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If maintained properly—and that means having the right tool—wood floors can hold their finish for years without damage or cracking. Some brooms, for instance, can be too abrasive, whereas mops designed to clean hardwood floors are ideal for these surfaces.
Hardwood floors are a coveted classic for their diverse graining and beautiful colors that add richness and dimension to so many decor schemes. But in homes with children, pets, and/or heavy traffic, hardwood floors are prone to showing dirt and dust quickly.
It can be tricky to pick a floor mop that suits your cleaning style and budget, as well as the degree of dirt and stains on your flooring. To help you find the best mop for your situation, we put a host of different products through their paces in a home with plenty of dust, dirt, and pet hair. We also spoke to professionals like Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa in Scottsdale, Arizona, which cleans up to 700 houses every month. He shared his expert knowledge on what shoppers will want to look for in a mop.
While some excellent products came from familiar, trusted brands, we were surprised to learn that a few top contenders failed to perform as expected. This goes to show the importance of real-user testing to separate hype from quality.
Read on to get a handle on what to look for in the best mops for wood floors, as well as our reviews of products we deem superior in today’s crowded market.
- BEST OVERALL: Mr.Siga Professional Microfiber Mop for Wood Floors
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Sweeping and Mopping Kit
- UPGRADE PICK: Bissell 2039A SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
- BEST VAC/MOP COMBO: Tineco Floor One S5 Vac/Mop Combo
- BEST SPIN MOP: O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System
- BEST SPRAY MOP: Bona Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors
- BEST STEAM MOP: Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop for Wood Floors
How We Tested the Best Mops for Wood Floors
We put a series of mops for hardwood floors, both cordless and corded, through their paces in a typical home that accumulated dust, dirt, pet hair, and muddy paw prints. We used the mops with their provided cleaners or distilled water, as recommended by the manufacturers.
We noted how easy or difficult the mops were to assemble, and considered the practicality of storing them. Finally, we used each in a controlled test of dried mud and ketchup smeared on hardwood floors and noted how much mess each floor mop left behind.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 3 hours per mop |
| Tests performed | 3 to 4 |
| Price range | $20 to $500 |
Our Top Picks
Many do not know what to look for in the best mops for hardwood floors, but here are some real-life reviews to get you started. Check out the following models, all of which met our criteria for quality, ease of use, and overall performance, to find the best mops for wood flooring for your particular needs.
Best Overall
Mr. Siga Professional Microfiber Mop for Wood Floors
Pros
- Comes with 3 machine-washable microfiber cloths that are easy to reuse; more eco-conscious than other options
- Attractive price point compared to similar options currently on the market
- Telescoping handle stores easily; great for use and storage in smaller spaces
- Included dirt scrubber reaches under and into tight spaces easily
Cons
- No automatic wringing function; this can leave the mop excessively wet
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Flat
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable
- Type of cleaner needed: Water or user’s choice
Though Mr.Siga wasn’t an immediately recognizable brand, we were delightfully surprised by the excellent job its Professional Microfiber Mop did in testing. We found that this tall floor mop with an adjustable stainless steel telescoping handle had great reach under dusty couches and around table legs. The very wide rectangular mophead with a 360-degree swivel action meant less work on large hardwood floors, since with fewer swipes and greater maneuverability, we got our dusting and wet-mopping jobs done quickly.
At first, we were stumped on how to moisten the cleaning cloth, but a bit of online research taught us a few tricks for microfiber mops. Simply wet the cloth, roll it up to wring it out, then attach it to the mophead base. The microfiber mop cloths are reusable—just toss in the washing machine to launder. A handy dirt scrubber attachment is included for tight corners and tough grime, and the mop can be used on a variety of surfaces, including marble, tile, and laminate, as well as hardwood.
Get the Mr.Siga microfiber mop for wood floors at Amazon or Mr.Siga.
