Best floor mops

Best floor mop: e-cloth mop in use on wood floors
(Image credit: E-cloth)

The best floor mops have come a very long way from the once grim process of dunking a heavy, unwieldy mop head into a bucket of soapy water. Don't want to do any dunking at all? There are spray mops that squirt water as you're using them. Worried about the cleanliness of your mop? Many now come with washable heads. 

Find out more about cleaning and maintaining your hard floors in our guide.

Best string mop: Vileda Easy Wring and Clean Turbo Microfibre Mop and Bucket Set

Vileda Easy Wring and Clean Turbo Microfibre Mop and Bucket Set

Specifications

Type: String/spin mop
Mop head: Microfibre
Extra features: Bucket

Reasons to buy

+
Best string mop

Inexpensive and convenient, the Vileda Easy Wring and Clean Turbo Microfibre mop  and bucket combo is perfect for getting any mopping job done. 

What we like about it 
The bucket comes with a spout which makes it easier to empty, and the foot pedal aims to make it super easy to dry the mop out so you don't end up soaking your floors, and once you’re finished, mess is minimised. Not only is it simple and reliable, but the triangular shaped microfibre head is designed to make it easier to reach corners and pick up 20 per cent more dirt than a standard cotton mop head.

What we're not keen on
The mop handle does feel a little flimsy, but in terms of longevity, there's nothing to worry about.

Things to note
The head is easily machine washable or you can purchase an additional mop head whenever you require it. It also comes with the bucket included which features a water indicator to prevent overfilling.

Best spray mop

Beldray LA032133TQ Refillable Microfibre Spray Mop

Specifications

Type: Flat/Spray mop
Mop head: Microfibre
Extra features: None

Reasons to buy

+
Best spray mop

The price tag on the Beldray LA032133TQ Refillable Microfibre Spray Mop may be low, but the quality is very high. We think it's the best floor mop for everyday spray cleaning.

What we like about it
It's durable, makes an easy job of cleaning and it has a handle that acts as a trigger to release cleaning solution so you can target tough stains for maximum impact. The microfibre pad contains the first rather than pushing it around your floors, and it's machine washable. Its 350ml water cartridge also means you use fresh water with every sweep. The turquoise mop features an aluminium handle which is moulded for comfort and it's easy to manoeuvre under and around furniture. 

What we don't like about it
Nothing! We love everything about this mop.

Things to note
While it doesn't come with any extra features, this mop is extremely affordable and also durable, so we can't really complain. We've had ours for two years running and it's still going.

Best steam mop: Shark Klik N’ Flip Steam Pocket Mop S6001UK

Shark Klik N’ Flip Steam Pocket Mop S6001UK

Specifications

Type: Steam mop
Mop head: Microfibre
Extra features: 2 mop heads

Reasons to buy

+
Best steam mop

If you’re not keen on using harsh chemicals or you simply don’t want the additional expense, this steam mop uses water to sterilise your floors. 

What we like about it
It takes just 30 seconds to heat up, it requires no cleaning solutions, is ideal for allergy sufferers and the microfibre pads that come with it are double sided. Ideal if you want to clean your kitchen and bathroom at the same time but don't want to use the same pad to do so. You can use it on all sealed hard floor surfaces from marble to laminate and also tiles, and it has a steam blaster mode to tackle those stubborn stains with ease. 

What we don't like about it
If you've a large area to clean (or want to deep clean), 15 minutes may not be enough charge. Just something to think about. Also it's corded so be sure to check that there's a plug socket near your wherever you're cleaning (in the bathroom can sometimes be a pain to get to).

Things to note
A steam mop is suitable for using on most floors regularly, but to be on the safe side, should only be used intermittently on limestone or marble. Always check that the product is safe to be used on the type of flooring you have.

