By Katie Barton | Updated Sep 8, 2023 9:19 AM
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Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
Electric mops take the backbreaking work out of washing the floor, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to these house-cleaning helpers. That’s why we tested several of the most popular electric mops. We steamed, scrubbed, and suctioned our way across more than 1,500 square feet of hardwood, ceramic tile, and linoleum floors to find the best. We compared features, accessories, and, most importantly, cleaning ability. Here’s a look at the best electric mops by type and category.
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
To compile our list, we started by researching more than 20 popular electric mops. Rather than focusing on only one type, we included a balance of steam, spin, robo, and vacuum/mop combos. We considered in-demand features, like ease of use, floor-type compatibility, accessories, and corded versus cordless options, before narrowing our list to the mops above that we then tested.
First we assembled the mops, noting how easy this process was. We then used the mops for regular cleanings, allowing our floors to accumulate dirt and dust for several days beforehand. To see how well each mop could tackle stuck-on messes, we mopped various dried-on substances, including mud, pasta sauce, ketchup, and apple juice.
We also assessed maneuverability—including whether they fit under cabinet overhangs—storage, and, in the cases of cordless mops, battery life.
We put each of the best electric mops through a series of tests and rated them using a rubric. Below is an honest evaluation of each mop, with pros and cons to consider before buying.
The Bissell SpinWave Pet hard floor spin mop is compatible with all sealed hard floors, including vinyl, linoleum, hardwoods, tile, and laminate. This corded model features two discs that simultaneously spin, a 28-ounce water tank, and an on-demand spray button. The mop comes with two soft-touch cleaning pads for regular mopping and two scrubby pads for stuck-on messes.
During testing, we loved how effortless it was to maneuver this mop—it glided over the floor, making it enjoyable and easy to use. The on-demand spray button allowed us to control the amount of cleaning solution, and the mophead was slim enough to fit under most cabinet overhangs. Since the mop pads slightly extend from the side, they cleaned along cabinet edges and baseboards.
We used the included Bissell Multi-Surface cleaning solution, and it dried streak-free on our floors. After use, we emptied the water tank and threw the cleaning pads in the washing machine. Both steps were simple, and the mop pads held up great, even after several washes. This mop was so easy and effective that it was hard for us to find a con. If we had to pick one, it’s that the mophead might be too thick to fit under low-to-the-ground furniture.
Get the Bissell SpinWave electric mop at Amazon.
The Ogori cordless electric spin mop is a lightweight option best for those who prefer to use their own bottle of cleaner and spray or squirt it directly on the floor. It features two rotating discs and comes with two sets of cleaning pads—the green pair is a soft-touch pad for gentle cleaning, and the white pair is suitable for sticky messes.
The Ogori mop is rechargeable with up to 50 minutes of runtime. It doesn’t feature a water tank or on-demand spray. Instead, it dry mops and is compatible with any spray-on mopping solution, making it ideal for moisture-sensitive floors.
During testing, our favorite features were the slim mophead and 90-degree swivel handle. This mop can fit under low-to-the-ground furniture, making it easy to clean often-missed grime. We used it to reach under deep cabinet overhangs and were amazed at how much left-behind dirt it picked up. We also appreciated how lightweight this mop is—at only 2.5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest on our list and easy to carry up and down a flight of stairs.
Get the Ogori electric mop at Amazon or Walmart.
The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop powers through dirt and stuck-on grime, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of germs using only water. It features three steam levels—low, medium, and high—making it suitable for multiple types of sealed hard floor surfaces. This model comes with a soft microfiber pad, a scrubby microfiber pad, two scent discs, and a carpet glider.
During testing, this was one of our favorite mops and earned the top spot in our Best Steam Mops guide. It produces powerful steam, taking only 30 seconds to warm up. We used the low setting to mop hardwood floors and powered up to the medium and high settings to cut through buildup on tile. After mopping, our floors were streak-free and noticeably cleaner.