Best Bang for the Buck
Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Sweeping and Mopping Kit
Pros
- Lightweight mop is easy to use and store; ideal for homes with limited space
- Dry pads capture all manner of dust and debris and are suitable for homes with children and pets
- Fresh pads for every use means excellent cleaning ability; no need to clean old, dirty pads
Cons
- Replacement pads are somewhat expensive if bought frequently
- Wet pads have a strong scent that may not suit everyone’s liking
- Not as durable as comparable options; mop handle can bend from heavy-duty use
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Flat
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Disposable (wet and dry)
- Type of cleaner needed: None (wet pads come premoistened)
When quick, convenient floor cleaning is the order of the day, a disposable mop cloth may be the best solution. Swiffer offers this kit with the necessary pieces to get floors clean fast: the mop itself, four dry heavy-duty refills, three wet heavy-duty refills, 10 dry sweeping cloths, and two wet mopping pads. For the most part, we were impressed by this inexpensive, lightweight, and complete floor-cleaning system.
Swiffer’s 360-degree swivel action made hard-to-reach places easier to access, and its easy-grip handle kept the unit from slipping away while mopping. During tests, we found that the heavy-duty wet pad captured a lot of tough grime on our wood floors. (Note that these pads should not be used on unsealed wood floors.) On the downside, however, was the strong and somewhat lingering proprietary scent. Also, occasionally the pad popped out of the mophead for no apparent reason. Keep in mind that the wet refills should only be used to maintain sealed wood floors.
Get the Swiffer mopping kit for wood floors at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Target.
Upgrade Pick
Bissell 2039A SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
Pros
- Spinning mop pads are suitable for surfaces including tile, hardwood, vinyl, and linoleum
- Powerful electric cleaner works on tougher stains and spills; mop heads are machine washable for convenience
- Long power cord is ideal for larger areas including kitchens, living spaces, and commercial spaces
- Spray button to dispense cleaning solution is simple to use
Cons
- Some users have reported that this model can leave streaks on the floor
- Poor performance on dried mud and ketchup; may not be able to take on very difficult messes
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 2/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Flat/spinning
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable
- Type of cleaner needed: Water with Bissell’s hardwood cleaner (recommended)
This corded electric model from Bissell uses a pair of rotating mop pads that power through dust and most dirt, so users needn’t apply much elbow grease. Its generous 22-foot cord is long enough to let us reach the corners of even our largest rooms. The included soft-touch and scrub pads are machine washable, and an on-demand spray feature delivers the cleaning solution from its 28-ounce tank at the touch of a button. Also included are samples of Bissell’s own brand of hardwood cleaner, which mixes with water to fuel the mop.
While the swivel steering gives access to those hard-to-reach corners, we found that the dual set of round mopheads don’t fit well into tight spaces. Also, while our testing found this mop to have plenty of zip to move around the floor and gather surface dirt, it couldn’t effectively battle dried mud and ketchup; in fact, the Spinwave spread rather than banished this tough dirt. The Spinwave mop is safe for cleaning sealed hardwood floors as well as tile, vinyl, and linoleum.
Get the Bissell SpinWave mop for wood floors at Ace Hardware, Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.
Best Vac/Mop Combo
Tineco Floor ONE S5 Vac/Mop Combo
Pros
- Self-propelled feature makes this unit virtually weightless when cleaning and great for anyone with arm or back issues
- Large clean-water and dirty-water tanks for longer cleaning times without refilling or emptying
- Self-cleaning roller brush and smart technology tells users when to use the self-cleaning function
- Cord-free design allows users to take the unit anywhere in the house without worrying about cord length or tangling
Cons
- As with any wet/dry vac, it’s important to clean the dirty-water tank after each use to prevent smells
- If battery is fully depleted, charging can take up to an hour before cleaning can resume
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5;Effectiveness 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Wet/dry mop
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable brush roll
- Type of cleaner needed: Water or Tineco’s floor solution
For those who are looking for an effective way to clean hardwood floors all in one step, a vac/mop combo may be the answer.
The Tineco Floor ONE S5 smart wet/dry vacuum cleaner is an all-in-one machine. The unit vacuums up debris while mopping the floor simultaneously. It is self-propelled, which makes cleaning a breeze, especially anyone with arm or back issues.
Safe for hardwood floors, the Tineco wet/dry vacuum cleaner uses its proprietary iLoop Smart Sensor Technology to automatically sense the level of dirt, which allows it to adjust suction, water flow, and brush-roller speed. When we tested it on a larger mess, the iLoop sensor properly sensed the soiled area and increased the roller speed. Once the area was clean, the iLoop sensor shifted the roller speed back down to normal.
