Bona Vs Swiffer: Which Hardwood Flooring Cleaner is Better?

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Bona and Swiffer are two of the most famous brands on the market available currently thanks to their high-quality and affordable floor mops.

It is easy to keep your house always clean than ever before with the Bona Hardwood Floor Mop and the Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping. They are the results of a great effort of manufacturers to design the more convenient and effective mops than the older models.

In this article, we put two products to a side-by-side comparison to find out which flooring cleaner is better for you.

Before diving deeper, let’s take a quick look at some necessary information of Bona Hardwood Floor Mop and Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping.

  • What’s Included: Mop, machine-washable microfiber pad, cleaning solution (850 ml).
  • Mop Pad Material: Microfiber cloth
  • Mop Head Size: 15 inches
  • Weight: 5.2 pounds
  • Dimension: 4.4 x 5.9 x 28.4 inches
  • Spray: Wide and even, air pressure powered, one nozzle.
  • Battery Need: No
  • Company Background: Built in 1919, specializing in the installation, maintenance, and renovation of wood floors.

  • What’s Included: Mop, 4 AA batteries, five pad refills, cleaning solution (500 ml).
  • Mop Pad Material: Disposable cloth
  • Mop Head Size: 9 inches
  • Weight: 3.68 pounds
  • Dimension: 18.9 x 6 x 4.5 inches
  • Spray: Narrow, batteries required, two nozzles.
  • Battery Need: Yes
  • Company Background: P&G launched in the U.S. in 2002, had great achievements of floor care.
  • We will go into detail about each category in the following parts and point out the fundamental differences between these floor mops.


    What’s Included With Each Spray Mop

    There are three included components in a Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop, namely a mop, a 15-inch microfiber pad which you can wash by machine and reuse many times, and cleaning solution (850 ml) in a refillable cartridge.

    The Bona’s formula is known for its ability to keep your floor clean without streaks.

    On the other hand, the Swiffer WetJet includes a mop, five Soft texture of microfiber-like pad (three extra power pads and two standard pads), a refillable cartridge of Swiffer’s formula (500 ml), and 4 AA batteries (the spray requires battery power to run).


    How They Work

    Like other floor cleaners, before using Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop, do not forget to remove any loose dirt and debris.

    The first step is snapping the pole, mop head, and handle together, then let the cleaning solution cartridge be in place. Finally, you need to plug the cleaning pad into the bottom of the mop head.

    After you finish setting up, you start to use your Bona Floor Mop by holding the trigger in the handle which helps you spray the solution.

    The spray of Bona does not need battery power. Instead, it requires air pressure which is used as a spray bottle to dispense cleaning solution.

    Based on how dirty your floor is, you will determine how much spray you need. However, the average amount is about once or twice spraying times every few feet. Your floor does not need water to rinse again.


    When it comes to Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping, the preparation is similar to the Bona cleaner. You need to vacuum or sweep dirt and debris.

    WetJet is easy to assemble.

    To set up your floor mop, slide the poles together, lining up the notches, and secure in place. After that, you need to slide open the battery compartment and insert four new or unused AA batteries.

    The next step is attaching the WetJet pad print-side down on the redesigned mop head. Then, line up the arrow on the cleaning solution bottle with pole and gently press until the bottle clicks into place.

    Once your Swiffer WetJet is ready, press the button to spray the solution directly where you need it on the floor.

    When your mop stops spraying or begins to spray unevenly, check batteries and if necessary, change them.

    WetJet brings excellent experiences with a variety of hard floor surface, including finished hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tile, and laminate.

    Related video: See the Swiffer WetJet in action

    Size and Weight

    When considering a top-notch floor mop, size and weight are the essential specs.

    As we mentioned above, the size of Bona’s mop head is 15 inches. It is an excellent choice for almost all residential use cases. The large mop head means you get the job done faster.

    Meanwhile, Swiffer WetJet owns a mop head which is 9 inches wide. It is difficult for WetJet to cover much ground like Bona with each wipe. However, a smaller size allows WetJet mop head to reach small spaces and corners. Also, you can move your floor cleaner around furniture skillfully and efficiently.

