Vacuums are technology’s answer to the broom, but what about the mop? Can an electric mop really outperform a manual mop?
The easier it is for me to use a tool, and see its benefits, the more likely I will make it a part of my routine. Making it as painless as possible means you won’t hesitate or procrastinate. There is a reason most people pick up a vacuum instead of a broom for cleaning their floor, and it’s because we can get the job done faster and better with a vacuum.
So, is their added value in using these electric mops over the tried-and-true manual mop? Hopefully, we answer this to your satisfaction below.
Using the word “mop” to describe some of these products might require some mental gymnastics, but we’re going to instead focus on what tasks a mop performs. Mainly, we’re looking at products that are meant for cleaning hard, bare flooring. Basically, anything except carpet. Tile, concrete, hardwood, linoleum, marble, and anything else with a hard surface that can be cleaned with a mop. So the products we’re looking at perform some or all of the functions below and are intended for use on hard bare flooring.
What do we expect from a mop?
- Soft material to rub against the floor to remove stuck-on residue and debris.
- Liquid is used as a way to extract the dirt and junk off the floor.
- Dirty water extracted from the floor is disposed of by being soaked up.
- There is are no residue or spots left behind by the mop.
Water clings to things, and itself, which makes for a simple way to extract dirt, dust, and other junk we drop on our floors as it, along with whatever it came in contact with, gets soaked right into the mop material. You might have to mop more than once if the floor is particularly dirty or if you continue to see residue left behind by cleaning solution or water spots.
Now, there are several different ways technology has been used to perform the functions we’ve outlined above, and we’re going to summarize all of them here.
Which mop replacement makes sense for you?
We’ve separated products into six categories that encompass the majority of electric mop and scrubbing devices meant for cleaning bare flooring.
- Steam Mops
- Spin Mops
- Spray Mops
- Hard Floor Cleaners (or Wet Dry Vacs)
- Power Scrubbers
- Heavy-duty Floor Cleaners
Time and money are often the driving factors in your decision making to buy a product. That is, does it save you time, and is it worth the money? Well, the thing is that just like an electric toothbrush, an electric mop or vacuum is always going to cost you more money than a stick with fabric or fibers stuck on the end of it.
There’s just no way around it.
Let’s talk time.
Spot cleaning spilled milk. Mopping your entire kitchen. Cleaning your entire living room floor. Scrubbing dried orange juice off your tile. These are all tasks that require varying amounts of effort and time.
Can you just grab a paper towel?
That works fine for spot cleaning, but I’ve never seen anyone use a paper towel to clean their entire kitchen floor. You’re going to want to pull out the mop, mix up a cleaning solution with water, and mop the floor while also wringing out the mop as you go to avoid pushing dirty water around.
Now, is it faster to pull out a steam mop, plug it up, fill it with water, push it across your kitchen floor, and toss the pad in the dirty laundry? We think so. Spot cleaning is one of the tasks that some electric mops do well, while others don’t make much sense.
What happens to all the dirty water?
This is the question that separates how these products work and differ from a traditional mop or broom. They all use varying states and amounts of water to trap dirt, but where does it go after that?
A traditional mop soaks up the water, and you hope that anything trapped by the water also attaches to the mop, which usually works well as long as you rinse off the mop a few times as you go.
Steam mops, spray mops, and spin mops are all very similar in this regard as they often have a washable pad for scrubbing up and capturing dirt. They also don’t leave much water behind, especially the steam mops. However, this also means they’re not great for soaking up large quantities of liquid if you’re trying to clean up a spill.
This is where the Hard Floor Cleaners (basically upright Wet Dry Vacs) come to play. They’re a more complicated solution that combines the functions of a vacuum and mop to wash hard floors while also extracting as much water as possible. These products wash your floor instead of simply mopping it. Overall we think this category has the best cleaning performance due to it extracting most of the dirty water from the floor, whereas mops are inevitably pushing around dirty water unless you rinse it our after every pass.
Product Overview
Steam Mops
- Spot Cleaning, or for large areas.
- No extra cleaning solution required. You only need water, preferably distilled.
- Pads are usually replacable and washable.
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Great Maneuverability
These mops use steam to loosen up dried-on stains and collect other small debris, such as dust, on reusable pads. Our top pick for this category is the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe (Model 1806). If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, then the O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop is an excellent budget choice.
Top Picks
More options in our comparison table below.
