Best Mops for Vinyl Floors
Let’s talk about mopping vinyl floors! In recent years, vinyl floors have become a popular choice for builders and home renovators for a number of reasons. Vinyl floors are versatile – they can be printed in just about any pattern and texture (wood grain planks among the most popular). They are manufactured with inexpensive materials and are very easy to install, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Lastly, vinyl floors are low maintenance. They can take a beating, are long lasting, and are generally easy to clean. So if you’re on the hunt for the best mop for vinyl floors, you are in luck! There are a variety of great options to choose from.
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Best Mops for Vinyl Floors
- Cuban Mop
- O-Cedar Spin Mop
- Casabella Original Sponge Mop
- Full Circle Flat Head Mop
- Bissell Spinwave Electric Spin Mop
- iRobot Braava 240 Robot Mop
What is vinyl flooring made of?
When it comes to cleaning any surface, it is helpful to understand the materials used to create said surface. Vinyl flooring is 100% synthetic and manufactured in layers. Most options include a fiberglass base layer that is coated in pvc vinyl (plastic).
Vinyl planks often also include a built in underlayment and have an interlocking system making them very easy (and inexpensive) to install.
With that said, everything has a cost! While vinyl floors are inexpensive to the consumer, they’re one of the least eco-friendly flooring options on the market. If you’re considering replacing your floors with vinyl planks, I’d encourage you to consider recycling gently used vinyl planks if available in your area.
How to choose the best mop for vinyl floors
The best mop for you is going to be a matter of personal preference. Because vinyl is so easy to clean, there are a plethora of mop options. The best selection for you will depend on your goals.
Do you need a mop for deep cleaning? Are you looking for something lightweight for everyday light cleaning? Or do you want something hands-off like a robot mop that will do the work for you?
Here are additional factors to consider when choosing the best mop for your vinyl floors.
Mop Head Style
- Flat – Flat mop heads are basically “Swiffer-style” mop heads, but most can be used with washable/reusable mop pads.
- String – String mop heads are most commonly made using a heavy-duty cotton yarn-like string. Some are sold in spin mop sets, others need to be wrung out before using on vinyl floors.
- Sponge – Sponge mop heads do an excellent job at cleaning vinyl floors. Most sponge mops are designed to be very good at eliminating excess water and provide the right level of friction to mop up stubborn messes.
- Electric spin mop – Electric spin mops will leave your floors spotless but require a lower level of physical effort. Mop pads spin automatically to clean vinyl floors as you gently push the electric spin mop over messes.
Mop Head Material
- Cotton – Cotton is most commonly used to make string mop heads. This washable material is also compostable once it comes time to replace your mop head so long as it hasn’t been used with toxic chemical cleaners.
- Sponge – Sponge mop heads are very good at cleaning vinyl floors. These are less eco friendly because most sponge mops are made using materials derived from plastic / non-renewable resources. They are also less long-lasting than washable mop head alternatives.
- Microfiber – Microfiber mop pads are machine washable and reusable. Many are long lasting, however microfiber is made from synthetic fibers. These fibers are excellent at cleaning vinyl floors but are produced from non-renewable resources (learn more about the pros and cons of microfiber).
- Disposable – Disposable mop pads are popular because they don’t require you to wash them before you mop again. With that said, these are wasteful, unnecessary, and less effective than most other mop options.
Handle
- Height – If you’re tall, then a longer mop handle might be an important consideration. Save your back and check the handle height before investing in your mop!
- Weight – If you plan on mopping walls or ceilings (yes, that’s a thing – try it!), then consider mops with lighter-weight handles.
- Material – Mop handles come in a range of materials from metal to wood to plastic. Metal is long lasting and recyclable, but heavy. Wood is compostable and lighter weight. Plastic is light-weight and can be long lasting but is not eco-friendly.
- Telescopic – Short on storage space? Consider a telescopic mop handle that can extend to reach corners and taller walls.
Electric
- Corded – If you choose an electric mop, corded options will limit your ability to cover larger floor plans in one go. You might need to unplug/replug as you work your way through the house which will add time and effort to the job.
- Cordless – Cordless electric mops are my preference. No need to plug and unplug as you clean!
Best Mops for Vinyl Floors in 2022
Cuban Mop
- Light-weight Natural Wood Stick
- Used with Cuban Mop Cloth
- For indoor use mainly
This basic mop design is commonly used in South America and the Caribbean but isn’t seen as often in the United States. I consider this to be a big shame because my Cuban mop is FAR more effective at mopping vinyl floors than any other mop I have tried.
The design of a Cuban mop is extremely simple. It is essentially two wooden dowels attached to one another in a T-shape. The longer dowel is the handle and the shorter dowel at the bottom is the mop head.
To use, you simply soak a cleaning towel (the size of a large dish towel works best) in hot water or a floor cleaning solution. Wrap the towel around the base of the cuban mop then get to work! For detailed instructions, I include photos and how-to in this Cuban mop post.
Why it’s great
- Sustainable
- Inexpensive
- Effective
Where it could improve
- No bells and whistles (but honestly, you don’t need any!)
O-Cedar Spin Mop
- HANDS-FREE WRINGING: Our exclusive mop bucket design features a built-in wringer that allows for hands-free wringing while Splash Guard keeps water splash and spray inside the bucket when wringing or...
- MACHINE WASHABLE: The EasyWring Microfiber Mop Head is machine-washable and reusable! We recommend replacing the mop head refill every 3 months for optimal floor cleaning results
- DEEP CLEANING MICROFIBER: O-Cedar's EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System uses millions of strands of advanced microfiber to effectively capture dirt and grime with just plain...
