I’ve spent months testing the best mops – these are my top picks, from budget to battery-powered models

As Ideal Home's resident floorcare expert, I know that finding a new mop isn't the problem. What's challenging is choosing the best mop for you, your floors, and your cleaning needs. After all, mops come in so many different shapes and forms - and the options can be overwhelming.

And while you might already have the best vacuum cleaners or even the best vacuum mops to tackle your hard floors, nothing compares to the cleaning power of a good ol' fashioned mop, in my professional opinion. That's why I've spent months testing mops in my home, from spray mops to bucket sets and even steam models.

I've used them to tackle everyday dirt, muddy footprints, and messy spills. Then, I've compared everything from the size and manoeuvrability of the mops to their cleaning quality, value for money, and reusability, to help you choose the best mop for you. With all this information at my disposal, I've narrowed my choices to 9 of the best mops you can buy right now.

Quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best mops. You'll find more information on each mop and why our testers recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best mop overall

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No bucket is required for this spray mop, allowing you to fill up the bottle and spritz however much you need on your floors with the easy squeeze trigger spray. The mop head then rotates while you're cleaning to ensure skirting boards and corners aren't missed during the process.

And while the long strands of this mop head may remind you of old-school mops from the past, Minky has brought them back with their new mop to prove that these long strands can reach areas of the home you wouldn't normally mop.

Features we loved during testing

Although I tested a lot of different mops at the same time, the Minky Spritz & Spin Spray Mop is the one I kept coming back to time and time again for everyday cleaning. It was incredibly quick and easy to use, and the long microfibre strands were able to get into every nook and cranny in my house - even right into the corners.

Most notably, the mop head did get incredibly dirty during cleaning. And while I did immediately think this was a negative, it was soon clear to see that this was actually a positive as it meant that it was picking up the dirt that a lot of the other mops hadn't.

I also liked that I could either add water alone to the spray bottle or add some cleaning solution, and the spinning mop head meant that every inch of my hard flooring was cleaned - even with minimal effort on my part. A major bonus is that the mop head is machine washable, so you can just give it a wash and re-use when you need to.

Best mop and bucket set

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Everything about the Vileda H2PrO Spin Mop System gives you complete control over how you clean your floors, from the telescopic handle that lets you extend or shorten it to suit your height to the pedal-powered spinning bucket that allows you to dictate how damp you want the mop head.

However, the pièce de résistance of this new release is the dual-chamber bucket technology that keeps clean and dirty water completely separate. This means that you're only ever cleaning your home with clean water, and the 6L water tank means that you'll have enough to clean your whole home in one go.

Features we loved during testing

While this product may look like a traditional, old-school mop and bucket set from the outside, the reality is that it's incredibly innovative. During testing, I felt confident that I was only mopping with clean water and the mop was incredibly light and manoeuvrable. Being able to use the pedal to control how damp the mop was also a standout feature for me, as I was able to keep the mop head wetter for the tiled areas of my home but limit the amount of moisture for my laminate flooring.

It's also worth noting that the mop head is also washable. You can either machine or hand wash in warm water (up to 30°C), but Vileda suggests washing it in a laundry bag to maintain the strength of the individual fibres. My only niggle with the Vileda H2PrO Spin Mop System was that, while it does have a large water tank, the mop head is incredibly absorbent. So I found myself wasting a lot of water during the spinning process. And as someone on a water meter, I try to limit the amount of water I'm wasting.

I also can't deny that it's a lot pricier than the other mops on this list, but I do think that this is for good reason as the innovations alone warrant a higher price tag. But if you're looking for a cheaper Vileda mop, I'd suggest opting for the slightly cheaper (and older) Vileda Easy Wring and Clean Turbo Spin Mop and Bucket Set instead.

Best mop for deep cleans

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Electric mops are becoming increasingly popular, and the Philips OneUp 5000 Series Electric Mop is one of the newest additions to the group. It looks sleek and slimline and weighs next to nothing (just 1.9kg, to be exact), but inside is a lot of hidden technology to make floors sparkle.

