10 Best Hardwood Mops for Tile, Laminate, and Wooden Floors UK 2020

Hardwood, unsealed laminate, and other delicate floor types can be a real pain to get clean. They don’t do well with excess moisture and are prone to scratches. Despite this, they still get just as dirty as all other floor types. It seems almost rude!

The best option for keeping these floors clean is daily to weekly (depending on how much traffic the floor sees) sweeping or vacuuming as this removes debris that can scratch the floors surface. The next step in cleaning is weekly to monthly mopping.

The mop used has to be gentle yet hardwearing and super absorbent to avoid leaving puddles of water everywhere. Microfibre is really the best option for this but some cotton blends can do a pretty decent job as well. A flat mop will maximise cleaning whilst soaking up all that dirty water as well.

For this review article, I’ve selected the best mop options for delicate hard flooring but most of these mops are also good for tile, vinyl, linoleum, and even some stone floors. Have a read through each review and if you like the sound of the product click the “Price and Reviews” button to check out current prices.

Let’s kick this off with our top choice for all hard floor types.

Top 5 Best Mops For Hard Floors UK

Top Choice – MR. SIGA Professional Microfiber Mop

Runner Up – MANGOTIME Microfibre Floor Mop

Best For Larger Areas – Masthome Large Area Flat Mop

Best Mop and Duster – MASTERTOP Noodle Mop

Best Electric Mop – GOBOT Cordless Electric Mop

1. Top Choice – MR. SIGA Professional Microfiber Mop

For general cleaning of hard floors, you need a material that’s absorbent, scratch-free and hard-wearing. This is where microfibre comes in. The material itself is specially designed to lift grime, grease, and dirt with maximum absorption using only water.

The MR SIGA mop is a flat mop with microfibre pads attached via clips to a swivel head. The clips are secure enough to prevent the cloths from slipping and the swivel head can get around tight corners. The telescopic pole locks into place so you can set it at the height that best suits you.

The mop can be used dry to pick up dust and pet hair and the handy scrubber tool allows you to scrape this into the dustbin so you can carry on sweeping. You can use a spray cleaner or just water to help shift tougher muck and the pad will easily absorb the excess moisture.

The only issue with this design is the swivel head can be tricky to use if you’re not used to it. Too much or too little pressure can cause the mop to flip over. The best way to use it is a firm, even pressure, and pull the mop towards you and that should solve the issue.

2. Runner Up – MANGOTIME Microfibre Floor Mop

With a slightly thicker microfibre pad, this mop absorbs much more than a standard microfibre cloth. The pad has a kind of tasseled edge that easily picks up clumps of dust and dirt.

The mop has a spray bottle attachment that can be filled with water or a cleaning solution. With the use of a trigger in the handle, it delivers a fine mist spray in front of the mophead which makes mopping easier.

The handle length is adjustable so you won’t end up stiff and sore from using this mop and the head has a flexible 360-degree rotation to reach all those tricky spots.

The mop comes with three, machine washable microfibre refills which are long-lasting so saves costs as well as being eco-friendly. It also comes with a scrubber tool so easy to remove dust and pet hair when sweeping.

Some people report that the spray bottle leaks when in use. I haven’t found this to be the case at all.

3. Best For Larger Areas – Masthome Large Area Flat Mop

If you have a large open plan home or lots of rooms with hard floors then you’ll like this next model. This mop has a really large sized cleaning pad to make cleaning quicker. The pads are a microfibre material so super absorbant and there’s an extra sponge layer so the mop fits to every floor type.

The handle is adjustable and the head folds flat so you can store this mop hanging up which saves space. This microfibre mop can be used safely on laminate floors and wooden floors as a dust mop as well as a wet mop.

You can clean the pads in the washing machine and a handy scrubbing tool removes excess dirt. The mop works with or without cleaning products but the large size means it won’t fit in a bucket. You can use a spray bottle or wet the pad under the tap but either way, less water is better when cleaning laminate floors.

4. Best Mop and Duster – MASTERTOP Noodle Mop

For an easy to use, all in one product, this flip mop is an excellent choice. The head of the mop effortlessly flips over when in use so you can use the chenille side for wet mopping followed by the microfibre pads for drying. or for dusting.

The pole comes in 3 parts so you can easily set the height you need saving backache and shoulder pain when mopping.

More absorbent than a string mop, these microfibre pads leave a streak-free finish and are safe to use on laminate flooring as well as other hard floorings like a tile floor or vinyl. You can use a spray bottle or lightly dampen the pads under a tap to save getting excess water everywhere.

