I tested dozens of mops on all floor types - these are my 9 top picks for a spotless finish every time

Having one of the best mops at your disposal can transform how you clean your home, making light work of everyday debris, muddy footprints, sticky marks, water streaks and paw prints from any four-legged friends. However, with so many different mops on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs. That's where I come in.

As Ideal Home's floor care expert, I've made it my mission to share everything you need to know about cleaning floors and the products you'll need to get the job done - from the best vacuum cleaners for carpets to the mops that will tackle your hard flooring. But we vow never to recommend products we haven't got hands-on experience of ourselves, so I've tested some of the best mops out there - from spin mops to flat mops and even smart mops - to see which ones come out on top.

I've compared factors like the size of the mop, the manoeuvrability of the mop, the cleaning quality, value for money, and reusability of these mops to see whether they're worth the investment. Not all of them made the cut, but I'm confident that these 9 options below are the best mops you can buy right now.

Quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best mops. You'll find more information on each mop and why our testers recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best mop overall

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No bucket is required for this spray mop, allowing you to fill up the bottle and spritz however much you need on your floors with the easy squeeze trigger spray. The mop head then rotates while you're cleaning to ensure skirting boards and corners aren't missed during the process.

And while the long strands of this mop head may remind you of old-school mops from the past, Minky has brought them back with their new mop to prove that these long strands can reach areas of the home you wouldn't normally mop.

Features we loved during testing

Although I tested a lot of different mops at the same time, the Minky Spritz & Spin Spray Mop is the one I kept coming back to time and time again for everyday cleaning. It was incredibly quick and easy to use, and the long microfibre strands were able to get into every nook and cranny in my house - even right into the corners.

Most notably, the mop head did get incredibly dirty during cleaning. And while I did immediately think this was a negative, it was soon clear to see that this was actually a positive as it meant that it was picking up the dirt that a lot of the other mops hadn't.

I also liked that I could either add water alone to the spray bottle or add some cleaning solution, and the spinning mop head meant that every inch of my hard flooring was cleaned - even with minimal effort on my part. A major bonus is that the mop head is machine washable, so you can just give it a wash and re-use when you need to.

Best mop and bucket set

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Everything about the Vileda RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System gives you complete control over how you clean your floors, from the telescopic handle that lets you extend or shorten it to suit your height to the pedal-powered spinning bucket that allows you to dictate how damp you want the mop head.

However, the pièce de résistance of this new release is the dual-chamber bucket technology that keeps clean and dirty water completely separate. This means that you're only ever cleaning your home with clean water, and the 6L water tank means that you'll have enough to clean your whole home in one go.

Features we loved during testing

While this product may look like a traditional, old-school mop and bucket set from the outside, the reality is that it's incredibly innovative. During testing, I felt confident that I was only mopping with clean water and the mop was incredibly light and manoeuvrable. Being able to use the pedal to control how damp the mop was also a standout feature for me, as I was able to keep the mop head wetter for the tiled areas of my home but limit the amount of moisture for my laminate flooring.

It's also worth noting that the mop head is also washable. You can either machine or hand wash in warm water (up to 30°C), but Vileda suggests washing it in a laundry bag to maintain the strength of the individual fibres. My only niggle with the Vileda RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System was that, while it does have a large water tank, the mop head is incredibly absorbent. So I found myself wasting a lot of water during the spinning process. And as someone on a water meter, I try to limit the amount of water I'm wasting.

I also can't deny that it's a lot pricier than the other mops on this list, but I do think that this is for good reason as the innovations alone warrant a higher price tag. But if you're looking for a cheaper Vileda mop, I'd suggest opting for the slightly cheaper (and older) Vileda Easy Wring and Clean Turbo Spin Mop and Bucket Set instead.

Best mop for deep cleans

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Although mopping with cold water can be effective, warm or hot water will always provide a deeper clean - and that's what the Lakeland Spray Mop with 2 Aluminium Bottles offers. As a result, it's perfect for those days where you feel your floors need some extra TLC, or in homes where you have particularly messy kids or pets.

Featuring an extremely large and manoeuvrable head, you can twist and turn this mop to get into all kinds of corners of your home (except the really small ones). Without the need for a bucket or a huge amount of cleaning solution, you can also lift this mop from one room to another with ease. You can even mop your stairs, if you're that way inclined.

Features we loved during testing

During testing, I loved that I could fill up the 500ml bottle with warm water and my floor cleaner of choice before clicking it onto the spray mop. And as it was so lightweight, it didn't take me long to whizz around the whole downstairs of my house, which consists entirely of hard flooring.