The cordless vacuum is battery-operated and runs up to 35 minutes on one charge. We found that this was plenty of time to clean our 1,700-square-foot home. We keep our floors pretty tidy and found that when we do so, the battery lasts even longer than 35 minutes.
We were shocked to see how well this vac/mop cleaned our floors as evidenced by the feel of the floors on our bare feet and the dirty water in the tank. We’ve used many vac/mops throughout the years and we were so happy to see Tineco has a debris filter so hair and gunk does not fall to the bottom of the dirty-water tank.
Another great feature is the large clean-water tank. We can clean our entire upstairs living area without having to stop and empty the dirty-water tank or refill the clean- water tank. This is a huge improvement over other vac/mops with smaller tanks.
With its cordless design, this is our go-to mop for cleaning big and small messes.
Get the Tineco mop for wood floors at Amazon.
Best Spin Mop
O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System
Pros
- Spin mechanism makes it easy to control how much water or cleaning solution you use per mop stroke
- Foot-activated pedal prevents the discomfort of bending over or wringing by hand
- Triangular mophead and pivoting head-to-handle connection facilitate cleaning in corners and under furniture
- Machine-washable and reusable microfiber mophead removes 99 percent of bacteria
Cons
- Telescopic handle can get stuck if overtightened, making the mop less convenient to store
- No separate reservoir for dirty water means mop solution gets icky when cleaning a large area
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Effectiveness 3/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 3.3/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Spin
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable
- Type of cleaner needed: Water or user’s choice
With its ability to remove over 99 percent of floor bacteria using plain water, the O-Cedar EasyWring spin mop has been an effective household favorite for years. In testing, we found this spin mop and bucket system convenient to use and simple to store. We loved that its triangular mophead is reusable, washable, and easy to replace and that its handle pivots and flattens to maneuver under furniture.
Unlike many manufacturers, O-Cedar clearly says you needn’t buy a special cleaning solution to use with this mop. We love the flexibility of cleaning with water alone, our favorite hardwood floor cleaner, or one of O-Cedar’s fragrant enzyme pacs. It’s also easy to customize the amount of solution applied to the floor during cleaning, thanks to this mop’s convenient foot pedal. Adding more solution to particularly grimy floors made removing stuck-on spaghetti sauce much easier, whereas using a drier mop let us step on the floors sooner.
The bucket design of this spin mop features a built-in wringer and foot pedal. This is an effective system for wringing out the mop, but it might take more pumps of the pedal to get the mophead dry than would be the case for a mop with a handle wringer. During testing, it took more than 40 wrings to dry the mophead, but we didn’t mind since the pedal is so easy to use.
O-Cedar’s microfiber mophead is reusable and machine washable. After every mopping or two, we simply detach the mophead and throw it in with a load of towels and rags. After several months, replacing the mophead with an O-Cedar refill is easy and cost-effective.
Storing this mop and bucket is easy as well. Its 51-inch telescopic handle collapses and fits neatly in the buck for storage. Just be sure you don’t overtighten the handle while it’s extended, or you risk a real struggle collapsing it again. The bucket’s splash guard and wheelless design are great for wood or laminate floors that you don’t want to risk scratching, though the mop also works on tile, sealed cement, and vinyl.
Get the O-Cedar mop for wood floors at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Spray Mop
Bona Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors
Pros
- Long-lasting and machine-washable pads are eco-friendly and help keep costs low
- No electricity is required; can be used in any residential or commercial space where it is required
- Built-in bumpers can clean baseboards as well as furniture legs for added ease of use
- The spray head is easy to use and fill; tank can be removed for filling
Cons
- Spray trigger can be tiring to use after a while; may cause some strain on the hands
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Effectiveness 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Flat
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable
- Type of cleaner needed: Bona brand hardwood cleaner
We found this point-and-spray microfiber floor mop to be a hard-working weapon in the war on dirty hardwood floors. This spray mop comes prefilled with a full bottle of cleaner from Bona—a well-known brand in wood care—and a wide mophead designed to reduce the time spent cleaning. It’s a manual model, no cord or batteries are required, but it proved lightweight and maneuverable for easy mopping.
