The Best Floor Scrubbers of 2023
Photo: amazon.com
Stains, scuff marks, and dirt can make hard flooring look dull and dingy. When a mop and bucket won’t cut it, consider a floor scrubber to get floors back to gleaming clean.
The best floor scrubber washes away dirt, germs, scuffs, and stains to make floors “hands-and-knees clean” with less effort. The floor scrubbers on this list range from affordable floor brushes to multifunction steam mops. Many of these handy cleaning tools are safe for use on wood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and other hard floorings. Get rid of stuck-on grime and dirt with one of these effective floor scrubbers from our list of favorites.
- BEST OVERALL: Bissell SpinWave Cordless PET Hard Floor Spin Mop
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Jiga 2-Pack Floor Scrub Brush With Long Handle
- BEST MANUAL: Fuller Brush Tile Grout E-Z Multipurpose Scrubber
- BEST PROFESSIONAL: Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Orbiter Floor Machine
- BEST STEAM MOP: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
- BEST ROBOTIC: Samsung Electronics VR20T6001MW/AA Jetbot Robotic
- BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Bell+Howell Scrubtastic Spin Scrubber
- BEST FOR GROUT: Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
- BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES: Libman No Knees Floor Scrub Brush
Photo: amazon.com
How We Chose the Best Floor Scrubbers
When shoppers are considering household or commercial floor scrubbers, it helps to choose the best scrubber for the flooring type. Most of the scrubbers on this list can clean multiple floor surfaces. We also analyzed a scrubber’s power to note whether it was corded electric, cordless, or manual, and included some of each.
We also looked at floor scrubbing action. Those who want to use their floor cleaner often on easy messes might look for different scrubbing features than those who want to tackle heavy grime and large floor surfaces. We considered household and commercial floor scrubbers’ maneuverability as well, since the mops need to reach into corners and under or around furniture. Finally, we noted helpful accessories, such as included mop pads.
Our Top Picks
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 for spot cleaning stains. For a whole-home clean or to sanitize hard floors, consider upgrading to an electric or steam mop. These top picks include a range of floor scrubber types to clean tough messes and leave floors sparkling clean.
Photo: amazon.com
For frequent deep-cleaning sessions, reach for the Bissell SpinWave mop. This cordless electric mop features a lightweight and slim design. The mop is built like a stick vacuum and features a swivel head, making it easy to maneuver while cleaning. It features two rotating mop pads that scrub and buff floors to restore shine. An on-demand sprayer provides full control of spray distribution.
The electric mop includes two sets of pads: one set of soft-touch mop pads for daily messes and one set of scrubbing pads for deep cleaning. Each charge provides up to 20 minutes of runtime to clean sealed hard floors, including wood, tile, linoleum, and more. It comes with trial-size cleaning formulas and extra mop pads.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Scrubber type: Microfiber mop pads
Pros
- Swivel head easy to maneuver; reaches into hard-to-clean spaces
- 2 rotating mop pads scrub and buff floors for a streak-free shine
- Includes pads for daily cleaning as well as pads for deep cleaning
- Control spray with on-demand sprayer; prevents overspray and spots
Cons
- Only runs for 20 minutes per charge; may require multiple charges for large spaces
Get the Bissell SpinWave electric mop at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Each scrubber handle is made of durable steel and has two optional lengths. The three-piece handle comes together using plastic connectors. Use two of the handle pieces for a shorter 33-inch length or connect all three pieces for a longer 47-inch handle.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Manual
- Corded vs. cordless: Not applicable
- Scrubber type: Bristles
Pros
- Affordable, manual option for floor cleaning; suitable for scrubbing
- Each of the 2 included mop heads has a brush and squeegee for versatility during the cleaning process
- Works well on most moisture-resistant floors and outdoor surfaces
- Durable steel handle with 2 length options helps prevent back strain while cleaning thoroughly
Cons
- Manual scrubbers require more elbow grease compared to electric/battery options
- Only suitable for water-resistant floor surfaces; too rough for some flooring types
Get the Jiga floor scrubber at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Fuller Brush E-Z scrubber is a manual brush made to clean tough-to-reach spots. The scrubber features a V-shaped trim bristle design; each side of the bristle head narrows into a V shape. The slim ends are designed to fit into grout lines and reach into corners. The gentle bristles won’t scratch or disturb grout, but they are sturdy enough to keep their shape with extended use.
