Top-Rated Mops from Our Comprehensive Testing

Best Overall

Chosen as the best overall mop, the Bosheng Flat Floor Mop stands out for its exceptional maneuverability and user-friendly wringing feature, simplifying both washing and maintenance. During testing, it excelled at absorbing and cleaning both wet and dry spills. The bucket design was a highlight, featuring dual openings—one for rinsing and another for drying—each equipped with scraping blades to ensure the microfiber pad is thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, its lightweight build and 360-degree rotating head make it versatile enough to clean baseboards and windows with ease.

During testing, the only drawbacks we observed were the unclear instructions and the bucket's heaviness when filled with water, particularly when carrying it upstairs. However, these minor issues were easily overshadowed by the mop's outstanding performance and its convenient wringing feature, which made cleaning and maintenance effortless. 

Type: Flat mop and bucket | Handle Length: 48.6 inches | Weight: 3.87 pounds

Best Spray Mop

Spray mops, such as the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Spray Mop, simplify floor cleaning with minimal effort. It excelled in our lab tests, particularly when dealing with tough stains using its convenient slide-out scrubber. We were impressed by its ability to clean everything from ketchup to butter on both grout and hardwood surfaces, though the scrubber was occasionally necessary. Its lightweight and portable design is another plus, and while it doesn’t fold or break down into a smaller size, its slim profile makes it easy to store in most spaces. 

Although OXO provides mop pad refills for this spray mop (it comes with one mop head and a cleaning solution bottle), we noticed that the pads remained in excellent condition even after six months of use. They looked as good as new after being washed by hand or in a washing machine. Their durability means you won’t need to buy replacements frequently. This spray mop also performs well under furniture and in tight spaces, though it’s worth noting that the handle isn’t adjustable. Despite this, we were highly impressed by its consistent performance and effectiveness on all floor types and messes.

Type: Spray mop | Handle Length: 53 inches | Weight: 3.29 pounds

Best Sponge Mop

For those who prefer not to scrub floors manually with a sponge to tackle stubborn stains, the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Butterfly Mop is an excellent choice. This lightweight mop includes a built-in lever on the handle, allowing you to wring out dirty water effortlessly without dirtying your hands or spreading stains across the floor. 

Although it proved challenging to maneuver during testing, we were impressed by its cleaning efficiency and user-friendly wringing mechanism. However, the mop does not come with sponge refills, and detaching the sponge from the mop head requires some effort. Despite these drawbacks, it’s ideal for bathroom floors and cleaning tasks where a sponge is most effective. 

Type: Sponge mop | Handle Length: 50 inches | Weight: 1 pound

Best Spin Mop

One of the most tedious aspects of mopping is manually wringing out the mop head. Our choice for the best spin mop removes this hassle, allowing you to concentrate on cleaning. The O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop System stood out during testing, effortlessly tackling stains on both grouted and hardwood floors. Its dual-tank system—one for fresh water refills and another with a foot-pedal-powered spinning wringer—keeps the mop head clean and dry. We also appreciated the mop head’s triangular design, which made it easy to reach tight corners.

During testing, this mop efficiently removed tough kitchen stains, dirt, and scuffs without much effort. While we experimented with essential oils, white vinegar, and soap, we recommend using only water to prevent streaks. Be aware that floors may take longer to dry compared to using a steam mop, though this is typical.

The mop head features highly absorbent microfiber, reducing the need for frequent wringing (though we advise wringing it often to avoid spreading dirt). However, after six months of use, we noticed the fibers clumped together after washing. Additionally, the handle’s tendency to retract while mopping was frustrating. Despite these issues and the lack of wheels, we still consider it one of the top spin mops for everyday cleaning.

Type: Spin mop | Handle Length: Up to 51 inches | Weight: 6.69 pounds

Best Steam Mop

Steam mops are ideal for cleaning and sanitizing without harsh chemicals. Our top choice, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop, stands out for its powerful cleaning performance, affordable price, and useful attachments. During testing, it effortlessly eliminated stains like chocolate milk and syrup on various floor types. The mop is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and heats up and cools down quickly. However, the mop head may flip up slightly when dealing with sticky messes, though this wasn’t a major issue for us. 