As the user controls the spray trigger, it also allowed me to choose much of the cleaning solution I used on my different flooring types - tile and laminate. But even when I sprayed a liberal amount of cleaning solution onto my floors, I didn't feel as though the microfibre mop head got too saturated or simply pushed the dirt around.

This is thanks to the high-quality cleaning pad, which consists of millions of microfibres that trap and contain the dirt on hard flooring and can be popped into the wash when you're done. However, I must admit that this Lakeland mop was incredibly awkward to assemble and took me way longer than I'd like to put together. So, bear that in mind if you're not DIY-inclined.

Best microfibre mop

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Ever worry if your microfibre mop is actually just spreading germs about and not really cleaning your floors? Well, the Minky Opti-Clean Spin Mop takes those worries away as it features an innovative dual cavity bucket that separates dirty and clean water and a powerful 360° spin, rinse, and wringing system that works alongside scrubbing bristles to clean the reusable microfibre head mid-mop.

The bucket, with its sturdy handle, can be easily filled under a tap and any dirty water can be drained away by removing the blue plug. It's perfect for homes with limited storage too because the mop easily comes apart so you can conveniently put it away after use, but just be warned that the bucket is still fairly large.

Features we loved during testing

I must admit that I really enjoyed testing the Minky Opti-Clean Spin Mop. It was incredibly easy to assemble, took seconds to fill up the clean water tank, and the microfibre head is undoubtedly the best for cleaning. In fact, my floors were literally squeaking after cleaning with this mop.

Throughout the cleaning process, I felt extremely confident that I was only ever cleaning my floors with a clean mop head - and not just because I went in for a spin to get off the dirty water now and then. This was also because of the scrubbing bristles within the bucket, which irritate the mop head to release any hidden dirt.

My only niggle with this mop (and the reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars) is because it can be quite difficult to get into a rhythm when using it. To spin the mop in the bucket, you have to repeatedly clip and unclip the blue toggle on the side of the handle. Nevertheless, I did get used to it and the impressive cleaning power made up for this in the end.

Best mop for hardwood floors

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If you're wondering how to clean wooden floors, you'll know that there are some cleaning regimes you need to avoid. But that's where the Bona Spray Mop Air comes into play, as this mop has been specifically designed with wooden flooring in mind. In fact, the Bona Wood Floor Cleaner solution uses a pH neutral formula that protects and nourishes the wood.

This particular mop also has a swivel-mop head for those hard-to-reach areas and patented dual-zone microfibre material that traps dirty and provides more absorbency. So, it's extremely well made.

Features we loved during testing

During testing, I loved that the refillable cartridge simply slotted into place and was ready to go within seconds. All in all, it took me about two minutes from unboxing the spray mop to using it - and I have to say that the fine mist spray makes a nice change from some of the other mops I have tested.

It didn't feel like I was wasting the cleaning solution, but it still offered enough moisture to dampen my floors and ensure an easy glide of the mop head. This was made even easier by the fact that the mop is extremely lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around the house. Plus, you can simply pop the mop head into the washing machine when you're done, with Bona promising 500 washes before you'll need to replace it.

And while this mop is perfect for hardwood floors, you can also interchange the cleaning solution cartridge depending on the type of floor you are cleaning, with a stone, tile, laminate and LVT version also available.

Best smart mop

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The Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Vacuum Cleaner and Mop takes all of the hassle out of mopping and assures you don't need to choose between vacuuming vs mopping. The brand's proprietary iLoop Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts suction, water speed, and brush roller speed to suit the needs of your home, and it's also self-cleaning.

Featuring separate clean and dirty water tanks, you can also ensure that you're only ever cleaning your hard flooring with clean water - and this particular model also comes with spare rollers and a cleaning solution to make sure you're always getting the best results.

Features we loved during testing

I absolutely loved testing the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, and it's since become my go-to when I want to use something more powerful than a traditional mop. The LCD screen and colour symbols let you know which areas of your home require a little TLC, and the fact that it automatically adjusts its cleaning power in these areas offers a hands-off approach that I really enjoyed.

Although the voice commands can be a little startling at first, you soon get used to (and appreciate) that this smart mop tells you exactly what it needs - whether that's some extra charge or a self-cleaning cycle. As the owner of a fluffy dog that sheds, I also really appreciated the built-in pet hair strainer, which meant my home became pet-hair-free without getting tangled in the appliance in the process.

The docking station also comes with handy holders for the cleaning solution and the wet roller, something that certainly makes it stand out from wet floor cleaners like the Dyson WashG1 (which always got a little smelly and musty when I reviewed it).

