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We swear by the (original Swedish) Act Natural Microfiber mop system, and have for the past 10 years (ever since reading a recommendation from the Queen of Clean).

https://www.euronetusa.com/shop/product.php?productid=16178&cat=252&page=1

I have gone through a series of really bad mops, and finally have found one that i LOVE. It's from Rubbermaid, and it's like a PVA rubbery foam type material for the head. It doesn't leave your floor very wet, it squeezes out like a regular sponge mop and it wears well.

The only complaint I have so far is that you have to let it soak for 1 minute before you start using it, so it can absorb the water. If you don't, you will break the head off when you do your first squeeze.

http://www.nextag.com/rubbermaid-pva-mop/compare-html

PS. I guess one of the questions is whether you want a dry mop or a wet mop. They do such different things, I'd think you'd want one of each. The microfiber swivel thing looks great for dusty floors.

I own the first one featured here and I have had it for 10 years. Couldn't be more pleased with it. It takes no space and I don't need a bucket to rinse the mop. I simply use the sink and after I have done the floors I scrub the sink with ajax which I do almost every day anyway.

I have the Libman--the one in the middle. It's ok, I suppose. It still snags on things and leaves little fibers around that I have to pick up. It's absorbent, though, and more hygenic than a sponge mop. The dirt rinses off really well, too--you know how some mops just never come clean, no matter how much you rinse them? We've had it for a couple of years, and the white fibers are still white. I would say it's definitely worth the price, but it hasn't changed my life.

I love my steam mop, and it only cost about $75. I got the Shark, and it was worth every penny. The floor dries in minutes, and as an added bonus you don't need any chemicals.

I second the love of a steam mop. I recently bought the Bissel 1867-7 and find myself mopping much more frequently (i.e., every week, like I should). I had used a Libman Wonder Mop (the heads were washable, which was an advantage), but I hated having to cart the dirty water down three flights to the laundry room dispose of it.

However, I think the biggest problems with most wet mops is that after two or three "swipes," the water becomes dirty and one esentially cleans with dirty water.

If you're even considering a steam mop, start saving and make due with your current cleaning method for a few more weeks -- otherwise you will be compromising for a product most likely will not meet your demands, and that you'll have to get rid of when the steam mop arrives.

It really depends on what you need. Personally, I firmly believe in mopping as rarely as possible. I spot clean serious problems as they occur with a rag or hand broom, I use a microfiber broom to maintain the corners, I buy floors that can hide dirt and, of course, I look the other way. When I mop, I go for a simple, old fashioned string mop, it is messy, but nothing is better for heavy duty work, and I only do it 3-4 times a year.

Also consider the type of floors you have. My floating floor really won't take any sort of conventional dunk-in-a-bucket type of mop, so I've resorted to spritzing the floor with all-purpose cleaner and soaking it up with a microfibre pad mop. I got a model from Vileda with removable pads; it performs okay, but is hardly fabulous.

i feel that mop heads are nothing more than breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. they are very difficult to keep sanitary and end up smearing dirt and mud around the floor rather than really cleaning the surface. i use a washable, cloth rag and soap. both are ecofriendly and cheap. when the rag gets too black, i rinse it and start again. sure, it takes time, but the surface is clean when i'm done.

No love for the Method O Mop? It's basically the same concept as as the first mop posted, a microfiber washable pad. I've got a dog and endless laminate and tile floors so it gets a lot of use, and the microfiber rinses right out in the sink. and the method cleaning solution is nice! I only wish it came with a scrubbing pad because I hate getting down on hands and knees with a scrub brush for really obstinate spots!

I use the first one, but I tend to mop everyday, and I don't have a washer/dryer. So I buy microfiber cloths, and use was them once a week. They work great, and they stick to the velcro without any problems.

I have the first one you featured in this post, and it is excellent. I highly recommend it.

Carting dirty water down three flights of stairs to empty it?? Just dump your mop water in a toilet!

i agree with bleuquila. i love the method mop! you can use the dry sheets that trap hair and dust, and then put on the orange microfiber part (which rinses out really easily in the sink or is machine washable), and use it with the method floor cleaner (which smells GREAT). i also like the curved handle.

I'm devoted to Libman mop - I wouldn't part with it!

I'm a huge fan of the Real Simple mop sold in Target stores. The easy on and off of the washable mophead/sponge is a dream. It's basically a heavy duty velcro attachment between sponge and mop. It comes with a hidden gunk scrubber in the handle. I keep 3 or 4 replacement sponges so when I toss one in the washer, I have plenty left clean and ready to use. It does have a butterfly mechanism to expel water, but it works well. Their bucket is pretty great too and compliments the mop nicely.

Wanna know what I love? Swiffer Wetjet. I KNOW, I KNOW... it's cheesy... but what rhymes with cheesy? Easy, that's what.

AMAZING: http://www.vileda.com/servlet/PB/menu/1001197/index.jsp?action=family&objectId=39giozipg0z1z408zazpou9

If your mop head isn't absorbing anymore-- soapy water or dirt(?), that's because the mop head is dirty. If you use a cotton string mop (or a rag mop, as my mom called it), you should be able to just throw it in the washing machine with a little *heaven forbid* bleach or dump a pot of boiling water on it in the sink (and rinse rinse rinse).

The Sh-mop is the mop for me (Google it). A big swiveling head that you cover with terry cloth covers that you wring out before using. Less mess to clean up on the floor, and you just toss the covers into the washing machine. I've had one for years. I would never use a conventional mop again. There's also a scrubby pad for tough stains and I believe now you can get microfiber covers for dusting & shining.

I've used the regular Star Mop (not Pro) for a long time now, and Love it. It's my broom, and my mop, and it works really well for both. I never have to use a lot of cleaning products -- it works great just damp, or with a little vinegar water. Instead of carting around a bucket I usually just mop with a spray bottle of vinegar water -- spritz spritz spritz, mop mop -- so easy. And if I'm doing a big area it's no big deal to just rip the pad off, rinse it out in hot water, restick it, and keep on mopping. No pushing dirty water around the floor, or "rinsing" my mop in dirty water.

that star mop looks like a copy of the Bona mop. It's great. I use the hardwood spray for hardwood floors, and the tile spray for the kitchen floors. No mixing of floor cleaners or hauling out of buckets since the spray is ready-to-go. And, they have refills. Very easy, clean, and the microfiber pads go in the washer. Got it at BB&B. brilliant.