Pros
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Large mop pads
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Easy detergent system
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Quick and easy
Cons
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Smaller detergent cans
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Requires frequent resupply
About the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit
The Swiffer PowerMop has a large mop head that swivels.
At about four pounds when loaded with cleaning solution, the Swiffer PowerMop is built on the same classic Swiffer design, with a long handle and a rectangular mop head that's fitted with disposable pads.
The main noticeable differences from the Swiffer WetJet are in the size of this mop head, which gives you an extra five inches of length, and the absorbent texture of the thick mop pad. The head is also capable of swiveling 360 degrees and locking into position.
Like the WetJet, the mop head will spray detergent via a battery-powered system. It triggers via a thumb button on the top.
The mopping system’s cleaning solution comes in a circular 25.3-ounce can. This can is loaded into an opening in the handle.
PowerMop kits include two mopping pads, one multi-surface solution can loaded with the Swiffer Fresh scent, and a set of two batteries.
What we like
The Swiffer PowerMop is absorbent and good for large spaces
The Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit cleaning solution cans are recyclable.
Swiffer likes to say that the PowerMop delivers a “mop and bucket clean.”
To test that claim, we cleaned about 370 square feet of hardwood, laminate, and linoleum flooring.
At 16 inches, we like that the PowerMop has a larger head than the WetJet’s 11-inch head, allowing the PowerMop to cover more ground.
In our tests, the head is also good at absorbing liquids. To test it, we spilled a glass of milk on the floor. We were pleased to see that the new head absorbed the whole spill.
The system offers two types of pads: One for wood and one multi-surface pad. Both feature a textured design with hundreds of small absorptive fabric strips.
The PowerMop’s solution can clicks satisfyingly and comes with options
The recyclable 25.3-ounce cans of cleaning solution are smaller than a WetJet’s. Somewhat similar to the old system, the new can pops into place satisfyingly with a spring-loaded mechanism that our testers found more convenient. It also did not dribble when we popped it into place.
The solution comes in two different varieties, a multi-surface version that smells just like the ones that come with the WetJet and a formula that specializes in hardwood. The hardwood solution is currently only available with a lemon scent, and the multi-surface cleaner comes in Lavender and Fresh scents.
What we don’t like
Expect frequent reinvestment in mop heads
We tested the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit in our labs on three different flooring surfaces.
As with any Swiffer, the PowerMop’s use of disposable mop pads means that frequent use will require you to stay abreast of your supply. You’ll probably be going through about one box of disposable mop pads a month if you mop your floors once or twice a week.
Not only do the disposability of mop pads mean that restocking will cost you over time, but it will also generate a significant amount of trash.
The WetJet is compatible with third-party reusable mop pads. At the time of publication, no such option was available for the PowerMop.
Swiffer PowerMop’s cleaning solution bottles have a much smaller volume than WetJet’s
The PowerMop’s cleaning solutions come in 25.3-ounce cans; in comparison, the older WetJet’s solution comes in 42.26-ounce containers.
While the smaller size comes with a few advantages over the considerably larger 42.26-ounce WetJet bottles (which have about 17 ounces more solution), we found that they run out very quickly. Expect more waste and more shopping.
Adding to our concerns about volume, a two-pack of PowerMop’s smaller cans currently cost only about a dollar less than the larger WetJet’s.
Since the PowerMop is still brand new on the market, we’re hoping that its cans of cleaning solution will come down in price to reflect their smaller size.
Should you buy the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit?
Maybe, if you’re already on board with Swiffer you’ll love the large pads
The Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit comes with everything you need to clean your floors.
The Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit is a convenient alternative to a mop and bucket—and it works well for a quick clean. However, when it goes head-to-head with a traditional mop and bucket on a large floor space, the PowerMop won’t give you the same full floor clean that a traditional mop will, at least not without a significant cost expenditure on new mop pads and solution.
Our main caveats are the pricing of the PowerMop’s smaller solution cans and the continuous investment in mop pads. Besides these issues, we think that the PowerMop is generally a worthy replacement for a WetJet and is one of the best mops you can buy.
The Swiffer PowerMop has large mop pads, an easy detergent-dispensing system, and is quick and easy to use.
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Meet the testers
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Gabriel Morgan
Staff Writer, Home
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
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