It’s worth noting that when we tested string and flat mops, they tended to perform better when it came to removing hardened food stains and mud, so a spray mop may not be the best option if you’re looking to deep clean large areas, but for convenience and speed, they can’t be beaten. How we test spray mops We spent extensive time researching the latest and best mops on the market, taking into account household expert opinions, particularly from the likes of Which? who have thoroughly tested almost all the newest models around. We also made notes of which brands had won trusted awards and accolades along the way. Opinions from real Mumsnet users The reservoir size on spray mops can range from 300ml to almost a full litre. It goes without saying that if you’re looking to mop multiple hardwood floors, then a bigger reservoir means less chance of having to refill. However, if you’re short on storage space or primarily looking to blitz small spaces, a small tank will still get you far and will be more compact. The shaft rotates a full 90 degrees, so you can get under low furniture, tables, sideboards and chairs with no trouble. The LED light helps to identify areas of dust and grime more easily too. I also found the water tank capacity to be more than generous. I was able to scrub the kitchen, bathroom and long hallway, using just half of the water tank’s capacity. This is really down to your preference though, if you want a lot more water to scrub with, you may have to fill up your water tank more often.

The Vileda Looper comes with two different types of pads - one soft and cream-coloured and the other with red zig-zag lines running across it. There is no explanation in the instructions as to why the pads are different and what they should be used for, but as the zig zag lines felt slightly abrasive to touch, it’s safe to assume that these pads are more suited to hardier floors, such as vinyl. The Vileda 1-2 Spray is so-called because it refines the mopping process into two simple steps - filling the tank and spraying the water. For step one, all I had to do was remove the stopper at the top of the handle before adding up to 250ml of water. The manufacturer says the 1-2 Spray can be used with just water, or you can add Vileda’s own Active Cleaner or the floor cleaner of your choice. For the sake of this test, I used the mop with water before adding some Tesco All Purpose Cleaner, as per the instructions. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family. The Vileda Steam Mop Plus gives an effective hygienic clean without the need of using any chemicals. The combination of steam and the microfibre pads kills 99.9%* of bacteria from all types of floor surfaces making this a great chemical free cleaning option for floors. Thanks to the microfibre mop pads this steam cleaner effectively removes dirt and grease while also sanitising. Plus, once you add the handy carpet glider to the base, it can also be used on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and mattresses to get a hygienic clean.

It is easy to manoeuvre, compact, lightweight and comes with a swivelling mop head. The handle is ergonomically designed, making the steam mop comfortable and easy to hold. Which also detaches so you can store it easily away in a cupboard. When spraying water, you should be mindful of the angle of the handle, otherwise you risk firing water up the wall or your kitchen units (which I may have done once or twice). It may be a process of trial and error. Many brands offer trial-sized samples, so you could give a few options a go before making a commitment. What’s the best floor mop to buy? We compiled all of our in-depth research into a shortlist and from there chose 10 that we thought would offer something for everyone, no matter what their needs or budget. Why you should trust us Floor type: Your main consideration when searching for the best floor mop will be the type of floor you’re looking to clean. You’ll want to keep wood floors fairly dry during the cleaning process so a mop head made from a material like microfibre is a safe choice. Laminate and vinyl flooring can withstand more water so you’ll have more options to choose from.

If you want some real power behind your spray mop, consider a model like our winner, the expert Vileda Looper Spray Mop. It’s a cordless charge-up-and-clean option with extra power for those tougher stains. Some spray mops, such as the Flash Power Mop, also have battery-assisted trigger sprays for more force behind every spritz.I have the Vileda 1-2-spray mop and it’s grand...does the job!" - Recommended by Mumsnetter ChittyChittyBoomBoom The Steam Mop Plus can clean up to 120 m² with one full tank of water (400 ml). With the handy viewing window on the tank, you can make sure you always have the right amount of water. The Vileda 1-2 Spray Mop was tested on its ability to remove everyday stains, including hot chocolate, muddy footprints and toothpaste. Easy to set up, use and store, this mop is perfect for daily mopping and for cleaning up any spillages as they happen - just grab it and go! Reviewer Laura lives in a four bedroom house with her husband and two kids, aged four and five. The Vileda Looper was tested out on laminate flooring in the kitchen, the bathroom and the downstairs loo, plus the tiled floor in the utility room. The Vileda Looper was also used on vinyl kitchen flooring.

The Vileda 1-2 Spray Mop was tested out on laminate flooring in the kitchen, bathroom, conservatory and the downstairs loo, plus the tiled floor in the utility room. Although it can’t be wall-mounted, it comes with a handy drip tray that allows you to protect your floors without having to take the wet mop heads off. How does the Vileda Looper rate online? I found the mop was able to easily deal with everyday stains, although the difference in the results when mopping with and without the cleaning product was negligible. One of the closest products to the Vileda Looper that I’ve tested over the last year is the Shark Steam and Scrub Automatic Mop. Around the same price as the Vileda Looper, this is a steam mop that features a similar mop head, with two rotating discs. While it’s beautifully designed and looks much more sleek and stylish than the Looper, I found I got a cleaner result from the Looper, despite using cold water instead of steam. Should you buy the Vileda Looper? Handles: Look for a hard-wearing handle to make sure it’ll stand the test of time and think about adjustable handles if there will be several people of different sizes using it within your household.Clean your hard floors with ease and efficiency; the Vileda spray mops were specifically designed for moist mopping. Achieve excellent cleaning results for almost every type of hard or sealed floor.