Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit Review

About the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit

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

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

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 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.