Thanks to its dual chambers, the OneUp technology can pump clean water (and the cleaning solution) onto the floor for extra cleaning power, while also sucking up the dirty water and collecting it in the dirty water tank. It also offers up to 70 minutes of run time before it can be charged via the USB cable.

Features we loved during testing

The Philips OneUp Electric Mop was the first electric mop I'd tested, and it instantly impressed me. While I appreciate that traditional mops come in many shapes and sizes and offer a wide range of mop pads, the electric power of the Philips OneUp made a noticeable difference on my floors, and its pumping power really is effective.

Despite being electric, it's also super quiet, and the cleaning solution goes a long way. And another thing I really loved was the unrestricted movement, thanks to the lightweight mop and its mop head that has a 360° rotating hinge to get into all kinds of nooks and crannies - and get right up to skirting boards.

I was a little dubious about putting the mop head into the washing machine as I assumed that would affect the electrical side of things, but it came out good as new afterwards. However, this kind of mop does come with a much higher price tag, which may be a dealbreaker for some. It's worth noting that you can also buy the Philips OneUp 3000 Series Electric Mop for slightly cheaper at £99.99 at Amazon. It offers the same technology, but has a shorter run time.

Best mop for smaller homes

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Small and compact, this mop and bucket set is perfect for smaller homes with limited storage. The separate clean and dirty water tanks mean that you're always mopping your floors with clean water, and you can even use a cleaning solution for that extra punch.

While only a small amount of water is required for mopping, the innovative design still allows you to control how much moisture you want to use, and the brand claims that just 1.2 litres has the power to clean up to 60m² of flooring.

Features we loved during testing

As someone who has limited storage in my small home, the Vileda H2Pro Flat Mop was a big hit. Despite having a small footprint, I found it more than capable of cleaning the various types of hard flooring I have in my home - and the microfibre head was particularly impressive on my laminate.

I only needed one hand to spray the water and cleaning solution onto the mop, and the lightweight design of both the mop and the bucket itself meant that I could carry it around my home with ease. The machine-washable head also felt high-quality, and even lifted stubborn dirt off my kitchen tiles.

As if the small and slimline design of the bucket wasn't enough, I also loved that you can disassemble the handle into smaller sections, which then fit inside the bucket for easy storage. It's worth noting that I did find that the handle wanted to come a bit loose during testing, though. This was a little irritating, but not a dealbreaker for me - especially when I took a bit more time to screw the pieces together as tight as possible.

Best spray mop

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If you ever feel like you're missing crucial spots when mopping your house, the Minky Flexi Spray Mop can help. This innovative spray mop offers a unique handle that can be used in two different ways. You can keep it as a straight, solid handle, or extend it to release the bendy, flexible handle that fits under furniture and into smaller nooks and crannies.

The dual-sided microfibre mop has also been designed with pet owners in mind, offering longer microfibre fronds on one side and a flatter microfibre on the other. And you don't need to physically remove the mop head to make the most of them - simply flip it during cleaning.

Features we loved during testing

I must admit that I really enjoyed testing the Minky Flexi Spray Mop during testing. Being able to mop under furniture and in tighter areas without having to worry about a solid handle bumping into something really is a game-changer, and the spray mechanism offers just the right amount of cleaning solution for sparkling floors.

The bendy handle does take a little bit of getting used to - both in terms of pressing the button to release the extended handle and forcing it to bend (hint: it's much stronger than it looks and won't break) - but I felt like I could finally clean areas that would often be overlooked during a mopping session.

I felt confident that the dual-sided mop pad was working hard to clean effectively, and I could visibly see that it removed lingering dog hair from my floors, making it an ideal option for pet owners.

My only niggle with this mop (and the reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars) is that the water bottle leaked slightly while I was cleaning. It wasn't enough to cause any issues, but it did occasionally leave drips on the floor. However, the impressive cleaning power and unique flexible head made up for it.

Best mop for hardwood floors

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If you're wondering how to clean wooden floors, you'll know that there are some cleaning regimes you need to avoid. But that's where the Bona Spray Mop Air comes into play, as this mop has been specifically designed with wooden flooring in mind. In fact, the Bona Wood Floor Cleaner solution uses a pH neutral formula that protects and nourishes the wood.

