10 Best Mops for Cleaning Hardwood Floors in 2022 – A Definitive Guide

Getting top-notch cleaning tools is one of our biggest concerns, especially mops for cleaning hardwood floors. Its a bit challenging, and I’m sure the same goes for many of you, which is why I decided to dig around in order to find the best mop for hardwood floors so that you don’t have to do the heavy lifting yourself.

Related

If you have laminate floor, check out our laminate floor mop guide.

10 Best Mops for Hardwood Floors Compared

Are cleaning hardwood floors different from laminate and tile floors?

Different floors require different cleaning techniques as the materials differ in their characteristics.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

When you’re trying to clean a hardwood floor, make sure to sweep before mopping to remove particles, hair, and dust. Once that’s done, go with the grain while washing and use a safe solution for the more extended longevity of your floor.

Laminate Cleaning

The only downside to laminate is how easy it is to scratch it. To avoid that, make sure to lift your furniture when you’re mopping the floor instead of dragging it and never use abrasive products during the cleaning process.

Tile Cleaning

Tiles can be easily stainable, so make sure to wipe any spilling as soon as they get on your floor. If you need to move a piece of furniture, do it carefully as tiles are more prone to cracks compared to other materials. Most importantly, avoid abrasive materials like the plague as they can easily scratch your tiles.

10 Best Mops for Hardwood Floors to Buy in 2022

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop – Editor’s Pick

If you’re looking for an effective appliance that can clean and disinfect your hardwood floor while keeping the build intact, Bissell’s PowerFresh Steam Mop is a great choice. Not only does this mop clean the surface level, but it can also be an effective scrubber capable of removing the most stubborn particles. In other words, you can sweep, scrub, and remove dried-on messes without resorting to hazardous chemical products.

The steam power is adjustable as you can choose between three settings; high, medium, and low, through a smart set digital control, making this mop one of the most sophisticated products in this category.

As for the power, you can rest assured move around with the PowerFresh Steam Mop as it has a 23-foot long cord for easy cleaning around the house. Just power on the mop within 30 seconds and you’ll be ready for an efficient hardwood mopping around the entire house.

All in all, the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop is a solid choice for any type of cleaning, and with proper maintenance, it can surely be the best mop for hardwood floors.

This unit comes with a soft microfiber pad, a scrubby microfiber pad, spring breeze fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.

Advantages

• Easy tweaking through the smart set digital steam control
• Disinfecting your floor by eliminating germs and bacteria
• Fast cleaning thanks to the broad mop head
• Some pretty useful attachments
• Comfortable to transport
• Removable mid-section

Drawbacks

• The microfiber pad may bunch up in the front when you push the mop forward on a hardwood floor
• The water tank isn’t removable
• Some attachments aren’t that useful

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Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop S5003D – Editor’s Pick

Just like the Bissell PowerFresh, Shark’s smart steam mop promises to clean your hardwood floor the right way by eliminating 99.9% of germs along with stubborn and dried-on messes and spots thanks to the steam blaster.

This steam mop features what’s called touch-free technology through dual-sided Dirt Grip pads to spare you the struggle of having to remove dirt with your own hands. Simply click on the button to attach the head or release it directly into your hamper. Besides, you get smart steam control, allowing you to choose between three power settings. Technology-wise, no product can rival the Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop.

The mop head is fairly large to cover a wide area on every pass, which makes cleaning big rooms and halls quite the easy task.

Advantages

• Effective sweeping thanks to the dual-sided Dirt Grip pads
• Ergonomic handle design for easy maneuverability
• Customizable heat settings

Drawbacks

• The water tank isn’t removable
• The heat adjustment button is located at the bottom rather than on the handle

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Sienna Luna Plus SSM-3016 Steam Mop – An All-Around Cleaning Mop

If you love it when products come with a plethora of attachments and add-ons, this is the steam mop for you.

Besides the smart steam control, the Sienna Luna Plus SSM-3016 combines the Sonic Micro Pulse Vibration Technology with high-temperature steam to eliminate the hardest of strains. What’s even better is that this mop can be used on different surfaces, including floors, windows, and appliances such as the microwave. Simply use the floor accessory kits, and you’ve got yourself a robust handheld steam cleaning system.

Portability-wise, transporting the Luna Plus is as comfortable as wearing the shoulder strap and moving around. If this is an aspect that truly matters to you, the Luna Plus can be the best mop for hardwood floors in your case.

Advantages

• Effective for the hardest of stains and dried-on messes thanks to the Sonic Micro Pulse Vibration
• Easy adjustment thanks to the intelligent steam control and the LED lights
• Can be used as a steam mop or a handheld steam system
• Easy portability thanks to the shoulder strap

Drawbacks

• Some users reported receiving faulty appliances, but the seller accepts returns

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Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner S3501 – For Large Floor Area

You know a brand is good when two of its products appear on the same list. Shark is back at providing quality steam mops again with the Shark Steam Pocket Mop S3501, a hardwood floor cleaner that has the same merits as the other products on our list, but with small improvements.

