The 5 Best Spray Mops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick for the best reusable spray mop is the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Spray Mop for its maneuverability, portability, and handy slide-out scrubber. If you want an equally effective spray mop with disposable mop pads, we recommend the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Kit. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best spray mops on the market, we tested 16 popular options in our Lab. We first set a timer and assembled the spray mop according to the manufacturer's instructions, recording the final time for the complete setup. If the mop had an adjustable handle, we extended it to its maximum length and measured it from top to bottom before repeating that process with the shortest length. 

To account for variable messes and surface types you might encounter with your spray mop, we created stains of apple juice, stick butter, canola oil, ketchup, and dirt footprints on hardwood and grouted floors, letting the stains sit for 10 minutes. As the stains set, we tested the maneuverability of the mop by moving it around a mock dining area without using the spray mechanism. 

Once dried, we mopped each mess on the grouted floor using the spray mechanism, noting how easily it removed each stain. For cordless models, we started a timer when we began mopping and tracked how long the mop was on, recording the total time after the cleaning. 

We also kept a running tally of how many sprays and swipes we needed to clean each stain. After we finished mopping, we took a clean paper towel and wiped it along the floor to see if any residue remained. We repeated this process on the hardwood floors. For disposable mops, we removed and threw away the mop pads. We rinsed the reusable mop pads in the sink and wrung out any excess water before leaving them to dry. 

After we completed these tests, we waited 24 hours to see if the mop pads dried and if any odors lingered. We then washed the mop heads according to manufacturer instructions and noted how well the heads held up to the washing machine. 

How to Shop for Spray Mops Like a Pro

Floor Type Compatibility

Depending on your flooring, some spray mops may work better than others when absorbing liquids and picking up debris and residue. Krueger suggests taking your floor type into consideration before making your purchase. For example, if you have grouted tile, you may want to opt for a spray mop with a scrubber, but if you have hardwood, you want extra-absorbent microfiber mop pads to avoid warping from moisture.

To ensure that your mop is suitable for your flooring and won’t cause damage, always check the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Power Source

While manual spray mops are more common, battery-powered and rechargeable mops are worth considering. Krueger says they both have pros and cons, but ultimately it’s about your preference and the charging options. 

“Battery-powered mops offer convenience and ease of use, while manual mops are more affordable, environmentally friendly, and don't require battery replacements,” she says. 

Mop Head 

The design of the mop head and the quality of the mop pads significantly impact cleaning performance and should be the most important factor when choosing a spray mop, according to Kreuger. She recommends looking for mop heads with microfiber materials as they effectively trap dirt and debris, like the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Spray Mop.

“It’s a huge plus if the mop pads are removable and machine-washable to ensure easy maintenance and cost-effectiveness,” she says.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly spray mop should have intuitive controls, an ergonomic design, and a comfortable grip. Krueger says that features like adjustable handle lengths, which accommodate different user heights by reducing strain, and swivel heads that allow for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces, make your spray mop easy to use and effective when cleaning.

Portability

Portability is crucial for those who need to clean multiple areas or levels of a house. If you have to frequently go upstairs, a heavy spray mop may not be the most comfortable option to lug around. Krueger says lightweight and compact spray mops, like the O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop, are ideal for easy transport and storage, especially in small spaces. She also recommends finding a model that you can fold or disassemble for enhanced portability.

More Spray Mops to Consider

True & Tidy Spray-250 Mop: We like this mop’s simplicity and efficiency when cleaning messes from laminate and hardwood floors. While butter and oil were almost impossible to clean up thoroughly, we wiped away other messes, such as ketchup, juice, and a footprint with little effort. This pick is ideal for those who live in small spaces and want a basic spray mop to clean up light stains.

Swiffer WetJet Mop Wood Floor Starter Kit: While the Swiffer WetJet is a well-known spray mop with convenient disposable mop pads, our testing revealed that it’s best for spot-cleaning small spills and messes. The pads absorbed liquid on both tile and hardwood floors but could not effectively clean butter, oil, and stuck-on messes. This spray mop also requires batteries and refills of the disposable pads and cleaning solution.

Questions You Might Ask

Are spray mops better than regular mops?

Spray mops have gained popularity in recent years due to their advantages over traditional mops, including their compact design and disposable pads, according to Krueger.

“Unlike regular mops, spray mops offer the convenience of built-in spray mechanisms that allow for on-demand wetting of the cleaning pad or floor, eliminating the need for buckets while also reducing water waste and providing better control over the moisture level on the floor,” she says. “Additionally, spray mops often come with reusable and washable microfiber pads that effectively capture dirt and grime, resulting in more efficient and hygienic cleaning.”

How much should you expect to spend on a spray mop?

Most spray mops are reasonably priced, varying between $20 and $60 depending on the brand, add-ons, and overall quality. High-end models with advanced features or rechargeable batteries may cost $100 to $300 or more. Krueger says it’s essential to consider your cleaning needs and budget when choosing a spray mop, as there are options available for various price points.

How long do spray mops last?

The durability of a spray mop primarily depends on its construction and the quality of materials. On average, Krueger says a well-maintained spray mop can last anywhere from one to five years, but this all depends on the quality of the mop, frequency of use, intensity of cleaning, and proper care. 

“Regularly cleaning the mop's components, such as the spray nozzle and handle, and following the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance can help prolong its lifespan,” she says.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, we tested 16 spray mops in our Lab and evaluated them based on effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of cleaning, and more. Daniela also consulted Muffetta Krueger, a cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta's Domestic Assistants.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.