Used dry, the microfiber cleaning pad did an excellent job of picking up dust and pet hair. To tackle stubborn dried messes, just pull the trigger to apply spray cleaner right where it’s needed. The clever built-in bumpers on the wide, long, rectangular mophead help prevent scratches on chair legs and baseboard molding. The reservoir for the cleaning solution is simple to refill, and the microfiber mop cloths are removable for machine washing.
Expert recommended: Knoll regards Bona as a brand he trusts: “Without going to janitorial supply stores, the Bona microfiber floor mop is a top-notch choice and readily available. It balances efficiency with care for hardwood floors.”
Get the Bona mop for wood floors at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Target.
Best Steam Mop
Pros
- Steam cleaner removes 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs; safe for homes with children and pets
- 3 steam settings to choose from depending on the task at hand; suitable for small and large messes
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver; great for extended use and easy to store
- Excellent for cleaning grout; breaks up stuck-on dirt and grime
Cons
- Power cord can be tiring to wind up after use
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type of mop: Steam
- Reusable or disposable mophead: Reusable
- Type of cleaner needed: Water (distilled preferred)
Steam mopping offers a floor-cleaning solution that eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria without leaving behind any toxic residue. Recommended for hard, sealed floors, the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop has three steam settings and swivel steering for hard-to-reach spaces. The mop is safe for sealed hardwood and other flooring surfaces, and it comes with one microfiber soft pad, one microfiber scrubby pad, two fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.
In user testing, this steam and microfiber mop was a real champ, capable of removing dried mud and ketchup. The fact that this tool creates steam to sanitize using water may be a boon to those with sensitivities to chemical cleaners. This steam mop has three steam settings for users to select from depending on the degree of stubborn dirt and stains, and the ample 23-foot power cord is a plus when cleaning large areas.
Read our full review: Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop for Wood Floors
Get the Bissell PowerFresh mop for wood floors at Amazon.
ALSO TESTED
While we appreciated the light weight and convenient folding design of the foldable PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner, it could not compare with the Bissell 1940 PowerFresh mop for wood floors when it came to cleaning dried food and mud from our testing surfaces. Plus, its water reservoir didn’t empty completely (a potential for mold buildup), and its bundle of handheld steamer attachments came with no storage options.
The O-Cedar ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop seemed promising with its unique wraparound flat mophead (akin to a mitten on the base of the mop). But in practice, it absorbed liquid (including its own cleaning fluid) poorly, and merely smeared dirt and dried ketchup around. We wanted to like its lightweight design, but it felt cheap and flimsy, particularly the trigger-spray handle.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Mop for Wood Floors
When purchasing a mop for wood flooring, think about its ease of use, any cleaning solutions it dispenses, and the price. In addition to the tool itself, factor in the size of the area that needs mopping. Here are some important considerations to look at when looking at mops for wood floors.
Type
There are different types of mops available to suit various floor-maintenance preferences: flat mops, string mops, steam mops, and dust mops. Some are used exclusively for dusting floors, while other kinds function as both wet and dry mops.
Old-fashioned dunk-in-a-bucket mops require hand-wringing, but there are more convenient, less-messy options today. These mops may feature electric or mechanical components for wringing, as well as either reusable or disposable parts, so look for the type and system that suits your cleaning preference, floor type, and floor size.
Mophead
The business end of a floor mop is typically either disposable or reusable. Disposable options are convenient for quick touch-ups and smaller floors, while reusable ones often prove more budget-friendly and can tackle larger surfaces.
Both types of mopheads impact sustainability, but in different ways. Reusable mopheads require water and chemicals to launder after use, while disposable versions head straight to the landfill. For larger areas, a reusable, machine-washable mophead is probably more efficient and eco-friendly than using multiple disposable mopheads per cleaning session. Those who prefer a reusable option might consider microfiber mopheads, which will catch and hold dirt and liquids better than materials such as cotton or sponge while reducing the look of scratches and scuffs.