If you’re more traditional about your mopping, then a classic spin mop and bucket might suit you best. The beauty of this system lies in two key features. First is the spin bucket. The best mop for vinyl floors is not going to leave your vinyl sopping wet. You want a mop that is just damp enough to lift grime from the surface of your vinyl floors.
The O-Cedar spin mop and bucket system does exactly that. Dunk the mop head into the bucket filled with your cleaning solution of choice (I often just use hot water!). Then place the mop head into the spinner and spin away all excess moisture. Now you’re left with a damp mop head, no drips.
The second feature I love is the mop head itself. The cotton rope mop head can be tossed into the wash after each use then reused again and again. I would encourage stocking up on a few mop heads so you always have a clean one available.
Why it’s great
- Great mop and bucket system
- Cover a large surface area in less time
- Washable mop heads
Where it could improve
- Not the most effective on stubborn, sticky messes
Casabella Original Sponge Mop
- The Casabella original mop - painted steel is a stylish workhorse, sure to become your go to mop for all you mop cleaning needs
- Constructed with a sturdy steel pole, it's built to last
- The mop features a heavy duty lever for maximum wringing and is constructed to be rust resistant
Sponge mops are not as popular today as they once were, yet they work just as well! Classic sponge mops like this one by Casabella are excellent for mopping vinyl floors. When you mop vinyl floors, the friction of the sponge is just enough to lift stubborn sticky messes but gentle enough not to cause any damage.
This sponge mop head can be submerged into a bucket of your vinyl floor cleaning solution of choice. Once the sponge has soaked in the cleaning solution (hot water works well for lighter cleaning jobs!), pull a lever to squeeze excess liquid out of the sponge and get to cleaning. The sponge will be left damp – NOT wet.
While this sponge mop will leave your floors looking shiny and new, it’s important to note that the sponge mop head material is made from petroleum-based non-renewable resources. Not so eco-friendly. If that’s a concern for you then consider the aforementioned Cuban mop as an eco-friendly alternative.
Why it’s great
- Durable, lifetime performance guarantee
- Effectively eliminates excess moisture
- Excellent cleaning results
Where it could improve
- Polyurethane sponge head is not eco-friendly to produce or replace
Full Circle Flat Head Mop
- Works as floor duster or mop
- Swivels around 360° to clean corners
- Abrasive head tackles tough messes
In my opinion a flat head mop is a flat head mop. I have yet to try one that blows my socks off. So why is this flat head mop on my list? Because people love them! Flat head mops are lightweight, easy to use, quick for cleaning daily messes, and don’t require a lot of storage space (no bucket necessary!).
A flat head mop is the convenient mop of choice for many. This particular model has all of your basic needs covered – a simple, attractive design with washable flat mop pads. You can use it dry to dust darker colored vinyl floors (dark floors show everything!). You can also use it wet to properly mop vinyl floors.
If you use it as a wet mop you can wet and wring out the pad prior to loading it on the mop handle. Or you can mix a floor cleaning solution in a spray bottle then spray the affected area and mop it clean with your flat head mop.
Why it’s great
- Easy to grab and go
- Easy to store / great for smaller spaces
- Washable cleaning pad
Where it could improve
- Not best for deep cleaning, much better for quick everyday cleaning
Bissell Cordless Spinwave Electric Spin Mop
- Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- Cordless Freedom. 18V lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 minutes of cordless runtime.
- Powerful Spinning Mop Pads. Restore your floor's natural shine with rotating mop pads that do the work for you.
If the thought of physically mopping your vinyl floors makes your back ache then consider an electric spin mop! Electric spin mops are meant to remove some of the elbow grease required when using traditional mops.
Spin mops are not to be confused with steam mops. Spin mops utilize an electric spin motion on the mop pads to break down and mop even the toughest sticky messes on vinyl floors. Steam mops use the power of steam to break down messes. Steam mops are best for tile floors and should generally be avoided on vinyl (especially vinyl plank) floors.
This electric spin mop by Bissell is cordless. That means so long that you charge it between uses, you don’t have to plug/unplug and fuss with a cord while you’re trying to wash your vinyl floors. It’s also relatively lightweight making it easy for anyone to use and carry up and downstairs.
Why it’s great
- Low-level effort, high-level results
- Washable cleaning pads
Where it could improve
- Heavy and bulkier than other mops
- More expensive than low-tech alternatives
iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop
- Gets into hard-to-reach places, including under and around toilets, into corners, and below cabinets
- Automatically selects the correct cleaning mode based on Braava jet pad type, choose from wet mopping, damp sweeping and dry sweeping
- Won't harm or spray walls or furniture, and avoids stairs and riding up on rugs; Quiet operation
Now for the creme de la creme of the best vacuums for vinyl floors: the robot mop. A robot mop is going to be the biggest financial investment of all of the options mentioned here but it’s well worth it in my opinion.
If you are like me, then after you cook a meal, battle little picky eaters, wash dishes, wipe down surfaces, and pick up bits of food thrown onto the floor, you have little to zero energy to properly wash your kitchen and dining area floors.
Enter the robot mop! I personally own a robot vacuum/mop combo (read more about robot vacuums here) and I run mine almost every night after my kids go to bed. I used to be a person who mopped weekly at best and now I am a superhero who “washes” her floors almost nightly, thanks to my robot mop.
Robot mops aren’t going to deep clean your floors (they are about as effective as a standard flat head mop). But because robot mops make it easy to wash floors daily you won’t need to deep clean them nearly as often. Highly recommend one if it’s in your budget to invest!
Why it’s great
- Requires almost zero effort
- Easy to run every day – a great motivator for picking up clutter off the floor
- Ability to designate “no-go” zones (e.g. carpeted areas)
Where it could improve
- Most expensive option
- Not for deep cleaning, best for lighter daily use