Shark’s Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner can deliver super-hot steam in 30 seconds, allowing it to clean stains and dried-on messes quickly and effectively while eliminating over 99.9% of germs and bacteria.

This mop comes with two microfiber pads that can lift and lock-in the dirt to eliminate the need for heavy buckets. What’s even better is that the head is entirely safe to use on different floors, including wooden ones, which makes this cleaner an excellent candidate for the position of the best mop for hardwood floors.

Moving the Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner couldn’t be easier thanks to the 25-foot long cord and the ergonomic, comfortable handle, which turns cleaning the floor into an amusing practice.

Advantages

• Comfortable maneuvering thanks to the soft-grip handle and 25-foot long cord
• Eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria
• Powerful steam for stubborn stains

Drawbacks

• The steam may prove to be too gentle for some people

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O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop – Best Budget Pick Steam Mop

O-Cedar’s Microfiber Steam Mop offers faster steam in just 20 seconds instead of the typical 30-second emission. It features an ergonomic, lightweight design, weighing only 5 pounds, which makes the hardwood cleaning process an easy task.

Just like the other products on our list, this mop comes with adjustable steam settings for easy customization according to your needs.

Besides the washable pads and the relatively long cord, this Steam Mop has a Snap-on carpet glider for an easy rig-sliding and cleaning.

All In all, this is the best mop for hardwood floors if you’re looking for a mixture of quality and affordability.

Advantages

• Effortless cleaning as the pads glide smoothly on any type of floor
• Eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria as well as hard stains
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Heats up quickly

Drawbacks

• Not that effective for deep-cleaning
• No refill indicator for the water quantity

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Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner – Best Multifunctional Mop

As you’d expect, we’re not done with Bissel yet. The Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner is another solid product from the well-recognized brand, and it’s definitely up to the expectations of users around the globe.

This cleaner works as a steamer and a vacuum at the same time, allowing it to be the perfect product for households with pets as they tend to shred all around the house. And what’s even better is that it features Odor Eliminating Scent Discs to give your floor a lovely smell after every cleaning session.

What we dig about this mop is the exclusive Drop-IT Tank Emptying System that allows you to remove dust and dirt without having to touch them yourself.

And for the kind-hearted reader, you should know that Bissell donates $10 to pet charities for every pet product purchase, which is a noble cause and a great incentive from the company. If you love pets, you’d surely find the Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner to be the best mop for hardwood floors.

Advantages

• Straightforward and easy assembly
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Suitable for households with pets
• Comes with Drop-IT Tank Emptying System
• Picks up pets’ hair effectively

Drawbacks

• The scents may not be appealing to everyone
• Isn’t that great on carpets and rugs

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Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop Premium – Best Value for Money

If steam mops aren’t your thing, maybe you should consider getting a spray one. This mop is the epitome of simplicity as it offers effective mopping through ergonomic, simple design and a broad base capable of cleaning fairly broad areas at once.

The Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop Premium comes with a refillable cartridge that initially contains Bona’s exclusive Formula along with a washable Microfiber pad, which is carefully designed for optimum cleaning on any floor.

Advantages

• Easy assembly
• Excellent spraying
• Reusable, washable pad

Drawbacks

• Some people found it to be ineffective

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Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop – Best Spray Mop For Hardwood Floors

This is yet another superb spray mop on our list. Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop doesn’t require any batteries or plugs to work, and it sprays liquid effectively to clean any type of floor, especially hardwood-based ones. The pad is quite large, allowing the mop to cover broad areas on every pass.

You can buy a backup bottle in case you may clean large floor area.

Advantages

• Effective for hardwood cleaning
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Washable pad

Drawbacks

• Not the best quality build material

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Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hardwood Cleaner – A Great Scrubbing Mop

Hoover’s FloorMate Deluxe Hardwood Cleaner is a power machine, to say the least. This great appliance has a robust 3.5-Amp motor that allows it to clean the floor effectively with its SpinScrub Brushes that gently scrub the wood and Dual Tank system that prevents dirty water from getting back on the floor.

What we dig about this mop is the Wash/Dry Mode Selection. Basically, the wash mode uses the brushes to clean while absorbing excess water, while the dry mode stops the brushes and works on rinsing the floor.

The FloorMate excels in the storage aspect as it comes with a foldable handle that makes storing the mop quite the easy task.

Advantages

• Easy to use
• Effectively picks up dirt
• Efficient, clean/dirty water separation
• Gently scrubs the floor without scratching it

Drawbacks

• Cleaning may take some time compared to steam mops

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Light ‘n’ Easy S7339 Steam Mop – For Users with Back Issues

Back pain is a severe problem that’s ruining the lives of many people around the globe. Light ‘N’ Easy took it upon itself to find a solution to clean hard-to-reach areas for people with such an issue, and that’s why it developed the S7339 Steam Mop with its Bendable Lightweight Handle.

