To keep your floors free of dust and looking polished, you’ll need a decent mop.
The traditional “mop” has come a long way since it was first invented centuries ago, and with today’s technology advancements, the options before you are numerous and slightly overwhelming.
Because hardwood floors are all-natural and have some special care requirements, you can’t just use any old mop on them.
In our guide, we’ll go over some of the things you need to know as you search for the best mop for hardwood floors and present you with 14 of the top models currently available.
Top 12 Mops for Hardwood Floors Comparison Table
Hardwood Floor Mop Shopping
Hardwood floors require more specific care than some other types of flooring. With carpet, you simply need to vacuum. Tile? Just use the right kind of cleaner and a wet mop.
There is a lot to consider, however, when it comes to hardwood floors, especially because they add so much value to your home. Here are some things to know about hardwood floors and what you should look for in a mop.
- Basics – Cleaning hardwood floors isn’t difficult, but it can be a little tricky to know exactly what you’re supposed to do.
The first thing to do is determine whether your floors as sealed or unsealed because each requires a different kind of cleaning method. A lot of newer homes have sealed hardwood floors, and this simply means they’ve been treated with a top coat or varnish.
Older homes usually have unfinished hardwood floors. One way to tell if your floors are sealed or not is to place a few small drops of water on the floor. If the waters soaks into the floors, then they are not sealed. If it beads, then that is a sign that they are sealed.
It’s also important to remember that sealed floors can lose their coating over time, so check to see if your flooring needs a new coat of sealant before you put a mop to it.
For sealed floors, you can use hardwood floor cleaner. You’ll find people who will tell you that it’s okay to use vinegar and some people who will warn against it. Vinegar is an acidic liquid, and there’s always a chance that it can damage the protective coating if not diluted enough, so use it at your own risk.
For unsealed floors, remember that you should never use any water based or liquid floor cleaners or any common wood cleaners, like Murphy’s Oil Soap. You can find some cleaners that are specially made for unsealed hardwood floors that are solvent based, but typically you can buff the floor or re-wax it every 6 to 12 months to get its shine back.
In our review section below, we included some mops that are meant for only sealed floors, but most can be used on either sealed or unsealed with the right mop pad.
- Materials – Most of the mops we reviewed are made of microfiber. Microfiber mop pads come in a lot of different varieties; some are meant to be wet, and others must be used dry.
You’ll find microfiber pads that have special textures to help get stubborn dirt off the floor. Most are made to be washed and reused over and over again; however, don’t wash them with fabric softener as this can make them less effective. It’s also better to let them air dry.
We reviewed other mop heads that are made of more natural fibers, like cotton and wool. These are eco-friendly, natural, reusable, and effective.
- Features – There are some things to consider when narrowing down the hardwood floor mop choices:
- Mop Handle – Most mops (but not all) have telescoping handles that can adjust and extend to various lengths; this is great if you’re particularly tall and find your back hurts a bit when using a shorter mop. Longer mop handles will also make it easier to get underneath furniture. Handles that rotate 360 degrees will also help to maneuver around any obstacles.
- Removable Mop Pads and How They Attach – Removable mop heads are common and are really great because you can wash and reuse them, which saves you money. They attach to the mop heads in various ways. The most common is Velcro, but you will find ones that clip on, slide on, or snap in.
- Width of Mop Head – The wider the mop pad, the larger the surface it’s going to be able to clean. Larger mop heads will get the job done faster, too, but they’re a lot more difficult to maneuver. Consider the material, too. Wool and cotton mop heads will usually be fluffier while microfiber pads are thinner. Keep this in mind when thinking about what you need to get under and around your furniture when you clean your floors.
Top 14 Best Mops for Hardwood Floors Reviewed
1. Silva Microfiber Mop System
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
The Silva Microfiber Mop System was so innovative, it got its start with a crowdfunding campaign and is now a complete floor mop system. Durable Velcro strips hold the microfiber mop pads in place. This mop is great for any kind of floor but is especially effective on hardwood floors.
What’s so innovative about this mop? The mop handle slides to the sides of the mop head, giving you extra length to clean those hard to reach places. Get your floor cleaner faster because you don’t have to move furniture to get to those hard to reach places.
The 360-degree swiveling handle is telescopic and can be adjusted up to 54 inches long. It folds up for easy storage and comes with two microfiber pads – one for daily use and one for deep cleaning – and a multipurpose scraper. Pads can be removed and thrown in the washing machine and used again and again. We feel this is the best mop for wood floors.
2. Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Fine Velcro-like strips
Microfiber Wholesale’s Professional Microfiber Mop was designed to get your floors as clean as a pro would. The 360 degree swivel stainless steel handle adjusts from four to six feet, making it the perfect height for just about anyone to clean comfortably.
