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Swiffer WetJet Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Swiffer has been a trusted name in the cleaning industry for decades, and one of its most popular products is the Swiffer WetJet.

This compact spray mop is designed to make floor cleaning convenient and easy. But is it worth buying? Can it really replace your mop and bucket?

In this review, I break down the pros and cons of the Swiffer WetJet.

I’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions about this mop to give you a complete overview.


Use the links below to navigate the review:


What Is Included

There are three types of Swiffer WetJets:

All three kits come with the mop, disposable mop pads, one bottle of cleaning solution, and batteries.

Swiffer WetJet Parts
Swiffer WetJet

Unlike other spray mops, such as Bona, you can’t wash and reuse Swiffer’s mop pads and can’t refill the solution bottle. When you run out of pads or cleaning solution, you need to buy more.

All kits are safe on finished floors, including wood, laminate, and tile. They won’t work on unsealed tile, waxed wood, or carpet.

The only differences between the kits are that the WetJet Wood comes with a unique solution that dries faster, and its mop pads are slightly softer and more delicate on wood.

Swiffer WetJet versus WetJet Wood
Swiffer WetJet Wood mop pads
Swiffer WetJet Wood mop pads

How It Works

Before you can start cleaning, you need to assemble the mop. When you open the package, you’ll see that the mop handle is in two parts.

To assemble (video instructions):

  1. Align the notches on both poles.
  2. Push the handle down into the pole that’s attached to the mop head.
  3. Push the poles together until the notches snap into place.
  4. Slide out the battery cover and insert the four AA batteries.
  5. Push the cover back into the mop head until it clicks into place.
  6. Attach the WetJet mop pad, print side down, to the mop head.
  7. Line up the arrow on the cleaning solution with the solution holder and press down firmly until it clicks into place.

Once assembled, it is ready to use. Here’s how:

  1. Press the spray trigger on the handle to wet the area you wish to clean.
  2. Push the mop head forward and pull it backward to clean the floor.
  3. When finished cleaning, remove the mop pad and throw it away.
Swiffer WetJet button to dispense cleaning solution

If you need more scrubbing action, you can use Swiffer WetJet Heavy Duty pads that include a scrubbing strip.

Pros of the Swiffer WetJet

The Swiffer WetJet is one of the best-selling pray mops due to its unique features and benefits. Let’s look at all of the reasons it’s worth buying.

Convenient

It’s hard to beat the convenience of Swiffer WetJet’s all-in-one mopping system. In seconds, you can attach a mop pad to clean up a mess or perform routine cleaning.

It takes more time to prepare a bucket of water, measure and add cleaning solution, and continually ring out a mop as you go. And depending on how dirty your floor is, you may need to prepare a fresh bucket of water halfway through the job.

The Swiffer WetJet is easy to grab and go. For people with busy lifestyles, that is the main appeal.

When you are done mopping, throw away the used mop pad; there is no bucket of dirty water to empty and no microfiber pads to launder.

Lightweight

The Swiffer WetJet is lighter than a mop and bucket combination.

A gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds and a mop can weigh a pound or more. By comparison, the Swiffer WetJet weighs 3.68 pounds.

The WetJet is also lighter than some spray mops. For example, the Bona spray mop weighs 5.2 pounds and the Rubbermaid Reveal weighs 4.31 pounds.

Bona versus Swiffer spray mops
Bona (left), Swiffer WetJet (right)

Pivoting Mophead

The Swiffer WetJet has a pivoting mophead that makes it much easier to maneuver under cabinets, around obstacles, and in tight spaces or corners.

Swiffer WetJet pivoting mophead
Swiffer WetJet pivoting mophead

It’s also convenient for cleaning up quick messes in a small area because you have intricate control. A large mop head might be too bulky to be efficient, and they often lack a swivel feature, making navigation difficult.

Low Maintenance

With no need to dump and clean debris from a bucket or launder mop heads, a Swiffer WetJet is easy to maintain. Simply throw away the mop pads after use and replace the solution bottle when it’s empty. You’ll need to wipe down the spray nozzles periodically to prevent clogs.

Easy Storage

The WetJet is slim and compact. It doesn’t require much space for storage. It has a loop on the handle so you can hang it on a hook. You can easily place it in a small closet and keep extra mop pads and solution on a shelf nearby.

Dissolves Sticky Messes

Swiffer’s mop solutions easily break down sticky messes. Just use the sprayer to wet the sticky area first. Then, the mop pad pulls the stuck-on mess into its fibers as you mop the area. The solution can break down sticky messes, like dried-up juice or soda, syrup, jelly, or honey.

Multiple Solution Choices

Swiffer offers various cleaning solutions with unique scents, including Febreze Lavender, Gain Original, or Fresh Citrus antibacterial.

