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Bona Spray Mop Review: Pros and Cons to Know Before Buying

Bona has been a trusted name in the floor cleaning industry for over 100 years, and one of its most popular products is the Bona Premium Spray Mop.

The microfiber mop is designed to replace the traditional mop and bucket with its built-in refillable cartridge and spray functionality.

If you’re thinking about purchasing one but aren’t sure if it’s worth it, you’ve come to the right place.

In this review of the Bona Premium Spray Mop, I provide a complete breakdown of its pros and cons.

I’ve been testing it for several months and am here to tell you the good, bad, and everything in between.

I’ll also cover the FAQs about this mop to give you a complete overview.

By the end, you’ll have all the information necessary to decide if the Bona Premium Spray Mop is right for your home.


Use the links below to navigate the review:


What Is Included

Before I dive into the pros and cons, let’s cover the basics.

There are two types of Bona Premium Spray Mops:

The only difference between these two products is that the first one comes with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner pre-loaded in the cartridge, and the second comes with a cartridge full of Bona Hard Surface Cleaner.

Regardless of which mop system you buy, you’ll get the mop itself, a reusable microfiber pad, and a 34-ounce cartridge of Bona cleaning solution.

Bona Spray Mop Parts
Bona Spray Mop Parts

When you open the box, you’ll notice that the mop is disassembled into three pieces: the mop head, handle, and mop pole/cartridge holder.

The cartridge comes pre-filled, but don’t throw it away when it’s empty. Instead, keep it and buy the refills. The 128-ounce refill is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option — it’s cheaper per ounce, and buying in bulk cuts down on plastic waste.

If you buy the Bona Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors but want to use it on tile or other hard surfaces, you can empty the cartridge and fill it with Bona Hard Surface Cleaner. But never mix cleaning solutions and don’t use the Hard Surface Cleaner on wood. The formula is too strong and will damage the wood over time.

The mop head is 16.5 inches wide, and the machine-washable microfiber mop pad is 17.5 inches wide.

Bona Spray Mop 16.5 Inch Mop Head

The mop comes with one microfiber pad, but you may want to buy a few extra to have some as backups.

How It Works

The Bona Premium Spray Mop is simple to set up and easy to use.

Here’s how to set up the mop:

Step 1: Place the mop base with the Bona logo facing forward.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Mop Head

Step 2: Take the lower part of the mop with the silver release button facing forward and snap it into the mop base. You should hear a click.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Mop Handle and Mop Head

Step 3: Join the upper and lower parts of the mop handle until you hear a click.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Mop Handle

Step 4: Lay the mop pad on the floor with the Bona logos facing up.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Mop Head and Mop Pad

Step 5: Place the mop base on top of the mop pad. There’s Velcro on the underside of the mop base that attaches to the mop pad.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Mop Head and Mop Pad_2

Step 6: Remove the cap to the cartridge that holds the cleaning solution and pop it into place. You should hear a click.

Bona Spray Mop Assembly_Cleaning Solution

Now it’s ready to use. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pull the trigger to release the ultra-fine mist in front of the mop head. For stubborn stains, spray the solution and let it sit for two minutes before mopping.

How to Use the Bona Spray Mop_Trigger

Step 2: Move the mop over the dampened area to clean the floors.

How to Use the Bona Spray Mop_Mopping

Step 3: Repeat until the entire floor is clean.

Step 4: Remove the pad and wash it in your washing machine. You can wash it in water temperatures up to 140°F (standard washers go up to 130°F) and reuse it up to 300 times.

Step 5: Refill or replace the cartridge when it is empty by pressing the silver release button.

Watch this quick video to see these steps in action.

Pros of the Bona Premium Spray Mop

There’s a lot to love about the Bona Premium Spray Mop. Its greatest advantages are its cleaning performance, ease of use, sturdy construction, and low cost.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros.

Cleaning Performance

If your home has hardwood floors, you’ll be pleased with the cleaning performance of the Bona Premium Spray Mop.

Unlike traditional mops, you won’t have to worry about excess water ruining your hardwood floors. The mop sprays a light mist of Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, a formula designed specifically for wood.

Based on my tests, the dispenser sprays the cleaning solution two feet in front of the mop head and 30 inches wide, providing excellent coverage.

Bona Spray Mop Sprays Cleaner Two Feet
Bona Spray Mop Cleaner Coverage

By contrast, the Swiffer WetJet only sprays solution about 14 inches in front of its mop head and shoots it straight ahead, so you don’t get nearly as much coverage with each spray.

You’ll love the film-free, streak-free clean, which leaves a lovely shine on your floors.

The mop head sides are rubber and flexible to protect your baseboards and furniture from dings and dents.

