Keeping your floors clean is a busy job. But with the right cleaning tool, mopping up dust and dirt can be an easy task.
Flat mops are designed to efficiently clean small particles around corners and hard-to-reach areas. And unlike string mops, flat mops don’t require a mop bucket or cleaning solution.
With so many different styles and materials available, it’s important to know the right features to look for in a flat mop. So here, we’ll explore the best flat mops on the market so you can find the best option for your floors.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.Are Flat Mops Worth It?
Yes, we think so. Flat mops have many benefits compared to mops like string mops or sponge mops.

No Bucket No Problem
Instead, the flat spray mops have a container attached to the handle that dispenses solution to the floor through the pull of a spray trigger. This can save you a lot of time and provide more accuracy when you’re cleaning.
Plus, there’s no contaminated water to handle. With a flat mop, you won’t accidentally cross-contaminate your mop in a bucket of dirty water as you clean.
This also means there’s no risk of spilling water or mopping solutions on your floors while mopping.
Lastly, you don’t have to drag a heavy bucket of water around while you’re mopping with a flat mop. Plus, you won’t have to keep bending down while you clean, saving your back a lot of hassle.

Wide Cleaning Coverage
So this type of mop can provide a much faster cleaning process.
Plus, flat mops with a swivel design can tackle hard-to-reach areas such as corners, under benches, and wall edges.

Streak-Free Floors
For example, some flat mops have a spinner feature that squeezes the head to eliminate too much moisture. You can spray a cleaning product directly on the floor and wipe it up without leaving streaks.
As well as leaving a streak-free finish, this also increases drying time. So you won’t have to waste time waiting for your floors to dry before you can use them.

Use Less Water
In some situations, using too much water can damage your floors during cleaning. With a flat mop, you can use a little bit of cleaning solution and clean your floor without getting it too wet.
What to Consider When Buying a Flat Mop
Depending on your cleaning needs, there are a lot of details to consider when you’re choosing your flat mop. Keep these features in mind to find the right option for your cleaning.

Mop Heads
Disposable or Reusable
Disposable pads are great for convenience. You can throw them out after you’ve finished cleaning and put a new one on for your next clean.
However, disposable pads create a lot of waste. So they’re less environmentally friendly than a reusable pad.
Disposable mop pads can also end up costing a lot over time. Especially if you’re cleaning frequently and need to replace the mop pad each time.
For example, this Swiffer Sweeper Kit has a disposable mop head.
A reusable flat mop pad attaches to the mop with a clamp or hook system and is washable. So they are a more eco-friendly option and can save you money.
But, they do require more maintenance because you have to wring the cleaning pad out before washing. Plus, you have to clean the mop-pad after each use.
If you have large areas to clean, you may need multiple mop pads during each mopping session. And this means you’ll need to have extra mop pads to continue cleaning.
So consider your cleaning needs and the size of your floors to find the right mop head for you.
Cleaning Path
Next, consider the size of the cleaning path. Mop heads can range from 10 to 24 inches wide.
A wider cleaning path allows you to cover more floor area with each pass. For example, this Nine Forty Cotton mop is 18-inches wide.
However, a small mop head can be easier to maneuver in tight spaces or under furniture.
So consider the layout of your home to find the right size mop pad for your cleaning. If you have large areas to clean, consider a wide mop with a 360-degree swivel neck.
Material
Finally, consider the mop-head material. Many flat mops have cotton or microfiber pads:
- Cotton is super absorbent. So it’s ideal for cleaning up water or liquid spills from your floors.
- Synthetic mop-heads like nylon or microfiber are also absorbent and offer gentle scrubbing power. They also tend to dry faster than cotton, so they’re easier to keep clean and free from odors or mold.
- Microfiber is a popular choice for mop-heads because it’s both durable and easy to clean as well as affordable.

Wringing Mechanism
Some mops, like microfiber mops, have a wringing mechanism built on their buckets. These have a lever to squeeze or spin the excess water from the mop head.
For example, this Magic Flat Mop and Bucket System comes with a bucket wringing mechanism.

Handle
A sturdy handle will take a lot of the pressure off when you’re scrubbing so the mop won’t bend or break. So a quality mop will usually have steel, wood, or aluminum handle rather than plastic.
However, some mops have a plastic handgrip for ergonomic comfort as well as plastic buttons and levers.
Mops with ergonomic features will be more comfortable to clean with. For example, some mops have curved handles or soft foam grips for extra comfort while cleaning.