The original Swiffer WetJet solution can be used on multiple finished surfaces, from wood to stone. However, there are special solutions specifically designed for finished wood or vinyl, tile, and laminate floors.

Fast Drying

Swiffer WetJet solutions dry fast, leaving your floor dry and streak-free in minutes. When using a traditional mop, you usually need to avoid your floor for 30 minutes or more before it is dry.

WetJet Mop Pads are Recyclable

Swiffer partnered with TerraCycle, an international leader in recycling, to make its WetJet, Sweeper, and Duster products recyclable. To participate, sign up through the Terracycle website and ship the items using a prepaid shipping label for recycling.

Cons of the Swiffer WetJet

There are some drawbacks to using a Swiffer WetJet. Here are the downsides to consider before buying one.

Narrow Cleaning Path

With a 10-inch wide mop head, the Swiffer WetJet has a smaller cleaning path than other spray mop systems.

For example, the Bona spray mop head is 15 inches wide, and the O-Cedar ProMist MAX mop head spans 16 inches.

Bona Spray Mop Mope Head Size Compared to Swiffer WetJet

With a more narrow cleaning path, it’ll take longer to cover an area, especially if you have a large space.

Narrow Sprayer

Swiffer WetJet’s dual sprayer system shoots out a narrow stream of solution, and it puddles in one area. The spray streams cross instead of fanning outward to cover more space.

Swiffer WetJet spray coverage

I recently compared the Swiffer WetJet versus the Bona Spray Mop, and Bona mists the cleaning solution much wider and more evenly.

Bona Spray Mop Cleaner Coverage
Bona Spray Mop Cleaner Coverage

Not Ideal for Major Messes and Deep Cleaning

The Swiffer WetJet can handle scuffs, minor spills, and sticky residue, but it’s not designed for major messes or deep cleaning; the pads are simply not large or absorbent enough.

If you knock over an entire gallon of milk, a carton of eggs, or accidentally drop a glass jar of honey on the floor, the Swiffer WetJet isn’t the ideal solution.

It works great for weekly maintenance, but if you’re cleaning filthy floors that haven’t been touched in months, you’ll need a mop with a larger and thicker mop head, and much more solution than the WetJet can spray. 

Small Solution Bottle

Swiffer WetJet solution bottles hold 42.2 liquid ounces. Since you can’t refill the bottles, you’ll have to replace them constantly.

Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution
Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution

How long it lasts varies based on the size of your home, how often you use it, and how much solution you spray when mopping. In most cases, one bottle lasts about six weeks with bi-weekly uses.

Disposable Mop Pads and Solution Bottles

Many spray mops, including ones from Bona and O-Cedar, feature washable mop pads and refillable solution bottles. Swiffer only offers one-time-use mop pads, and you can’t refill the solution bottles (although you’ll find hacks online for refilling them).

Swiffer WetJet attaching mop pad

That forces you to buy Swiffer mop pads and solution refills, which adds to the cost of ownership.

Solution is Not Eco-Friendly

Swiffer’s disposable cleaning solution is convenient, but it is not eco-friendly.

The cleaning bottle is not refillable, keeping you from using a non-toxic DIY solution that is better for the environment.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), depending on the formula, Swiffer’s solution scores a C or D. EWG is a consumer resource to find products safe for you and the environment. The poor scores are due to concerns over how the solution impacts health.

No Fragrance-Free Solution

Swiffer WetJet cleaning solutions have a strong and distinct odor. It can linger for a while after mopping. Some have long-lasting scents such as Unstoppables, Febreze, and Gain-scented solutions.

With so many brands offering fragrance-free options for cleaning products, it’s odd that Procter & Gamble (Swiffer’s parent company) hasn’t offered one as part of its product line.

Requires Batteries

Swiffer WetJets requires 4 AA batteries to power the spray nozzles, creating an ongoing cost and inconvenience. Plus, there’s no indicator on the mop regarding battery life, so you’ll likely run out at the least convenient time (when you’re trying to use it).

Swiffer WetJet batteries

Leaves Debris Behind

Using the WetJet requires some prep cleaning. You’ll need to sweep up debris before using it. The mop pads trap liquids and residue but not debris.

Poor Mop Pad Adhesion

Swiffer WetJet mop heads work best on smooth or even surfaces. The mop pad can get detached if you’re mopping rough surfaces or floors with cracks or deep grooves (like tile).

You won’t have that issue with traditional mops. Plus, other spray mops have a more secure mop head attachment than the Velcro attachment Swiffer uses.

Price

At first, the Swiffer WetJet appears to be budget-friendly. The initial cost is less than $40, but the cost adds up when you consider replacing batteries, mop pads, and cleaning solution.

Other spray mops like Bona and O-Cedar ProMist MAX use a pump action trigger that operates on a spring and requires no batteries. Plus, the solution containers are refillable, and you can make your own inexpensive cleaning solution.

