Swiffer WetJet vs. Swiffer PowerMop: Does Old or New Win the Floor-Cleaning Game?
Updated: Apr. 10, 2024
Cleaning powerhouse Swiffer has added a new handy helper, the PowerMop, to its arsenal. But is it really better than the tried-and-true WetJet?
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Let’s face it: Mopping is time-consuming and messy. Plus, who wants to wait for the floor to dry afterwards? 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.
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What’s the difference between the Swiffer WetJet and the Swiffer PowerMop?
The answer? There aren’t a ton of differences, but there’s 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.
The Final Verdict: Which Is Best For You?
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
More into ole reliable? Pick up a Swiffer WetJet (and plenty of dirt) from Amazon, Walmart, Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Where to Buy the Swiffer PowerMop
Want to try Swiffer’s latest innovation? Grab your own PowerMop for around $30 at your favorite retailers, like Amazon, Walmart and Target.
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
