Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop Review

Cleaning the floor can be a hassle, especially when you’ve got multiple rooms to do. Alas, we’ve all got to keep our homes tidy somehow. There are multiple ways to go about doing this—for instance, you can sweep, scrub, wipe, or vacuum. Depending on the kind of surface that you’re working with, you might also have to use specific tools. After all, carpet cleaner won’t help if you have hardwood floors. Some tools, however, can be used on a variety of floor types. In fact, it’s not uncommon for mops to be suitable for a range of materials from linoleum to porcelain tile.

As you can expect, there are many different types of mops, all of which are designed for various purposes. For example, there are microfiber mops, loop-ended mops, and spin mops, to name a few. On this page, we’ll be focusing our attention on the spray mop, a variety that is known for having a special spraying mechanism. To be more specific, we’ll be reviewing the Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop. Does it live up to the Swiffer name? How effective is it at cleaning hardwood floors? We will be addressing these points, and more, below.

The Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop

Prior to Swiffer, cleaning was a backbreaking chore. With the invention of their Trap and Clean technology, however, things have gotten a whole lot easier. In 2001, they released their first product- the Swiffer Sweeper. With it, individuals no longer had to use gallons of water to mop the floor; cleaning became a breeze. Since then, the brand, which falls under Procter & Gamble, has come out with numerous other products including the Swiffer Sweep + Mop, Swiffer Sweep And Trap, and Swiffer Dust-N-Shine, all of which utilize some type of disposable cloth or pad. Perhaps the most popular item of all though, is the Swiffer WetJet.

The Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Spray Mop is an all-in-one system that is approved for hardwood floors; however, it can also be used to clean tile, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and more. In addition to the microfiber-like pads, which lock in dirt and grime, it comes with a dual-nozzle sprayer that helps to coat your floors evenly with solution. To do so, simply press on the button that is on the handle (you’ll need to have inserted the cleaning solution beforehand). As an added feature, there is also a light on the mop head that illuminates your path. With it, you’ll be able to easily spot those dust mites; it’ll also allow you to see exactly where the spray goes. As far as maneuverability goes, the head swivels so that you can get those hard to reach spots.

Another neat thing about the Swiffer WetJet is that it is cordless. No longer will you have to worry about accidentally running over the cord during your cleaning session. Just feed it four AA alkaline batteries and you’re ready to go. Depending on how often you use the mop, the batteries might last you a few weeks or a several weeks—they’re just used for the lights after all.

What’s Included

Aside from the Swiffer WetJet itself, the box comes with a few additional things including:

• 5 WetJet Cleaning Cloths
• 1 Bottle of WetJet Wood Quickdry Solution (500ml)
• 4 AA batteries

As you can see, the set includes everything that you need to get started. Upon assembling the mop, you’ll want to attach one of the cleaning cloths to the swivel head; you can do so by using the velcro strips on the bottom. Next, you’ll want to slide open the middle compartment to insert the batteries. From there, place the pre-mixed cleaner solution into the designated slot. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to spray using the button on the handle. If you’re using the mop for the first time, you may need to prime the device by pressing on the button a few times. Eventually, the solution should come out of the nozzle.

Build Quality

Construction is vital when it comes to mops. This should be obvious, but you should always try to avoid the ones that are made out of cheaper materials. At the end of the day, you want something that is going to last. Personally, I prefer ones that are constructed out of high-grade aluminum as they are generally more robust. If possible, it’s also a good idea to examine the product in person before making a decision (things can look different online after all).

As with most Swiffer products, the WestJet Floor Mop consists of both metal and plastic. While the pole is made out of some sort of alloy, the lower body and head are constructed out of plastic. For this reason, the unit is relatively lightweight and easy to use. It’s probably also worth noting that there is a hook at the top, which can be used for storage purposes. Overall, the construction seems solid and sturdy—there’s nothing in particular that sticks out in a bad way. The handle might be a bit flimsy, but it does the job. 

The microfiber-like pads are also everything that you’d expect from Swiffer. Sure, they might not be reusable, but they are pretty darn absorbent. With just a single one of them, you’d probably be able to clean your entire kitchen; if you’re lucky, maybe even a few rooms! You’ll be surprised to see just how well they work at locking away grime—just remember to switch them out when they’re done.

The cleaning solution that it comes with is formulated specially for the Swiffer WetJet. As a matter of fact, you should not use other cleaners (including vinegar and bleach) as it can permanently damage the device. Wondering how well their mixture works? You’ll be happy to know that it does a wonderful job at dissolving dirt and sticky messes—just as advertised. At the end of your cleaning session, your floor will be left shiny, and freshly scented! Do note, however, that you should not use their cleaner on unfinished, waxed, or oiled floors.