Bona Spray Mop Rubber Sides

There is also a secondary grip for support if you need to apply extra pressure on tough stains or messes.

Bona Spray Mop Secondary Grip

The mop base pivots so you can get into difficult places, like underneath furniture or in awkward corners.

Bona Spray Mop Pivoting Mop Head

Large Mop Head

At 16.5-inches wide, the mop head is significantly larger than other brands on the market.

The microfiber mop pad is 17.5 inches wide, so it sticks out about a half-inch on each side.

Bona Spray Mop Mope Head Size Compared to Swiffer WetJet

For comparison, the Swiffer WetJet mop head is only ten inches wide.

Bona’s wide mop head and pad allow you to quickly cover a lot of ground, dramatically cutting down on cleaning time — perfect if you have a large home.

Reusable Mop Pad

The microfiber mop pad is reusable and, according to Bona, will last up to 300 machine washes. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it also protects the environment.

If you need to replace the mop pad, you can purchase an inexpensive set on Amazon.

Other brands make Bona-compatible microfiber pads, too, and these are generally a bit less expensive. For example, this highly-rated pack on Amazon from the brand VanDuck is cheaper and will work just as well.

No Batteries Required

One of the most common questions people ask is whether the Bona Premium Spray Mop requires batteries. 

The answer is no; the Bona Premium Spray mop does not require batteries. In fact, it doesn’t need any electrical input. The solution dispenser operates similarly to a spray bottle with a pump and trigger mechanism.

Just note that the Bona Motion Mop, which features a vibrating mop head, does require batteries.

Sturdy Construction

Despite its lightweight construction (approximately five pounds), it’s incredibly sturdy.

When you pick it up, you’ll immediately feel that the handle, spray trigger, and mop pole are well built and strong. There’s nothing about this mop that I would call flimsy, and that’s not the case with cheaper alternatives. 

Unlike other spray mops I’ve tested, you can put pressure on the pole and really dig into stubborn dirt and stains without the worry of it bending or breaking.

Ease of Use

This mop is simple to set up and easy to use. Even if you’re used to a traditional string mop, you won’t have any issues getting started.

If you follow my assembly instructions, you can have the mop ready to use in a matter of minutes.

Once you’re set-up, all you have to do is pull the trigger to release the solution and mop.

Unlike some mops, which require disposable pads, you can use the same Bona microfiber pad several times without washing it (as long as it’s not too dirty).

When the time comes, removing and washing the mop pad is as easy as pulling it off and tossing it into the washing machine.

Although the mop pad is reusable, I recommend buying a couple of extras, so you always have a clean one handy.

Bona Is Green Guard Certified

Bona cleaning solutions are GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning they meet strict chemical emissions requirements.

They’re water-based with low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, making them safe for children and pets.

Learn more about Bona’s approach to cleaning solutions in my in-depth review of the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

Cons of the Bona Premium Spray Mop

The Bona Premium Spray Mop is a convenient and simple way to keep your floors clean, but it’s not perfect. Let’s take a look at the drawbacks and common complaints.

Mop Head Can Be Too Large

In most situations, I appreciate the 16.5-inch wide mop head because it cleans large areas quickly. But, in some instances, it can be too large.

That is particularly true in tight areas. The mop head can be cumbersome to navigate around furniture and in corners.

Price

While the Bona Premium Spray Mop is not expensive, it’s more costly than traditional string mops and other microfiber mops that don’t have built-in spray functionality.

The other two factors to consider are refills and extra mop pads. If you stick with Bona for refills, you’ll end up paying more since it’s a premium cleaning solution.

Bona microfiber mop pads are relatively affordable, but you can find knock-offs for about half the price that work just as well. Look for ones that say compatible with the Bona mop system. For example, check out these pads on Amazon.

Below are links to Amazon where you can compare the price of the Bona Premium Spray Mop to the top competitors.

Spray MopPrice on Amazon
Bona Premium Spray MopCheck Price
Swiffer WetJetCheck Price
Rejuvenate Click N CleanCheck Price
O-Cedar ProMist MAXCheck Price

Faulty Mop Triggers

While it is easy to use the mop, the trigger isn’t always consistent, according to some customers.

At times, varying amounts of solution spray across the floor, even when the trigger is completely compressed.

Solution Cartridge Prone to Leaking

Another common complaint about the Bona Premium Spray Mop is that the solution cartridges are prone to cracking and leaking.

If this happens to you, contact the manufacturer. Bona has a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed return policy. If you have any issues with your mop within the first five years, Bona will provide a full refund or replacement.

Squeaky

I’ve found that the mop can make squeaking noises when you apply pressure. It won’t affect the performance, but it’s worth mentioning since several others noted it as an annoyance.