Spin Mops
- Great for putting a final touch on large rooms.
- Spot cleaning might not be worth it.
- Use water and/or cleaning solution.
- Polish and dust tile or hardwoods.
- Pads are usually replaceable and washable.
- Easy to use, but tricky to maneuver.
Electric spin Mops rely on friction from rotating pads and generally have an onboard tank of cleaner you can spray as you clean. The spinning action means they rely less on your ability to put downward pressure on them as you mop. Our top recommended spin mop is the Bissell SpinWave. A more bare-bones option is the Elicto ES-200 Spin Mop. The ES-200 has no onboard tank and is simply two washable pads that spin. This is a good thing if the type of polish or cleaner you want to use might not be friendly with the Bissell sprayer. Elicto does have a spin mop that’s similar to the SpinWave, the Elicto ES530.
Top Picks
More options in our comparison table below.
Spray Mop
- Most similar to a traditional mop.
- Excellent Spot Cleaner or for large areas.
- On-board spray nozzle can use water or cleaning solution.
- Pads are usually replacable and washable.
- Great Maneuverability
This type of mop is most similar to the traditional mop, but saves you the trouble of making and disposing of mop water. You have more control over how much liquid gets on the floor than with a traditional mop. The cleaning pads are often washable and reusable, so this is one of the less expensive alternatives to a mop.
Top Picks
More options in our comparison table below.
Wet Dry Vacuum & Cleaners
- Requires a little more work to get going, so spot cleaning isn’t ideal.
- Easily handle large messes with liquids.
- Uses cleaning solution and water.
- Vacuum-like Maneuverability
The products we’re including in this category are essentially vacuums that use water to clean hard floors (and some handle carpet as well). The front runners are the Bissell CrossWave and the Hoover FloorMate SpinScrub. If you’re looking to save time then these are not the answer. Similar to carpet cleaners, you have to move slowly or pass over the floor multiple times to extract all the water. The advantage of these machines is that they reduce the physical work required to clean your floors, and they’re also capable of cleaning up large messes involving liquids and food that otherwise would be difficult to clean up. Wasting 20 paper towels to soak up a spill isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.
Power Scrubbers
- Useful for cleaning more than floors.
- Doesn’t soak up liquid.
- Cordless and Handheld Options
- Best for focused cleaning on small areas.
If you want to really focus on small areas such as grout, pool lining, tubs, and showers, then these are a great way to deep clean without having to scrub on your hands and knees. There are quite a few options in this category that are very similar. The Homitt Electric Scrubber or the CUH Cordless Power Scrubber are good options. You can also simply attach a brush to a cordless drill, such as the DrillBrush Power Scrubber. The big issue with these products is finding a quality product from a seller that provides good customer service. Click “Continue Reading” to see more details about these types of scrubbers.
Heavy-Duty Floor Cleaners
- Serious cleaning power for hard floors and/or carpet.
- Not for daily cleaning.
- Great for restoring damaged hardwood floors and refinishing.
You won’t likely be taking these out of these closet on a weekly basis to clean your kitchen floor, but if you’re looking to be able to do professional-level cleaning on carpet and hard flooring then this is what you need. Our top pick is the Oreck Orbiter Ultra Floor Machine, but if you can get your hands on the more affordable Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Floor Machine then don’t hesitate.
Product Comparisons
Here we’re going to analyze, in detail, each of the top models mentioned above in their respective categories, along with some other competing products.
Remember, it’s all about added value with these tools. If you can get the job done easier and quicker with a mop or a brush, then how can you justify spending $100 on something you’ll never take out of the close, or worse, it ends up in a landfill?
We’re more enthusiastic about some of these products than others, but we do feel that all of these products provide some value for the right person.
In particular, the steam mops and spin mops excel at daily cleaning, while the vacuum-like hard floor cleaners require a bit more effort to use but make big messes seem easy. The heavy-duty cleaners excel at occasional deep cleaning, and the power scrubbers help if your needs go beyond just a floor.
Best Steam Mops
It is recommended that steam mops (or any liquid cleaner) only be used on hardwood floors that have been sealed with polyurethane after laying so that the seams are sealed as well. If your floor was sealed at the factory, but not after it was laid, then you should not be using a steam mop. Seek professional advice on how your specific floor should be cleaned.
Analysis
Let’s start with the number one rule of steam mops:
Only water can be added to the tank, preferably distilled water. You will destroy your steam mop if you add cleaning solution. No essential oils!
