Swiffer WetJet vs. Swiffer PowerMop: We Tested Both Cleaning Mops

Let’s face it: Mopping is time-consuming and messy. Plus, who wants to wait for the floor to dry afterward? Not I, said the fly. Luckily, Swiffer has revolutionized the floor-cleaning game with the beloved WetJet, which has been around for over two decades and cuts floor-cleaning time in half. And that isn’t all. In June 2023, Swiffer introduced the PowerMop, which is supposed to eradicate sticky and stuck-on messes with ease, thanks to its specially designed mop head.

But which cleaning apparatus reigns supreme? I put these two Swiffer products to the test in a head-to-head cleaning battle–and I think I have an answer.

What’s the difference between the Swiffer WetJet and the Swiffer PowerMop?

Swiffer WetJet vs Swiffer PowerMop pads Caroline Lubinsky for Family Handyman

The answer? There aren’t a ton of differences, but there are a few. Both the WetJet and the PowerMop retail for around $30 and come with one bottle of cleaning solution to get you started. The WetJet gives you five disposable pads to the PowerMop’s two.

Interestingly, the PowerMop itself holds the cleaning solution container in the back while the WetJet’s is in the front. I’m not entirely sure why that is–maybe they found the weight distributes better in the back?

The head of the PowerMop is thinner and a little longer than the WetJet, but both have dual jets where the cleaning solution is released. The real difference in these products is in the pad itself. The PowerMop has over 300 scrubbing strips on each pad and is designed to clean like a mop and bucket without the hassle. This means you can scrub at sticky messes easier than you can with the WetJet, which has pads with a smooth bottom.

Pros & Cons of the Swiffer WetJet

The Swiffer WetJet has been around since the turn of the millennium. No, really. This household staple disrupted the cleaning market in 2001, first making its debut in Canada before coming to the U.S.

The draw? It’s an alternative to a traditional mop and bucket, making cleaning your floors easier than ever. You no longer had to wait an hour for your kitchen floor to dry, and consumers were hooked. Over 20 years later, the WetJet still sells like the day it was released. In fact, the first thing I purchased after buying my condo was a WetJet at Target. Go figure!

I love how easy it is to pop on a disposable pad-like wipe and get to cleaning. Simply press the button on the handle (after you’ve added batteries) and the WetJet sprays a misting of the cleaning solution on your floors. It’s also easy for almost any able-bodied person to use since it’s really lightweight and simple to maneuver.

However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the recurring costs of using a WetJet over a traditional mop and bucket. In order to continue to use the WetJet, you need to buy the disposable cleaning pads (around $10 per pack of 15) and the cleaning solution (around $15 per bottle). This is something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight budget.

I do like that there are multiple cleaning solutions for the WetJet. Whether you have laminate, hardwood or vinyl flooring, there’s a specific option available for you.

Pros & Cons of the Swiffer PowerMop

The Swiffer PowerMop is the newest addition to the Swiffer cleaning family. Similarly to the WetJet, this pseudo mop is designed to make cleaning your floor easier. The long, thin head of the PowerMop swivels and is supposedly able to get underneath couches, tables and fridges without issue.

As someone who is constantly cleaning their floors (thanks, muddy dogs), I was interested to see if the PowerMop delivers on its promises. Luckily, the unboxing and “assembly” (if you can even call it that) was seamless and took under five minutes. Simply snap in the included batteries, add the cleaning solution to the front and connect the handle.

I started scrubbing my floors and immediately noticed how fresh the cleaning solution smelled. It was also evident that the PowerMop cleaned much quicker than the WetJet, thanks to its larger mop head. Better yet, the floor dried in a snap, leaving my kitchen’s hardwood flooring dry and dirt-free.

According to the box, you should vacuum before using the PowerMop in order to get larger pieces of dirt or debris off of the floor. Naturally, I ignored this advice because I was feeling lazy (and I wanted to see how the mop would work without vacuuming). Spoiler alert: The PowerMop still did an excellent job. However, if you have things like Cheerios or dog kibble on the floor, I’d recommend vacuuming ahead of time.

WetJet vs. PowerMop: Other Considerations

Before you decide on which one is best for you, here are some other factors worth considering that may sway you in one direction or the other:

Cleaning Power and Pad Design: The PowerMop’s 3D scrubbing strips and larger mop pad provide greater cleaning power for tough stains than the WetJet’s. These scrubbing strips are more effective than the WetJet pads, especially for sticky messes and heavy-duty cleaning on tile and vinyl floors. Due to this enhanced cleaning capability, the PowerMop excels compared to the WetJet for kitchens or high-traffic areas.
Battery Usage and Spray Mechanism: While both models are battery-operated, the PowerMop has a more powerful spray mechanism that offers better coverage and helps dissolve dirt faster. The PowerMop’s battery usage is also very efficient, allowing it to handle larger spaces without frequent battery changes. The WetJet, in comparison, has a much simpler spray system, which is effective for everyday cleaning but may require more passes for tougher stains.
Versatility for Different Floor Types: The PowerMop is versatile across various floor types, including hardwood, tile and laminate, while providing streak-free cleaning on all surfaces. The PowerMop’s QuickDry formula also helps avoid slip hazards. However, the WetJet is gentler on delicate surfaces, making it a preferable option for floors that don’t need intensive scrubbing.
Portability and Ease of Maneuvering: The PowerMop’s 360-degree swivel head allows easy navigation around furniture and baseboards, whereas the WetJet is a bit more rigid and doesn’t maneuver quite as well. This feature helps the PowerMop reach tight spots that are harder to access with the WetJet, making it more suitable for detailed cleaning tasks around obstacles.
Cost of Ownership and Pad Refills: Although the PowerMop pads are more expensive, they are also reported to be more durable and absorbent. Users who need to manage larger spaces or heavier cleaning jobs tend to favor the PowerMop despite the higher cost due to its better cleaning performance and efficiency over time. That said, the WetJet is a much more cost-effective solution, especially for users who don’t require frequent deep cleaning.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a senior shopping editor for Family Handyman, Caroline Lubinsky has an extensive background in product testing, reviewing, and e-commerce. She uses this background to craft in-depth methodologies across categories like lawn care, outdoor living, pets, and design. Her expert writing can be found in various well-respected publications, including Everyday Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, House Digest, Reader’s Digest, Yahoo!, Aol and more.

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

FAQ

Can you use Swiffer WetJet pads on a PowerMop?

Unfortunately, no. The proprietary pads are designed for specific products and cannot be used interchangeably.

Is the Swiffer PowerMop safe for laminate floors?

Yes, the Swiffer PowerMop is safe and provides a powerful clean on almost any hard floor, including wood, laminate and tile.

How many times can you use Swiffer PowerMop pads?

You should only use Swiffer’s PowerMop pads once. They’re designed to be disposable and are not meant to be used multiple times. You may even need multiple pads for big messes and larger jobs.

The Final Verdict: Which Is Best For You?

Swiffer WetJet vs Swiffer PowerMop wet wood floor Caroline Lubinsky for Family Handyman

My honest take? You can’t go wrong with either choice. If you tend to have more sticky messes on your floor, I’d probably recommend the PowerMop because of the scrubbing strips. And if you’re someone who just wants to get dust and surface dirt off your floor, go with the tried-and-true Swiffer WetJet.

Where to Buy the Swiffer WetJet

On Sale

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Swiffer WetJet

More into ole reliable? Pick up a Swiffer WetJet (and plenty of dirt) from Amazon, Walmart or Lowe’s for around $28.

Where to Buy the Swiffer PowerMop