When it comes to household chores, there's a reason why tasks like doing the dishes or organizing your closet get prioritized over mopping the floors: When you don't have the right equipment, mopping can be tedious and time-consuming. Luckily, the best wet mops can keep your floors looking clean, shiny, and bright — without forcing you to set aside an entire weekend afternoon.
Although there is a wide variety of mops on the market these days, many people prefer traditional wet mops, because they're just that: traditional. Wet mops are straightforward, user-friendly, and they get the job done. Unlike dry mops, which primarily facilitate sweeping up dust and crumbs, wet mops are ideal for cleaning up spills and tougher stains.
While the main qualities you want to look for in a wet mop are durability and simplicity, some also come with handy bonus features like a reliable wringing mechanism or microfiber mop heads that don't need any cleaning solution to get the job done. Microbiologist Doctor Michael Schmidt told CBS New York that microfibers are smaller than human hairs, so, in addition to successfully trapping dust, they can even capture bacteria and viruses. Just note that if you have to do something deeper than a standard clean — such as wiping down the kitchen floor after dropping raw food — it's still a good idea to use a disinfectant.
If you're ready to have shiny floors without having to give up several hours of your day, here are four of the best wet mops to keep your living space feeling clean, fresh, and protected.