When you introduce a cleaning solution to the water and then evaporate the water (as steam), you are left with a residue of all the chemicals inside the cleaning solution that didn’t make its way out with the steam. Eventually, the residual chemicals will burn like if you left a pot of water on the stove top and dumped sugar into it and let the water boil off.
Bissell also sells demineralized water that will work with any steam mop, but you’ll find it’s probably cheaper to buy plain old distilled water locally.
Now:
Steam mops are even more straightforward than spin mops in that the only extra function they perform is producing steam. One advantage to steam mops is that they don’t leave behind much water on your floor, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for it to dry or tracking dirty footprints. You can even control how much steam is released to fit your needs.
To get the best performance and life out of a steam mop, you also should use distilled or demineralized water. Water from a tap, unless you have a home filtration system, will always have minerals and small traces of other chemicals in the water. When the water evaporates into steam, the minerals will be left behind and eventually will reduce the performance of the machine.
It’s not going to ruin the steam mop if you use tap water, but if you can use filtered water in the mop, then you will increase the life of your steam mop.
Detachable Tank: Good or Bad?
As you can see, the majority of the steam mops in our table do not have removable tanks. The Bissell 1940, not shown in the table, is the basic model of the Bissell Model 1806 Steam Mop we’ve recommended above, and is an example of a steam mop with a removable tank that has had some problems with leaks.
Now, we’re not claiming you can’t get a leak with a built-in tank, but repeatedly attaching and detaching the tank and building the mop with a mechanism to support that function creates a potential place for leaking to occur. Simply having a tank that attaches to the pump without any intermediate plumbing tricks creates less opportunity for problems.
The models we’ve shown here don’t have common leakage problems, but if you do have any issues, we know Bissell does an excellent job of honoring their warranties. Getting a replacement model won’t be a problem.
Bissell Symphony Pet Vauum and Steam Mop
The Bissell Symphony is a strong contender for our first choice, but if you’re just looking to purchase a steam mop, then it’s overkill. The combination of vacuum and steam mop might seem odd, but it does solve a common problem of some steam mop users: when you are trying to clean up large amounts of dust or pet hair it will tend to clump up from the moisture and may even be left behind on the floor.
Now, typically when you mop a floor you sweep or vacuum beforehand. Steam mops perform best when you do the same thing before using them. Vacuums often leave fine dust and hair that still clings to the floor when suction alone won’t pull it loose.
Steam mops are a great tool to get that next level of clean after sweeping or vacuuming. They also don’t require you to use cleaning chemicals to sanitize your floors.
Does the Symphony perform both jobs well?
It’s not going to suck the finish off your hardwood, but it does remove enough debris to make the steam mop useful if you’re trying to skip sweeping, or using your standalone vacuum. Combining both functions into one is effective.
Pros
- Vacuum picks up dust, hair, small debris well which lets the steam mop do its job.
- Time Saver: combining the vacuum and steam mop functions means you don’t have to do both jobs separately.
- No need for cleaning chemicals.
Cons
- Vacuum doesn’t do well with large debris, such as pet food.
- The Symphony isn’t going to replace your standalone vacuum for cleaning super dirty floors.
- Heavier than a traditional steam mop.
The Symphony is a unique product that can save you time if you want to touch-up your floors, but the vacuum isn’t going to replace a full-size upright or canister vacuum. You might see some complaints about a particular steam mop creating clumps of hair or dust, but the truth is these people are probably using the steam mop wrong. As we mentioned earlier, you have to vacuum or sweep the floor before using a mop, and the same is true for a steam mop.
If you already have a vacuum, which most people do, then the price jump from a traditional steam mop to the Bissell Symphony might not make sense to you. However, if you have a lot of hard flooring in your home, then the Symphony would probably serve you well.
Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop (Model 1806)
The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 is an improvement over the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 model for several reasons, but most importantly the water tank. In the newer 1806 model, the water tank is built into the body of the mop. You will have to fill the tank with the provided cup, but this helps elminate the leaking problems that occur on steam mops with removable tanks like the 1940 model.
There are a few other differences, such as the water tank is 19 oz. on the 1806 (up from 15 oz. on the 1940), and the power cord is 25 feet on the 1806 (up from 23 feet on the 1940). Another difference is the “SpotBOOST Brush” on the 1806 model, which essentially turns the body of the mop into a steam brush for getting tough messes.