It can be used with or without a floor cleaner solution and the pads are machine washable so saves cost and waste. The mop comes with 4 pads so you won’t be wearing them out in a hurry.

I love how quickly and easily you can switch from a mop to a duster with this model and the handle has a hanging hole in it so you can store it on a peg or hook out the way.

Similar to other swivel heads, this mop can be tricky to get the hang of. It needs even pressure and is best pulled rather than pushing it to save it flipping when you don’t want it to. Other than that it’s very straightforward to use and make for a very versatile floor cleaning tool.

5. Best Electric Mop – GOBOT Cordless Electric Mop

Fed up of scrubbing? If you find that pushing the mop around is far too much of a chore then this mop will absolutely bring the joy back to cleaning.

It is a cordless electric mop that can last for around 50 minutes of cleaning time due to the powerful lithium battery. It has a fast-charging time so is ready to go again in 3.5 hours. The head of the mop is a pair of rotating microfiber pads as well as scrubber pads for those more stubborn stains.

The mop head is on a double hinge so can reach into tight spots and will easily clean up spills as well as grease and grime due to its absorbency.

The mop handle comes in two parts so can be set to a shorter length if you want to get your kids involved in the cleaning duties.

This mop not only works to clean laminate floors and other hard floors but it can also be used as a polisher for wooden floors as well as a window cleaner.

An issue with this mop is it’s not self-wringing so you have to wet and wring out the pads yourself if you’re using this with a bucket set. The other, easier option is to use a spray bottle alongside it to help loosen dirt.

Things To Consider When Buying

Floor type

The type of hard flooring in your home does have a major impact on the design of the mop. Unsealed laminate and hardwood can’t handle excess moisture like a tile floor can. If you use a standard mop and bucket set you’ll end up left with puddles of water than can seep into the seams of the flooring and cause buckling and cracks to appear.

A tile floor can take most mop designs but for a wooden or laminate floor, a microfibre flat mop is the best option. The spray mop design or using a mister alongside the mopping is plenty to shift dirt, grime, and grease as the microfibre pad is super absorbent.

Area needing cleaned

The area of the floors can be a big hindrance on cleaning days. If you have a huge open plan home and a tiny mop it’s going to take hours to get the place clean. If you have a more compact home then a large head-sized mop may not fit around furniture very well. Consider the size of the rooms as well as how easy they are to navigate and make sure you choose a mophead that’s appropriate for your home.

Spray Mop

A spray mop is a great option for hard floors. It saves you carrying around a spray bottle and makes cleaning a simple, one-handed affair. The issue with spray mops is they can end up getting clogged with soap or limescale so do need rinsed out and de-scaled fairly often. Some designs can go rusty if left with water inside when in storage so make sure you empty them after use. It’s best to use filtered deionized water in these mops for the best results.

Electric or standard mop

Electric mops are designed to help save you scrubbing away at the floors. They are great for people with mobility issues, arthritis and they do make the cleaning a lot more fun. The issue with them is they can’t get enough power to really scrub away stubborn stains. The old scrubbing brush stills wins out here but if it’s routine, weekly cleaning, then an electric mop is just fine.

Storage

The storage area you have available and the size of the mop itself may be an issue if you don’t consider it beforehand. If you have ample room in a broom cupboard then any model will be fine. If you lack cupboard space then opt for a mop with a loop or hook on the handle as these can be hung up to be stored. Some models come with special clips to fold the mophead flat so they can easily be stored flush against the wall.

Price

The final, and probably most important consideration when buying a new mop is the cost. You need to carefully consider how much you are prepared to spend and set aside a budget amount before you start shopping. This saves you from overspending and there’s no need to get into debt over a new mop. The more expensive options do tend to last longer but some cheaper models really hold their own. To check out current prices, click the “Price and Reviews” button under each product.

F.A.Qs

What is the best mop design for hardwood floors?

The microfibre flat mop is best for hardwood floors. this is because the soft microfibre head is scratch-free and it’s super absorbent so won’t leave excess moisture to damage the wood. It’s best used with a spray bottle or lightly dampened but don’t dip the mop into a bucket as this will saturate the cloth and prevent it from removing the dirty water.

Can I use a steam mop on hard floors?

A steam cleaner can end up damaging hardwood. The excess heat and water can cause cupping and damage if done regularly.

Why is my floor still dirty after I mop?

The most common reason that floors remain dirty after mopping is that the mophead has become saturated. If the pad is too clogged up with dirt or water it won’t be able to absorb the dirt. It will simply end up pushing the grime around so you’ll en dup with a streaky finish. To avoid this, switch out pads regularly when cleaning a large or very dirty area and don’t use too much water.

