The 7 Best Flat Mops of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

By
Jeneva Aaron
Jeneva is the founder and CEO of thehousewire.com where she provides honest and objective reviews on home and cleaning products. She is a cleaning enthusiast. She got inspired to build her own cleaning blog when she realized how cleaning can make an impact on our lives and how a cleaner home can affect a person's mood.
Learn more about The Housewire’s Editorial Process
Updated June 16, 2023

Enjoy clean and dust-free floors

The 7 Best Flat Mops of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Thehousewire is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

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.
Best Flat Mops of 2023
18' Professional Microfiber Mop - Hardwood Floor Mop - Dry & Wet Mop for Wood, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl Floors | Washable Pads | Wet & Dust Mopping | Adjustable Handle + 1 Microfiber ClothMost Versatile

Microfiber Wholesale Mop

18' Professional Microfiber Mop - Hardwood Floor Mop - Dry & Wet Mop for Wood, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl Floors | Washable Pads | Wet & Dust Mopping | Adjustable Handle + 1 Microfiber Cloth

  • 360-degree swivel head

  • Easy to assemble

  • Extra mop pads

Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop with Natural Sanitization, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner with Flip-Down Easy Scrubber, 1940ABest Steam Mop

BISSELL Powerfresh Steam Mop

Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop with Natural Sanitization, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner with Flip-Down Easy Scrubber, 1940A

  • 3 steam output adjustments

  • Swivel steering

  • Easy to use interface

Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop, Burgundy/GrayEasiest-To-Use

Shark Genius Steam Mop

Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop, Burgundy/Gray

  • Hands-free cleaning

  • Highly absorbent pads

  • Machine-washable dirt pads

Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes: 1 Power Mop, 10 Pads, Cleaning Solution, BatteriesBest for Wood Floors

Swiffer Wetjet Floor

Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes: 1 Power Mop, 10 Pads, Cleaning Solution, Batteries

  • Reinforced handle

  • Streak-free finish

  • Bottle of cleaner included

Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop, includes 28.75 oz. Cartridge with Bona Microfiber Cleaning/Applicator PadBest Spray Mop

Bona Spray Mop

Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop, includes 28.75 oz. Cartridge with Bona Microfiber Cleaning/Applicator Pad

  • Dual-action cleaning pad

  • Rotating mop head

  • Suitable for cleaning large areas

X3 Mop, Separates Dirty and Clean Water, 3-Chamber Design, Flat Mop and Bucket Set, Hands Free Home Floor Cleaning, 3 Reusable Microfiber Mop Pads IncludedBest for Cleaning Walls

X3 Flat Floor Mop

X3 Mop, Separates Dirty and Clean Water, 3-Chamber Design, Flat Mop and Bucket Set, Hands Free Home Floor Cleaning, 3 Reusable Microfiber Mop Pads Included

  • Wet and dry mopping

  • Lifetime replacement

  • Machine-washable pads

Microfiber Mop 18' Large Flat Mops for Floor Cleaning Floor Mop 4 Premium Pads Hardwood for Cleaning Wet Mop Wet or Dry Floor CleaningBest for Large Space

YOUSHANGJIA Flat Mop

Microfiber Mop 18' Large Flat Mops for Floor Cleaning Floor Mop 4 Premium Pads Hardwood for Cleaning Wet Mop Wet or Dry Floor Cleaning

  • Hook storage on handle.

  • Sturdy aluminum handle

  • 360-degree mop head rotation

Are Flat Mops Worth It?

Yes, we think so. Flat mops have many benefits compared to mops like string mops or sponge mops.

accordion_icon

No Bucket No Problem

First, some flat mops come with onboard cleaning solutions or spray functions. So they don’t require a mop bucket.

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.

accordion_icon

Wide Cleaning Coverage

Another benefit is that flat mop heads have a wide cleaning path. Whether you use it as a wet or dry mop, this means you can cover more area of your floor surface in each pass.

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.

accordion_icon

Streak-Free Floors

Because flat mops use less water, they allow you to clean your floors without worrying about streak marks.