Both the 1940 and 1806 model can be turned off without unplugging them.
Key Features
- SpotBOOST Brush turns the body of the mop into a steaming brush.
- Built-in water tank means no leaky seals.
- 2 Steam Settings (Can be turned OFF without unplugging.)
- Scent Discs Optional
- Safe on sealed hardwood, tile, stone, marble, granite, linoleum, and laminate flooring.
- 2 Year Warranty
- 25-foot power cord
If you’re not completely satisfied with the idea of only relying on the steam from the mop to clean your floors, then you can spray any solution you usually would use onto the floor before or during cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to pump the handle to release the steam?
A: No pumping required. Just set the steam level by pressing the button on the body and steam will continuously come out. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave the steam mop sitting in one spot for too long while it is still turned on. Use the same button to turn the steam setting to off.
Q: Can I use this on hardwood floors?
A: Yes, but the hardwood must be sealed. This means that the hardwood was sealed with polyurethane after being installed so that the seams are covered as well. If you use a steam mop on pre-sealed hardwood that is laid, leaving the seams unsealed, you can damage your floor over time.
Q: Do the pads slip off the steam mop?
A: As long as you put them on correctly this shouldn’t be much of an issue. It’s best to put the front of the pad on first, then tuck it into the groove on the mop and work your way around, tucking as much of the elastic band into the groove as possible. Bissell doesn’t recommend this, but you can put the pads in a clothes dryer and slightly shrink them. They will fit more snug after 1 or 2 cycles. Also, floors with a rougher texture will pull on the pad more. Allow steam to build up which will help lubricate the pad as you mop.
Q: Are the pads washable/resuable?
A: Yes.
Q: How long from turning on does it take to produce steam?
A: About 20-30 Seconds
Q: Can this steam mop stand on its own?
A: Yes.
O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop
The O-Cedar Steam Mop has all the necessities with an affordable price tag. Similar to the Bissell PowerFresh, it has a built-in water tank, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. The tank holds about 13 oz., which allows you to cover a lot of area in one fill. The Microfiber pad refills are relatively cheap as well. There is no warranty with this steam mop, unlike the Bissell that has a 2-year warranty.
Key Features
- Produces steam in 20 seconds
- Adjustable Steam Level (Can be turned OFF without unplugging.)
- Includes a glider for carpets.
- Triangular Head Design makes cleaning corners easy.
- Safe on sealed hardwood, tile, stone, marble, granite, linoleum, and laminate flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are the microfiber pads attached and do they slip off?
A: They are attached using velcro strips and stay on with no issues.
Q: How many times can I wash the pads before replacing them?
A: About 25 times, as recommended by the manufacturer. Of course, this depends on how you use them.
Q: How is the water tank refilled?
A: A 200 mL cup is provided and it takes about 2 filled cups to fill the tank. The tank is not detachable.
Q: What are the dimensions of the triangular mop head?
A: 12″ across the back (hypotenuse) and 9″ on each side.
Best Spin Mops
Without a doubt, a spin mop reduces the amount of physical work you have to do when mopping your floors. Just like an electric toothbrush performs more brushing action than a manual toothbrush, a spin mop will agitate more stuck-on gunk off your floor than a regular old mop.
Of course, that depends on if you’ve got a stain so bad you have to stand on your old mop like a pogo stick, then you might be better off not using a mop in the first place! Time for the hammer and chisel!
Most spin mops have an onboard tank and sprayer so you can apply cleaning solution as you go. This means you can control how wet your floors are better than a traditional mop, and you don’t have to worry about dirty mop water. Just drop the dirty pad in the washing machine, and you’re done.
Bissell SpinWave Spin Mop, 2039A
The Bissell SpinWave is to mopping as the Hoover Linx is to vacuuming, except it has a cord. By that I mean it is a great daily cleaning option. While the SpinWave isn’t cordless, it still fits the same role of quickly cleaning up messes and keeping it simple.
But most important of all: it does it well.
Whether you like to mop your tile floors daily or once a week, the SpinWave is highly capable and brings more to the table than a regular mop or steam mop.
Key Features
- 28 oz. tank capacity
- Includes soft touch pads for gently cleaning hardwood floors and scrubby pads for tough messes.
- The spinning pads make it glide across the floor which reduces physical effort needed to clean.
- Spray dispenser is built in.
- Safe on sealed wood floors, vinyl, grout, laminated flooring, tiles, stone or marble.
