By Jasmine Harding and Katie Barton | Updated Dec 14, 2023 2:12 PM
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Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
When a mop and bucket won’t cut it, consider a floor scrubber to get floors back to gleaming clean. The best floor scrubbers wash away dirt, germs, scuffs, and stains to make floors “hands-and-knees clean” with less effort. However, not all floor scrubbers work for all floor types.
According to Todd Saunders, CEO of Flooring Stores, which helps match consumers to flooring experts, “Electric spin mops can be a great option for most floor types, but not all of these mops can scrub tile grout deeply enough. For tough floor messes, a good old-fashioned scrub brush often works best.”
To find the best floor scrubbers that eliminate grime and dirt on hard floors, we researched 15 popular models and tested nine—the top eight made our list. We used these scrubbers for 4 weeks and then assigned each an award based on its performance.
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
Before choosing nine floor scrubbers to test, we researched popular models to find scrubbers that could meet different needs. We wanted to test multisurface mops and brushes that can bring dingy grout back to life and power through stuck-on messes. We looked at user ratings, prices, and features. Once we had our top picks, we tested each over 4 weeks.
We used each floor scrubber per the manufacturer’s instructions, spin mopping, steaming, squeegeeing, and scrubbing over 2,000 square feet of hard floors. Our test surfaces included ceramic tile, hardwoods, vinyl, and linoleum.
In addition to cleaning regular household grime, we dribbled apple juice and pasta sauce on our floors, allowing it to dry before using each scrubber to clean it. We also evaluated each product’s ease of use, setup, price, and versatility. We kept the results of our tests in a rubric so we could compare the top models against one another.
The best floor scrubber for a home depends on the flooring type and intended use. An affordable manual floor cleaner is ideal for small cleaning jobs, like scrubbing an entryway or spot-cleaning stains. For a whole-home cleaning or to sanitize hard floors, consider upgrading to an electric or steam mop. We independently tested each of these top picks, which include a range of floor scrubbers to clean tough messes and leave floors sparkling clean.
For frequent deep-cleaning sessions, reach for the Bissell SpinWave. This cordless electric mop features a lightweight and slim design and has two rotating mop pads that scrub and buff floors to a shine. It comes with two sets of microfiber pads—a soft-touch set and a scrubby set—and two sample bottles of Bissell’s PET multisurface formula.
The Bissell SpinWave is safe for all sealed hard floors, so we tested it on hardwoods, luxury vinyl plank, linoleum, and ceramic tile. After charging it for a few hours, we filled the water tank and attached the mop pads. The water tank had fill lines for water and cleaning solution, taking the guesswork out of how much cleaner to use.
The spinning action of the mop pads helped the SpinWave to glide across our floors. After a mopping session, the microfiber pads were always covered in dirt, which was evidence of how well they cleaned. We also appreciated the on-demand spray, which helped us prevent oversaturating our floors.
The biggest bummer to the Bissell SpinWave was the short 20-minute battery life, which simply wasn’t enough time to mop our entire house without recharging. The mop also didn’t perform as well with caked-on messes compared to scrub brushes or steam mops.
Overall, we still think this is the best everyday floor scrubber. It’s easy to use, versatile, and cleans well. Those who mop frequently will appreciate the convenience the SpinWave has to offer.
Get the Bissell SpinWave floor scrubber at Amazon or Target.
This inexpensive Jiga floor scrubber set includes two manual floor brushes. To tackle a range of cleaning jobs, each brush head is dual-purpose with a dense brush and attached squeegee. The scrubber side features synthetic bristles that loosen dirt and stubborn stains. To clear dirty water away, the other side has a rubber squeegee bar. These floor cleaners are ideal for moisture-resistant floors, like sealed outdoor decks and tiled bathroom floors.
Assembling these floor scrub brushes took less than a minute. The handle came in three pieces, and we could connect one or all three, depending on our desired height. Possible brush heights included 15.6 inches, 33 inches, and 47 inches. We connected all three pieces for a height of 47 inches, which felt comfortable for floor scrubbing.
After assembling the Jiga floor scrub brush, we put it to work on ceramic tile. We vacuumed, sprayed our favorite grout and tile cleaner on the floor, and used the brush to scrub off dirt. The squeegee on the backside was incredibly helpful for removing excess mopping solution, and the bristles were stiff enough to scrub off messes, which included apple juice and pasta sauce we let dry on the floor. We also used the Jiga to scrub our shower floor. Again, the squeegee was a useful feature and the brush was lightweight and comfortable to hold.
Get the Jiga floor scrubber at Amazon.