The 18-inch mop head makes a wide sweeping path so you can cover more of your floor in less time. It comes with two microfiber pads that attach to the mop head with fine Velcro-like strips. The pads can be thrown in the washing machine, air dried and reused hundreds of times.
Although they shouldn’t be used on and unsealed hardwood floor, you also get wet microfiber mop pads that can be used to clean other hard floors in you home, like ceramic tile in your bathroom or even linoleum in your kitchen.
3. LINKYO Microfiber Floor Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Clips
The Linkyo Microfiber Floor Mop is a lightweight, high-quality mop. Its stainless steel handle is durable and adjustable. Using the extension piece can extend the length from 54 to 70 inches. Inserting or removing the extension is quick and easy.
While the mop head isn’t quite as wide as some others that we reviewed, 14.75 inches is certainly enough to be effective at cleaning and saving you time. The mop head swivels 360 degrees to get behind and under obstacles. The microfiber pads are attached to each side of the mop head with clips and easily removed to toss in the washing machine.
Some of the pads are reversible and can be used twice as long for daily mopping that isn’t too messy. You’ll also get a scrub pad with raised lines to help get tough, dried-on dirt cleaned up easily.
4. Sladust Wool Dry Mop – Big Wooly
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
For an all-natural, eco-friendly option, try the Big Wooly Wool Dry Mop from Sla-dust. These mops are handmade in Vermont from material sourced in the US. The family has been in the wool mop business since 1909, and it shows in the quality of their products.
The wood handle is 48 inches long and is not adjustable. The frame of the mop head is only 12 inches, but once the mop head is attached with Velcro, the actual cleaning surface is 11 x 18 inches of fluffy, multicolored wool. The mop head swivels to get into all the nooks and crannies and is even great for getting your baseboards clean.
Big Wooly mops are a natural product. The wool naturally contains lanolin, which helps dust stick to the fibers. The mop heads can be removed and hand washed with mild soap. They don’t need any chemical treatment or harsh cleaners and can be used again and again.
5. Turbo Mops Aluminum Alloy Microfiber Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
The Microfiber Mop from Turbo Mops has a lightweight, sturdy handle that has a telescope adjustment that extends from 35 to 60 inches, and this is great for tall users and it also makes it easier to get the mop all the way under couches and other furniture.
One thing that stands out about this mop is that you get four microfiber pads with it while most mops only come with two. Two of them are high-quality microfiber pads with looped fibers. This one can be used dry on your unsealed hardwood floors or wet in other areas of your home.
The second set of pads are scouring pads that provide extra scrubbing. Use caution if you choose to try these on your hardwood floor. They could scratch the finish if the wood is soft or if you use too much pressure.
All of the mop pads are machine washable up to a hundred times each. Just air dry and use them again and again.
6. Temples Pride Professional Microfiber mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
This microfiber mop from Temple’s Pride has one thing that none of the other mops we reviewed so far don’t – a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee. That alone is reason enough to give this mop a try!
The three included advanced microfiber pads will remove bacteria and other contamination without using any chemicals, making them ideal for hardwood floors. It will get them clean without damaging the surface. The pads are machine washable and can be used again and again.
The telescopic handle is durable and can be adjusted up to 60 inches. Overall, this is a sturdy, effective mop. One minor flaw it that the mop head is a little smaller than some of the other highly rated mops, but it’s still a good size and should be enough to get your floors cleaned fast.
7. The Everywhere Microfiber Wet or Dry Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
It’s called the Everywhere Mop because of its compact mop head: it can fit into any small space and clean it thoroughly. While the mop head in only 9 inches across, it packs a lot of mopping power. It is small, lightweight, and the two included microfiber pads are effective when used dry on hardwood floors.
The adjustable telescopic handle adjusts from 42 to 72 inches. Because the mop head is so small and the mop itself it so light, it’s really easy to use this mop on walls, ceiling fans, baseboards, and more.
The pads are commercial grade microfiber and machine washable so you can use them over and over again. This mop also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose!
8. Black Diamond Super Absorbent Microfiber Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
Black Diamond Stoneworks has been making cleaning supplies and equipment since 1997, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re talking about when it comes to clean floors. They started with five products and have expanded into a full cleaning line.
Their microfiber mop is lightweight with a handle that extends up to 60 inches, so it’s easy to get just about anywhere with it. The mop handle and frame are durable enough to last a long time.