This particular mop also has a swivel-mop head for those hard-to-reach areas and patented dual-zone microfibre material that traps dirty and provides more absorbency. So, it's extremely well made.

Features we loved during testing

During testing, I loved that the refillable cartridge simply slotted into place and was ready to go within seconds. All in all, it took me about two minutes from unboxing the spray mop to using it - and I have to say that the fine mist spray makes a nice change from some of the other mops I have tested.

It didn't feel like I was wasting the cleaning solution, but it still offered enough moisture to dampen my floors and ensure an easy glide of the mop head. This was made even easier by the fact that the mop is extremely lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around the house. Plus, you can simply pop the mop head into the washing machine when you're done, with Bona promising 500 washes before you'll need to replace it.

And while this mop is perfect for hardwood floors, you can also interchange the cleaning solution cartridge depending on the type of floor you are cleaning, with a stone, tile, laminate and LVT version also available.

Best mop for stubborn dirt

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Part of the wider CleanTech range (which I've had the pleasure of testing), the Joseph Joseph CleanTech 2 in 1 Spray Mop is a new release from the space-saving brand and has been designed for everyday and targeted cleaning. This is thanks to the all-access rotating head that comes with a spot-cleaning scrubber pad on the side.

This means that you can use the larger, flatter microfibre mop head for everyday messes and spills, but then flip the mop head up to give dirty stains or stuck-on grime some extra attention. Plus, it comes with its own spray bottle and a wall-mounted storage bracket for easy storage.

Features we loved during testing

As someone who lives in a small house with limited storage, I'm a huge fan of Joseph Joseph products. And the fact that this particular mop can be flipped so the mop head tucks in and comes with a storage bracket for wall storage was a major plus point during testing.

It also offered impressive cleaning results, releasing just the right amount of cleaning solution to wet my floors without soaking them, and the way that the mop has been designed with the scrubber pad is genius. In fact, I used this feature way more than I thought I would, and it was a godsend when I had dried-on mud stains and tougher grime to contend with (especially in the kitchen).

I do think the Minky Spritz & Spin Mop provides better overall results for general cleaning, but the Joseph Joseph is the mop I turn to when I need to clean up dried-on stains and spills that typically require a tougher, more targeted clean.

The only thing I did find was that the cleaning solution did seem to catch in the little divet on the mop head, so I had to pour it out when I'd finished cleaning. I also thought it seemed extremely tall, and at 145 cm, it does offer one of the longest mop handles I tested. However, at just 5'2", it doesn't take much for a mop to feel tall to me.

Best smart mop

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The Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Vacuum Cleaner and Mop takes all of the hassle out of mopping and assures you don't need to choose between vacuuming vs mopping. The brand's proprietary iLoop Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts suction, water speed, and brush roller speed to suit the needs of your home, and it's also self-cleaning.

Featuring separate clean and dirty water tanks, you can also ensure that you're only ever cleaning your hard flooring with clean water - and this particular model also comes with spare rollers and a cleaning solution to make sure you're always getting the best results.

Features we loved during testing

I absolutely loved testing the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, and it's since become my go-to when I want to use something more powerful than a traditional mop. The LCD screen and colour symbols let you know which areas of your home require a little TLC, and the fact that it automatically adjusts its cleaning power in these areas offers a hands-off approach that I really enjoyed.

Although the voice commands can be a little startling at first, you soon get used to (and appreciate) that this smart mop tells you exactly what it needs - whether that's some extra charge or a self-cleaning cycle. As the owner of a fluffy dog that sheds, I also really appreciated the built-in pet hair strainer, which meant my home became pet-hair-free without getting tangled in the appliance in the process.

The docking station also comes with handy holders for the cleaning solution and the wet roller, something that certainly makes it stand out from wet floor cleaners like the Dyson WashG1 (which always got a little smelly and musty when I reviewed it).

Read our full Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Vacuum Cleaner and Mop review for more details

Best steam mop

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Competing with some of the best steam cleaners and mops out there, the Vileda Steam Mop Plus is the ideal floor cleaning solution. Offering a generous steam-cleaning time of 28 minutes, it's suitable for mopping all types of sealed floors - and even comes with a carpet glider to steam clean carpets.