For a professional-level clean, consider the Oreck Commercial Orbiter floor machine. This versatile floor cleaner can tackle several surfaces, including hard floors and carpets. It’s ideal for large commercial and residential spaces and features a 40-foot power cord and a 13-inch-diameter cleaning head.
When we unboxed the Oreck Commercial Orbiter, we were a bit intimidated by its weight. It’s solidly built and clocks in at 32.9 pounds. Depending on the attachment, the orbiter can scrub, sand, wax, buff, or polish hard floors. It didn’t come with any attachments, so we ordered the orange tile brush for scrubbing and the carpet bonnet, which also works as a mop pad on hard floors.
We started by using the orange tile brush on our ceramic tile. We placed the Oreck over the brush, and it locked in place. We sprayed our tile with cleaner and then turned on the Orbiter. The brush head rotated in a random pattern, and the machine was easy to maneuver despite its weight. We then mopped our hardwoods using the driver pad holder and the carpet bonnet. The Oreck left our floors clean and streak-free.
Even though the Oreck Commercial Orbiter is a quality floor scrubber, we wouldn’t recommend it for residential use due to its weight. Carrying it from room to room felt like a chore, and carrying it up and down the stairs felt like a workout.
Get the Oreck floor scrubber at Amazon or Oreck.
The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria without chemical cleaners. This corded electric mop includes two mop pad options: a soft microfiber pad for gentle cleaning and a scrubby microfiber choice for stuck-on spills. Paired with deep-cleaning steam, these mop pads wipe away dirt, scuffs, and germs. To suit different cleaning jobs and flooring types, this mop features three adjustable steam levels.
We used the lowest steam level on our hardwoods, and the PowerFresh lifted all dirt and left our floors clean and streak-free. We boosted up to the high setting to power through dried-on pasta sauce and apple juice, and this steam mop removed both in only a couple of passes. The mop also features a flip-down scrub brush for extra-tough messes, but the steam was enough to dislodge dried food from our floor.
We used the high steam setting to clean our tiled bathroom floors. The PowerFresh was easy to maneuver around the toilet and up against the baseboards. We tested the included scent discs by inserting them into the microfiber pad before mopping, and they left our room smelling fresh.
The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is a top pick that gets floors very clean and removes even the toughest of messes. However, steam mopping may not be suitable for all floor types, especially for those that are heat- or moisture-sensitive.
Get the Bissell PowerFresh floor scrubber at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.
The Everybot Edge2 is a robotic spin mop capable of cleaning dirt, pet hair, and stuck-on messes. It comes with a charger and two sets of mop pads. This robot-mop features multiple sensors that prevent it from falling off ledges or crashing into obstacles. It has four moisture-control levels ranging from dry to wet mopping.
When we received the Everybot Edge2, we were impressed by how simple the setup was. Most robotic mops require users to download an app, but the Edge2 came with a remote control. To use the Edge2, we filled the removable water tank, put on a set of soft mopping pads, and pressed play. It quickly mopped our kitchen and was so quiet that we forgot it was cleaning.
The Everybot has multiple settings, which include Auto, Intensive, Edge, Focus, 50 min, and Step. We regularly used the 50 min button, allowing the mop to wander from room to room. To test if the Edge2 could clean dried food and a sticky drink, we used the focus mode, which concentrates on a small area. We set the mop beside the mess, pressed “focus” on the remote, and it went in circles, scrubbing. It took several passes, but it eventually cleaned the floor without our intervention.
The Everybot does a great job of cleaning and is whisper quiet. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for a robot mop that doesn’t require an app, but it is more expensive than most other floor scrubbers on our list.
Get the Everybot floor scrubber at Amazon or Everybot.
The Voweek Electric Spin Scrubber is a cordless rotating scrub brush with four interchangeable heads. It comes with a large flat brush, a small flat brush, a dome brush, and a corner brush. The adjustable handle ranges from 27 to 43 inches, and the brush heads have three angle settings, making them practical for cleaning multiple surfaces.
The assembly for the Voweek spin brush was simple: The handle came in three pieces that clicked in place, and then we attached a cleaning head. We charged it for several hours before putting it to work on ceramic tile in the bathroom. We sprayed cleaning solution on the floor and used the large flat brush to scrub away dirt. It took us a few tries to figure out the most comfortable angle for floor cleaning, but once we did, we were able to clean with ease. The Voweek did all the work; we just held the brush in place.
We also used this electric scrub brush to clean other areas in our bathroom, including the countertop, sink, and shower. We were genuinely impressed by how well it scrubbed off soap scum and mineral deposits. Our shower went from dingy to like-new in about 10 minutes. We scrubbed on hard surfaces around the house for 1 hour, and the battery never died.