    Also, 5.2 pounds and 3.68 pounds are the weight of Bona and Swiffer products respectively. When compared with standard floor cleaners on the market now, both two mops are very light and easy to use.


    Performance

    To find out the best floor mop, I decided to buy and experience the Bona and Swiffer cleaners by myself rather than take anyone else’s word for them.

    Firstly, I acknowledge that both two products are very effective and helpful in cleaning the floor.

    When evaluating an excellent performance, there are many factors to consider. However, in this article, we will focus on two crucial differences: spraying efficiency and the material of the mop head.

    The new Spray Mop from Bona allows cleaning solution come out wide and evenly with a fanning motion. It covers every inch of the floor with a light misting and does not leave any a puddle of fluid.

    To help Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop have the best performance, manufacturers use microfiber cloth as the material of the mop head.

    In recent years, this cleaning fabric is highly appreciated because of its electrostatic properties. A microfiber pad can attract dust, allergens, and dirt easily.

    Besides, the Bona’s mop head has soft flex corners which prevent damage to walls and furniture.

    After using the Bona Floor Mop, I am delighted with its efficiency. My floor is clean and shiny and looks like the new one.

    However, the only problem I need to complain about is the large size of the mop head. As I mentioned above, it is hard to maneuver in small areas in my living room with a 15-inch head.

    In different situations, the solution of Swiffer WetJet can break down soils, and the pad lifts and locks away dirt deep into the core.

    The spray of Swiffer seems like a water gun and pushes the cleaning solution out of two locations in the mop head. Because it sprays narrower than Bona, I find it difficult to distribute the solution evenly on my floor.

    When your Swiffer is not moving, if you press the button of spray, small puddles will appear in only one spot while leaving others completely dry.

    And these puddles of liquid will seep through cracks and do a lot of damage to your surface.

    The mop pads of Swiffer WetJet need to be replaced after every use if you want to receive the best results. And for tough dirt and grime, you can use extra power pads with the scrubbing power of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

    However, the disposable pad seems too weak and flimsy to do any real cleaning. If your floor has gaps between a few floorboards, be careful with the cloth which might get caught on a lip or edge of the floor.

    With a smaller mop head, it takes more time to clean a large floor like my living room than Bona.


    Price

    Below are links for you to check the current price of Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop and Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping and Cleaning Starter Kit on Amazon:

    As you can see, you have to pay more money to own a Bona Hardwood Floor Mop. However, in this case, we need to take into consideration the different cost models of two products.

    With Bona, you buy a complete floor mop upfront. Machine-washable microfiber pad allows you to use over and over again without changing it.

    When it comes to Swiffer, in the first time, all that you need to buy is the mop, five pad refills, 4 AA batteries, and a refillable cartridge of cleaning solution (500 ml).

    However, the pads of WetJet are disposable. Therefore, when you use all of them, and nothing is left, you have to buy refills. Also, when your batteries cannot produce electrical energy, it is time to have new ones.

    If you mop your floor twice a week, you need about 104 pads for a year. Except for the starter pack of 5 pads, you have to pay for 99 other pads. And indeed, it is not a small amount.

    In short, over the lifetime of your hardwood floor cleaner, Bona Hardwood Floor Mop is an ideal choice when it helps you save hundreds of dollars with reusable pads.

    Besides, I highly appreciate the eco-friendly feature of Bona because their floor cleaners use a battery-free operation.


    The Most Common Complaints

    Bona Hardwood Floor Spray Mop

    The most serious problem of Bona Floor Mop is the cleaning solution bottle leaks out of the spray opening on the front of the handle base after a short time (less than 90 days).

    Some customers review that they have to run the Bona from three to four times to have a shining and clear without steaks. Leaving steaks is a big complaint which impacts on cleaning performance of Bona negatively.

    Also, some reviewers express their disappointment because the sprayer stops working within a few months. You cannot fix the cheap plastic parts inside once the sprayer breaks – it’s just dead and impractical to ship back.

    Several users said that there are holes on each side of the mop head and the velcro that holds the microfiber cleaning pad does not extend to the edge of the mop. It creates a problem when mopping where the pad will roll up on itself continuously.

    Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping

    The biggest complaint about Swiffer WetJet by far is the cleaning efficiency. It leaves a slight haze or film over the floor. Also, a detergent cleaner makes streaks and a dull residue.

    Besides, some reviews write that the sprayer pump isn’t functioning correctly after a few uses. The cleaning liquid pours out of the nozzle or does not come out of the sprayer.

    And the last problem I have to mention here is about batteries. Some customers report that their batteries do not work and they need to pay a bonus cost for fixing or the new ones.


    A Quick Summary

    Before reaching the ultimate conclusion, let’s take a glance at the advantages and weaknesses of Bona and Swiffer floor mops.

    Pros:

    • Extra-large mop head cleans 40% faster than the leading competitor
    • Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
    • Easily refillable cartridge and machine washable microfiber cleaning pad included
    • The original formula cleans hardwood floors effectively by removing dust, dirt, and grime
    • No battery requirement
    • Flexible rubber corners
    • Durable and lightweight design with secondary grip
    • A retractable hook for easy storage
    • Great spraying efficiency

    Cons:

    • Difficult to access small spaces and corners with a large mop head
    • Users need to wash the microfiber pad many times
    • Suitable for only wood floor
    • Higher price upfront than the Swiffer WetJet

    Pros:

    • Lighter than the Bona
    • Ultra-fine mist spray nozzles
    • Illuminated nozzles light the way as you spray
    • WetJet Wood Cleaning cloths are microfiber-like which create a soft texture gentle on hardwood floors
    • Work on various floors such as wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, and laminate
    • Convenient disposable mop pads
    • Traps dirt and grime deep in the pad, so it does not get pushed around
    • The flexible swivel head gets everywhere you can’t

    Cons:

    • Require an extra cost for replacing pads and batteries
    • Sprays too narrowly
    • Need batteries to run

    Swiffer vs Bona: Which One Is Worth Your Money?

    For nearly 100 years, Bona had made a great attempt to change the way the world cleans. Their goal is offering an all-around better experience and making daily clean easier.

    With excellent flooring professionals, Swiffer has never stopped researching and continuously improving their products. Swiffer wants to produce the innovative floor mops which can clean and reveal the natural shine of your floors.

    There is no doubt that both Bona and Swiffer had great achievements of installation, maintenance, and renovation of floors.

    Depending on my particular situation and requirements, I choose Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop as my preferred cleaner.

    My living room with large square footage requires a large mop head like Bona’s. Also, it does not require batteries, and this eco-friendly feature of Bona is a significant reason for my option.

    According to my experience, Bona mop does not leave behind streak or film. After using it, my floor looks new and shiny.

    In term of price, I select Bona because of its advantages in the long run. I do not think that I can afford the bonus cost of Swiffer for the replacement of pads and batteries.

    However, it is just my personal choice.

    You can see many positive reviews of Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping. And it is evident that thousands of customers opt for this product to reveal the natural beauty of your finished hardwood floors.


    All In All

    This article provides an in-depth comparison between Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop and Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Mopping.

    Both two products have strengths and limitations. And in the end, the choice is entirely yours. All that you need to do is following your particular situation, considering your requirements and choosing the floor mop you like.

    Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below to let me know if you find this comprehensive review useful. And in case you have any questions related to the topic, give it to me!

    bona-vs-swiffer

    2 thoughts on “Bona Vs Swiffer: Which Hardwood Flooring Cleaner is Better?”

    1. It would also be great to know approximately how many square feet of coverage you get per bottle of cleaning solution. Example: using Swiffer on 2,000 Sq ft of floor after 4 weeks of weekly cleaning used X amount of solution.

    2. I have oak hardwood floors throughout my house. Yesterday there was noticeable dust and debris which I removed with a Swiffer dry mop, broom, and small vacuum. I then applied Bona Hardwood floor cleaner with spray applicator. It looked good. This AM I had a small spill on the floor and got my wet Swiffer spray applicator and cleaned the kitchen again. The Swiffer mop came up black(act. grey) with dirt. I was surprised. I expected the Swiffer to be mostly clean after last nights application of Bona Hardwood cleaner.

      Do I need to mop my hardwood first with Swiffer, then with Bona wood cleaner or what. Help!

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