There are a lot of alternative ways to mop your floor, rather than using the traditional mop and bucket. 

One of the most popular options is steam mops. These mops use the power of steam, and steam only to clean and sanitize different types of flooring. 

If this doesn’t suit your fancy, Bissell offers another option with their Spinwave spin mop. 

How do they compare?

Though they look the same, this spin mop and a steam mop are quite different. 

How they clean

Steam Mops

Steam mops come with a water tank, or reservoir, that usually holds between 10 and 20 ounces of water. 

The high heat steam loosens the dirt and grime on your floor while killing up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Without the use of cleaning solutions, you don’t have to worry about a filmy or streaky floor. 

A steam mop’s head is usually a rectangle head that you attach a cloth mop pad too. The only movement is the one you create by pushing and pulling it across the floor. 

SpinWave

An alternative option to a steam mop, is the SpinWave spin mop.

Like steam mops, they do have a water reservoir instead of using a heavy bucket which actually gets dirtier the more you clean. The similarity to regular mops is that, if you want, you can use cleaning solutions in them. 

Bissell has different models in their Spinwave line, and some do come with a bottle or two of wood or multi-surface cleaning solutions. 

Here is the Spinwave Plus:

The only drawback to the way this mop cleans, some cleaning solutions can leave a dull film or streaks across your floor.

Types of Floors

Steam Mops

Steam mops are good for use on multiple floor surfaces. Linoleum, ceramic, marble, and can even be used to steam carpets. 

However, unsealed hardwood floors should not be steamed, as well as laminate, vinyl, and any other floors bonded with adhesives. The mix of high heat and moisture can cause damage to your floors. 

Another downfall of the high heat and moisture is that you have to be very careful to not let it sit in one place for too long. Similar to the way an iron can ruin a shirt if left too long in one spot, a steam mop and do the same to your floor. 

SpinWave

The plus side to the SpinWave is that you don’t have to worry about this problem. You can still choose to use warm water in your mop, it will not be nearly as warm. This allows it to be used on all types of floors. 

In Review

Both steam mops and SpinWave mops are great alternatives to regular mops. 

Neither require a heavy mop and a heavy bucket to clean and sanitize your floors. 

Steam mops though should not be used on vulnerable floors that are easily damaged by water. However, they can steam clean carpets.

Spin mops can be used on any floor type except carpets. 

Steam mops use steam from plain water only and spin mops use water and cleaning solutions. Both utilize a water tank, eliminating the need for a bucket. 

Both are lightweight and require less physical stamina and actually clean better than traditional mops.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing whether or not you need a spin mop or a steam mop, there are a few things to consider. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for something just like the mop and bucket, but need something lighter, more convenient, and easier to use, then you would probably prefer a spin mop like the Bissell Spinwave.