The 7 Best Mops for Vinyl Floors Of 2023 , Tested and Reviewed

Flat Mop

As the name suggests, flat mops have a flat head that is rectangular or circular in shape. They are good for day-to-day cleaning and for getting right into corners. And they can be stored fairly easily.

The head will have a disposable or sometimes reusable microfiber cloth. This nylon and polyester mix produces static which attracts and picks up the dirt on your floors. A flat mop will give a better streak-free shine to your floors than a string mop would. But they aren’t ideal for cleaning up stubborn messes.

This type of mop is good for surfaces like hardwood, marble, and laminate. This is because they don’t use much water and these types of flooring shouldn’t get too wet in the cleaning process.

String Mop

String mops are the oldest type and the most well-known. On the end of the pole are strings made of heavy cotton or rayon fibers. Or, sometimes the strings are made of polyester microfibers. This means that the head will last longer and provide greater sanitation. But this material isn’t as absorbent as cotton or rayon.

This type of mop offers you the most versatility. It’s heavy-duty and you can use it outdoors as well as inside your home.

But, a string mop isn’t perhaps the best choice for indoor cleaning. This is because you need a bucket with a wringer to use it. This removes excess water from the mop head as you clean. So you’ll also need storage space for the bucket as well as the mop itself.

Plus, string mops can leave streaks behind. This may leave your floors looking not as attractive as you’d like. Although it shouldn’t be an issue for your outside cleaning.

Sponge Mop

Sponge mops have a spongy head and a wringer attachment. The sponge material means that they’re absorbent. And there’s no need for a separate bucket as the in-built wringing does this for you. Plus it helps your floors to dry quickly.

This type of mop is ideal for linoleum and tile floors. It’s good for scrubbing and removing a build-up of grime and grease.

However, you need to look after the sponge head according to the manual. The sponge can harbor bacteria and begin to smell. So you need to wash it regularly. And replace when needed.

Spray Mop

Spray mops are flat mops that have a built-in spray mechanism on the handle. So you won’t need a bucket for water. This will save you space on storage.

Strip Mop

Strip mops have a head made of synthetic fabric strips and a wringer at the bottom of the pole. They’re more suitable than a string mop as they’re easy to look after. But, the fabric strips are less absorbent than a traditional string mop head.

This type of mop is better at scrubbing off stuck-on dirt than a flat mop. And you don’t need to worry about bacteria as the fabric is a synthetic material that dries quickly.

However, strip mops aren’t as durable as other types of mop. You need to make sure that the head is cleaned properly. And there are ongoing costs with having to replace the head regularly.

Spin Electric Mop

Spin electric mops have a head that spins. This takes the strain from you while you’re cleaning! You don’t need to be as active in moving the mop around your floors. The spinning motion cleans your surfaces effectively. And this type of mop can be used on all floor types.

You’ll find this mechanism on either the handle of the mop or in the mop bucket. The former is popular for household use because they’re easy to use. And more versatile as you don’t need an accompanying bucket. The mops are self-wringing. And this is normally done by you twisting the handle or squeezing a trigger to get rid of excess moisture.

On the other hand, a string mop comes with a bucket that has a wringer in-built. A lever is operated to get rid of the water. Spin mops come with a specialized bucket. This has a mechanism that will do the work for you and spin the mop head to wring out all the water.

Most mop handles are made of plastic, wood, aluminum, or stainless steel. Sturdy handles made of wood or metal are ideal for deep cleaning. You’ll be able to thoroughly scrub your vinyl floors and these handles won’t break or bend.

But plastic can also be a good option. These can offer a more economic grip. And manufacturers can use them to add buttons or spray triggers.

Also, check whether there’s a soft part for you to grip. Or a curved shape that is more comfortable. Finally, check the length and make sure it’s long enough for all your cleaning needs.

Disposable or Reusable

If you’ve got a smaller home or will be using your mop for quick cleans, disposable mop heads are an ideal option. Check how long they last before you’ll need to replace them.

But for bigger homes and large areas of vinyl flooring, you should consider reusable mop heads. These are more eco-friendly and efficient. Reusable mop pads made of microfiber are ideal. This material is soft and hygienic. And you can normally put them in your washing machine for quick cleaning.

Shape

Mop heads can come in a variety of shapes – circular, rectangular, or triangular. Some will help you clean awkward spaces more easily than others. For example, a triangle-shaped mop head is good for getting into the tight corners of your vinyl floors.

In addition, a swivel-head option might be for you if you’ve got lots of furniture and objects to clean around and under.

Cleaning Path

Look at the cleaning path of the mop head – i.e. its size. If the vinyl floor mop has a wide head, you’ll be able to cover more of your surfaces in one go. This can save you time if you have medium to large-sized rooms. Some mops also come with 360o necks so that you can move them around really easily.

But, if you have smaller rooms with tight spaces, you might prefer a smaller cleaning head. So it does depend on the size of your house and the vinyl flooring that you’ll be cleaning.

Material

Check what the mop heads are made of. This could be cotton, sponge, microfiber, or other synthetic material.

Cotton is the material used for a traditional mop made with strings. It’s good at absorbing. And the strings are good at picking up moisture and dirt from your vinyl plank floors.

Sponge is also really absorbent. And you can use this type to scrub away stubborn stains. But you’ll need to look after the sponges well as they can harbor bacteria.

Microfiber mops are durable and affordable. They can be cleaned and reused. Plus they are absorbent and are good for scrubbing. Synthetic heads such as nylon will dry faster than cotton. So you shouldn’t get any musty smells or mildew.

You’ll also find that electric mops will offer different cleaning modes. This might include, for example, one that is suitable for cleaning wooden floors. And some might have swivel heads or pads that are removable. So cleaning your vinyl plank flooring should be quick and easy.

Also, see whether there’s a splash guard on the bucket. This will prevent your clothes and newly-mopped floors from becoming saturated when you move the bucket.

Another handy feature is a telescopic handle. You can then adjust the length so that people of different heights can use the mop. And so you can reach areas such as under couches and tables.

A damp mop is needed probably every other day in areas where there’s less footfall. And for low-traffic rooms and areas, you can wet mop your vinyl floors around once a week.

Your vinyl plank floor is water-resistant up to a point. But the combination of heat, steam, and moisture that comes from a steam mop can cause the surface to warp and bend. Luxury vinyl flooring is synthetic. So it won’t stand up well to heat and damp conditions.

If you do have a steam mop, always follow what the flooring manufacturer advises when it comes to cleaning vinyl floors.