What’s special about this mop is the microfiber pads. They’re designed with an ultra-fine weave that will pick up dust, grease, and dirt while leaving your floor with a streak free shine. The handle swivels easily so the pads can get under and behind awkward furniture. They’re machine washable and can be used over and over again.
9. BISSELL SpinWave Powered Hard Floor Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
The BISSELL Spin Wave Powered Hard Floor Mop is the best mop for hardwood floors that has more cleaning power than any other products we reviewed. This electric mop has spinning circular mop pads and a reservoir for spraying cleaning solution to get your floors extra clean.
It is really easy to maneuver and steer around and under furniture. The pads are easy to attach and remove and you get a pair of standard pads and scrubby pads that are textured if you need a better clean. It’s lightweight and has a long cord so you can easily clean your whole house.
It should be pointed out that this mop can only be used on sealed hardwood floors. Also, be careful not to use this in an area where there could be grit, like broken glass or sand. The circular spinning motion of the pads could act like sandpaper if anything is underneath, causing scratches and damaging the finish.
10. Mopnado Stainless Steel Deluxe Rolling Spin Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Snaps
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Mopnado Stainless Steel Deluxe Rolling Spin Mop. It is more than just a mop – it’s a cleaning system that comes with a lightweight bucket with agitator so you can wash the mop head as you go.
Because this mop is designed to work wet, it’s only good for sealed hardwood floors and for those, it’s great. The spin function is controlled by the handles so there are no pedals to worry about. The handle also comes with an extender so you can make it up to 56 inches long.
Mop heads will last anywhere from 6 – 12 months depending on how heavily they’re used. They easily snap onto the ring at the bottom of the mop and can be removed, washed, and used over and over again.
11. Markee™ Microfiber Floor / Dust Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
This mop is commercial grade, so it is made to be exceptionally durable and will last a long time. The telescoping aluminum handle adjusts to a variety of heights and is extremely lightweight. It is also the only mop we reviewed that has end caps specifically designed to protect your baseboards.
It comes with one wet mop pad that can also be used as a dry mop to sweep your unfinished hardwood floors. If you have sealed hardwood floors, you can use any of your favorite cleaners with this mop. Mop heads are washable and reusable.
When this mop was originally introduced, it was only available to commercial and industrial cleaning companies, so you know it was built for heavy usage. It should last a long time in your home.
12. Bona Microfiber Floor Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Velcro
Bona has been making floor cleaning products for more than 90 years, and this microfiber mop is one of their newer ventures. It’s designed to use with any of their floor cleaning products and, to keep it simple, all Bona pads can fit onto the bottom of this and all other Bona mops.
The lightweight telescopic handle makes it easier for anyone to use and saves your back from bending down so much to get underneath furniture to those hard to reach places.
It comes with two pads – a microfiber dusting pad and a microfiber cleaning pad. The cleaning pad is meant to be used with floor cleaner but, as we’ve said before, make sure your floors are sealed or treated properly before using any harsh cleaners on them. Pads can be washed and reused, or you can use any of the Bona disposable pads and wipes as well.
13. Nine Forty Ultimate Cotton Dust Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Snaps
The industrial strength cotton dust mop isn’t fooling around. Designed to be used to dry-mop hardwood floors, it is available with three different size mop heads: 18, 24, and 36 inches wide. 18 inches is the average width for a mop like this if you intend to use it in your home, but it’s nice to know that there are larger options if you should want something bigger.
The mop head is made of cotton and is constructed using heavy-duty stitching; this means it should last a really long time. It can handle frequent dusting and a lot of tumbles through the washing machine.
The handle adjusts from 42 to 72 inches long, and the mop head rotates a full 360 degrees, making it easy to get this mop under most furniture. The larger the mop head, the less maneuverable it will be, but this does a great job overall.
14. O-Cedar Microfiber Flip Mop
- Removable mop head – Yes
- Attachment – Slips on and then Velcro
This unique mop gives you twice the cleaning power per mop head as any of the other mops we reviewed. The innovative flip design involves a mop head that covers the entire frame – top and bottom – and a hinged handle that allows the mop head to easily flip over so you can use both sides of the pad.
This is great because it essentially means you get double the use out of all your pads than you would with another mop. They’re also machine washable and reusable up to 100 times.
One downside? The handle doesn’t adjust. It measures 48 inches so it might be a little uncomfortable for taller users and won’t fit underneath furniture as easily as some of the other mops in our reviews.
Our Final Thoughts About Hardwood Floor Mops
Cleaning your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be confusing. Use our guide to figure out what to do, what not to do, and what kind of mop you need to get the job done right.
We believe that the crowdfunded Silva Microfiber Mop System has all the features you need and think it’s by far the best mop for hardwood floors out of all that we reviewed.
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