Best mop for tiles

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If you are searching for the best mop to deep clean your floors, whether tiles or laminate, then this is a great option. This sponge mop can get deep into your grout, to clean in between each tile, and it will (gently!) scrub your floors clean. It's also a convenient mop for walls since it's a sponge, and it can tackle tiles with ease.

Better than that: it's called the 'Butterfly Mop' as you can squeeze it out after dipping it in a bucket of water and floor cleaner so you don't end up soaking your floors. Just pull the lever on the handle and the sponge will fold in two, squeezing out excess water. And if you want to go the whole hog, you could also buy the OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Bucket to go with it, as it sadly doesn't come as a pair.

Features we loved during testing

Ideal Home's News Writer, Kezia, had the pleasure of testing the OXO Good Grips Butterfly Mop. She tested it out on her hard flooring, and found that it cleaned her laminate better than any other mop she's tried in the past.

She said, 'The first thing I noticed was how easy the mop was to use. Squeezing out excess water was a doddle and straight away I noticed how well it glided across the floor.' She also found the ability to squeeze the mop out meant that she used significantly less water, and her floors dried so much quicker.

The mop sponge itself is even washable in between uses, whether in a machine or in your sink. Use the mop's kickstand to store this mop with ease, and to allow its sponge to air dry naturally, ready for the next clean. When it comes to size, this mop head's overall area is smaller than others on this list, which means it may take longer to mop larger spaces, but it could come into its own in more compact zones.

Best value mop

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Extremely affordable and easy to use, the Flash Speed Mop is unlike any other mop in this guide. Instead of attaching a microfibre head to the mop, you simply attach the wet and dry cleaning cloths that come with the pack - and then buy refills when you've run out. These cloths have been specifically designed to not only collect dirt, but also trap it so you don't simply wipe it around your home.

The cloths are also safe to use across all sealed surfaces, meaning you can take this mop from one room to another without changing your cleaning method.

Features we loved during testing

As it's the cheapest mop I've tested, I must admit that I didn't hold out much hope for the Flash Speed Mop Starter Kit. However, I was pleasantly surprised - especially when I looked at the cleaning cloths when I'd finished mopping.

The dry cloths picked up so much lingering dog (and human!) hair on my hardwood floors, and the wet cloths then picked up all of the lingering grime - leaving behind squeaky-clean floors that both looked and smelled clean and fresh. The cloths were also incredibly easy to attach to the mop, and having a few extra refills in the pack is a nice touch.

My only niggle with this mop is the fact that the cleaning cloths are made from plastic so have to be added to your normal waste bin when you've finished cleaning. This isn't as eco-friendly as the machine-washable mops in this guide, especially if you're using both cloths during one cleaning session. However, I can't deny that the overall cleaning quality was impressive.

Best steam mop

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If you want to steam clean your floors, the Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix Steam Mop has got everything you need to get the job done. Featuring two-stage steam control, it also offers modes for wood or tiles so you can tailor the cleaning to your floors.

The 0.4l water tank also comes with an integrated descaling cartridge that automatically decalcifies the water, ensuring a long life cycle of the device and squeaky clean floors every time. Plus, it takes just 30 seconds to heat up, so you never have to wait too long to mop your floors.

Features we loved during testing

When our reviewer, Caramel Quin, took the Karcher steam mop for a spin, she was impressed with how it made quick work of cleaning floors - a hefty feat, considering she has tested some of the best steam cleaners and mops on the market today. She particularly liked how easy it was to set up, and how quickly it heated up.

She tested the steam mop on her bathroom tiles and wooden floorboards, and found that it took just one backwards and forwards motion for general cleaning, and around three strokes for more stubborn grime.

And while some steam cleaners require hefty maintenance, Caramel found the Karcher to be easily manageable. The microfibre pad pulls off easily and is machine washable, and the limescale cartridge means you won't have to worry about a build-up of scum after prolonged use.

Read our full Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix steam mop review for more details.

Best mops comparison at a glance

How we test mops

At Ideal Home, we take how we test products extremely seriously. We will never recommend a product in our buying guides that we don't have hands-on experience of ourselves, and so every mop in this guide was tested either by me or another Ideal Home-approved reviewer.

As we believe the only way to give our honest verdict on the best mops and to rank them accordingly is to test them in real-life scenarios, which is why every mop in this guide was tested in a real home - ideally on as many hard flooring types as we could (unless the mop is explicitly designed for one type of flooring).

We assessed everything from the mop assembly to the mop's overall performance, manoeuvrability, cleaning quality and value for money (including whether the mop heads are reusable or whether they need regular replacing). We also tested them multiple times to see how well the mop lives up to the manufacturer's claims and whether they're worth the money.

