The Best Sponge Mops for Hard Surfaces

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It may not be the most glamorous item in the cleaning arsenal, but homes with hard floors benefit from quality mops. These cleaning tools don’t stop at the floor⁠—mops can also be used to wash tall windows, high ceilings, and walls for a truly clean home. Unlike string mops, sponge mops don’t require a special bucket to wring them out: they have a built-in lever, roller, or handle mechanism to squeeze out excess water.

Compared to how straightforward sponge mops are, having to search through countless models on the market is the opposite. We’ve identified some of the most high quality and reliable options available, so you can find one for your home.

Our Top Picks

Using a range of sponging mechanisms, clean and shiny floors are within easy reach with these mops.

Photo: amazon.com

BEST OVERALL: The Super Standard Double Roller PVA Sponge Mop

The Super Standard Double Roller is a strong choice for general use in the sponge mop market. Its unique double roller mechanism offers more efficient wringing at the pull of a lever, so the mop rinses quicker and dries faster. Equipped with a durable PVA sponge that resists dripping, this highly absorbent mop can pick up dirt and grime in a single pass, keeping floors clean with minimal effort. The Super Standard has a sturdy steel head and a telescopic handle, allowing users to adjust the mop to the right height for painless scrubbing. Its generous maximum length of 55 inches also ensures that the mop can get at hard-to-reach places. The sound construction of the handle and lever pull—along with the simple-to-replace sponge head—makes the Super Standard appropriate for both home and professional use. The Super also helpfully includes an extra sponge refill, to eventually replace the first sponge’s wear and tear.

Photo: amazon.com

HONORABLE MENTION: Rubbermaid Commercial PVA Sponge Mop

Rubbermaid’s commercial-grade sponge mop features a PVA head that is resistant to the harsh chemicals found in many floor cleaners, making for a long and productive life. This Rubbermaid mop is tough, absorbent, and drip-free, cleaning dirt and dust from the floor for a quick and straightforward mopping experience. For a cleaner finish, the PVA head absorbs and lifts small debris such as sand and crumbs off the floor instead of pushing it around. Users wring the sponge via a simple pull handle for convenient use and faster drying time. A shorter 35-inch handle makes scrubbing tough messes easier, and when the sponge eventually wears out, it can easily be switched out.

Photo: amazon.com

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Quickie Super Squeeze Sponge Mop

Quickie’s Super Squeeze model includes the efficient features commonly found in sponge mops, as well as unique additional features. The sponge contains highly absorbent cellulose, with the option to purchase a microfiber attachment and refills sold separately. Users can utilize the 48-inch pole to clean walls and high windows, along with multiple hard surfaces. A spot scrubber built into the pole can tackle floor stains and caked-on dirt. The sponge is wrung by a durable metal spring-back mechanism, adding flexibility to the cleaning process. While not in use, the mop can be stored easily with a hang-up feature attached to the handle. The Quickie is an ideal choice for budget shoppers, who want more than the basic elements of a sponge mop.