The Best Floor Scrubbers for Hard-To-Clean Messes, Tested

Best Value

Jiga 2-Pack Floor Scrub Brush With Long Handle

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Manual
• Corded vs. cordless: Not applicable
• Scrubber type: Bristles

Pros

• Affordably priced manual option for floor scrubbing and dry sweeping.
• Each brush head offers a dual-purpose design with both a brush and a squeegee.
• Effective on most moisture-resistant surfaces as well as outdoor areas.
• The durable steel handle has three adjustable lengths to ease back strain.

Cons

• Manual scrubbers demand more physical effort than electric or battery-operated alternatives.
• Only suitable for water-resistant surfaces; can be too abrasive on sensitive flooring.

The economical Jiga floor scrubber package features two manual scrub brushes. Each brush head is versatile, with dense bristles for scrubbing and a squeegee for water removal. These scrubbers excel on moisture-resistant floors, corrugated outdoor surfaces, and tiled settings.

Assembling these scrub brushes was a breeze, taking less than a minute with a three-piece handle that allows customization in height. Available heights included 15.6 inches, 33 inches, and 47 inches; we opted for the tallest configuration for ease.

After assembly, we tested the Jiga brushes on ceramic tile. We vacuumed beforehand, sprayed our preferred tile cleaner, and used the brush to scrub away dirt. The squeegee feature was particularly helpful for clearing away excess liquid, and the bristles were stiff enough to tackle dried-on substances, including our apple juice and pasta sauce challenge. We also utilized the Jiga in our shower, where the squeegee again proved invaluable.

Get the Jiga floor scrubber at Amazon.

Best Professional Model

Oreck Commercial Orbiter Cleaner

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Electric
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded
• Scrubber type: Brush head

Pros

• Heavy-duty commercial scrubber suitable for intense cleaning projects.
• The 40-foot power cord allows for extensive reach and continuous cleaning.
• Adaptable for cleaning all hard surfaces while also loosening dirt from carpets.
• The orbital scrubbing pattern ensures there are no streaks or brush marks.

Cons

• The cost may not be justifiable for typical home use.
• Weighing 33 pounds, it can be cumbersome to transport between rooms.

For a professional-level cleaning experience, the Oreck Commercial Orbiter floor machine stands out. Its multi-surface capability allows it to tackle a variety of surfaces, making it ideal for larger commercial and residential settings. The 40-foot power cord and 13-inch cleaning head enhance its versatility.

Upon unboxing the Oreck Commercial Orbiter, we were slightly daunted by its substantial weight of 32.9 pounds. However, the sturdily built unit performed exceptionally well. Depending on the brush head used, the orbiter can scrub, wax, buff, or polish various surfaces. We purchased an orange tile brush for scrubbing and a carpet bonnet that also acts as a mop pad for hard floors.

We began testing with the tile brush on our ceramic tiles, applying cleaning solution beforehand. The Orbiter’s random rotation pattern made it surprisingly easy to control, and we were pleasantly surprised by the clean, streak-free result. We then mopped our hardwoods using the bonnet and driver pad holder, achieving similarly impressive results.

Although the Oreck Commercial Orbiter is a premium cleaning tool, we would caution residential users due to its weight. Moving it from room to room is burdensome, and up-and-down stair trips may feel like an arduous task.

Get the Oreck floor scrubber at Amazon or Oreck.

Best Steam Mop

Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Electric
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded
• Scrubber type: Microfiber mop pad

Pros

• Features 3 adjustable steam settings for a streak-free finish.
• Cleans and sanitizes effectively, perfect for homes with kids and pets.
• The corded design allows for consistent power and uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
• Includes a soft mop pad, a scrubbing pad, and a removable scrubber for various tasks.

Cons

• May not be appropriate for heat- or moisture-sensitive flooring.
• Restricted movement due to the cord length in larger homes.

The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop effectively eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria without relying on chemical cleaners. This corded model offers two types of mop pads and utilizes steam for thorough sanitation. The adjustable steam level feature accommodates various cleaning demands and flooring types.