The telescoping steel handle and pivoting head allow for even more reach. To give a wide swipe over floors or to clean dirty walls, the handle extends from 29 inches to 52 inches. This mop also features a pivoting head that can angle from side to side to reach along baseboards or under furniture.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Manual
- Corded vs. cordless: Not applicable
- Scrubber type: Bristles
Pros
- Multipurpose manual floor scrubber for multiple straightforward cleaning tasks
- V-shaped bristles fit into corners and grout lines; suitable for heavy-duty scrubbing
- Telescoping handle for better reach and less strain on the user’s back and arms
- Pivoting head is able to angle along walls and into hard-to-reach corners
Cons
- Plastic brush holder and connector might prove too flimsy to hold the scrubber up
- Pricier than some other manual floor scrubbers; others may also have more user-friendly features
Get the Fuller Brush floor scrubber at Amazon or Fuller Brush Co.
Photo: amazon.com
For a professional-level clean, consider the Oreck Commercial Orbiter floor machine. This versatile floor cleaner can clean several types of floor surfaces. It can loosen dirt from carpeted floors, or it can be paired with a cleaner to wet mop hard floors.
This wide electric scrubber is ideal for large commercial and residential spaces. The 50-foot power cord helps the 13-inch-diameter cleaning head quickly power through floor scrubbing.
To leave a streak-free clean, this floor scrubber features random-orbital drive technology. Instead of rotating in a set direction, the brush head rotates in a random pattern. This allows the Oreck Commercial Orbiter to glide over surfaces without leaving swirls or brush marks, providing a streak-free finish instead.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Scrubber type: Brush head
Pros
- Professional commercial floor scrubber for tough or heavy-duty cleaning tasks
- The 50-foot cord provides ample reach and unlimited cleaning time
- Versatile construction; mops all hard floors and loosens dirt from carpeting
- Orbital pattern leaves no brush marks or streaks on flooring
Cons
- High unit cost and power may not be justifiable for average homeowner use; suits large or heavily soiled floor surfaces only
- Heavy at 33 pounds; weighs more than other floor scrubbers and may cause back strain if used rigorously
Get the Oreck Commercial floor scrubber at Amazon or Oreck.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
If the steam mopping head isn’t quite cutting it, a flip-down bristle scrubber can help clean tough messes. To leave a fresh scent, insert an optional fragrance disc. This mop includes eight “Spring Breeze” fragrance discs to leave rooms smelling extra fresh.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded
- Scrubber type: Microfiber mop pad
Pros
- Includes 3 adjustable steam-clean settings to offer a streak-free shine
- Cleans and sanitizes floors; suitable for homes with children and pets
- Corded electric power source for more power and unlimited cleaning times
- Includes soft mop pad, scrubbing pad, and flip-down scrubber for versatility
Cons
- Steam mop requires time to heat before cleaning
- Cord length can restrict movement in larger homes or full spaces
Get the Bissell PowerFresh floor scrubber at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
For a truly hands-free clean, consider this Jetbot Robotic floor scrubber from Samsung. This handy gadget automatically cleans all types of sealed hard flooring with its dual spinning pads. To make sure it cleans along baseboards and in corners, the spinning pads extend past the edge of the unit. Each charge allows up to 100 minutes of cleaning time to tackle several rooms.
This robotic mop has a smart sensor to prevent it from running into walls, carpeting, and furniture while cleaning tile floors, hardwoods, and more. The unit automatically dispenses water or cleaning solution to break down messes as it goes.