Along with the handheld steamer for clothing and upholstery, the 10-piece accessory kit includes small brushes, a squeegee, a nozzle, and a scraper for cleaning tight spaces. We also appreciated the handle’s cord hook, which keeps the cord tidy during use.

After six months of regular use, this mop continues to perform as effectively as it did when first unboxed. The intensity dial functions flawlessly, and the difference between high and low settings is noticeable. Overall, it offers excellent value, especially given its additional attachments and high-performance capabilities.

Type: Steam mop | Handle Length: 50 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds

Best Vacuum Mop

Vacuum mops excel at cleaning hard floors, rugs, and carpets, and the Bissell CrossWave Wet Dry Vac is a standout example. During testing, it demonstrated quick, efficient cleaning and excellent maneuverability, handling both small and large tasks with ease. While the mop head had some difficulty in tight spaces, its overall power more than compensated for this limitation.

This model features dual water tanks for clean and dirty water, a motorized brush roll to collect debris and reduce hair tangling, and LED lights to highlight dark areas while cleaning. We appreciate the handle on the plastic debris filter, which simplifies emptying the water. However, you might still need to handle debris if it becomes tangled.

After six months of use, the mop’s quality and performance remain consistent. It continues to perform well on various surfaces, including grouted floors, laminate, and hardwood. Despite some drawbacks—such as its bulky design, long cord, and high noise level—these issues didn’t outweigh its benefits. This vacuum mop cleaned spills in under 30 seconds and left floors dry instantly, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking efficiency.  

Type: Vacuum mop | Handle Length: Not specified | Weight: 12.5 pounds

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the Bosheng Flat Floor Mop & Bucket Set, praised for its ease of movement and bucket with a practical wringing mechanism.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best mops available, we rigorously tested 91 popular models in our lab and real-world settings. We evaluated various mop types, considering their unique features and functionality, while maintaining a consistent testing approach. Our tests focused on effectiveness, portability, maneuverability, ease of cleaning, and overall value. 

For each mop, we began by assessing how simple it was to set up or assemble. For steam mops, we filled the water tank and set it to the highest setting, noting the time it took to heat up.  

To measure effectiveness, we created test messes using spices, potting soil, water, apple juice, butter, mustard, and canola oil, often letting the stains dry to simulate tough, dried-on spills. We also tested on various floor types, such as hardwood, tile, laminate, concrete, and grouted surfaces. 

Next, we cleaned up these messes, recording how many passes were required to remove all debris completely. We also assessed the mops' maneuverability by moving flat mops, spin mops, and spray mops around a simulated dining area to replicate real-world cleaning scenarios. This helped us determine how well the mops could reach into tight spaces, navigate corners, and clean under furniture. 

For mops with reusable or detachable attachments, we cleaned them and observed whether any stains remained and how easy it was to maintain the mop after use. Finally, we let the mops dry for 24 hours and checked if they were fully dry and free of any lingering odors. For long-term evaluation, we took the mops home and tested their performance after two and six months of regular use.

How to Shop for Mops Like a Pro

Type

The most common mop types vary in functionality and features, and choosing the right one depends on factors like budget, lifestyle needs, floor type, and the types of messes you typically clean.

“When selecting a mop, ensure it’s safe for your flooring type,” Peterson advises. “For example, some steam mops can damage certain floor surfaces.”

