I’m a lazy cleaner, but the best vacuum mops offer twice the clean with half the effort – these are my top 3 picks for spotless floors
I'm a little obsessed with vacuum mops, and these three have won me over more than most
Why you can trust Ideal Home
This guide to the best vacuum mops was written by Ideal Home's Certified Expert for Vacuums, Lauren Bradbury, with contributions from our product testers.
While I may be Ideal Home's resident expert in all things floorcare and cleaning, my busy schedule means I don't have a lot of time to clean my actual home. Because of this, I've made it my mission to find tools that will offer quick, convenient clean-ups - and the best vacuum mops are my secret weapon for squeaky-clean floors (in literal seconds).
And if you couldn't already tell that I'm utterly obsessed with vacuum mops, the extra proof in the pudding is that I've spent the past few months testing the best vacuum mops on the market. I've then whittled these models down to my three top, editor-approved options - including the one that I use in my own home.
How I test
As Ideal Home's Vacuum Expert, I have personally spent hundreds of hours in-house testing all kinds of vacuums - from the best cordless vacuums to this new iteration of appliance that combines vacuum and mopping. As a result, I have been able to narrow down the models I've tested to the best vacuum mops I think are worth the investment - and with so many impressive options to choose from, it hasn't been easy!
To do this, either myself or a member of my expert testing panel thoroughly assessed every aspect of the vacuum mop over (at least) two weeks in our own homes, from the weight and the manoeuvrability of the vacuum mop to the suction and mopping power, run time, how easy it is to clean, and how well it actually cleans up wet and dry messes. Because, ultimately, there's no point buying one that will simply spread your cereal around the floor.
Part of this testing process involves general, everyday vacuum mopping to see how the appliance fares during basic cleaning. However, I also take it one step further by throwing all kinds of debris on the floor too - such as tomato ketchup, milk and cereal, rice, coffee, and even whole eggs to mimic the daily struggles of larger, messier families. I also take into account third-party reviews, as I understand that everyone's experiences are different.
Each vacuum mop tested is then rated out of 5 stars, and I've chosen the three best vacuum mops overall to include in this guide. However, I have included some runners-up if my top choices don't quite suit your home and needs.
Quick list
An impressive workhorse that will tackle both hard flooring and rugs, the BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge is the best vacuum mop for most people. It offers a 30-minute runtime, is easy to store and manoeuvre, and even comes with a pet-friendly cleaning solution. After testing, this is the model I've chosen to continue using in my own home, and it has completely replaced my vacuum cleaner downstairs.
If you regularly tackle bigger messes, the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 will suit you best. Although it's quite heavy, the self-propulsion technology takes much of the strain off. It was also undoubtedly the best vacuum mop I tested for bigger messes, thanks to the smart sensor that automatically detects wet and dry debris and adjusts the suction power, roller speed, and water flow to ensure sparkling floors at the end.
If you're new to vacuum mops and want one that will do exactly what you want with minimal fuss, Shark has you covered. Of my top three picks, it's the lightest, making it extremely manoeuvrable and easy to transport from downstairs kitchens to upstairs bathrooms. The run time isn't the longest, but the two cleaning modes - Hard Floor and Freshen - get the job done.
Best vacuum mops 2026
Best vacuum mop overall
I've tested countless vacuum mops in my role as Ideal Home's Vacuum Expert, and this is still the model that I use in my home regularly. With the ability to switch between three modes - PowerVac, PowerMop, and Turbo Mode - you can customise your cleaning to suit your individual needs. And while it still won't tackle carpets (I've yet to find a vacuum mop that does), it does allow for rug cleaning.
The appliance itself is also extremely compact, which makes storage and manoeuvrability a breeze - and I was able to get right into corners and up to edges thanks to Bissell's ZeroGap edge cleaning technology. As a result, my home is noticeably cleaner after every use, with my hard floors left damp but not soaking wet to prevent damage.
The 30-minute runtime is about average for a vacuum mop, and I was able to clean all my hard floors on one charge in my three-bedroom home. But if you require a longer run time, the Tefal X-Clean may suit you better with its 50-minute run time.
For homes with pets (like mine), a major perk is the included natural cleaning solution that provides a hygienic, deep clean while keeping furry friends safe and releasing a delicious scent into the air. Not to mention the high-quality filter and in-built strainer in the dirty water tank, which captured all manner of hair, dust and debris during my testing period.
All in all, I've yet to find a vacuum mop that beats the Bissell OmniForce Edge - so it's still my number one choice (for now!)
Read our full Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Edge review for more details
Best vacuum mop for big messes
If you have a large home with multiple occupants who leave big messes in their wake, I couldn't recommend the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop more. It's the smartest vacuum mop I've tested so far, which can take a bit of getting used to (especially when it 'speaks' to you), but it makes cleaning so much more effective.
This is largely thanks to Tinco's iLoop Smart Sensor Technology, which automatically detects and reacts to messes on the floor. Not only will it visually show you when a floor is muckier by changing colour on the LCD screen, but it will also automatically increase suction, roller speed, and water flow to deepen the cleaning when needed.
During testing, I pipped it against muddy dog prints, tomato ketchup, and countless other wet and dry debris, and I have to say that the cleaning ability is impressive, leaving my floors quite literally squeaky-clean afterwards.