This mop was easy to maneuver, and the low-profile head did a great job cleaning around toilets, baseboards, and underneath furniture. Since first testing this mop, we’ve washed the microfiber pads several times, and they’ve held up well.
The Bissell steam mop ranks high for its cleaning ability and maneuverability, but it’s not suitable for all floor types. Those who need an electric mop for laminate, luxury vinyl plank, or unsealed stone may want to skip steam mops as their use can lead to warping, dulling of the sealer, or etching.
Get the Bissell PowerFresh electric mop at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.
While robot mops don’t have the cleaning capabilities of manual mops, they can take care of regular household dust and dirt, keeping floors cleaner longer. Best of all, the iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 is programmable. It will learn the house layout, and you can designate “clean zones” and “keep-out zones.”
The Braava Jet M6 is compatible with iRobot Home App (available through Apple or Google Play), Alexa, Google, and Siri and will clean specific rooms with a voice command. It also suggests personalized cleaning schedules by room. This model doesn’t have the advanced navigation to avoid small obstacles like cords or pet waste, but it can clean under and around furniture.
We tested this robot mop on a main floor that contains five separate rooms (not open concept) with hardwood floors. We unpackaged the box, charged the Braava Jet to activate it, downloaded the app, and followed the prompts. Getting set up was simple, so we put the robot mop to the test, instructing it to map our floors while dry sweeping. Unfortunately, it took more than four attempts and over 2.5 hours to get the mop to create a complete map.
With the layout mapped, we wet mopped and were impressed by the thoroughness. The Braava Jet took its time, going back and forth over each pass until it had cleaned all of the rooms. It picked up regular household dirt, as evidenced by the dirty mop pad. Unfortunately, it didn’t completely clean the dried-on pasta sauce, leaving us to spot clean once it finished.
The Braava Jet is a good companion to Roomba vacuums and a decent choice for those wanting to experience hands-off cleaning. However, there are much less expensive electric mops that do a better job cleaning the floor.
Get the iRobot electric mop at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or iRobot.
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is an all-in-one vacuum that provides you with the option to wash the floors with a regular cleaning solution or steam, depending on the setting. It features an on-demand cleaning-solution trigger and two separate tanks for clean and dirty water. It also comes with an 8-ounce bottle of Hard Floor Sanitize Formula, an 8-ounce bottle of Pet Multi-Surface Formula, a bottle of Fresh-Start Clean Out Formula, and two filters.
The three settings on this mop include HydroSteam mode, Hard Floor mode, and Area Rug mode. To test the mop, we filled the water tank and added some of the multisurface formula. We cleaned our floors with the Hard Floor mode, switching to HydroSteam for stuck-on messes. We also tested the Area Rug setting, which switches to vacuum only. The vacuum worked well also, providing enough suction to remove dirt and debris from the rug.
During our first tests, we mopped regular dirt buildup in two rooms. When we emptied the dirty water tank, we were impressed with how well this mop cleaned—the dirty water was almost black and the strainer was loaded with debris. We then tried out the HydroSteam feature on sticky messes. While it did clean them, we discovered that the steam mode would blast dirt back on the floor if the roller bar was dirty. After steaming, we had to reclean the area with the Hard Floor setting.
Another potential con of the CrossWave HydroSteam is the clean-out process—the mop must be cleaned every time it’s used. We did this by emptying the dirty water tank; running the clean-out cycle on the mop; and then hand-washing the roller bar, filter, and dirty water tank. While the process wasn’t complicated, this mop isn’t a good choice for those who don’t want to clean their mop every time they clean their floors.
Get the Bissell CrossWave electric mop at Amazon, Best Buy, or Bissell.
For those who want a mop that does more than clean the floors, the PurSteam 10-in-1 steam cleaner and electric mop is a top choice. It boasts three levels of steam, a detachable handheld unit, and multiple attachments, including a straight nozzle, bent nozzle, window squeegee, and nylon brushes.