How often should I clean my hardwood floors?

This really depends on how much traffic they see. If you have a very busy household, possibly pets as well then sweeping or vacuuming daily is required. Twice a week mopping should be sufficient.

For a less busy area, once a week clean may be fine or even as little as once a month if the room is rarely used.

What cleaning solution should I use on hardwood?

Avoid vinegar and floor soaps as these can affect the finish of your hardwood. A light misting with water and a microfibre pad is best for weekly cleaning. Once ever 1-3 months the hardwood should be polished with a floor polish solution and every year the floor should be sanded and re-finished.

Other Mops For Hard Floors Reviewed

ITSOFT Microfiber Hardwood Floor Mop

For a standard, run-of-the-mill flat mop this model by Itsoft ticks all the boxes. As standard, this mop comes with a nice sturdy, adjustable pole so you can set it to the desired height. The head is on a double hinge joint so easy to maneuver around corners and under furniture.

The pads are made of microfibre so great for use on hardwood and laminate as they won’t leave your floors too wet. They clip onto the mop with a gripper so stay in place well and this mop comes with 5 pads so you won’t run out quickly. They’re easy to wash in the washer but there’s no scraper tool included which is a bit of a pain if you have pets.

Overall it’s a sturdy, effective mop, it doesn’t cost the earth and will have your floors clean in no time.

Domi-patrol Microfibre Flat Floor Mop

This mop is really well designed to save carrying a bucket or spray bottle with you. The refillable water tank holds over half a litre of water which is sprayed in a fine mist in front of the mop. You can control this using the trigger that’s built into the handle. It’s designed ergonomically so it’s very comfortable and easy to hold with one hand.

It’s lightweight and the head moves 360 degrees so efficient and easy to use. It comes with 3 machine washable pads that are suited to both wet and dry use. It also has a handy scraper tool to help remove hair and dust from the mop head as well as wringing out excess moisture.

Finally, the handle has a hook attachment so it can be easily hung up for tidy storage. About the only issue, I could find with this one is that it’s not a microfibre mop. The sponge pad is super absorbent however and won’t leave dirty water everywhere but if you’re particularly looking for a microfibre mop then this one isn’t for you.

Amabana Microfiber Floor Spray Mop

For those extra delicate floors, microfibre is a must. This Amabana mop comes with 2 textured microfibre pads that are perfect for mopping up spills, removing grease and grime, or can be used dry for dusting and sweeping.

The spray bottle is a little small as it only holds 300ml but is easy to refill.

The handle is designed to fit easily in the palm of your hand and the spray handgrip dispenses water (plus cleaning solution if desired) in a controlled manner. The mop fits together easily, is sturdy, and doesn’t leak water when in use.

It does a really thorough job of cleaning and the scraper tool makes it more useful if you have pets.

Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop Kit

Bona has been celebrated widely for this specialized wood floor mop. It’s a spray mop design with specialized cartridges to dispense wood cleaner which cleans and protects the floor. The head is a microfibre cloth design, a swivel hinge, and nice and wide so cleans easily and effectively.

My issue with this product is the quality you get for the price. It’s twice the price of some of our other models here. It comes with a replacement pad and refill bottle but the trigger that dispenses the cleaning solution is very prone to failure.

When it’s functioning well this is a fantastic mop but for the price, I would expect a better build quality.

Vileda 1-2 Spray Microfibre Flat Spray Mop

Finally, last but not least we have Vileda with their take on the flat microfibre mop. It’s a spray mop design with the water container cleverly fixed in the handle. It seals tight when shut so no leaking.

It only sprays a fine mist that you control with the trigger handle so won’t leave floors soaking wet. Perfect for all hard floor types.

The microfibre pad removes pretty much all dirt and bacteria with just water but you can add a cleaning solution to this mop if you want to. It’s a good idea to give it a flush out with plain water afterwards to prevent soap suds from clogging it.

It’s a smaller water container than some of the other spray mops reviewed here so will need refilled regularly. It’s built into the handle so it can make filling a bit tricky as you may struggle to get it under the tap. A measuring jug works well to solve this issue. the benefit of the built-in water tank means it’s better designed to prevent leaks so better for unsealed floors.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to be taken into account when choosing a new mop. With so many options available the choice can seem impossible. The important thing to remember is that you need to find one that best fits you and your needs as well as your budget. I hope this guide has helped you on your way to finding the perfect mop.

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