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.

accordion_icon

Use Less Water

Finally, unlike traditional mops, flat mops are ideal for mopping without using too much water. So they’re perfect for delicate floors such as hardwood and vinyl floors.

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.

accordion_icon

Mop Heads

First, consider the different flat mop heads and their features to find the right one for your floors.

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.
accordion_icon

Wringing Mechanism

You should also consider the wringing mechanism on your flat mop. These are designed to squeeze excess water out of the wet mopping head so that your clean floors don’t get too saturated.

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.

accordion_icon

Handle

Make sure you choose a flat mop with a comfortable and sturdy handle. Mop handles are usually made of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, or wood.

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.

accordion_icon

Extra Features

Lastly, there are many extra features to consider. Some flat mops come with a bucket, free microfiber cloths, or additional accessories for different mopping tasks.

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

Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop

Most Versatile Flat Mop

View on AmazonView on Walmart

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.

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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.

Pros
  • Affordable price tag.
  • Includes two spring breeze fragrance discs.
  • Easy to use interface.
  • 3 steam output adjustments.
  • Swivel steering.
Cons
  • 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

Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop

Easiest-To-Use Flat Mop

View on AmazonView on Shark

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.

Pros
  • Steam blaster function for concentrated cleaning.
  • Machine-washable dirt pads.
  • Hands-free cleaning.
  • Even steam distribution for consistent cleaning results.
  • Highly absorbent pads.
Cons
  • 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

Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop

Best Flat Mop for Wood Floors

4View on AmazonView on Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Design 3.5/5
  • Performance 4/5
  • Surfaces 4/5
  • Maneuverability 4.5/5
Read Full Review: Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop Review


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.

Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • Only compatible with the included cleaner.
  • Disposable cloths are not environmentally friendly.
  • Best for small areas only.
What Our Tester Says

“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

bona hardwood floor premium spray mop

Best Spray Mop

4View on AmazonView on Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Design 5/5
  • Performance 4/5
  • Maneuverability 3/5
  • Accessories 2/5
Read Full Review: Bona Spray Mop Review


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.

Bona Spray Mop Accessories

Pros
  • Suitable for cleaning large areas.
  • Even distribution of cleaning solution.
  • Rotating mop head for cleaning around furniture.
  • Dual-action cleaning pad.
Cons
  • 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

X3 Flat Floor Mop and Bucket Set

Best Flat Mop for Cleaning Walls

View on AmazonView on Walmart

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.

Pros
  • Wet and dry mopping.
  • Lifetime replacement .
  • Easy-change mop pads.
  • 50-inch handle height.
  • Machine-washable pads.
Cons
  • 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

Best Flap Mop for Large Space

View on AmazonView on Walmart

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.

Pros
  • 360-degree mop head rotation.
  • Sturdy aluminum handle.
  • Hook storage on handle.
  • Wet and dry cleaning.
Cons
  • 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

ProductWeightMop Head MaterialHandle LengthSurface TypeOur rating
Microfiber Wholesale Professional Mop4.65 poundsMicrofiber42 to 70-inchesAll hard surfaces including laminate floors(Testing Now)
BISSELL Powerfresh Steam Mop6 lbsMicrofiber46-inchesSealed hard floors, tiles, sealed porous marble, granite, linoleum(Testing Now)
Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop5.77 lbsMicrofiberN/AHard flooring(Testing Now)
Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop3.23 lbsDisposableN/AFinished wood floors, tiles4
Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop5.4 lbsMicrofiberN/AHardwood floor4
X3 Flat Floor Mop and Bucket Set5.09 lbsMicrofiber50-inchAll hard surfaces(Testing Now)
YOUSHANGJIA 18"Large Flat MopN/AMicrofiber54-inchesSmooth hard floors(Testing Now)
Jump to the Full Flat Mops Reviews

FAQs about Flat Mops

accordion_icon

How Do You Use a Flat Mop?

To 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.
accordion_icon

How Do You Replace a Flat Mop Head?

A flat mop has either a release button or release tab on the back of the mop.

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.

accordion_icon

How Often Should You Replace a Flat Mop Head?

We recommend replacing the flat mop head after each clean. Otherwise, you may end up spreading more dirt around your floors during your next clean.

Related Reading