The 4 Best Mops, Tested by BHG

The Bottom Line

For the best balance of effectiveness, ease of use, and durability, the O-Cedar microfiber spin mop is our top pick. It delivers powerful cleaning across multiple surfaces, features a machine-washable mophead, and has a spin-wringing system for effortless moisture control. Plus, the affordable price and simple—yet highly effective—design make this the best mop according to our tests.

Our Testing Process

We originally tested nearly 100 mops, evaluating them on cleaning performance, ease of use, and maneuverability. After narrowing down the list to our top six, we selected the final four mops (featured above) that stood out as the best mops in their respective categories.

To determine their effectiveness, we conducted a series of controlled tests on grout and hardwood floors, simulating real-world cleaning challenges. We began by applying five common household messes—mouthwash, sawdust, honey, dried-on toothpaste, and oil—to each floor type.

This allowed us to see how each mop handled each type of spill. We also tested each mop’s maneuverability in a dry state by navigating around the test kitchen and noting how each mop performed in tight spaces, around corners, and under furniture. 

Once maneuverability was tested and the stains were set, we wet the mop heads and used each mop to tackle the messes. Our testers documented how quickly and efficiently stains were removed, whether the mop pushed debris around or lifted it, and how often water needed to be refreshed (if applicable).

Our last step involved evaluating the cleanup and storage process for each mop model, including if the washable mop heads detached easily or if the disposable pads required frequent replacements. This final test helped determine long-term usability and maintenance demands for each mop, so our recommendations included cleaning performance as well as convenience and durability.

What to Know About Mops Before Shopping 

Mop Types

Before buying a mop, it’s important to know the different types available and how they suit various cleaning needs. Some mops are best for deep-cleaning, while others are designed for quick touch-ups or specific flooring types. 

Spin: Spin mops feature a bucket with a built-in winger that uses centrifugal force to remove excess water. This type of mop is great for deep-cleaning because the rotating microfiber head effectively scrubs away dirt while controlling moisture levels and preventing streaking. 

Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO at MaidForYou, recommends spin mops for most cases. “I would suggest going for a spin mop or self-wringing mop because of how quick and convenient they are to use,” he says. “Mops with removable and washable heads are also perfect for regular cleanings and are easy to replace when needed.” 

Flat: Flat mops are designed with a rectangular, reusable pad that’s perfect for daily cleaning on hardwood, laminate, or tile floors. Its slim shape makes it easy to reach under furniture and quickly tackle spills. 

Sponge: Sponge mops are equipped with an absorbent head that works well on tile and other textured surfaces, making it a good choice for cleaning bathroom floors. They often come with a wringer mechanism, allowing you to control the moisture levels. 

Microfiber: Microfiber mops are made of ultra-fine synthetic fibers that are designed to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria with minimal water or cleaning solution. Because of the soft texture, microfiber mops are ideal for cleaning delicate flooring like hardwood. 

Disposable: Disposable mops are designed for convenience with pre-moistened or dry pads that can be tossed in your kitchen trash can after use. They’re great for quick cleanups and maintenance, but they may not be the best option for deep-cleaning or cleaning large areas. 

As Chris Willatt, founder of Alpine Maids, says, this type of mop is perfect for tight spaces. “If you are just cleaning something small, like a small kitchen, then go for something like a Swiffer,” he says.

String or Yarn: String or yarn mops are absorbent and effective at tackling large spills or for deep-cleaning floors with heavy dirt buildup. These work best with a mop bucket and require thorough wringing to avoid excess water on the floor.

Care

Proper care can help extend the life of your mop and prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew from building up. Whenever possible, let it air-dry completely before storing.

“Most people store mops and cleaning tools in closets that are dark and have little to no air ventilation,” Willatt says. “So, if you put a damp sponge mop in the closet after using it, even if you cleaned it, it is still prone to mildew and mold growth.” 

For reusable mop heads, wash them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the disposable pads as needed. If the mop’s bristles or fibers become frayed or discolored, it’s time for a replacement to help ensure more effective cleaning. Keeping your mop fresh also helps prevent spreading germs and bacteria around your home.

Accessories

The right accessories can make mopping more efficient and extend the life of your cleaning tools. Many mops come with interchangeable or washable mop heads, which can allow you to swap out dirty parts without replacing the entire mop.

Bucket systems with built-in wringers can help control moisture, especially for spin and string mops. For added convenience, some mops even include extendable handles or scrubbing attachments for tough stains. If you use a disposable mop, we recommend stocking up on cleaning pads, cleaning solution, and batteries so you’re always ready in the event of a spill.

Other Mops We Tested

Bissell SpinWave Cordless Spin Mop

While the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Spin Mop has a sleek design and cordless convenience, it ultimately fell short of our expectations. We found it to be a lot of work without delivering noticeably better results compared to a manual mop. Compared to our other options, it just didn’t stand out. However, it does shine as a floor-buffing solution, making it a decent choice for polishing hardwood. However, considering the high price tag, it didn’t offer enough value to make our list.

Libman Wonder Mop

Despite its name, we didn’t find the Libman Wonder Mop to be very wonderful, largely due to issues with the twisting mechanism meant to wring out excess water. One of our testers struggled with this feature, though another who owns the same mop reported no problems. This particular unit may have been faulty, but even if the feature had worked, this was the least impressive mop on our list.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the lifespan of a typical mop?

The lifespan of a mop depends on its material, how often it is used, and how well it’s maintained. “The lifespan of a mop used for professional cleaning is shorter than the average mop used for DIY cleaning,” Gomasi says. “I’d say you should expect a good 50 to 60 uses out of your mop before wear and tear kicks in." 

With that said, the sanitization process between cleanings can cause the fibers of the mop head to fray, rendering it less effective.

“Some types of materials like sponges and cloth can get cuts and tears, which lower their efficiency,” Gomasi says. “They can even start to come apart when using them. Any visible damage or flaws in the material are a good indication that your mop needs to be replaced.” 

Do expensive mops work better than more affordable ones?

As we found with our testing, the price of a mop doesn’t always reflect its effectiveness. What matters more is finding the best mop for your specific needs, Willatt says. 

“The best thing to do is find what is right for your space,” Willatt explains. “If you have a large space, I will say go for the higher-dollar mop that will last longer because you will be using it more often and putting more stress on the materials. A string mop and bucket are great for spaces where you aren’t just cleaning the kitchen but bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways.”

Beyond the type of mop, what other factors contribute to a clean floor?

A spotless floor doesn’t just come from the right mop, it’s about the entire cleaning process. 

“Always remember to use a clean mop head and cleaning solution if you are rinsing and re-dipping your mop into a bucket,” Gomasi says. “For whole-house cleaning, you may need to discard the solution and make a fresh floor cleaner after rinsing the bucket.” 

Another key is prepping the floor before mopping. “We begin by getting rid of all loose dirt and debris on the surface,” he says. “This is a step you simply cannot skip because mopping a floor with the presence of surface dirt often creates a bigger visible mess.”

An extra step after mopping can make a big difference, too. “Drying your floor immediately after mopping will provide a much cleaner and flawless-looking finish regardless of the floor type,” Gomasi says.

Who We Are

Sydney Vrban is a writer and content strategist with six years of experience. After working remotely for many years, she knows the importance of maintaining and loving your home. To write this article, she levered our testing results and consulted with Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou; Chris Willatt, founder of Alpine Maids; and Bree Steele, an interior designer at RJ Living.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.