Extra Features
For example, this MangoTime floor mop comes with four extra mop pads. But you’ll eventually need to buy replacement mop heads so always check how much these will cost.
Whereas other flat mops are equipped with ergonomic features such as a telescoping handle to adjust the height. Or they may have an onboard reservoir, like this Rubbermaid Commercial Pulse Flat Mop.
The Best Flat Mops of 2023
We spent hours researching expert advice, honest user reviews, and technical specs to find the top flat mops on the market. Here are our top seven.
1. Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this Microfiber Wholesale Professional mop. Whether you have wet or dry spills, this versatile mop can do it all.
Not only can it handle almost any cleaning task, but it’s suitable for almost all floor types too. This microfiber mop is safe to use on tiles, hardwood floors, stone, concrete, and laminate flooring.
Because it has a microfiber mop-head, it can pick up dust, dirt, and grime efficiently. It’s also safe for machine washing, so you can throw it in the washing machine after you’ve finished cleaning for an easy clean-up.
And the adjustable stainless steel mop handle is both sturdy and lightweight. So you can maneuver this professional microfiber mop around any room with ease.
Lastly, the 18-inch swivel mop-head provides a wide cleaning path while mopping. This means you can clean faster and cover more floor area with each pass.
- Comes with an extra microfiber wet mop pad and two microfiber cloths.
- Includes a microfiber dust mop for dry mopping.
- Suitable for any hard surface.
- Easy to assemble.
- 360-degree swivel head.
- Handle adjustment can come loose after frequent use
Technical Specs
Weight | 4.65 pounds |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | 42 to 70-inches |
Surface Type | All hard surfaces including laminate floors |
2. BISSELL Powerfresh Steam Mop

Using a flat steam mop to clean your floors can save you a lot of hassle. They’re easy to use and they effectively clean without the need for any chemical cleaner.
And this Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop won’t disappoint. It’s affordable, easy to assemble, and kills 99.9% of all germs on your floors.
This flat steam mop also has a flip-down scrubber to remove stubborn stains. This makes it a great pick for deep cleaning as well as sanitizing your floor.
Plus, it has a steam control feature that lets you adjust the three steam settings. So you can choose between a low, medium, or high steam output setting to suit your cleaning task.
- Affordable price tag.
- Includes two spring breeze fragrance discs.
- Easy to use interface.
- 3 steam output adjustments.
- Swivel steering.
- The water tank can leak.
- Steam mop head needs frequent cleaning.
Technical Specs
Weight | 6 lbs |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | 46-inches |
Surface Type | Sealed hard floors, tiles, sealed porous marble, granite, linoleum |
3. Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop

Mopping your floors is an easy task with this Shark Genius flat mop. With no wringing or cleaning solution needed, you can get straight to the task.
This flat mop has a small and compact body. So it’s easy to maneuver around your floors or underneath the furniture to clean hard-to-reach areas.
But what stands out with this steam mop are the absorbent dirt gripping pads. There are grip strips woven into the dirt grip pad to pick up ground-in dirt and pet hair as the steam passes through.
Plus, the hands-free design means you never have to touch a dirty mop pad with this cleaner. You can press the button to release or attach your cleaning pad straight from the mop.
- Steam blaster function for concentrated cleaning.
- Machine-washable dirt pads.
- Hands-free cleaning.
- Even steam distribution for consistent cleaning results.
- Highly absorbent pads.
- Doesn’t stand securely in an upright position.
Technical Specs
Weight | 5.77 lbs |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | N/A |
Surface Type | Hard flooring |
4. Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop

Keeping your hardwood floor clean can feel like a never-ending task. But, this Swiffer WetJet flat mop was built for the task.
This flat mop has a lightweight design for easy maneuvering around your hardwood floor. Plus, it has easy-to-install mop pads for a quick and easy set-up.
And the solution bottle is designed to fit straight into the mop. This means you don’t have to manually pour it in or worry about spilling the solution on your floors.
Another thing we love about this mop is the dual-spray nozzle on the handle. It dispenses solution onto your wood floors, for a deep and thorough cleaning experience while you’re mopping.
It also features an absorb and lock cleaning strip to trap dust and dirt in the cleaning pad. So you won’t be pushing the dirt all over your floors when you’re cleaning.
- Approved for cleaning all finished hardwood floors including waxed wooden floors.
- Reinforced handle.
- Comes with heavy-duty mopping pads for spray mops.
- The mop includes a bottle of cleaner.
- Streak-free finish.
- Only compatible with the included cleaner.
- Disposable cloths are not environmentally friendly.
- Best for small areas only.
“The Swiffer Wet Jet has a simple, compact design. And the curving handle makes it feel comfortable to hold. […] I was impressed at how well it trapped dust on laminate, hardwood floors, and vinyl surfaces. It was also very efficient for scrubbing stains and marks on these surfaces. [But] I found tiles were the weakest area. The Swiffer WetJet left dirt in grout even when I was using extra pressure. […]That said, the overall cleaning results were very impressive. But, don’t expect flawless results on your tiles.” — Meg Amy, Product Tester
Technical Specs
Weight | 3.23 lbs |
Material | Disposable |
Handle Length | N/A |
Surface Type | Finished wood floors, tiles |
5. Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop

