The Best Spray Mop

Buying Guide

Traditional mopping is an involved process. You need a bucket that you can fill with water and cleanser, along with a mop that you have to wring out throughout the process. The labor involved can lead to you putting off mopping until your floors are in pretty bad shape.

Spray mops have made the entire process of cleaning floors easier. You just need a cloth to put in the mop head and some solution you spray on the floor. The solution is usually built into the handle, with a button you press to dispense it.

As spray mops have evolved, they’ve also become more eco-friendly. There are spray mops that let you fill the sprayer with your own homemade or all-natural cleansing solutions. Some use only water to clean your floors. There are even spray mops with reusable cloths. Just remove them when you’re finished mopping and toss them in the washer.

Disposable microfiber cloths and spray cartridges have their own benefits, though. At the end of your cleaning session, you can simply remove the cloth and toss it in the trash. Spray cartridges remain attached to your mop handle until you’ve depleted the cleanser inside, which can take months. When the cleanser runs out, just replace the cartridge and keep mopping.

• Some spray mops come with extra-wide mop heads, which are great for cleaning large sections of flooring with each swipe. However, keep in mind that this expanded width could make it tough to clean smaller rooms or get into nooks and crannies.
• Consider the type of flooring you’ll be cleaning when you’re choosing a spray mop. Some are built for wood floors while others are made to tackle vinyl and tile. Some mops can handle both types of flooring as long as you adjust the cleaning solution for each. Some spray mops can even be used to wash large glass doors or windows.
• Most spray mops are sold disassembled, so you’ll need to put the mop together before using. Keep this in mind and look up the assembly instructions if you’re concerned.
• Pay attention to the type of cloths your spray mop uses. Some are disposable while others can be tossed in the washer and reused. Also, make sure you can buy refills and note how much they’ll cost.
• A rotating mop head can make a big difference in getting into tighter areas like corners.
• The weight and design of the handle make a big difference in maneuvering the mop around your rooms. A heavier mop can be tougher to move around, depleting your energy quickly. Some handles are taller than others, too, so make sure you’re choosing one that won’t have you bending over to mop.