During testing, we were impressed by the amount of steam the PurSteam mop put off. It’s easy to maneuver and left our floors looking deep cleaned.The slim head fit under cabinet overhangs and was able to clean around the toilet and up against baseboards. We mopped on the lowest steam setting and then switched to a higher setting to blast through stuck-on messes—the mop had no problem removing dried-on pasta sauce and apple juice from the floor.
To test the handheld unit, we used the nozzle attachments to dislodge dirt from baseboards and remove built-up gunk in the dishwasher and oven. We also used the double-brush attachment to clean our grout. Since this model lacked an extension hose for the handheld unit, it was awkward to maneuver when tackling large jobs like floor grout, but it did a great job, bringing dingy grout back to a light gray color. Overall, we liked the handheld unit best for smaller jobs like blasting dirt and mineral deposits off of faucets and for cleaning showers.
The biggest con to this model is the shorter 15.9-foot cord. When mopping long, narrow rooms, we had to pause and switch outlets. Another downside is that this mop emits large amounts of steam, so it might not be suitable for heat- or moisture-sensitive flooring.
Get the PurSteam electric mop at Amazon or Walmart.
Corded mops can be inconvenient when you’re going from room to room or need to clean a quick spill. The Vmai cordless electric mop removes that hassle with a battery that lasts up to 60 minutes, covering 2,150 square feet. It features an on-demand spray trigger, a 300-milliliter water tank, and two sets of mopping pads.
When we first got this mop, it was in a small package, which had us doubting its size. After the easy assembly, it looked as pictured online, so we put it to the test. We started by filling the water tank and then attaching the pink mop pads to clean our hardwood, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl plank floors. We made it through about 1,000 square feet of floor without the battery dying.
This Vmai cordless electric mop did a good job—it picked up regular household dirt and powered through caked-on mud and dried pasta sauce. Since it’s cord-free, it was easy to take up and down the stairs to clean quick messes; we even used it to mop hardwood stairs.
Despite being an efficient-cleaning mop, the Vmai cordless electric model has two design flaws. First, the hole to fill the water tank is a long, narrow oval. We found it impossible to fill the tank without dumping water on the mophead or the floor—even when we used the included measuring cup. Second, the power button is located on the top handle. and while mopping, we accidentally powered off the mop several times. Overall though, this is a good cordless electric mop.
Get the Vmai electric mop at Amazon.
The Tineco Floor One S5 is a wet/dry vac featuring iLoop Smart Sensor Technology that detects dirt levels and auto adjusts the suction, water flow, and brush speed. It mops and vacuums simultaneously, and since the dirty water tank has a debris filter, it’s easy to dump in the trash before emptying the soiled water.
This mop is cordless, with a 35-minute runtime. We tested it on a 1,700-square-foot home, and the battery life was more than enough to vacuum and mop the entire house. The auto-sense feature worked as described, with the brush speeding up when it sensed large messes and slowing back down for regular dirt levels. After cleaning, we dumped out the water tank and were amazed at how dark the water was. Our floors looked clean, and when we walked on them barefoot, we could feel the difference.
Other features we appreciated included the large water tank that allowed us to mop our entire upstairs without stopping to refill it and the self-cleaning brush. This mop is also compatible with the Tineco app, which alerts you when it’s time to run the self-clean feature.
Overall, this mop was efficient and a great choice for cleaning hardwood floors. The potential downsides are the need to recharge the mop, which can be a hassle if it dies in the middle of the job, and the price. This mop is one of the more expensive options on our list.
Get the Tineco electric mop at Amazon.
Steam mops, like the Dupray Neat steam cleaner, clean and sanitize, making them a great choice for durable tile like ceramic and porcelain. This mop features a modern, square design with a handle on top and wheels at the bottom for easy maneuverability. It comes with 17 accessories, including nylon grout brushes, a floor tool, a steam lancer, and microfiber mop pads. Best of all, it kills up to 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria using only water.
We tested the Dupray Neat steam cleaner on ceramic bathroom tile. Before getting started, we vacuumed our floor, filled up the water tank, and allowed the steam mop to heat up. Once the steam indicator light came on, we mopped the floors. The Dupray features a trigger we could use for on-demand steam or lock in place for a continuous blast. Even though our floors looked clean to the eye, this mop picked up a large amount of dirt, as witnessed by the soiled mop pads.