Casabella Original Mop

Specifications

Type: Sponge mop
Mop head: Sponge
Extra features: n/a

Reasons to buy

+
Best sponge mop

With an easy-wring handle and a super absorbent (and replaceable) 10 inch sponge on the end, this Casabella mop is an oldie but a goodie. We think it's is one of the best floor mops if you regularly deep clean.

What we like about it
First of all, it's made from steel so is both durable and rust resistant. Secondly, it's super easy to wring out, as oppose to other wring-style mops that basically require a workout to rinse water from the head. And thanks to its spongy head, this mop picks up dirt and wrings it out with help from its heavy-duty lever, giving you peace of mind that you're not just spreading it around your home. It also makes the mop head as dry (and as clean) as possible after each use, meaning your floors will dry in no time. 

What we don't like about it
There's no spray mechanism and it doesn't come with a bucket. 

Things to note
It doesn't come with a change of head (they can be reused but eventually they'll break from wear and tear due to the fact they're sponge). Other than that, this fuss-free mop is amazing.

Best robot mop: iRobot Braava Jet 240

(Image credit: iRobot)

iRobot Braava Jet 240

Specifications

Type: Robot mop
Mop head: 2 types: cloth or microfibre pad
Extra features: n/a

Reasons to buy

+
Best robot mop

The iRobot Braava Jet 240 is the design to go for if you don’t want to spend time mopping your home. To get the mop ready, all you have to do is fill up its water tank, pop in a mop head (either a single use or microfibre version) and you’re set. The mop works by using a mixture of vibration and pressure to clean floors.

What we like about it
We’re fans of pretty much everything about this mop – especially the fact that it’s very easy to operate. Once on, it will use its intelligent software to adjust how much water needs to be used, and how many vibrations are required to clean the floor type, which could be hardwood, tiles or stone. Spilled coffee? Using its jets, the machine can tackle the stain with ease. 

The thing we love the most is how the machine knows where furniture is, and how to avoid it. You can select certain areas or rooms for it to stay away from, too – for example, the area near the dog’s bowls. The last thing we’re going to rave about is its battery life. It lasts for a whole two hours from one single charge so it can mop all you need it to in one go.

What we don’t like about it
There really isn’t anything we don’t like about this robot mop, but we’re very aware that the price tag doesn’t suit everyone. Stack its cost up against that of getting the cleaning done for you, though, and you might think it’s worth the investment.

Things to note
It does need to be charged, but it’s simple to do as the battery is removable and can be plugged into a wall socket.

Best versatile floor mop: Vorfreude – Floor Mop with Integrated Spray

(Image credit: Vorfreude)

Vorfreude Floor Spray Mop

Specifications

Type: Flat/spray mop and dust mop
Mop head: Microfibre Spray mop
Extra features: Cold steam clean

Reasons to buy

+
Best versatile mop

Designed to provide a cold steam clean for your floors with its spray head, this versatile mop can be used with plain water or a cleaning solution, or dry as a floor duster. 

What we like about it
The microfibre pad aims to pick up dirt dust and hair in one easy motion, and the pad is reusable time and time again. It can also be used wet or dry for your convenience. It comes in three different colours if you're concerned about style, and it can be used to clean wood and vinyl floors too. If you don’t get on with traditional mops, this is a great space and time saver for the home as it's two in one. 

What we don't like about it
The only thing we will mention is that the price of this mop is more than our best spray mop, the Beldray LA032133TQ Refillable Microfibre Spray Mop, just something to think about.

Things to know
It comes complete with two cleaning pads and a pad renewer brush to help revive old-looking cleaning heads.

Best eco friendly floor mop: E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop

E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop

Specifications

Type: Flat mop
Mop head: Microfibre
Extra features: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Best eco friendly mop

Looking for an eco-friendly mop? Your search is over. This E-cloth Deep Clean Mop requires no chemicals to leave your floors sparkling, just water to wet the microfibre mop head. 

