TikTok's Favorite Mop Isn't Worth Buying: Why It Won't Deep Clean Your Floors

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If you've ever found yourself doom-scrolling on TikTok, stumbled on a viral cleaning hack, and thought, "Dang, I need to try that," we're here to remind you: not everything that glitters is gold. While TikTok has introduced us to some genius ideas over the years, there's no shortage of TikTok cleaning hacks that aren't worth the hype — and this viral mop might be one of the worst offenders. The Swiffer Sweep and Mop Deluxe might seem like the perfect floor cleaning tool, but it when it comes to giving your floors a truly deep clean, it doesn't deliver.

The appeal behind the Swiffer Sweep and Mop Deluxe is that it's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and isn't as cumbersome as an old-fashioned mop and bucket. It's also a two-in-one device, with a dry sweeping cloth and wet mopping pad that can be used interchangeably. The problem is that neither of these pads are effective for a deep clean. The dry pads don't adequately remove dirt, hair, and dust from the floor's surface, and the wet pads get dirty rather quickly and require frequent changing.

While there are many positive reviews of Swiffer products online, some customers are less than satisfied. "I have used Swiffer [Sweepers] from time to time as they have come out with new models. I have disliked every single one," reads a Quora comment from Beth McGee, a professional cleaner of over 20 years. "I don't recommend these products at all," she says. If you're looking to give your floors an effective deep clean, this is one of those popular household cleaning hacks you're better off skipping. 

Deep cleaning your floors isn't just about the tools — it's also dependent on the method. For example, using a regular mop may be effective, but if you continually dip your dirty mop in your clean bucket of water, you're then cleaning with contaminated water and making the whole process more time-consuming. With a Swiffer, you're essentially doing the same thing. That's why you need to ditch the Swiffer and try a different floor-cleaning hack that actually works.

Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove surface dirt, dust, and other particles. You will want to use a mop and bucket that has two separate compartments, like the JOYMOOP Mop and Bucket with Wringer Set. This type of mop comes with multiple microfiber cleaning pads that you can throw in the washing machine between floor cleanings; a more affordable alternative to disposable single-use pads.

Next, add your cleaning solution and water to the wet compartment, dip your mop, and scrub the floor. After you have cleaned a section, use the wringer compartment to remove the mucky water from the mop, dip it in the cleaning solution again, and repeat. This method is more sanitary and effective, not to mention more budget and eco-friendly. Be sure to take the material of your floors into consideration — for example,  stone floors should be treated with specialized products to avoid surface damage. Most importantly, take what you see on social media with a pinch of salt. The next time you see a name-brand product being touted on TikTok as the best thing ever, take a second to consider how much the person behind the camera might be getting paid to promote it.