However, the elephant in the room with this model is that it's better suited to larger homes, as it's both big and heavy. The self-propelling aspect of the appliance makes the 8.6kg weight less intimidating and more manageable, but it also has a large cleaning head, which makes cleaning smaller nooks difficult, and it is big to store. This is a relatively small trade-off for impressive cleaning if you have the space, though.
Read our full Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 review for more details
Best vacuum mop for ease of use
Shark is known for its easy-to-use and relatively affordable floorcare appliances, and our tester, Rebecca, found this to be the case with the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner, too. It's not as advanced as the other models on this list, but she found it ideal for grab-and-go cleaning and for those who want a vacuum mop to get the job done with minimal fuss.
During testing, mum-of-three Rebecca used the Shark vacuum mop to clean everything from baked beans to eggs and flour off her kitchen floor, and she found it to be a game-changer during messy mealtimes. The vacuum mop picked up wet and dry debris with ease, often removing all of it in a single pass.
She found it to be incredibly lightweight, and the built-in headlights helped her illuminate hidden dirt on areas of her floor that would previously go unnoticed. And the odour-neutralising technology meant that her floors smelled clean after use.
This model also comes with two modes to use on hard floors or to freshen area rugs and mats, which comes in very handy. However, it's worth noting that these are the only two modes. So if you're looking for something a little more advanced, I'd recommend the Bissell or the Tineco instead.
Read our full Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK review for more details
Best of the rest
I've reduced my shortlist of the best vacuum mops to my three top options, but there are a few other alternatives that I think are well worth a mention if the above options don't quite take your fancy.
Our expert testing panel
Lauren is Ideal Home's House Manual Content Editor and Certified Expert in Vacuums. So far, she has spent almost 400 hours testing a wide range of vacuum cleaners and their close counterparts - including the best vacuum mops.
For this guide, Lauren tested the Bissell OmniForce Edge, Tineco FLOOR ONE S5, Tefal X-Clean, Dyson WashG1, and the Eufy Omni E25. She also has even more on her testing to-do list!
Rebecca is a Freelance Reviewer for Ideal Home and has so far tested a plethora of floorcare appliances. As a mum of three, she's our go-to for testing how they fare in busy (and often very messy!) households.
For this guide, Rebecca tested the Shark HydroVac and the Kärcher Floor Cleaner Vacuum FCV 3 and will continue testing in the coming months.
How to choose a vacuum mop
Vacuum mops are growing in popularity, and there are now more on the market than ever. And just as knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner can help you make the right decision, the same can be said for choosing a vacuum mop. After all, they're not cheap, and you don't want to waste your money on something that doesn't suit your cleaning requirements.
So, after testing a wide range of vacuum mops myself (and being a keen vacuum mop lover), these are the things I think you need to consider before making a purchase.
- Run time: Vacuum mops typically offer between 20-50 minutes of run time (similar to the best cordless vacuums) and can take up to five hours to recharge. So, if you have a larger home with a larger area of hard flooring, it's best to opt for one with a longer run time.
- Weight: Vacuum mops are typically heavier than a traditional vacuum or mop, especially when they're full of both clean and dirty water. If you struggle with dexterity issues, it's a good idea to choose one that also offers self-propelling technology.
- Cleaning solution: Some of the best vacuum mops come with their own dedicated cleaning solution and only recommend that you use that specific cleaner to maintain the warranty, while others don't come with any. Because of this, it's a good idea to understand what you can and can't use in the machine before buying.
- Extras: Vacuum mop rollers aren't invincible, and most vacuum mops also come with filters that will need to be replaced at some point. If ongoing costs are a worry, opt for a vacuum mop that comes with spares. It's also worth checking to see if they come with any other tools, such as cleaning brushes or a self-cleaning solution.
FAQs
Is a vacuum mop better than a regular mop?
Yes, a vacuum mop is undoubtedly better than a regular mop and well worth the investment. That's because regular mopping can often push dirt, grime and larger debris around your floors without actually cleaning your floors in the process.
A vacuum mop, however, uses suction power combined with rotating rollers and clean water to pick up this dirt while also cleaning your floors simultaneously. This means that you're essentially vacuuming and mopping your hard flooring at the same time.
Alongside this, a vacuum mop prevents any mopping mistakes, such as using too much water or cleaning solution, as everything is automated and controlled by the appliance. It's also less labour-intensive, as you don't have to spend your time manually mopping every inch of your house.
And while they are typically a lot heavier than regular mops, vacuum mops are often self-propelled, so they seem weightless in your hands. A bonus is that they also clean themselves when you're done!
Can I vacuum instead of mopping?
No, you can't. Although vacuuming is an effective way to suck up surface-level dirt, it will never replace traditional mopping, as they do two different things. After all, as proven in the vacuuming vs mopping debate, mopping uses water and cleaning solution to clean and sanitise hard flooring, while traditional vacuum cleaners will break if exposed to liquids.
Generally, the best way to clean your floors is to vacuum first before mopping afterwards (although there are rare occasions where you'll have to do the opposite). This way, you can remove surface dirt and give the hard flooring a deeper clean through mopping.
Of course, a way to combine both of these cleaning methods into one easy clean is to invest in a vacuum mop.