According to Knoll, “Microfiber is the go-to. It’s soft, absorbent, and won’t damage your floors. It also wrings out well, keeping the water usage minimal.” He also added that microfiber mops are “great for picking up dust and fine particles without leaving scratches.”
Corded vs. Cordless
If pushing a manual mop around seems laborious and inefficient, consider an electric model. These products typically have a variety of cleaning modes and processes (including one specifically for wood floors), and may feature the use of steam and/or cleaning solutions. They often come with swiveling heads for easier maneuverability, too.
Electric mops may be corded or cordless—and both types require access to an outlet. Corded mops must be plugged in during use, while the battery charger of cordless models must be plugged in as well. The portability of cordless models tends to appeal to folks who don’t want to be tied down to the length of a cord, typically because they have large areas to clean, and sometimes on different levels.
Cleaning Solution
When stubborn dirt and stains occur, wood floors may require more vigorous cleaning than just dry-mopping, but only with a product specifically formulated for hardwood flooring. While hardwood floors are usually finished and sealed, some versions may be unsealed—it’s important to avoid using water on unsealed hardwood floors, as well as harsh cleansers on any wood floor. An all-purpose floor cleaner, for instance, may dull or, worse, strip the finish.
Though there are different types of cleaning solutions, those that can be used straight from the container without diluting tend to be safer, since any excess water from mixing a concentrated formula can seep into the wood and damage it. Some mops employ steam to clean and sanitize flooring, which should be safe for sealed hardwood—but to be safe, consult and follow all directions to avoid damage.
Knoll recommends gentle cleaners: “Opt for pH-neutral, hardwood-specific cleaners to prevent damage.” Also, “damp mopping is the way. Ensure the mop is just moist enough to clean without leaving excess water.”
Maneuverability
When it comes to mopping around furniture, under beds/sofas, and into hard-to-reach areas, maneuverability matters. A swivel-head mop is ideal for getting around obstacles. The shape of the mophead (circular, triangular, or rectangular) also impacts how easily it can access corners and tight spots.
Mops may also include ergonomic features, some of which affect maneuvering, like telescoping handles to adjust length, and thereby extend reach. A poorly designed handle can also lead to arm and hand fatigue, so users will want to look for a model with a grip that feels good.
FAQs
Those who still want more information on cleaning hardwood flooring with a quality mop may find it here in the answers to some of the most common questions about this household chore.
Mopping correctly can be a great way to maintain hardwood flooring, but using the wrong cleaning products can actually damage these expensive surfaces. A damp mop is often all that’s required to clean a hardwood floor; if the mop is too wet (with water or cleaning solution), excess liquid can seep into the cracks, causing the wood to warp.
Cleaning a floor starts with removing dust and debris by sweeping, vacuuming, or dry-mopping. For stubborn dirt and stains, use a cleaner designed for the specific floor material, using a “less is more” approach according to the manufacturer’s directions. To mop a floor correctly, dip string or sponge mops in the cleaning fluid, wring it out, and then swab with the damp mop.
Use plain water to do a final rinse if desired. Start mopping in a far corner of the room, moving in the direction of the grain on hardwood floors, and work your way to the door. When finished, rinse the mop and let it air dry or wash any reusable pads.
Swiffer’s heavy-duty pads are considered safe for linoleum, vinyl, laminate, and ceramic tile, as well as sealed wood, marble, and stone. They should not be used on unsealed wood floors. As with all floor cleaners, be cautious using any fluid on unfinished, damaged, or especially delicate materials.
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends a heavy-duty mopping on wood floors monthly with a wood-flooring cleaner. However, it is safe to dry-mop daily or do a light mop on high-traffic areas once a week. For those without children and pets, feel free to give a very light mop on light-traffic areas more often.
Meet the Tester
As the executive editor of Product Reviews, Stephanie Cronk has spent years researching and testing products. Cronk has been a pool owner for over 15 years and understands the importance of maintaining a clean pool in the warmer months. Besides her pool experience, Cronk also brings over 12 years of commerce experience to the BobVila.com team, where her focus is on reviewing and testing products in a variety of categories including DIY, home improvement, home appliances, outdoor living, and more.
Additional research provided by Annie Holub.