The S7339 comes with a plethora of future, including a smart sensor for an automatic steam release, the Bendable Lightweight Handle mentioned above, and the safety measures for households with kids and/or pets.

As for the suitability, you should know that this mop is safe to use on carpets, laminate, wooden, and tiled floors. It also comes with a one-year warranty that covers most possible failures.

This is not the best mop for hardwood floors, but it can be a great appliance if you’re on a tight budget.

Advantages

• Can eliminate germs and bacteria
• Large water tank
• Fairly long power cord
• Easy usage and maneuverability

Drawbacks

• Washing the pad may prove to be a challenging task

Types of Mops That Can Safely Clean Your Hardwood Floors

Although they seem similar, there are actually different types of mops out there, each of which is designed for a specific purpose. Six types are safe to use on hardwood floors, which are:

Flat Mops

These mops are the most common one. Almost every household has at least one flat mop, and that’s due to three main characteristics: the ease-of-use, low price, and simplicity. These mops usually consist of a flat head along with a detachable pad that you can replace whenever you deem necessary.

Dust Mops

Not only are these mops used for hardwood floors, but they are also a comprehensive solution to clean dust off ceilings, walls, and textures. Dust mops are used as dry-cleaning tools, and they usually have a long handle to allow you to clean hard-to-reach corners and spots.

The head can be disposable or reusable. If you decide to go with the latter, make sure to clean it properly after every use by either shaking the mop of vacuuming it. The building material can differ, but they’re typically made of either lambswool, synthetics, or microfiber.

Sponge Mops

Sponge mops are an excellent wet-cleaning tool for hardwood, tile, as well as uneven floors. They typically include a detachable spongy head along with a wringer. Keep in mind that a wet mop can breed bacteria, so rinse yours entirely after every usage.

Steam Mops

Steam mops have a refillable tank in which water is heated, turned into steam, and spread through the reusable mop head into the floor. Once the steam hits the floor, it can clean and disinfect it at the same time, making the mopping process quite the smooth and comfortable task.

Spray Mops

Spray mops are yet another mop type that’s more convenient than the traditional flat one. It uses a built-in detergent dispenser that emits water for the microfiber pad to spread across the floor. Spray mops usually require batteries to work, but some models require manual spraying.

How to Clean and Shine Your Hardwood Floor Properly

Keeping your floor clean and shiny is essential if you want your house to look fabulous and cozy. While maintaining your hardwood floor in such a state may seem challenging, there are actually several tips that you can follow to achieve the shining you’ve been dreaming about.

1. Sweep the Floor Regularly

The first step towards an ever-clean and shiny floor is by adding sweeping to your daily routine. You’d be amazed at how much dust can accumulate during the day, that’s why you need to sweep the floor on a regular basis, especially in areas with increased traffic, such as the entrances and exits of the building.

2. Clean the Floor

Once you’re done with sweeping, you need to go on round two against stubborn stains or dirt that your mop couldn’t remove. These spots can be cleaned using a hardwood floor cleaner, a clean cloth, or a vacuum if you have wood-friendly attachments.

3. Eliminate Accidental Spills

If any beverage gets spilled on your floor, make sure to wipe it immediately as it can damage the wood and cause swelling and distortion if it penetrates through it.

4. Avoid Hazardous Products

Some products must be kept away from your wooden floor at all cost, including acidic and abrasive sprays as well as furniture polish, products containing ammonia, water, vinegar, and soap-based cleaners.

How to Choose the Right Mop for Your Hardwood Floor

When trying to pick the best mop for hardwood floors, there is a couple of things to consider, including:

Budget

The first thing that you need to do is to determine how much you’re willing to invest on the mop. Just like any appliance, you cannot expect the best quality for the lowest price, but there are great options that offer decent features for an affordable price, and the best mop for hardwood floors should be among those options.

Material

Here we refer to the substance of the mop head. There are numerous options to choose from, but microfiber is the ideal material for hardwood floor as it absorbs water and picks the smallest of particles.

Portability

Portability is an important aspect to keep in mind, as cleaning the house can be quite the laborious task if your mop is heavy. If you’re trying to find the best mop for hardwood floors, make sure it’s lightweight and can be easily moved around the house.

Your Lifestyle

When looking for the best mop for hardwood floors, make sure it suits your preferences and lifestyle. For example, if you have kids or pets, your mop must have some security measures in place to protect them.

It’s time to clean your hardwood floor!

Now that you have everything you need to know about hardwood cleaning and mops, what’s left for you is to make your choice. You cannot go wrong with any of the above suggestions, but we highly recommend getting the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, as it has handy features, slick, ergonomic design, and excellent durability, which makes it the best mop for hardwood floors.