Last but not least, the lights. One of the Swiffer’s newer features, they really make a difference when it comes to visibility. Given that they’re LEDs, they only consume a little bit of power every time they turn on; that way, your batteries will last many hours. As far as we’re aware, there aren’t any known issues with the lights—they do exactly what they’re supposed to.

Some Possible Issues with the Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop

While the Swiffer WetJet is safe for hardwood, it can sometimes leave a “film”, which can leave your floors looking a bit dull; this might be something to consider if you care about the appearance and shine of your floor. In some cases, it may also leave white streaks, though this depends on the type of surface that you have. 

There is also a possibility that the handle will break with use. Unfortunately, there seems to be a weak spot above the button where it tends to snap—this is probably due to an issue in design or manufacturing. With that said, it doesn’t appear to affect all units. To prevent it from happening, it may help to control the amount of pressure that goes into the device when mopping. If the handle does break on you though, you can contact Swiffer as they do offer a money back guarantee. For more information, be sure to check out their official website.

Like most spray mops, the WetJet can also have issues with the nozzle. More specifically, there is a chance that it can get clogged—obviously, this would lead it to stop spraying. If you’re handy though, you might be able to fix it; there aren’t any instructions on their website though, so you’ll need to know what you’re doing. Rarely, the solution may also dribble out onto the pad, which doesn’t do much for cleaning. While you can probably get the deviceK replaced by Swiffer, it’s something that you should probably keep in mind when purchasing the product. 

In terms of the cleaning pads, they are a bit on the thin side. However, they are still effective at trapping dirt and debris.

Does it Clean Well?

There’s no doubt that the Swiffer works better than the old-fashioned mop and bucket. Whether you have ceramic tile or hardwood, it picks up a significant amount of dirt and grime from the floor. Known for being versatile, it can be used for all types of messes including pet hair, spills—even sticky residue. The best part of it is that it’s incredibly convenient; you just have to plop a bottle of cleaner into the device, and you’re set to go. With a few sprays, your floor will be as good as new. Let’s also not forget that the head also swivels for easy maneuverability.

As mentioned earlier, it has a tendency of leaving mild streaks on wooden finishes. Although it’s safe to use on hardwood floors, I find that the Swiffer works best on surfaces such as tile and laminate. If you plan on cleaning the grout in your bathroom, though, it might leave you disappointed; it simply doesn’t dig deep enough to do so effectively. For that kind of mess, you might be better off using a traditional brush.

If you just want to get rid of dust, the mop can also be used dry. For the best results though, we recommend that you use it with the WetJet Cleaner Solution. Not only is it fantastic at lifting grime, but it’s also pet friendly; this means that both you and your furry friends will be able to enjoy cleaner floors. As a friendly reminder, you should never use any other cleaners, including bleach and vinegar, with the device as it can permanently damage the spraying mechanism. 

The Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop is great for families who are looking for an easy to use cleaning tool. Lightweight and compact, it’s ideal for apartments and studios, where storage space can be minimal. With that said, it is also an excellent option for churches, offices, and schools, especially for spot cleaning. For one thing, it beats using a simple mop and bucket.

Cost and Pricing Information

There’s no doubt that the product is affordable. At $22.99, it’s one of the cheaper spray mops that are on the market. To give you a better idea, most of its competitors are priced between $25 and $30—some are even higher. If you want to clean your floor without having to shell out a lot of money, the Swiffer WetJet is a solid choice. Really, any cheaper and you’d be entering the traditional mop and bucket territory. It’s probably worth mentioning that you cannot buy the Swiffer WetJet Mop from their official website—you’ll have to purchase it from a retailer such as Amazon.

While the initial cost is cheap, you have to consider the price of the cleaning cloths. As it is, you are only provided with five with the set. Depending on how big your house is, and how thorough you plan on cleaning, that may or may not be enough for one session. If you want to buy more, they will cost you $15 for a pack of 24 on Amazon (you can get them for a bit cheaper if you do a monthly subscription). They do, however, go on sale every once in a while. Of course, you can also find them at local stores such as Walmart and Home Depot.

The next thing to consider is the WetJet Cleaning Solution. Specifically designed for the mop, it is the only thing that can be used safely with the device. As part of the initial package, you’re given one 500ml bottle. Since it doesn’t require any diluting, it can empty out pretty quickly—this is particularly true if you’re a big sprayer. As with the cleaning pads, you’ll find yourself needing to buy refills after a while. In general, two bottles will cost you around $10; you can also get it bundled with the pads (one bottle with 20 pads) for about $15. Assuming that you use one bottle a month (just a rough estimate), the solution alone will cost you an extra $60 per year—just something to think about.

Lastly, there are the batteries for the lights. Thankfully, they tend to last a while so it’s not a big concern. At most, they’ll cost you just a few dollars for pack. Still, it’s another thing that you’ll have to pay for in order to use the Swiffer to its maximum potential (sure, it’s not necessary, but still).

Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mop Overall – Is It Worth It?