Our favorite tools are the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum, which impressed our tester with its effectiveness on all flooring types, as well as the O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop and Bucket System, which doesn’t need to be wrung out manually and also impressed our tester with its effectiveness. Together, they’re a powerful dirt-banishing and floor scrubbing duo. Here are the best floor cleaning supplies on the market, backed by our testing and research. Our tester found this vacuum easy to assemble, but said they received the wrong manual with their vacuum, so it did not come with as many attachments as they initially expected. To put this vacuum to the true test, our home tester used it on their high-traffic areas in their home by their entryway and across carpets. This vacuum not only impressed our tester with its suction power on both carpet and hard floors, but they also enjoyed the three attachments that all successfully met their purpose. Our tester noted this vacuum is a bit heavier than other models, but it was still easy to maneuver and carry up the stairs. The only concern they had was how wobbly the canister was on hardwood floors. This wobble makes it prone to tipping over, which our tester did experience. Although this is certainly a drawback, it may be a compromise to the vacuum’s otherwise lightweight design. All in all, we think this vacuum is a great option for practically any household. The mop head is made from microfiber that allows you to tackle dirt without a need for chemicals. Plus, when you’re done using it, you can wash it in your washing machine. O-Cedar recommends replacing the mop pad every three months. (Refills are available.) Our tester enjoyed using this mop to dust her floors prior to wetting them. She was surprised by how much dirt the mop picked up, even though the surface of her floors looked clean to begin with. Our tester’s one complaint was that the mop handle, which can extend, did not stay in place while she was using it. The mop and bucket are also made of a relatively cheap plastic, calling into question their long-term durability. Despite these structural concerns, we think the performance of this mop and its intuitive features make it a great option for home owners with hard floors. Just keep in mind that this mop may not be suitable for heavy-duty cleaning. Customers praise this product for its performance and results. Many say it’s super easy to use and tackles pet stains well. Some have had issues with it starting to leak or crack over time, but most customers were satisfied with their purchase. The angled design makes it easy to sweep up messes in all corners of the home, while the double bristle technology helps it pick up both fine hair and larger clumps of dirt. The included wide dustpan makes it easy to swipe it all up. This broom is great for new homeowners or just anyone who needs to update their older model. When you’re all done cleaning, toss the microfiber cloth in the wash, dry, and you’re ready for your next cleaning session. Customers praise its size and functionality. One pointed out that the edge is sharp, so you’re able to get all the dirt up in one sweep. It can also conveniently snap onto a regular broom handle for storage. Some people find it’s too big for their taste, so be sure to double-check the size is right for you before you buy. Users have been very happy with its performance, praising the angled tip for actually picking up the dirt in the first sweep. The Swiffer is simple to use and perfect for cleaning in between vacuuming. While refills can be expensive, if you’re looking for a quality disposable floor duster, this is the best one on the market. If convenience and mobility are a priority, and you need to move from room to room, opt for something lightweight instead of heavy-duty.
Price
Vacuums are on the higher end of the price range, of course, but they arguably do a deeper clean than a broom or mop would. A hand-held mop or Swiffer is about mid-level in price and helps to grab more grime from your floors than a dustpan or broom, but you’ll have to consider the add-ons, like wipes and or other cleaning agents. Depending on your budget, space size, and how often you clean, you’ll want to consider how these facts impact the overall price and products you choose.
Intensity of Clean
Depending on how dirty your floors actually are, you’ll want to survey the options. If you’re looking for a quick, occasional sweep then dustpan or broom makes sense. If you’re more apt to clean weekly, a handheld mop might make sense for a deeper clean that doesn’t disrupt the flow of your day-to-day. However, if you want a full, deep clean (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.) then a high-intensity vacuum is perfect for getting those hard-to-attack stains and caked on dirt that’s accumulated over time.
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You can also add five to ten drops of essential oils if you’d like to add a fragrance. Just be sure that these are safe for kids and pets and naturally derived rather than compounds. Additional reporting was done by Marisa Donnelly, a writer and editor with over 12 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Huffington Post, Bustle, BossBabe, Thought Catalog, and more.