The Voweek Electric Spin Scrubber would make an excellent addition to anyone’s cleaning arsenal. It takes the hard work out of not-so-fun chores like scrubbing shower walls and tile floors. The biggest downside is that the bristles may be too rough for delicate flooring like hardwoods or laminate.
Get the Voweek floor scrubber at Amazon or Voweek.
Graying grout? The Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber is a solution that fits comfortably in hand. This small but mighty water-resistant power scrubber is electric and cordless, running on four AA batteries (included). Similar in shape to an electric toothbrush, it’s designed for small scrubbing jobs, like getting into grout lines, around bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and deep into tight corners.
Our first test for the Rubbermaid Reveal involved trying to restore discolored grout. We sprayed the grout with our favorite cleaner and let it sit for 5 minutes per the manufacturer’s instructions. We then used the power scrubber with the multipurpose flat brush head, and within a few seconds, we witnessed our dirty brown grout lines turn back to their original pearl gray color. (We also tried the tapered grout cleaning head but ironically found the flat head much more efficient.)
The power scrubber didn’t require force from us, so it wasn’t hard on the hands or wrist. We just moved it over the grout lines, letting it do the work.
We also used the power scrubber in other areas of the home, including around the edges of the sink and to shine up a faucet. It worked well and was handy to throw in a drawer for storage.
Get the Rubbermaid floor scrubber at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
The right manual floor scrubber makes it easier to get into tight spaces, like under furniture and in corners. With a pointed brush head that swivels, the Libman No Knees floor scrub brush is made for maneuvering. It features a pointed and angled head, which lets it get right into corners. Since the brush head can swivel 180 degrees, it breezes past obstacles and slides under most furniture.
The Libman has stiff scrubbing bristles, ideal for cleaning durable surfaces, so we tested it on ceramic tile. We first used it as a dry brush to sweep up dirt and debris in the corners of the bathroom and bathroom closet. Then, we put it through our scrub test by dribbling pasta sauce and apple juice on the floor. Once those substances dried, we sprayed our mopping solution and scrubbed with the Libman. It didn’t take long to get the floor completely clean. The handle height felt comfortable, and cleaning the brush after use was easy—we just washed the bristles in the sink.
Beyond ceramic tile flooring, this Libman floor scrub brush is also suitable for showers, decks, outdoor concrete, and siding. We gave it a go in a bathtub, and since it’s so lightweight, it was easy to scrub the tub clean.
Get the Libman floor scrubber at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
We also tested the Fuller Brush Co. Tile Grout E-Z Scrubber Complete but found it difficult to use. The stiff bristles fit into our grout lines nicely. However, it required a lot of elbow grease to scrub and didn’t maneuver well. In only minutes, our hands were tired from pressing the brush into the grout. When we eased the pressure, the brush wouldn’t stay in the grout lines or get them clean. We used this brush multiple times, but it didn’t deliver the cleaning power or comfort we were after. It’s also a bit pricey compared to the other options we tested.
The ideal floor scrubber for a room is well suited to the flooring type and household cleaning needs. Make sure to choose a scrubber that isn’t too rough on the types of floors or too soft to get the job done. Other features that contribute to ease of use, like maneuverability, scrubber type, and extra cleaning accessories, are also important to consider.
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
Each flooring type has different cleaning needs and recommendations. Some flooring can handle a good scrubbing, while others need a gentler hand.
For delicate flooring types, like marble tiles and some hardwood floors, consider a scrubber with soft microfiber or fabric pads. Tougher flooring, like ceramic and porcelain tiles, might be able to handle scrub brushes. For specific tasks, like cleaning grout on a tile floor, look for a floor scrubber made for this job.
Also, consider the moisture resistance of flooring. Certain materials, like solid hardwood and laminate flooring, should not be saturated with water as moisture can cause damage or lead to squeaky floors.
Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean, a cleaning service company in Denver, Colorado, cautions against using steam mops on laminate. “It’s a common mistake to think steam mops work on all floors, but they really don’t. I learned this the hard way before I started my cleaning business.” According to Kendrick, moisture from steam can seep into any type of floor with seams, causing damage over time.
Scrubbers with wringable mop pads or on-demand spray features make it easier to control the amount of water or cleaning solution distributed. To keep flooring in tip-top shape, pair the scrubber with a specific cleaner, like tile floor cleaner or hardwood floor cleaner.
Electric floor scrubbers use outlet power or a battery source to power their cleaning. These scrubbers are convenient and do most of the work themselves. They have rotating or vibrating bristles or pads that clean the floor with each pass. Most have on-demand sprayers to distribute liquid cleaner. Steam mops are another electric option, using steam instead of chemical products to clean and sanitize floors.