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With all of the above at our disposal, we can then assign the mops a dedicated star rating. They are as follows:

5 stars - an exceptional mop that does exactly what you expect and cannot be faulted.

4.5 stars - any mop that leaves us wishing for a bit more will lose that crucial half-mark, but it's still classed as one of the best mops you can buy.

4 stars - an amazing mop that is worth your money but may need some fine-tuning before it suits everyone.

3 stars - a good mop that works well but doesn't blow us away. It may be hard to assemble, too expensive, or difficult to use.

2 stars - the mop lacks key features but is affordable, so it may suit someone if they're in a rut.

1 star - the mop does not work as intended, and we would advise you not to buy it.

How to choose a mop

There's a huge variety of different types of mop, but there are a few key characteristics that can turn this cleaning task into something you actually might find quite satisfying. Look out for these types of mop and you won't go wrong.

Spray mops have an integrated water tank (kind of like a water bottle) and they work by pulling the trigger. This sprays water and solution onto your floor. These tend to be easy to manoeuvre and also convenient to store.

Flat mops are similar to that of a spray mop, just without a built-in water tank and trigger. You'll need to use one of these with a solution in a spray bottle unless your mop works with only water to kill bacteria.

Mop and buckets are the most popular type of mop. They do require you to lug around the bucket as you clean, though. A mop and bucket combo is great for deeper cleaning your floors – and getting into corners.

Sponge mops are brilliant for cleaning tiles. They are gentle on your floors, while you might want to be careful so as not to soak your floors with a sponge mop. They are also great for use on walls, too. You will probably have to use a sponge mop with a bucket.

It's also important to think about the mop head material and how to clean a mop head. Sponge can be great at mopping up liquid spills with ease, while microfibre will make quick work of wet and muddy footprints. If you want chemical-free cleaning, then a steam mop could be right up your alley, providing you have compatible flooring.

FAQs

What is the cleanest way to mop a floor?

To successfully mop a floor, you should actually start by having one of the best vacuum cleaners at your disposal. You should use this appliance to remove any large, loose debris that a mop won't be able to pick up. Then, you should grab your mop and start cleaning in a figure of eight motion to ensure you're overlapping as you go. Ideally, you should also start in the area furthest from the exit so you don't accidentally step over the newly-mopped area.

However, how you mop a floor will ultimately depend on on the type of floor you have, as Paul Brewster, flooring expert at Flooring Hut, explains, 'When it comes to mopping floors, the first thing to think about is the type of flooring you have, as different surfaces need different approaches. For example, tiles or vinyl can handle a damp mop with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner, but wood or laminate floors are much more sensitive to water. In those cases, you’ll want to use a barely damp mop with a cleaner made specifically for wood so you don’t risk any warping.'

If you want a deeper clean, there's also a hack for that. Clare Bolland, cleaning expert at Vileda, adds, 'If you’re left with dried-on mud and dirt on your hard floors after a winter walk, spray any trouble patches with a solution of hot water and white vinegar for a few minutes before you get your mop out. This means that when it comes to mopping, you can achieve a spotless finish in no time.'

What are the cons of a spin mop?

The biggest downside of a spin mop is how much space it takes up, as most come as a mop and bucket set. This means that it can be hard to store for those who have limited storage space in their home.

Using a spin mop also requires you to add an extra step to your cleaning regime, as you have to spin the mop in the bucket to separate the dirt and water out of the microfibre head. As a result, it will probably take you longer to mop your floors.

However, the advantages of spin mops typically outweigh the negative, as these types of mops ensure that you're only ever using clean water to mop your floors.

Is steaming floors better than mopping?

When it comes to steam mopping vs regular mopping, they're actually two very different processes. We suggest you do both – not all of the time though. A mop is great for daily or weekly cleaning, and perfect for quick clean-ups whether from a messy dinner time or a spilt drink. A steam cleaner, or steam mop, however, is necessary for deeper cleaning.

This is because they use hot steam to sanitise your floors. It would be a smart idea to use a steam mop, like a or cleaner on your floors every month or so, with a normal floor mop being used twice a week – or more if need be.

How often should floors be mopped?

It probably goes without saying but brushing up and vacuuming high-traffic areas should be prioritised, while less trafficked areas can be mopped less often.

Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Drench, adds, 'Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways are areas in the home that have the most traffic, meaning they’re also likely to get the most dirty.'

'As such, it’s best to regularly vacuum or sweep your floors every 3-4 days and then mop once a week. However, if you don’t clean correctly or with the right tools, you could be pushing built-up grime around your floors rather than removing it.'