What we like about it
The mop itself is made from durable, lightweight aluminium and it has an adjustable handle spanning 1.5m for those hard to reach places. Said to remove over 99 per cent of bacteria from your floors, it's also recommended by Allergy UK. You can also buy different mop heads to use on it to save space storing another item. Those who have pets should opt for the duster mop head, which removes dust, fluff and hair from hard floors with ease. Eco-friendly cleaning at its finest.

What we don't like about it
We personally don't mind not using cleaning products as it's better for the environment, however, we can imagine there are some people who prefer using products for peace of mind that bacteria is being killed/eliminated. Also, it doesn't have a spray mechanism which makes your job slightly harder.

Things to note
You'll need to either purchase a bucket for water or a spray bottle and use it at the same time. Just something to think about price wise.

Best floor mop for wooden floors: Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Kit

Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Kit

Specifications

Type: Flat/spray mop
Mop head: Microfibre pad
Extra features: Floor cleaner included

Reasons to buy

+
Best for wooden floors

The Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop is specifically designed to clean your hardwood, laminate or other wooden flooring with care. 

What we like about it
Not so much the mop itself, but the solution it comes with needs its own shoutout as it's pH neutral, non-streaky and non-dulling. However, the two do work hand in hand. Both can be used on (sealed or unsealed) laminate, hardwood and even French-polished floors to keep them looking as good as new. The pads are also machine washable. Not only is it easy to use thanks to its trigger which sprays the solution on the area that needs cleaning, it's great value for money, and worth it because it makes such a mundane chore completely stress-free.

What we don't like about it
This mop is best used with Bona Wood Floor Cleaner, and the only downside is the fact that it can't be purchased in high street shops. However, it's worth noting that you could fill the bottle with your own cleaning product if need be, but that kind of defeats the point of purchasing the mop essentially. Also, you can bulk buy the cleaner in 4 litre bottles for an affordable price.

Things to note
This product comes with 850ml of Bona Wood Floor Cleaner included as well as a microfibre cleaning pad. Also, we feel the need to mention the fact that it has been used to clean places such as Westminster Cathedral, The British Museum, The National Gallery and Edinburgh Castle before. Also, they also sell another mop called the Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Spray Mop which is ideal for those who have several types of flooring around their home.

(Image credit: Oxo UK)

OXO Microfibre Spray Mop with Slide-Out Scrubber

Specifications

Type: Flat/spray mop
Mop head: Microfibre
Extra features: Handy two-in-one function

Reasons to buy

+
For hard-to-reach areas

Designed with dual functionality, the OXO Microfibre Spray Mop is just what you need to clean various floors surfaces, including those areas that are often considered hard-to-reach.

What we like about it
Its large, microfibre pad makes everyday mopping easier than ever, while the Slide-Out-Scrubber is perfect for tackling tough stains. To use, you simply fill the bottle attached to your spray mop with your floor cleaner of choice, squeeze the handle and mop away; there's minimal effort required.

What we don't like about it
While we can't complain about the price as it's still affordable, this mop is still more expensive than our other spray mop picks, most probably because it's two mops in one, essentially.

Things to note
Looking for something to keep your wet room clean? Try OXO Good Grips' Extendable Tub and Tile Scrubber.

Best floor mop for absorption: Vileda Magic Mop

Vileda Magic Mop 3Action

Specifications

Type: Sponge mop
Mop head: Sponge
Extra features: Spare head

Reasons to buy

+
Best for absorption

Mopping up spillages doesn’t have to be so tricky/messy with this Vileda easy-to-handle sponge mop. 

What we like about it
This highly absorbent mop is ideal for tiled floors and features 3D flocked material in order to maximise particle pickup and remove any stubborn dirt. The sponge can easily be wrung out and the heads are interchangeable as and when you need to replace them. It's efficient, Mrs Hinch loves it and it's great value for money. The size of this mop also makes it ideal for smaller homes as it is easy to store away.

What we don't like about it 
It doesn't come with a bucket or bowl included.

Things to note
Nothing, it's pretty basic and has no-frills.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.