We used the other attachments to steam around the toilet, scrub the grout, clean the inside of the shower, and disinfect the sink. Those who want to kill germs as they clean will appreciate the versatility of this mop.
We also tested this model on our hardwood and linoleum floors. Thanks to its high temperature steam, it cleaned both floor types quickly, lifting regular dirt and stuck-on grime. The biggest con to this mop is that it may not be safe for all surfaces. Though this steamer can be used on sealed hardwood, sealed laminate, glazed ceramic, marble, tile, stained concrete, linoleum, granite, and vinyl, Dupray cautions users to check manufacturer recommendations before steam-cleaning.
Get the Dupray electric mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
The type of floors in your home is one of the most important factors when choosing an electric mop. Electric mops work via steam, a spray-on cleaning solution, suction, or by dry mopping. Not all methods are suitable for all floors. Other considerations include corded versus cordless power, attachments, and water-tank capacity. Shoppers with multiple levels in their homes will also want to consider weight—the lighter the mop, the easier it is to carry up and down the stairs.
Electric mops that use water or a mild cleaning solution are suitable for all types of floors. Steam mops, on the other hand, can cause issues in heat- and moisture-sensitive flooring like laminate, unsealed natural stone, and luxury vinyl plank. Those who want to protect their flooring while getting the best clean should refer to their floor manufacturer’s recommendations.
A good option for homes with multiple types of floors are spin mops or vacuum/mop combos with on-demand spray. The on-demand spray allows you to control the amount of cleaning solution that hits the floor.
More durable options, like ceramic and porcelain tile, often benefit from steam, which can loosen stuck-on grime and sanitize.
Cordless mops eliminate the hassle of dragging a cord over the floor but pose the risk of running out of power in the middle of a mopping session. Another benefit is quick clean-ups—they’re easy to grab and use for spot cleaning. Some cordless electric mops can last as long as 60 minutes, but most have shorter runtimes.
Corded mops have their benefits, too. They often have more power than battery-powered options and can run anywhere there’s an electrical outlet. When choosing a corded electric mop, consider cord length. Those who live in homes with long, narrow rooms will want to purchase a mop that will easily reach across those large areas, helping them avoid stopping and switching outlets.
The water tank capacity of an electric mop indicates how much water or cleaning solution it will hold. The bigger the water tank, the longer the mop will run without needing a refill. Those with a large home will want a mop with a bigger tank, ideally something that holds 15 or more ounces of water or cleaning solution. Those who don’t have a big area to mop or don’t mind refilling can get by with a smaller tank.
Aside from tank capacity, also pay attention to the refill method. Mops with a removable water tank and screw-off cap are easiest to refill, while those with built-in tanks can be more difficult, especially if the fill hole is small.
Many electric mops come with additional features. For example, vacuum/mop combos sweep and mop simultaneously, while steam mops often include attachments for cleaning areas other than the floor.
Another type of mop that offers additional features is a robot mop. Some are capable of working in conjunction with robot vacuums, can map the entire house, create cleaning schedules, and avoid obstacles.Those who prefer a mop without all the bells and whistles will appreciate spin mops. They do one job: clean the floor.
Additional features to consider on all mops include washable or disposable mop pads, docking stations for cordless models, and self-cleaning cycles.
Switching from a standard mop to an electric mop for floor cleaning is an easy transition. Electric mops do most of the hard work, making mopping less of a chore. The best electric mops vary in price and features, with options available for different budget levels and floor types. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked electric mop questions below.
While weekly mopping is usually enough to keep floors clean, there’s nothing wrong with mopping daily.
Electric mops clean well, often eliminating the need for manual force and cutting down on cleaning time. They lift dirt with steam, suction, or spinning power.
The best electric mop for ceramic and porcelain tile is a steam mop. Natural stone tile benefits from a more gentle model, such as a spin mop.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research and testing by Anne Holub.
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