood flooring. She also emphasizes the importance of reading reviews to gauge a mop’s performance and usability before purchasing. 

Is it safe to use a steam mop on hardwood floors?

Beuter advises against using steam mops on hardwood floors, as the combination of heat and moisture can lead to long-term damage. While manufacturers often caution against wet mops, she acknowledges that avoiding water entirely can be difficult. “When choosing a mop for hardwood floors, prioritize models that ensure proper drying to prevent moisture buildup,” she explains.

For engineered hardwood floors—constructed with a plywood base and a thin hardwood layer—steam mops may pose less risk. Beuter recommends quickly moving the steam mop across the surface to minimize prolonged exposure when cleaning her engineered floors.

How long can a mop last?

A high-quality mop can last several years, though its lifespan depends on usage frequency, maintenance, and care. For instance, daily use will wear it out faster than weekly cleaning. Manufacturers often provide care guidelines to help extend your mop’s longevity. 

Before buying a new mop, Beuter recommends checking if individual components can be replaced: “Filters and batteries are usually the first parts to wear out. Replacing these can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a whole new mop.” 

Take Our Word For It

This article was authored by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. To create this list, we rigorously tested 91 mops in both lab and home settings, assessing their cleaning performance, usability, and maneuverability. We also sought expert advice from Alexandra Beuter, a content creator specializing in lifestyle and cleaning topics.