We successfully utilized the lowest steam setting on hardwood, effortlessly lifting dirt and leaving the surface immaculate. As we switched to high steam for tougher stains caused by dried pasta sauce and apple juice, it removed both messes in just a couple of swipes. The included flip-down scrub brush also aided in tackling tougher spills, but the steam proved effective on its own.

Utilizing the high steam setting, we cleaned our tiled bathroom, navigating around the toilet with ease. We also experimented with included scent discs and found them to leave our home smelling delightful.

Overall, the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is excellent for achieving a high standard of cleanliness, even for stubborn messes. Caution must be exercised, however, as steam mopping may not be suitable for all floor types, specifically those sensitive to heat and moisture.

Get the Bissell PowerFresh floor scrubber at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.

Best Robotic Option

Everybot Edge2 Hyper Performance Floor Mopping Robot

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Electric
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Scrubber type: Microfiber and mother yarn

Pros

• Spinning mop pads clean dirt, attract pet hair, and tackle tough messes.
• At just 3.52 inches tall, it fits under most furniture effortlessly.
• Operable via remote control without the need for an app, offering 6 cleaning modes.
• Four moisture settings let users regulate water use.

Cons

• Can only be used with water; chemical cleaners or disinfectants may harm the tank.

The Everybot Edge2 is an effective robotic mop designed to clean dirt, pet hair, and stuck-on spills. Its charging base includes two sets of mop pads, and it’s equipped with sensors to prevent falling and navigational issues. When tested, we found initial setup easy and straightforward.

Rather than requiring an app for operation, the Edge2 conveniently comes with a remote. Following the simple procedure of filling the removable water tank and attaching mopping pads, we pressed play, and the mop promptly tackled our kitchen, all while remaining remarkably quiet.

With several cleaning modes available, including Auto, Intensive, Edge, and Focus, the Edge2 excelled at finding dirt and addressing spills. A trial with dried food and sticky beverages in focus mode yielded impressive results as it vigorously scrubbed the area until cleanliness was achieved.

This robot mop impressed with its quiet operation and reliable cleaning performance. While more expensive than many other floor scrubbers, it is a valuable investment for anyone desiring a robotic cleaning solution without reliance on an app.

Get the Everybot floor scrubber at Amazon or Everybot.

Best for Bathrooms

Voweek Electric Spin Scrubber

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Electric
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Scrubber type: Brush head

Pros

• Comes with four interchangeable heads for flat, concave surfaces, and corners.
• Two power settings to effectively tackle messes, soap scum, and mineral build-up.
• Long battery life of 1.5 hours ensures ample time for chores.
• Compatible with most hard surfaces, from tiles to sinks and showers.

Cons

• Stiff bristles could potentially scratch sensitive surfaces like hardwood or natural stone.

The Voweek Electric Spin Scrubber is a cordless, rotating scrub brush with four diverse interchangeable heads: a large flat brush, a small flat brush, a dome brush, and a corner brush. The adjustable handle spans from 27 to 43 inches, with head angles set for convenient cleaning adaptability.

Using the Voweek scrubber on our bathroom tiles was a straightforward task, requiring no prior assembly as it connected easily. After charging, we sprayed the surface and scrubbed using the flat brush, finding an optimal angle conducive to ease of use. The Voweek effectively tackled dirt without additional effort needed from us.

This electric scrub brush was equally useful for tackling soap scum and mineral deposits on the sink and shower, more than proving its worth in revitalizing our surfaces. Following an hour of cleaning, the battery showed no signs of depletion.

The Voweek Electric Spin Scrubber is a prime addition to any cleaner’s toolkit, lessening the effort required for tedious cleaning tasks. However, it’s important to note that the bristles may be too abrasive for some delicate flooring types.

Get the Voweek floor scrubber at Amazon or Voweek.