- Weighs less than 10 lbs.
- 2-Year Warranty
The spinning pads are attached via velcro pads on the bottom of the SpinWave. These hold up well, but you have to be careful and get the center of the pad in the center of the rotating disk. Otherwise, it will not spin symmetrically. This system works well and makes it easy to remove the pads for cleaning.
Here’s a demonstration of how the SpinWave works and how to attach the pads.
The hardest part is getting the pads precisely in the center, but it’s just something you’ll get used to over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to use Bissell Cleaning Solution or can I use the one I currently have?
A: You can use your own cleaner.
Q: Can I use the SpinWave on hardwood or marble floors?
A: The SpinWave is safe on sealed hardwood and marble floors. Be sure to use the correct cleaning solution for each floor type.
Q: Is the SpinWave hard to push?
A: No it glides across the floor when turned on. The rotating pads make it easy to move around.
Q: Is there a steam feature?
A: No, the solution is sprayed out of the front as a liquid when you press a button on the handle.
Q: How long is the cord?
A: 22 feet.
Q: Is cleaning solution included with the SpinWave?
A: Yes, you get a bottle of multi-surface cleaner.
Elicto ES-200 Electronic Spin Mop and Polisher
The major difference between the Bissell SpinWave and the Elicto is the smaller body and lack of a sprayer. The Elicto weighs about 1.5 lbs less than the SpinWave. The lack of sprayer means you’ll need to apply any cleaner or polish with a spray bottle or wet the pads before use. However, the Elicto is also great for simply getting the dust off your floor, even without any liquid cleaner. The Elicto replacement cleaning pads are slightly more expensive (at the time of publishing) than the Bissell SpinWave pads.
Key Features
- Great for polishing or dusting a dry floor.
- Extendable Handle
- 2 washable microfiber pads included
- Safe on sealed wood floors, vinyl, grout, laminated flooring, tiles, stone or marble.
- Weighs 8 lbs.
- 1-Year Warranty
The Elicto isn’t made by a large US-based brand, so customer support with this type of product may not be reliable. You might also notice many many similar products look nearly the same as the Elicto, which are just more Chinese copies of the same concept. The Elicto is nothing special, but it has decent reviews and seems to be a decent product.
We try to stay away from these types of products, but there just aren’t many options in this category. There are a ton of manual spin mops to choose from, and with the overall positive reviews of the Bissell SpinWave, you might think they would continue to advance this product line. That’s not the case, and the SpinWave is not listed on the Bissell website as a “current” product that they offer at the time this article was published. You can still find it from retailers such as Amazon.
Best Spray Mops
These are the closest thing to a traditional mop but remove the need for making and disposing of mop water. In a hurry to touch-up your floor before guests come over? You won’t have to worry about getting too much water on the floor as you have complete control of how much gets sprayed on the floor, more than with a traditional mop.
Spray mops are also mechanically simpler than the other types of electric mops we’ve shown here, which means they’re typically cheaper. Models such as the O-Cedar ProMist are powered by the handle pump, while others are battery powered with a button-activated spray.
O-Cedar ProMist MAX Spray Mop
The O-Cedar ProMist is one of the least expensive models we’ve chosen for this list. The pump handle means you don’t have to worry about grabbing the mop and finding the batteries are dead. However, it does mean you do have to pump the handle to spray cleaner, which might be an issue if you have arthritis or dexterity issues.
At this price, expecting any kind of warranty is unrealistic. It’s a good idea o take advantage of return policies with retailers such as Amazon when a product’s warranty doesn’t solve your problem.
Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop
Being a battery operated spray mop, the WetJet simplifies the mopping process, but like most spray mops it isn’t going to take care of large messes.
Batteries can be a blessing and a curse. This type of spray mop is easy on your hands and requires less work than the pumping models, but swapping batteries adds to the overall cost of the mop.
The WetJet is meant to replace a mop and bucket, but we think that the soaking ability of a spray mop is not on par with a traditional mop. Cleaning up messes, such as spilled liquids, isn’t possible unless it’s a small amount. Partially soaking up a mess with paper towels or a rag and then using a spray mop to finish is more realistic.
Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop
Durability and simplicity are what come to mind when you look at the Rubbermaid Reveal. The pads are much more dense and substantial than the typical spray mop pad. Not only that, but the simplicity of velcro-like pad attachment makes you wonder why these convoluted mechanisms exist on the other models.