Though electric scrubbers are convenient, they are the pricier option. They are also heavier and tend to have a larger brush head, which can make it tough to clean under furniture or in tight spaces. Corded options are restricted by their power cord, while battery life restricts the length of time a cordless electric mop can be used. Robotic floor scrubbers are the most convenient electronic option; there’s no work needed other than maintaining the mopping pads and the water tank.
Manual floor scrubbers require good-old elbow grease to clean floors. These scrubbers can include mops, like spin mops and sponge mops, as well as scrub brushes. Manual scrubbers are affordable, simple to use, and easy to maneuver compared to electric scrubbers. Their main downside is that they require the user to do the scrubbing. Because of this, they might not offer the deep clean of an electric scrubber or the sanitizing benefits of a steam mop.
Electric floor scrubbers come in corded and cordless designs. Corded scrubbers need to plug into an outlet for power, but they won’t run out of charge halfway through a good cleaning. Their cord length can also restrict their movement. But in most homes, this small inconvenience is easy to get around by using an extension cord or plugging it into different outlets during the cleaning process.
Cordless scrubbers are designed to be easy to maneuver. They’re the ideal pick to avoid annoying cords, although these battery-powered options need frequent charging or battery changes. Most have a battery life of 20 to 50 minutes before they need another charge, which is much less than the runtime of a corded scrubber. But like most cordless appliances, cordless scrubbers typically weigh less than corded options and are easier to move about.
Both electric and manual floor scrubbers can have mop pads or scrubbing brushes. Scrubbing mop pads are often made of microfiber or other soft fabrics. These pads are common on electric floor scrubbers.
The powerful rotation of an electric scrubber can work faster than manual scrubbers for a deeper clean. Some designs include dual-head scrubbers to cover more surface area with each swipe. Designed to be absorbent and offer a gentle, deep clean, these soft mop pads safely remove dirt and grime from most hard flooring. Generally, scrubbing mop pads are machine washable to make them easy to clean and to prevent pushing dirty water around.
Scrubbing brushes with abrasive bristles are a popular choice for cleaning tough messes. Often made of synthetic materials, scrubber bristles can vary in softness. Soft bristles tackle gentle daily cleaning, while thicker bristles help with heavy-duty jobs. Since bristles can be abrasive, they are better suited for durable and scratch-resistant flooring.
When deep-cleaning floors, getting under furniture, into corners, and along baseboards is a must. A maneuverable floor scrubber helps clean along all the nooks and crannies of hard flooring.
Manual floor scrubbers tend to be more maneuverable than electric models. They are thinner, lighter in weight, and typically have smaller cleaning heads. Some have a swivel head or a pointed brush, allowing them to sweep into tight spaces or go deep into corners.
Electric floor scrubbers are larger and heavier, which can make them tougher to maneuver. Their cords, large cleaning heads, or thick handles might constrain their movement. However, they often make up for this inconvenience with their scrubbing power, which can lift even tough dirt and grime. Some have swivel mounts and low-profile mop pads to make them easier to move about.
Manual floor scrubbers are usually rather basic, with a long handle and a cleaning head. Some might include simple attached accessories like a squeegee to mop up dirty water or dry the clean area, or a spray feature to distribute the cleaning solution.
On the other hand, electric floor scrubbers can include a range of accessories. Most have reusable and washable mopheads or pads for long-term use. Some also have changeable mopheads, with softer or harder scrubbers for different cleaning jobs. On-demand spray features are common, which allow users to control the amount of floor cleaner sprayed as they go.
Steam mops can include the above features and more. Some have targeted cleaning heads to disinfect grout, upholstery, and curtains for a whole-home clean.
A floor scrubber is a handy cleaning tool for scrubbing tough messes. Some scrubbers are ideal to use in addition to a mop and bucket, while others can replace many floor-cleaning tools. Here are some common questions and answers to keep in mind when choosing the best floor scrubber for your home.
Most home flooring could use a deep clean once every couple of weeks. Consider cleaning bathroom and kitchen floors more often due to the higher presence of germs and bacteria.
Cylindrical scrubbers use a cylindrical scrub-brush system. These scrubbers are most often found in commercial floor scrubbers. They sweep up dust and dirt as they scrub floors, getting rid of the need to sweep or use vacuum cleaners beforehand.
Most electric home floor scrubbers have disc scrubbers, which feature flat pads that rotate or vibrate to clean flooring. Since they lay flat on the floor, they can’t sweep up hard, dry debris. Floors ought to be vacuumed or swept before using a disc scrubber.
Floor scrubbers can last many years. Their scrubbing pads will need frequent cleaning and replacing, depending on how often they are used. Clean bristles and mop pads after each use, and consider replacing the scrubber head altogether if it starts to pick up permanent stains or a lingering smell.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding.
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