Concrete is a durable, long-lasting floor material that’s easy to clean with a mop. What’s not so simple is choosing the right mop with so many options available. There are wet mops and dry mops, mops with buckets and mops that clean with steam.
We’ve broken down all you need to know about the different mop types in this shopping guide.
At the end, we’ve included our top recommendations, like the Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop, which naturally sanitizes your floors without the use of harsh chemicals.
What to know before you buy a mop for concrete floors
Mop types
Dry mop Also called dust mops, dry mops are simple tools designed to dust or sweep your concrete floor without the use of moisture. They feature either disposable or reusable pads that attach to the mop head and attract small particles, like dust, while sweeping bigger particles out of the way. Dry mops are inexpensive and are ideal for daily maintenance of your concrete floors.
Wet mop Like dry mops, wet mops have a simple stick design with pads that attach to a mophead. These disposable pads are pre-moistened with a cleaning solution, so you don’t need a cumbersome bucket with soap and water to mop dirt and grime from your floor. More advanced wet mops have a spray feature and a refillable cleaning solution attached to the mop handle, which is released into the mop pad (either disposable or reusable) via a button or trigger.
Bucket-based mop Conventional mops have a string-style mophead and bucket, which you’ll have to fill with water and soap. We recommend a self-wringing bucket or a mop with a twist-style head so that you don’t have to get your hands wet to wring this mop type. While traditional, cotton string mops are widely available, many consumers now prefer microfiber mopheads with loops or fringe.
Steam mop For a deep clean of your concrete floor, a steam mop is most effective — and most expensive. Steam mops plug into an electrical and heat up an internal water reservoir. Without using soap or chemicals, steam is released from the mop head as it glides across your floor. This not only removes dirt but also kills microbes like germs and bacteria.
Mop for concrete floors features
Mophead material
Cotton is traditionally used for bucket-based string mops. Cotton mopheads have fallen out of favor because they’re harder to rinse and typically can’t be put in the washing machine and must be replaced frequently. Microfiber is the most popular material for mopheads because it can last up to 200 washes in the machine. You can also find terry cloth reusable mop pads.
Pad types
Dry, wet and steam mops all use mop pads. Pads fall into two categories: reusable and disposable. Disposable dry mop pads use electrostatic charge to pick up dust and fine particles. While disposable dry/wet mop pads are convenient, they’re designed to be tossed after each cleaning job which adds to landfill waste. Reusable pads can be washed in the machine after each mopping job, making them more eco-friendly.
Mop for concrete floors cost
Dry mops and wet mops start as low as $14, and spray mops start at $20 and can cost up to $150. Steam mops cost between $35 and $200.
Mop for concrete floors FAQ
How often should I mop my concrete floor?
A. Daily dust mopping in addition to weekly wet or steam mopping is recommended for maintaining your stained or polished concrete floors. For high traffic areas, steam or wet mop more often.
What’s the best mop to use on stuck-on dirt?
A. Any mop type that uses moisture is best for removing stubborn grime. String mops and wet mops can be used to scrub off stuck-on dirt. Steam mops loosen stuck dirt with their steam power and then remove it with their pad, no scrubbing action required.
Which mop for concrete floors should I get?
Best of the best mop for concrete floors
Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop: available at Amazon
Our take: A top-performing steam mop that’ll both clean and sanitize your concrete floors.
What we like: Kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs using steam. Doesn’t use chemicals or detergents, which is ideal for households with pets. Features three steam settings.
What we dislike: On the pricey side.
Best bang for your buck mop for concrete floors
Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop: available at Amazon
Our take: A widely popular spray mop that makes cleaning up a cinch.
What we like: Comes with convenient pre-moistened pads featuring absorbing strips that pick up dirt and grime. Compact and battery operated. Can also be used on wood.
What we dislike: Pads are disposable and not eco-friendly.
Honorable mention mop for concrete floors
Simpli-Magic 5-Piece Mop Bucket Set: available at Amazon
Our take: A mop-and-bucket set for a great value.
What we like: Bucket features an easy-to-use wringing basket so your hands will stay dry. Mop comes with three microfiber fringed mopheads that are machine washable.
What we dislike: While the bucket features wheels, it can be bulky to maneuver around.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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