Prices vary based on where you buy Swiffer WetJet and its accessories. Some people also use compatible microfiber mop pads to save money.

The chart below shows the current prices on Amazon for Swiffer WetJet Kits and refills. Click or tap the prices to learn more.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

What Others Are Saying

Let’s hear what other reviewers and product testers think of the Swiffer WetJet. Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying.

The Spruce compiled a list of the best spray mops based on testing and research and chose the Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit as the Best Overall. The product tester liked the lightweight feel, ease of use, and choice of cleaning solutions. However, some parts felt flimsy, especially when scrubbing hard to remove tough stains.

In the Reviewed roundup of the best mops of the year, the Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit was the number one pick and named Best Overall. Reviewed product testers praised the spray mop for its quick startup, compact design, and ease of use. But the mop pads get dirty fast and, like the solution, need constant replacement. That makes Swiffer WetJet expensive.

On BobVila.com, the Swiffer WetJet took second place behind the Libman Spin Mop in the list of best mops. The WetJet was called the Best Budget Mop. The home advice website noted that the WetJet can function as a wet or dry mop, comes with replacement mop pads, and works on multiple floors. They like the fine mist sprayer but don’t like that it clogs. It also requires assembly, and some people may find that cumbersome.

Insider tested nine mops and named the top five for hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring. While the Swiffer WetJet did not make the top five, it was still called a “serious contender” against the number one pick: the Bona Spray Mop. The reviewers praised the WetJet for being easy to maneuver, but it did not clean up dirt and syrup better than the Bona Spray Mop.

The New York Times Wirecutter spent six hours testing mops to name the best wet mop. Its performance did not impress product testers, especially when cleaning up spills or deep cleaning floors.

FAQs About the Swiffer WetJet

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Swiffer WetJet.

Is Swiffer WetJet safe for pets?

Yes, Swiffer claims that, when used as directed, it is safe to use around your pets. The ASPCA backs those claims.

Is Swiffer WetJet safe for babies?

Yes, there is no data that shows that a floor cleaned with a Swiffer WetJet is toxic to babies. However, if you allow your baby to crawl on hard surfaces and are concerned about them putting their hands in their mouth, consider a more natural floor cleaner like AspenClean or Aunt Fannie’s.

Is Swiffer WetJet safe for laminate floors?

Yes, Swiffer WetJet multi-surface solution is safe and effective on laminate floors.

Can Swiffer WetJet be used on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, the Swiffer WetJet works well on vinyl flooring.

Can Swiffer WetJet solution be refilled?

No, once the solution bottle is empty, it’s designed to be thrown out.

Can you use the Swiffer WetJet without batteries?

Swiffer uses battery-powered spray nozzles. You need batteries for proper operation. However, if you want to dry mop, you can use it without batteries.

Does Swiffer WetJet disinfect?

Yes, but you must purchase the Swiffer WetJet antibacterial solution. It kills 99.99% of bacteria from salmonella enterica.

Which Swiffer WetJet is the best?

The best spray mop depends on your needs, but if you have multiple floor types in your home, the regular multi-surface WetJet is the best choice. If you mainly have wood floors, try the Swiffer WetJet Wood spray mop.

Remember, the only differences between the regular WetJet and the Wood WetJet are the solution and pads, and the differences are minimal.

Bottom Line: Are Swiffer WetJets Worth It?

I’ve tested mops of all kinds, from spay mops to traditional mops, and although the Swiffer WetJet isn’t my top pick, it has a lot going for it.

It’s easy to assemble, use, and store. The spray mop is lightweight, low maintenance, and performs well on small, sticky messes. Plus, there’s a choice of fast-drying, multi-surface solutions in different scents.

However, the cleaning path is narrow, and the spray nozzle coverage could be better. You’ll quickly go through cleaning solutions and mop pads if you clean frequently.

Then there are the scents. You either like them or you don’t; if you don’t, there’s no fragrance-free option. Also, the Swiffer WetJet is not ideal for every mess. It can’t absorb major spills and is not suited for deep cleaning. In that regard, it cannot replace a mop and bucket.

Bottom line — Swiffer WetJet is convenient. You can grab it and go for a quick cleanup in just minutes. There’s no need to wring out and wash the mop pad or pour out a bucket of dirty water. Yet, the ongoing cost of replacement solution and mop pads can get steep compared to other mops with reusable pads and refillable solution bottles.

If you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, like washing reusable mop pads or making your own cleaning solution, other spray mop brands perform better and cost less long term.

For example, the Bona spray mop is my top pick — read more about it in this thorough review or my in-depth comparison of Bona vs. Swiffer. And if you need other options, check out my list of top Swiffer alternatives.

Read more reviews and check the current prices of the Swiffer WetJet and refill pads and solution on Amazon.

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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