Best Microfiber Mops of 2023, Tested by TheHousewire

The fibers are split so that they’re much smaller than human hair. This means that they can get into cracks and gaps that are too small for traditional cotton mop heads or paper towels to reach.

Microfiber mops are also really good at absorbing liquid messes. The larger surface area and star shape of the fibers mean that they can absorb about 7 to 8 times their weight in liquid.

And as you scrub your floors with these mops, this enables them to soak up liquids even more. Plus, they’re great at picking up grease and oily spills – more than other alternatives.

They’re also ideal for use as a dust mop. The fibers on the mop pads create a static electric charge when you move the mop across your surfaces.

This charge then attracts dust and keeps it within the mop head. So it doesn’t just get spread around your floor and not picked up. And it won’t get released into the air in your home.

Finally, research has shown that they do pick up more microbes than other mop types. The Davis Medical Center at the University of California (UCDMC) proved that microfiber mops reduced bacteria on floors by 99%.

This compared to just a 30% reduction in bacteria when a cotton-loop mop was used.

Comparisons made between them and conventional wet loop mops by the UCDMC showed that microfiber mops used 95% less water and chemicals.

For example, a microfiber mop needed just 5 gallons of water to clean 100 rooms. Whereas the loop mop needed 105 gallons to clean the same amount of rooms.

So, you’ll save money on water usage and buying expensive chemical cleaners.

Therefore, they’re easier to use and reduce the risk of you hurting your neck or back. In addition, they don’t need wringing as often as there’s less water used and the microfiber mop pads are changed frequently.

So if you work in a building where there’s lots of mopping to do, for example in a hospital, again there’s less chance of an injury from having to wring heavy wet mop pads.

As you don’t need to wring as much, you also won’t need to carry around big buckets of water while you’re mopping. So there’s no heavy lifting – and no need to change the dirty solution in the bucket, saving you time while doing your cleaning chores.

Finally, as less water is used, your floors will dry quickly. Therefore, there’s less opportunity for you to slip on the floor and hurt yourself.

A study by the University of Massachusetts found that microfiber pads last 10 times longer than a cotton-loop mop. And because it’s better at capturing microbes and liquids, it’s better to use than paper towels as you’ll need lots of those to do a similar job.

Finally, a microfiber mop has machine washable pads that can be reused 100s of times. So you won’t be adding to landfill waste with disposable cleaning pads.

Mop heads can be anywhere between about 10 and 24 inches wide. Pick one that’ll suit your room sizes.

You could also consider smaller microfiber mop heads. These can fit into tight spaces, like under your couches – but obviously, they won’t cover as much ground as larger mop heads.

Finally, also look at how much the mop neck will rotate. A 360-degree neck will have great maneuverability for cleaning awkward spaces.

The wringing mechanism removes excess water so that your floors won’t become too wet. Microfiber mops normally have the mechanism on a bucket.

There’s usually a built-in wringer that uses a lever to squeeze or spin the liquid out of the mop pads. Some of these are easy to use as their hands-free, so check how the mechanism operates before buying.

Wooden or metallic mop handles are common because they are sturdy and less likely to break or bend. Even when you’re putting a lot of effort into scrubbing your floors.

But some models use plastic for the handles. This allows for an ergonomic handgrip, and the addition of levers and spray triggers.

Look out for comfortable grips made of soft foam, or curved handles. These will allow you to move the mop around easier.

The denier must be lower than 1 to be classified as microfiber – this means it’s equal to or less than 10 micrometers. A smaller denier means finer fibers and a more effective mop pad.

The best microfiber mops will have a denier of below 0.5. Look out for these as you’ll know then that the fibers are small enough to eliminate germs and bacteria from your floors.

Professional grade microfiber pads will have a denier of about 0.13.

You might need different fiber densities for different cleaning tasks. So check with the manufacturer what’s available and which grade of microfiber will suit your cleaning needs.

And a thicker microfiber cloth should last you longer. You’ll be able to put it in the washing machine more times, and it shouldn’t fray or tear.

Most microfiber mops will have a cloth head that’s 250 GSM or more. Look out for this measurement as it’ll tell you that the mop pads are of good quality.

Look at the manufacturer’s website if you can’t see this information on the product itself. It should be listed there under product specs.

For example, some mops will come with a bucket or extra microfiber pads. These will come in handy while you’re washing your mop pads.

Check how much replacement pads will cost – even if you get a few of these, you’ll need to buy new ones eventually.

Also, look at the handle to see if it’s ergonomic and/or extends. Or you might want a mop that has a spray function built-in.

Finally, see how the mop head attaches to the base. This is usually either with velcro or with some strips or tabs.

• First, take the reusable mop pad off the mop. Soak it either in water or cleaning solution, but wring it out well so it’s not too wet.
• Reattach the mopping pad and glide it across your floors. Use firm but gentle strokes.
• Once you’ve finished cleaning, take the pad off the mop head. Shake it to remove any loose bits of dust and dirt, and then put it in your washing machine.

This video will show you how to use a microfiber mop, both for dust mopping and damp mopping.

Once you’ve put the dirty mop pad to wash, attach a new one using the tabs.

Other models will use velcro. These are really easy to change – put the microfiber cloth head on the floor and place the mop head on top to attach.

Most microfiber cloths can be washed in your machine 100s of times before you need to dispose of them.