The double water tanks allow for up to 50 minutes of cleaning between refills to keep floors sparkling clean. To clean floors or walls manually, pick up the scrubber with the top handle and scrub surfaces by hand.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Scrubber type: Microfiber and mother yarn mop pads
Pros
- Robotic floor scrubber provides hands-free cleaning; ideal for busy housekeepers and those with mobility issues
- Each charge runs for up to 100 minutes; suitable for long cleaning times
- Smart sensor should minimize running onto carpet or into furniture
- Water in tanks lasts nearly 50 minutes; suitable for large-scale cleaning projects
Cons
- Best for smaller square footage; not suitable for homes with large square footages
- Could bump into cabinets and furniture; keep out of reach of children and pets
- Water tank requires emptying after every use; requires considerable pre- and post-care
Get the Samsung Electronics floor scrubber at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Scrubtastic Spin Scrubber from Bell+Howell is designed to clean a bathroom from top to bottom. With a comfortable handle that’s extendable up to 39 inches in length and a spinning brush head, this cordless electric scrubber takes away the need for kneeling, bending, and hard scrubbing by hand.
For different cleaning jobs, this scrubber comes with three brush head options: a cone brush for cleaning corners and tight spaces, a flat brush for cleaning smaller flat surfaces like bathroom counters, and a large round brush for cleaning larger surfaces like hardwood floors and tile floors as well as walls.
This scrubber is rechargeable, offering 30 minutes of scrubbing power per charge. The scrubbing head rotates 300 times a minute to power through bathroom cleanings quickly.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Scrubber type: Brush head
Pros
- 3 interchangeable brush heads; suitable for small cleanings, larger cleanings, and thorough cleaning
- Extendable handle can reach into small spaces; prevents strain on a user’s back and arms
- Cordless construction allows for easy maneuvering
Cons
- Mediocre runtime per charge; may not run long enough to clean large or multiple bathrooms
Get the Bell+Howell floor scrubber at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
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.
Though similar in shape to an electric toothbrush, this little device is more effective for grout cleaning. It comes with a multipurpose flat brush head and a tapered grout-cleaning head, which is designed to get into grout and remove dirt and stains. The brush head oscillates 60 times per second, and users can choose between a pulse and continuous scrubbing setting to take the work out of cleaning grout.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Electric
- Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
- Scrubber type: Brush head
Pros
- Easier to use than similar options; small spot-cleaning design requires little user effort
- Effective spinning head releases dirt and grime from hard-to-reach areas
- Includes 2 brush heads for multipurpose cleaning; straight brush head and tapered brush head for different approaches
- Batteries included with purchase to provide added user-friendliness and convenience
Cons
- Small size limits usage options; not suitable for large spaces
- Not rechargeable; batteries require frequent replacement
Get the Rubbermaid floor scrubber at Amazon.
Photo: homedepot.com
The right manual floor scrubber makes it easier to get into tight spaces, like under furniture and in corners. With a pointed brush head and a swivel brush head, the Libman No Knees floor scrub brush is made for maneuvering. This scrub brush features a pointed and angled head, which lets it get right into corners. Since the brush head can also swivel 180 degrees, it breezes past obstacles and slides under most furniture.
Libman designed this brush for scrubbing bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. It has stiff scrubbing bristles, ideal for cleaning durable surfaces. Made to be used from a standing position, this scrubber is mounted on a long and strong steel handle.
Product Specs
- Electric vs. manual: Manual
- Corded vs. cordless: Not applicable
- Scrubber type: Bristles
Pros
- Affordable compared to other floor scrubber options; suitable for straightforward scrubbing tasks
- Swivel head is suitable for hard-to-reach places and maneuverability
- Pointed and angled brushes included to tackle different flooring types
Cons
- Swivel head doesn’t lock into place, which can make serious scrubbing difficult
Get the Libman floor scrubber at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Floor Scrubber
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.
Floor Type
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. 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 vs. Manual
Electric floor scrubbers use outlet power or a battery source to power their clean. 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 cleaners. 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.
Corded vs. Cordless
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.
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 30 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.
Scrubbing
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. Most scrubbing mop pads are also 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.
Maneuverability
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 tend to 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.
Accessories
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.
FAQs
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 other floor-cleaning tools. Here are some common questions and answers to keep in mind when choosing the best floor scrubber for your home.
Q. How often should I scrub my floors?
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.
Q. Does cylindrical scrubbing differ much from disc scrubbing?
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 should be vacuumed or swept before using a disc scrubber.
Q. How long will my floor scrubber last?
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.
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