• Flat mops: A widely used mop type, featuring a flat head designed for disposable or reusable pads. Ideal for small spaces and light messes, they are often the most affordable option.
• Spin mops: These mops typically include a foot pedal-operated wringing mechanism to spin and dry the mop. They come with a bucket, often featuring a dual-tank system to separate clean and dirty water. Electric spin mops with rotating heads are also available. 
• Sponge mops: Resembling an oversized squeegee, sponge mops scrub and absorb stains and spills. They are particularly effective on tile and vinyl floors due to their moisture resistance.
• Spray mops: Similar to flat mops, spray mops have an attached or refillable cleaning solution bottle that sprays with a trigger. They eliminate the need for a separate bucket of water or cleaning solution.
• Steam mops: Generally more expensive, steam mops use heat for disinfection instead of harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions. 
• Vacuum mops: These mops combine powerful suction for dirt and debris with floor-cleaning capabilities. Many are versatile, working on sealed floors, carpets, and rugs. 
• String/twist mops: The most traditional mop style, recognizable by its thick head made of twisted ropes. While bulky, they offer strong scrubbing power.

Size & Weight

The size and weight of your mop should align with your space, storage constraints, stairs, and mobility needs. Vieira suggests evaluating the mop’s size and weight to ensure it’s comfortable and user-friendly. For those with limited storage or small living spaces, compact options like flat mops, spray mops, string mops, or sponge mops are ideal. Those with more space or larger homes may prefer heavy-duty choices like vacuum mops or steam mops. 

Accessories

Many mops include attachments and accessories, such as scraping tools and brushes, designed to clean hard-to-reach areas or tackle stubborn messes. While these additions may increase the overall cost, Ip notes that they can significantly improve performance.

However, it’s important to consider that certain features are better suited for specific floor types. "Be cautious with mops that have plastic scrubbing nubs,” Cohoon advises. “They work well for scrubbing grout or removing dirt from rugged stone floors but can damage hardwood or other delicate surfaces if not used carefully." 

More Mops to Consider

Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Kit: If you need a lightweight spray mop with disposable pads, the Swiffer PowerMop is an excellent choice. Each pad features over 300 tiny scrubbing strips that effectively handle dust, grime, and sticky spills. While it may not fit into narrow spaces, its cleaning performance more than compensates for this limitation.

Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop: This mop impressed us with its ability to clean between the seams of hardwood and laminate floors. The extra-large microfiber pad also excelled at covering larger areas. However, it struggled slightly when dealing with oil spills.

Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Cleaner: Our top choice for tile and grout cleaning, the Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop effectively removed dirt, syrup, and other tough stains. We also appreciated its quick heating time and user-friendly controls. However, the small water tanks required frequent refilling, even for minor tasks.

Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Spin Mop: This mop features two battery-powered rotating heads that handle most of the scrubbing, minimizing effort on your part. During testing, it performed exceptionally well on hardwood, laminate, tile, linoleum, and other sealed hard floors. However, it was less effective on grout.

Questions You Might Ask

What Type of Mop Do Professionals Use?

Ip and Vieira both agree that spin mops are the preferred choice among cleaning professionals due to their convenient wringing feature, ease of maintenance, reusability, and compatibility with most floor types. Ip and Peterson also recommend steam mops for their ability to clean and disinfect without harsh chemicals. “Steam mops are user-friendly and sanitize floors without chemicals, which is a significant advantage,” Peterson explains. However, it’s important to note that some floors, such as hardwood, are too delicate for steam mops and require mops specifically designed for hardwood floors.

Is It Worth It To Buy a More Expensive Mop?

According to Vieira, investing in a high-quality mop is the best way to ensure an effective and long-lasting cleaning tool. More expensive mops often offer superior quality, lasting for years and keeping floors cleaner for longer. 

“Higher-quality mops have better absorbency, meaning they can pick up more dirt and debris from floors,” Vieira says. “A good mop is not just an investment in cleanliness but can also save money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.”

What Is the Lifespan of a Typical Mop?

According to Vieira, the lifespan of a mop can range from six months to two years, depending on its type, quality, and frequency of use. Proper care and maintenance, especially for vacuum or electric spin mops, can help extend their durability.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Mytour with three years of experience in lifestyle content and product reviews, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. To create this list, we tested 91 mops in our Lab. We also sought insights from Nathaly Vieira, cleaning expert and founder of InspireClean; Chi Ip, cleaning expert and owner of Tidy Here; Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations at Two Maids & A Mop; and Vera Peterson, group president at Neighborly.