Mops are an integral component in any cleaning closet. Without them, our floors would be a sticky mess. But with them, we have clean floors making for a healthy environment no matter where you call home.
But how do you know which one to get? We’ve got the answers right here with six of the best and one not-so-hot mop.
How Often Should You Mop Floors?
Before we get into the grimy details of the best and worst mops on the market, you should know more about how often you should actually use a mop. And it’s more than you might think.
According to the world-renowned house cleaner, Martha Stewart, it’s best to clean high-traffic areas at least once a week, if not more.
You can mop rooms with less use, such as guest bedrooms or formal dining areas, once a month. However, you may want to mop more than once a week in high-traffic areas such as kitchens. It all depends on how you use the rooms.
Do Steam Mops Clean Better Than Regular Mops?
Recently, a new type of mop has emerged that promises a more effective clean: the steam mop. These use hot water to create steam, which cleans and disinfects the floor.
The heat from the steam helps to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to remove. In addition, steam mops can kill bacteria and dust mites, making them a popular choice for families with allergies or pets.
While steam mops have some advantages over traditional mops, they also come with drawbacks. For one, they can cost much more. They also require a source of hot water, which means they can take longer to set up.
Finally, some people find that the steam too hot for their floors, potentially damaging sensitive surfaces.
Overall, whether or not a steam cleaner works for you will depend on your needs and preferences. But if you want a deep clean, this option may be worth the investment.
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Which Mop Is Best for Home Use?
With a large variety, it’s hard to know which one to use. And with technology now playing a role, choosing one can be even more difficult. No worries, we’ve got six mops detailed for you, including ones that spin, squeeze, dust, and steam.
Scotch-Brite 2-in-1 Bucket Spin Mop
About: This mop comes with a twin bucket for easy wringing and rinsing. The microfiber technology makes it super effective at picking up dirt, dust, and hair. And the dual refill system means you can always have a clean mop head ready to go.
Plus, the 360-degree telescopic handle means you won’t miss even the tiniest crumbs. And you can adjust the height for any user with the adjustable handle.
What Makes It the Best: Having one bucket that does everything makes this one great. With two containers in one bucket, you can easily dip in for clean water and rinse away the grime.
HOLIVE Floor Mop with Bucket, Flat Squeeze Mop Bucket System
About: This self-wringing mop and bucket set means no more cleaning it by hand. The 360-degree swivel head and adjustable handle make it easy to get into those hard-to-reach places.
And the two chambers allow for hands-free mopping, making it almost magical. The microfiber cleaning technology is gentle on your floors but tough on dirt.
What Makes It the Best: Having a wet bucket and a dry bucket all in one makes this a great set. The one-handed wringing mechanism makes it easy to use.
Microfiber Mop Hardwood Floor Mop – MANGOTIME Dust Wet Mop with 4 Washable Chenille & Microfiber Pads and Aluminum Plate
About: This mopping game-changer is perfect for hardwood floors and comes with four washable chenille pads (two for wet cleaning and two for dry cleaning).
The flexible mop handle and swivel head make it easy to reach tight spaces and corners. Plus, the stainless steel and aluminum construction means this one will stand the test of time. And you won’t need any buckets of water. Just attach your cleaning pads, and away you go.
What Makes It the Best: This environmentally-friendly mop has two dry cleaning pads and two wet cleaning pads that you can toss into the washing machine. Say goodbye to those pesky disposable covers and hello to a mop that can clean and dry your floors and more.
U.P.C. Hands-Free Squeeze Microfiber Flat Spin Mop System 360° Flexible Head
About: You need the best to keep your home clean and free of bacteria, and that’s what you’ll get with the U.P.C. Hands-Free Squeeze Microfiber Flat Spin Mop System.
With self-squeezing technology and reusable microfiber pads, this top-of-the-line system gets into those hard-to-reach places. The flat spin design also means there’s less opportunity for bacteria to build up, so you can rest assured knowing that your home is as clean as possible.
What Makes It the Best: No more wringing out the dirt and grime on your hands. Hands-free squeezing makes this a great option. Simply place it into the squeezing side of the compartment and let it do the work for you.
Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806
About: Is your floor surface looking a little lackluster? In need of a deep clean but don’t want to break your back scrubbing? Then you need the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806.
This powerful steam mop will make short work of even the most stubborn dirt and grime, leaving your floors looking sparkling clean. The PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 comes with a detachable brush attachment, perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach areas and removing stains.
And it doesn’t take long to heat up, so you can get cleaning right away. Plus, the ergonomic design means it’s easy to maneuver, even around tight corners.
What Makes It the Best: While other options claim they clean it all, sometimes you need one specific to your floor to give it the best clean. That’s when the steam mop comes in. Heated water and a second detachable head give you a good scrub on those tough spots.
Shark Steam & Scrub S7001
About: Tired of lugging around a heavy corded cleaner and buckets full of dirty water? Then consider the Shark Steam & Scrub S7001. This steam mop heats up quickly and comes with two spinning heads for the best clean.
It’s also easy to use, with a simple tilt to activate the operation. Plus, it has an easy-to-use design for quick chores.
What Makes It the Best: When cleaning your floor, you want to do it right the first time, so having two heads spin while you clean is a great feature.
What’s the Worst Home Mop?
Not all products are created equal, even the robot mops. And no matter how cool having a robot sounds, unfortunately, the iRobot Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop really doesn’t live up to its name. Yes, it sounds cool, but you will get a better clean with any of the other options listed above.
A robot just goes over the floor without regard to whether a certain spot may need a little extra scrubbing. They also come with technology that can often have technological issues.
If your floor just needs a quick pick-me-up, the Braava works fine. However, when it comes time to really getting your clean on, a traditional onewill work better. And the reviews speak for themselves.
Amazon customer Daniel says, “The Braava M series robots are okay. Not great, but also not terrible. The good, it handles routine mopping. This thing will NOT do any kind of deep cleaning. In other words, you still will want to do “manual” mopping yourself every once in a while, where you can really use some elbow grease to get the floor really clean. And that’s about it for the good.”
However, they say it doesn’t hold enough liquid to cover much area, and you must refill it frequently.
Amazon customer Scott says, “Here is what to expect when you purchase this model (M6 white or black); this is NOT a set and forget kind of situation. You will tend to it almost every day. Not just to fill the tank or change the mop pads. Trust me.”
Many others mention docking problems, trouble setting boundaries, and other technological issues. Others note that it can’t get over the carpet, and many bumps and other tiny objects will stop it from moving on.
While many customers state that it does an OK job of cleaning in between the real mopping, why purchase an expensive piece of technology when you still need to mop by hand?
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Are Home Mops the Best Way to Clean Your Floors?
With so many wonderful mops on the market, getting a shiny sheen on any floor is a breeze. Home mops mean you no longer have to get down on your hands and knees to scrub a floor. Just grab your ergonomically advanced spinning mop, and within minutes your floor will be clean enough to eat off — at least until the kids come running through.
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