Best for Grout

Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber

Photo: amazon.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Electric
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Scrubber type: Brush head

Pros

• Designed for effortless operation; ideal for targeted cleaning tasks.
• The spinning head effectively removes dirt and grime from challenging spots.
• Includes two brush heads: straight and tapered for additional utility.
• Conveniently powered by included batteries, enhancing usability.

Cons

• Limited size reduces effectiveness for larger areas.
• Not rechargeable; all batteries need frequent replacement, increasing costs.

Experiencing stubborn grout? The Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber is compact, portable, and battery-operated. It’s specifically crafted for small-scale scrubbing jobs like grout lines and tight corners.

In our initial test with the Rubbermaid Reveal, we focused on discoloration in grout. After applying our preferred cleaner and letting it sit, we employed the power scrubber, noticing a swift return to the original color—an impressive feat. We found the flat brush head to be the most effective, surpassing the tapered option.

The power scrubber requires minimal effort from the user, alleviating hand fatigue during cleaning. We also utilized it on other household surfaces, showing its versatile cleaning capabilities.

Get the Rubbermaid floor scrubber at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Best for Tight Spaces

Libman No Knees Floor Scrub Brush

Photo: lowes.com

Product Specifications

• Electric vs. manual: Manual
• Corded vs. cordless: Not applicable
• Scrubber type: Bristles

Pros

• Cost-effective compared to electric scrubbing options and suitable for simple cleaning tasks.
• Angled brush head allows easy cleaning of tight corners, bolstered by a 180-degree swivel for increased mobility.
• Compatible with various surfaces, including tile, concrete, and tubs.

Cons

• The swivel head lacks a locking feature, complicating vigorous scrubbing.
• Not gentle on sensitive floor surfaces, potentially causing scratches

Choosing a manual scrubber can simplify cleaning in those hard-to-reach places like under furniture. The Libman No Knees scrub brush is designed with a pointed brush head that rotates, permitting easy maneuvering in corners and tight areas. The 180-degree swivel provides additional agility.

During trials on ceramic tile, we employed the Libman first as a dry brush for dirt removal, followed by a thorough scrub of dried stains. Achieving a clean floor was an effortless task, and the handle was comfortable during use, with bristle maintenance equally straightforward.

This Libman brush is excellent for not just tiled floors but also effective in showers and outdoor decks. We found it ideal for cleaning a tub, and its lightweight design made heavy scrubbing easy.

Get the Libman floor scrubber at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.

Other Tested Models:

We assessed the Fuller Brush Co. Tile Grout E-Z Scrubber Complete but discovered it to be cumbersome. Although it fit into grout lines effectively, intense scrubbing proved tiring and did not deliver the comfort we required. Additionally, its price was elevated when compared to the other models we examined.

What to Consider When Selecting a Floor Scrubber

Choosing the right floor scrubber involves considering the type of flooring and cleaning needs present in your home. Ensure the scrubber selected is compatible with the flooring type, avoiding models that may be too abrasive or too gentle. Features aiding maneuverability, scrubber design, and supplementary cleaning tools should also be considered.

Floor Type

Each type of flooring entails distinct cleaning requirements. While some can withstand rigorous scrubbing, others necessitate gentler methods.

For fragile surfaces, such as marble and certain hardwoods, a scrubber equipped with softer pads is advisable. More resilient floors, like ceramic and porcelain, can accommodate scrub brushes. For specific jobs, such as cleaning grout on tile, select a tool specifically designed for that purpose.

Moisture resistance should also be taken into account. Certain materials, like solid hardwood or laminate, must avoid prolonged exposure to water, as this can lead to damage.

Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean, an esteemed cleaning service in Denver, cautions against using steam mops on laminate floors, sharing, "It’s a misconception that steam mops are effective on all floors. I've learned this the hard way." He warned of moisture seeping into seams that could lead to damage over time.

Scrubbers equipped with wringable pads or triggering spray features are beneficial for maintaining control over cleaning solutions. For maintaining flooring integrity, pairing scrubbers with floor cleaners tailored to specific surfaces is recommended.