For a wider cleaning path when cleaning your hardwood floors, this Bona flat mop is the way to go. This mop is ideal for big cleaning jobs.
The mop-head is 15-inches wide which allows you to cover a lot of your floor area with each pass. And this can save you a lot of time when you’re mopping large rooms.
Unlike the Swiffer WetJet, this Bona Floor Spray Mop comes with reusable microfiber cleaning pads. So it’s perfect if you want a more environmentally friendly option.
Plus, the cleaning pads are machine-washable. So you can throw them in the wash for a quick clean-up after mopping.
Some reviewers also note that this Bona mop dispenses solution more consistently than the Swiffer WetJet. So it’s a more suitable option for cleaning your whole floor in one cleaning session.
- Suitable for cleaning large areas.
- Even distribution of cleaning solution.
- Rotating mop head for cleaning around furniture.
- Dual-action cleaning pad.
- The handle doesn’t lock in place.
- Can leave streak marks.
Technical Specs
Weight | 5.4 lbs |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | N/A |
Surface Type | Hardwood floor |
6. X3 Flat Floor Mop and Bucket Set

Flat mops are not only great for mopping your floors, but some models can clean your walls too. Especially this X3 Mop and Bucket Set.
With three different microfiber cloths, you’re covered for almost any cleaning situation with this mop. You can dry mop or dust mop your walls, damp mop to remove stains, or even buff your floors.
It’s lightweight and has a full 360-degree range of motion to reach any area of your walls for cleaning. So you can clean your walls at any angle to reach into difficult corners and spaces.
The extra soft grip mop handle also provides a comfortable hold while you’re cleaning. This is especially helpful when you’re cleaning the high areas of your walls.
This mop also has a three-chamber water separation system that keeps dirty water away from the clean water. This means you’ll never be cleaning with contaminated water.
Lastly, the anti-tip square base design prevents tipping while you’re cleaning. Therefore it won’t wobble or fall when you’re mopping.
- Wet and dry mopping.
- Lifetime replacement .
- Easy-change mop pads.
- 50-inch handle height.
- Machine-washable pads.
- The mop handle isn’t sturdy.
Technical Specs
Weight | 5.09 lbs |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | 50-inch |
Surface Type | All hard surfaces |
7. YOUSHANGJIA 18″Large Flat Mop

This YOUSHANGJIA dry and wet flat mop can save you a lot of time when you’re cleaning large spaces.
The extra-wide 18-inch mop head covers a large amount of floor area with one swipe. So you won’t have to move it around as frequently when you’re cleaning.
Plus, it has an easy-locking velcro system for quickly attaching your cleaning pads to the mop. You can drop the pad onto the floor, stick it to the mop, and get cleaning.
The included microfiber cleaning pads can also clean both wet and dry spills. So you don’t need to use a separate tool if you’re cleaning up liquids or scrubbing your floor.
This flat mop also has an extendable 54-inch handle. Therefore you won’t have to bend over or strain your back when you’re mopping large areas.
And the handle also has a sponge grip for a comfortable hold during large cleaning sessions.
- 360-degree mop head rotation.
- Sturdy aluminum handle.
- Hook storage on handle.
- Wet and dry cleaning.
- Not suitable for textured flooring.
- The handle can be difficult to extend.
Technical Specs
Weight | N/A |
Material | Microfiber |
Handle Length | 54-inches |
Surface Type | Smooth hard floors |
Flat Mops Comparison Chart
Product | Weight | Mop Head Material | Handle Length | Surface Type | Our rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Microfiber Wholesale Professional Mop | 4.65 pounds | Microfiber | 42 to 70-inches | All hard surfaces including laminate floors | (Testing Now) |
BISSELL Powerfresh Steam Mop | 6 lbs | Microfiber | 46-inches | Sealed hard floors, tiles, sealed porous marble, granite, linoleum | (Testing Now) |
Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop | 5.77 lbs | Microfiber | N/A | Hard flooring | (Testing Now) |
Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop | 3.23 lbs | Disposable | N/A | Finished wood floors, tiles | |
Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop | 5.4 lbs | Microfiber | N/A | Hardwood floor | |
X3 Flat Floor Mop and Bucket Set | 5.09 lbs | Microfiber | 50-inch | All hard surfaces | (Testing Now) |
YOUSHANGJIA 18"Large Flat Mop | N/A | Microfiber | 54-inches | Smooth hard floors | (Testing Now) |
FAQs about Flat Mops

How Do You Use a Flat Mop?
- Remove the cleaning pad from the mop pad and soak it in a cleaning solution.
- Make sure you wring out any excess moisture before you reattach it to the mop. Then, gently glide it across your floors in back and forth motions.
- After cleaning, remove the pad from the mop head and shake off any loose dirt particles or debris in your trash. Finally, throw the cleaning pad into the wash.
- Or, if your flat mop has disposable cleaning pads, throw them in the trash after you finish cleaning.

How Do You Replace a Flat Mop Head?
After discarding the used cleaning pad, reattach a new one using the same button or tab to hold it securely in place.
Other flat mops use velcro to attach the cleaning pad to the flat head. In this case, all you have to do is place the pad on the velcro and it’s ready to clean.