Leaves Floors Slippery

Some customers report that the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner leaves their floors slippery.

Although the vast majority of reviews do not report this issue, and I haven’t experienced it in my testing, it’s mentioned frequently enough that it’s worth noting.

If you purchase the spray mop and the solution leaves your floors too slick, contact Bona for a full refund.

What Others Are Saying

Let’s take a look at what others are saying about the Bona Premium Spray Mop.

The Spruce awarded the mop as the “Best for Hardwood Floors” due to the ultra-fine mist that leaves behind a film- and streak-free finish. They also loved that the mop pad can be washed and reused up to 300 times.

Bob Vila also awarded the Bona Spray Mop as the best for hardwood floors. The reviewers highlighted how the gentle mist doesn’t oversaturate floors and the easy-to-use manual spray function. They also called out the Bona cleaning solution as one of the best hardwood floor cleaners on the market.

The Strategist called out the mop, saying that it actually made mopping fun. So if mopping bores you, Bona might change your mind. The reviewers also emphasized the non-toxic and pet-friendly formula.

Real Simple awarded the Bona Premium Spray Mop as the best mop for hardwood floors. They praised the large mop head and refillable cartridge.

If you want to browse more opinions, the Bona Premium Spray mop has thousands of customer reviews on Amazon, HomeDepot.com, and Walmart.com.

FAQs About the Bona Premium Spray Mop

In this section, I answer the most commonly asked questions about the Bona Spray Mop.

What is the height of the mop once fully assembled?

From the mop base to the tip of the handle, it’s about 51 inches.

Do you have to wash the mop pad after each use?

The mop head collects dirt and debris from your floors during cleaning, so it’s recommended to clean it after each use. However, if you’ve just cleaned up a little bit of water or a light mess, you could use it for a few more jobs before tossing it in the washing machine.

Do you have to use the Bona cleaning solution or can you refill the cartridge with any cleaner?

No, after you use the initial cleaner that comes with the mop, you can fill the cartridge with any cleaner you want. Whatever you use, be sure that it’s safe for the type of floors you’re cleaning.

Can you lock the swivel on the mop base?

No, the mop base does not lock.

Does the Bona Premium Spray Mop work on laminate flooring?

The Bona Premium Spray mop works on any hard flooring surface. If you’re cleaning laminate, use Bona Hard Surface Cleaner. Its strong degreasers are too harsh for hardwood floors but work wonders on laminate.

Can you use the Bona Spray Mop on finished concrete?

No. For a job like this, use the Stone, Tile, and Laminate mop. It is suitable for unwaxed or unoiled concrete.

Can you use the mop to dust without spraying the cleaner?

Yes, you can use the dry microfiber mop pad without spraying the solution. For dusting, I recommend using the Bona Dusting Pads, which are compatible with the spray mop and attach to the Velcro on the mop head.

What if you have more questions?

If you still have questions about the Bona Premium Spray Mop, check out the Questions and Answers section on it’s Amazon and Bona.com listings.

Bottom Line: Is the Bona Premium Spray Mop Worth It?

Now you know the pros, cons, and all the essential information about the Bona Premium Spray Mop.

But the question remains, is it worth it?

I’ve tested several spray and non-spray mops, and the Bona Premium Spray Mop is the one that stands out.

It’s simple to assemble, easy to use, doesn’t require batteries, and features a large mop head with a durable microfiber pad. Plus, the included Bona solution is one of the best cleaners on the market.

With praise from some of the top home product review outlets and thousands of verified customers, you can trust the Bona Premium Spray Mop for your floor cleaning needs.

People often ask if it makes more sense to buy the Bona Microfiber Floor Mop (without the built-in spray functionally) and wet the floor with a spray bottle.

While you absolutely can go that route and get similar results, I find the spray mop much more convenient, especially since you’ll need two hands on the mop. To me, the convenience is worth the minimal extra cost.

Out of the thousands of reviews on Amazon and other sites, a small minority of customers report issues related to faulty spray triggers, leaky cartridges, and squeaky noises.

While I don’t doubt these complaints, Bona has a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed return policy, so if something’s really wrong, you can get a new mop or a full refund.

Bottom line — the Bona Premium Spray Mop is a simple and reliable tool to keep your floors clean. While there are similar spray mops on the market, this is the highest-rated and most effective one I’ve tested.

You can check the current price and read more reviews of Bona Premium Spray Mop on Amazon, HomeDepot.com, and Walmart.com.

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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2 thoughts on “Bona Spray Mop Review: Pros and Cons to Know Before Buying”

  1. My home is totally laminate flooring. I find that the Bono mop is very hard to push. I like the size of the of the mop but it makes but it makes it heavy and a bit hard to push around.

    Reply

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