Electric vs. Manual

Electric floor scrubbers operate using power from an outlet or battery source, enabling effortless cleaning. They often feature rotating pads or brush heads to aid in scrubbing, complemented by on-demand sprayers for liquid distribution.

While electric scrubbers offer convenience, they tend to come with a higher price tag. The additional weight and size can impede cleaning in confined spaces. Corded options may limit mobility, while battery-powered devices impose runtime restrictions. Robotic scrubbers present a hands-free option, requiring little more than periodic maintenance of pads and tanks.

From manual scrubbers like spin mops to brush-based models, manual options require more physical effort. However, they present an inexpensive, uncomplicated cleaning choice suitable for tight spaces. While they may not deliver the deep clean or sanitization benefits of electric options, they can be quite effective.

Corded vs. Cordless

The selection of electric scrubbers can fall between corded and cordless configurations. Corded models require plugging in but do not run out of charge, although the cord can restrict movement. However, this minor inconvenience is often easily resolved with extension cords or by switching outlets during cleaning.

Cordless scrubbers are better suited for maneuverability as they eliminate the hassle of cords but demand periodic recharging throughout usage. Most models offer 20 to 50 minutes of runtime before needing a recharge. Cordless variants tend to weigh less and are easier to handle.

Scrubber Features

Scrubbers can come with either mop pads or scrubbing brushes. While scrubbing pads are often made from microfiber materials, powerful electric options may clean more thoroughly than manual scrubbers. Some models also feature dual-head designs for broader coverage.

Scrubbing brushes might feature tougher bristles made from synthetic materials. Depending on their thickness and density, they can be more or less abrasive. The choice of which surface to combine with scrubbing features should be informed by the flooring’s durability and sensitivity.

Maneuverability

Effective floor cleaning requires access to corners, baseboards, and under furniture—attributes that a maneuverable scrubber can facilitate.

Generally, manual scrubbers allow for more nimble movements as they weigh less and have smaller cleaning heads than electric versions. Some boast swivel heads or pointed brushes for difficult-to-reach locales.

In contrast, electric scrubbers may be heavier and bulkier, making movements more challenging. However, the strong cleaning power often compensates for this, as it can lift stubborn dirt and stains. Some are designed with low-profile pads and swivel heads for improved maneuverability.

Additional Accessories

Manual scrubbers are typically basic with minimal features. Variants may come with some attachments like squeegees or liquid distribution mechanisms.

On the other hand, electric models often include multiple accessories. Most have reusable, washable mop pads. Some models feature interchangeable heads for different cleaning tasks and on-demand spray settings to better control cleaning liquid application.

Steam mops may include a range of unique features and can include specialized attachments for cleaning grout, upholstery, and curtains.

FAQs

A floor scrubber can be a vital cleaning device tailored to wash challenging messes. Various scrubbers can act as viable alternatives to traditional mop and bucket setups. Here are some commonly asked questions to consider while selecting a scrubber suitable for your needs.

Q. How frequently should I scrub my floors?

It's advisable to clean most floors with a deep cleaning every few weeks. Areas like bathrooms and kitchens may see frequent cleans due to higher bacteria and germ presence.

Q. Is there a significant difference between cylindrical and disc scrubbing methods?

Cylindrical scrubbers utilize a cylindrical brush system and are more common in commercial setups. They both scrub and sweep dust while cleaning.

Then again, electric home floor scrubbers typically employ disc scrubbing using flat pads that rotate or vibrate to clean floors. These models don’t pick up debris, requiring preliminary vacuuming or sweeping.

Q. What is the lifespan of a floor scrubber?

Most floor scrubbers remain functional for several years, although their pads will require replacement and consistent cleaning depending on usage frequency. Regular cleaning of bristles and mop pads after each use is essential, along with replacing scrubber heads detached from its immaculate performance or odor.

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Meet the Expert

Katie Barton, with over a decade of product writing experience, has diligently tested numerous cleaning products and published hundreds of articles across prominent media platforms. Her unbiased review process aims to sift through which products merit investment and which fall short.