The mop kit includes 3 pads and 2 additional refillable bottles. Rubbermaid claims the pads can be washed 100 times, and most users agree on this. This is one of the reasons we love this model as the pads last much longer than other spray mops (and steam mops) we’ve looked at. This is a considerable cost savings.
Lastly, the 1-year warranty is fantastic at this price point and hard to find.
Best Hard Floor Cleaners
These hard floor cleaners are a cross between a vacuum and a mop, similar to carpet washers. You don’t have to vacuum before using these products as they’re intended for handling both vacuuming and mopping at the same time, as you can see in the video of the CrossWave below.
The trick to making these cleaners work as intended is to move slowly, just like their carpet washing counterparts. These types of cleaners are so effective because they extract the dirty water from the floor instead of smearing it around like with a mop. This is the same reason carpet washers are so much more effective than taking a wet cloth and trying to soak up stains from a dirty carpet. You really are “washing” the floor.
With that said, if you’re looking for a quick cleaning tool, it’s debatable if this is quicker than mopping. However, you’ll notice in the video below you can throw a big mess at this machine and not have to use paper towels or do any extra pickup on your own. That’s something a traditional mop can’t do. Not only that but wet messes can’t be vacuumed up with a typical vacuum either, so something like the CrossWave solves this problem.
Bissell CrossWave Floor Cleaner 1785A
The CrossWave is surprisingly effective at combining the power of a vacuum and mop into one product. Like I mentioned above, it’s not necessarily quicker than simply mopping but it is more effective at cleaning up a mess that would require not only a mop but manually picking up pieces of food, for example. This is clearly illustrated in the excellent video review below by Ibaisaic.
The key to realizing the full potential of the CrossWave is to move slowly. You’re just not going to be able to vacuum up the water as if you’re vacuuming carpet. You have to treat the CrossWave just like you would any carpet washer. To get the most water out of the carpet, you have to move slowly.
In the review video below, and in the marketing materials for the CrossWave, you typically see people vacuuming up food. That’s fine for the CrossWave, but be sure to clean the brushroll of any food that didn’t make it into the bin. Otherwise, you might be in for a nasty surprise when you pull it out of the closet.
Key Features
- Controls on the handle to switch between hard floors and rugs.
- Two tanks: one for cleaning solution, one for dirty water.
- Easily removable brush window and brushroll for cleaning.
- 3 Brushrolls includes: Multi-surface, Wood-floor, and Area-rug
- Swivel head for easy maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the CrossWave as a dry vacuum?
A: You can, but it is relatively underpowered for vacuuming only. The addition of water helps make debris easier to pull up.
Q: Can I use vinegar and water as a cleaning solution?
A: Bissell recommends not using vinegar with the CrossWave as it could damage the spray function.
Q: How is the edge cleaning ability?
A: Not great. The brushroll begins about an inch from the sides of the vacuum head.
Q: Will the CrossWave work well on uneven floors?
A: The CrossWave will perform best on flatter surfaces since getting a good seal around the edges is essential for pulling up the water from the floor.
Best Power Scrubbers
These scrubbers are capable of cleaning much more than floors. You can scrub just about anything you can reach with these. There are a ton of companies selling these types of products on Amazon, and many of them are just repackaging the same product under a different name. They’re not necessarily bad, but I wanted to find a model that will, hopefully, still be available long into the future. Sometimes these products just disappear or get relisted by a completely different seller.
These scrubbers are cordless, so battery quality is one of the top concerns. We certainly favor lithium-ion batteries over NiMH. NiMH is cheaper and is more temperamental regarding maintenance and charging requirements.
Homitt Electric Spin Scrubber
The telescoping handle makes this an incredibly versatile tool to keep around. Not only can you easily reach all the tile in your shower or tub, but you can scrub things at ground level, such as a pool liner, without having to bend over. The most extended setting is 49 inches, and the shortest is 40.5 inches.
The Lithium-Ion battery one of the best features of the Homitt. Many other similar products come with NiMH, which are more temperamental and difficult to maintain correctly. This lithium-ion battery will charge in about 3.5 hours, which is a quarter of the time you see most NiMH batteries take. That’s a big difference. You can expect to get about 1 hour of runtime from this scrubber, but it depends on which brush you’re using and what you’re scrubbing.
