How to Choose Between Swiffer WetJet and PowerMop
A few weeks ago I traded in my regular old Swiffer for a WetJet model and my boyfriend bought a Swiffer PowerMop. Both the WetJet and PowerMop contain canisters that dispense cleaner across the floor, which is then mopped up with a pad attached to the bottom of the unit, but I was wondering if one does the job better than the other. After spending some time with both, I have my answer.
Swiffer WetJet Specifications
First, let’s talk about Swiffer WetJet , which has been around in one form or another since 2001. It’s 27.34 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide, and 4.37 inches deep, so it’s a fairly small device that packs a decent amount of power. It uses WetJet brand cleaner in a unique bottle that sprays directly onto the floor in front of where you mop, and since 2009 it has a dual sprayer instead of just one.
The new WetJet comes in a “starter pack” that retails for about $27.99. The kit includes a machine that you need to assemble (but it’s not difficult), as well as one bottle of solution and five pads. Suitable for use on most floors including vinyl and wood.
Swiffer PowerMop Features
The Swiffer PowerMop is a new product that retails for around $33.99. It is slightly different in size from its predecessor, measuring 28.47 inches high, 5.24 inches deep, and 4.43 inches wide. The starter kit includes the device itself in disassembled form, two mop-shaped pads and a bottle of cleaning solution. Like the WetJet, it has two sprayers at the front.
What is the difference between WetJet Swiffer and PowerMop?
A few differences between the mops are immediately noticeable: the WetJet starter pack comes with five durable pads, while the PowerMop only comes with two pads, and they don’t look like standard Swiffer pads—instead, they have furry mop-like tendrils. a real mop. The PowerMop also has a unique feature: there are small LED indicators on the front panel that are activated when you press the spray button.
Both have multiple refills , although WetJet has a wider selection: you can get an antibacterial solution, one designed for vinyl, tile and laminate, another using Mr. Floor Cleaner. Clean, another with a solution of Unstoppables for more intense scent, designed for wood floors, and several different cleaners for various surfaces in several scents. PowerMop fills currently come in fresh or lavender scents, and there is a third option that’s just for wood floors.
Both have conveniently located sprayer trigger buttons on the handle, and both feature swivel heads that make Swiffers, well, Swiffers. Assembling both is also simple: you find the battery compartment and insert the two batteries that come with the starter pack, remove the cardboard from the solution bottle, and attach two pole sections to the machine to form a handle. A cord is threaded through the post, so the pieces just kind of dangle there, and it’s clear how they need to be fastened, sticking them into each other telescopically. I set up both devices and each took me less than a minute.
When it comes to cleaning, both do what they advertise: spray a solution onto the floor with the press of a button so you can wipe it off with a pad. After spending some time using each model, I liked the WetJet better because it sprays a little more and the pad is more comfortable to use. All the tendrils and lint on the PowerMop prevented me from really cleaning the floor, whereas the traditional flat pad on the WetJet made the task easier. I also felt that the spray from the PowerMop absorbed too easily into thick, fluffy pads (though you might consider it “pro” if you’re concerned about drying time), and they were a little harder to place under small surfaces. like the edge of a sofa. Keep in mind that PowerMop cleaning pads mimic real mops, so they can handle sticky, sticky messes. Not to brag, but I haven’t had one of these when I’ve used either device, so if you have kids or pets (or are just a messy home cook), the PowerMop might be a better fit for you.
The rods and spacers for both devices are also not compatible with the other device, and WetJet has more third party and Swiffer branded products available for refill. The PowerMop will likely have more of these in the future, but since it only came out last year, its accessories and capabilities are more limited.
Finally, the LED PowerMop lights are new, but a bit gimmicky. When mopping floors with the lights on, they barely illuminate anything that is not already illuminated by the overhead light. They clearly glowed in the dark, but I’m not about to turn off the light to mop.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Swiffer mop, you’ll probably want to go with the WetJet—at least for now. In the future, the lighting could get brighter or the selection of cleaning products and pads could expand, which could make a difference, but as it stands, you’re paying an extra $6 for fewer options and extra lights.