Of course, the difference between this mop and any other on this list is that it is corded - so bear this in mind if you have a large home and limited plug sockets.

Features we loved during testing

I'm always shocked by the cleaning power of steam mops, but the Vileda Steam Mop Plus gave me the fright of my life when I looked at the mop head after cleaning. It was filthy, and proved just how much invisible dirt was lingering on my kitchen tiles, specifically.

It also offered a quick heat-up time, which meant that I could get cleaning almost as soon as I'd filled up the water tank and turned it on. Of course, you are limited by the cords with steam cleaners, but I did find that the 6m was more than enough in my home (which is on the smaller side).

Suitable for all sealed floors, this model is also a great all-rounder, even coming with a carpet glider to steam clean carpets. The spare mop pad meant that I could also continue cleaning even when the dirty one was in the washing machine.

Read our full Vileda Steam Mop Plus review for more details.

Best mops comparison at a glance

Best of the rest

The best mops above aren't the only ones myself and the Ideal Home team has tested. These are the runners-up that I still rate for sparkling floors.

Minky Opti-Clean Spin Mop

Alongside the clean and dirty water tanks, the scrubbing bristles in the bucket of this mop set work hard to remove dirt from the microfibre as you spin, and it's then incredibly easy to drain the dirty water when you're done.

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Lakeland Spray Mop with 2 Aluminium Bottles

Thanks to the aluminium bottles that come with this mop, you can use hot (well, warm) water to clean your floors, allowing for a deeper clean and the assurance that you're killing all the germs in your wake.

OXO Good Grips Butterfly Mop

Our news writer, Kezia, loves this mop and even bought the mop to go with it. The butterfly head has a wide, absorbent sponge and a dirt-trapping microfibre pad, and you can wring it out to control the moisture levels.

Kärcher EWM 2 Electric Wipe Mop

While the Philips OneUp is my favourite electric mop, this Karcher model is a close second. It has a 20-minute run time and even comes with a stand for easy storage. You can read my experience with it here.

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How we test mops

At Ideal Home, we take how we test products extremely seriously. We will never recommend a product in our buying guides that we don't have hands-on experience of ourselves, and so every mop in this guide was tested either by myself or another Ideal Home-approved reviewer.

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As we believe the only way to give our honest verdict on the best mops and to rank them accordingly is to test them in real-life scenarios, which is why every mop in this guide was tested in a real home - ideally on as many hard flooring types as we could (unless the mop is explicitly designed for one type of flooring).

We assessed everything from the mop assembly to the mop's overall performance, manoeuvrability, cleaning quality and value for money (including whether the mop heads are reusable or whether they need regular replacing). We also tested them multiple times to see how well the mop lives up to the manufacturer's claims and whether they're worth the money.

How to choose a mop

There's a huge variety of different types of mop, but there are a few key characteristics that can turn this cleaning task into something you actually might find quite satisfying. Look out for these types of mop and you'll be able to mop every type of floor the right way:

Spray mops have an integrated water tank (kind of like a water bottle) and they work by pulling the trigger. This sprays water and solution onto your floor. These tend to be easy to manoeuvre and also convenient to store.

Flat mops are similar to that of a spray mop, just without a built-in water tank and trigger. You'll need to use one of these with a solution in a spray bottle unless your mop works with only water to kill bacteria.

Mop and buckets are the most popular type of mop. They do require you to lug around the bucket as you clean, though. A mop and bucket combo is great for deeper cleaning your floors – and getting into corners.

Sponge mops are brilliant for cleaning tiles. They are gentle on your floors, while you might want to be careful so as not to soak your floors with a sponge mop. They are also great for use on walls, too. You will probably have to use a sponge mop with a bucket.

Steam mops are generally corded and use the power of steam to both sanitise and deep-clean your floors. The high temperatures, coupled with the high power of the steam, are ideal for dirtier floors and tiles. However, they can only be used on sealed floors.

It's also important to think about the mop head material and how to clean a mop head. Sponge can be great at mopping up liquid spills with ease, while microfibre will make quick work of wet and muddy footprints. If you want chemical-free cleaning, then a steam mop could be right up your alley, providing you have compatible flooring.

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