Replacement brushes are available here
Key Features
- Cordless with 3.65 V / 4300 mAH Li-Ion Battery
- About 1 Hour runtime and 3.5 Charge time
- Brush Heads Included: Round Bristle, Flat Brush, Corner Brush, Extra-wide Flat Brush
- Telescoping Handle (45″ Maximum Length)
- 1 Year Warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use it to clean grout in my kitchen or bathroom?
A: Yes, the flat brush or corner brush is best for this.
Q: Which pad is best for cleaning windows?
A: The extra-wide flat brush will cover the most area.
Q: Is there a longer model available?
A: No, but the maximum length of this model is about 4 feet which is great for most uses.
CUH Cordless Power Scrubber
Let’s be honest about this product. It’s made in China and repackaged by many different sellers. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that if the product is good. Heck, the device you’re reading this article on was likely made in China. There are tons of uses for this scrubber, but one of the most common is scrubbing bathroom tile. However, you can use this to scrub grill tops, wheels, RV’s, and much more.
The one complaint I have is that the battery is NiMH. It takes about 10-12 hours to charge completely. This type of battery is less expensive than Lithium Ion, so that’s part of the reason you see the lower price tag. It’s not ideal, but it works.
Key Features
- Versatility – You can scrub just about anything you can reach.
- Cordless – 3.6V NiMH 2100mAH Battery
- Waterproof Design
- 7 Scrubbing Attachments: Fine Brush, Crevice Cleaning Brush, Hard Brush, Fine Metal Brush, Crevice Cleaning Metal Brush, Hard Metal Brush, and Scouring Pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to ensure I get the most battery life?
A: When you first receive the scrubber, charge it completely for 10-12 hours before using it.
Q: Can I buy extra batteries?
A: Yes, use this link to buy them on Amazon.
Q: How long will it run on a single charge?
A: It depends on how intense you’re scrubbing. Anywhere from 30-60 minutes of constant scrubbing.
Q: Can you clean carpet with this scrubber?
A: Yes, you can use the soft brush to work in cleaner into carpet.
Q: Are there multiple speed settings?
A: No, just one speed. You simply turn it on or off. Speed will change depending on how much pressure you’re applying.
Heavy Duty Floor Scrubbers
Oreck ORB550MC Commercial Orbiter Floor Machine
The Oreck ORB550MC has a 3/4 HP motor and is capable of cleaning any flooring type. Whether you want to clean grout stains on tile or polish marble, this machine can do it.
There is another model that has a longer warranty (10 years), the Oreck Orbiter Ultra Floor Machine.
This machine does not come with any attachments so you will need to buy the brushes and pads that you need separately.
You can even use this machine to dry clean carpet, but be sure to get the right brush or pad. Low-pile carpet can be cleaned with the bonnet pad, and higher-pile carpet can be cleaned with the carpet brush.
Key Features
- Cleans Wood, Vinyl, Tile, Carpet, and other bare flooring.
- Up to 175 RPM to buff, clean, polish, sand, scrub, strip, or wax.
- 50′ Cord
- Weighs 24 lbs and has a 13″ cleaning path
This machine is versatile enough to strip, wax, buff, sand, and refinish any floor surface. It’s also a way to dry clean carpet, which means no dealing with water that can cause mildew if not correctly extracted.
Here’s a table of some of the most popular pads and brushes you can use with the Oreck ORB550MC Floor Scrubber. The diameter of these brushes and pads is 12 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this machine be used to apply wax?
A: Yes, but you will need to buy the appropriate accessory. This machine can also be used to prep the floor for waxing, such as stripping old wax or scrubbing the floor.
Q: Can this be used with a chemical stripper to strip and wax floor tiles?
A: Yes, no problem.
Q: Can it be used to clean a wood deck?
A: Yes, you can use the coarse buffer pad. It will make quick work of cleaning the mess left after leaves fall or built up residue from years of exposure.
Q: Does the ORB550MC come with a pad driver?
A: Yes, it’s included. It’s what you will need to use the pads instead of brushes.
Final Thoughts
We’re continuing to grow and change this article as new products are released. As you can see, there are a ton of options with different solutions to messes you clean up with a traditional mop.
It comes down to having the right tool for the job. The Wet Dry Vacs are the most robust solutions and can handle just about any mess, but they require more time to use.
When it comes to daily cleaning you have your pick with the steam mops, spin mops, and spray mops. These all work well for maintenance cleaning, but don’t handle large messes well.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment below.