Swiffer Power Mop Vs Wet Jet: What's The Difference & Which Is Better For Your Floors?

If you are looking to upgrade your mopping tools to an all-in-one product, you may be considering Swiffer products for an efficiency upgrade. The WetJet and the PowerMop are comparable and popular Swiffer models with similarly priced starter kits, so which should you purchase? The decision will depend on your floors and budget. While the PowerMop might have a slight edge in cleaning power, its associated costs will add up more quickly.

The WetJet came out in 2001, and it was marketed as a faster, easier way to mop on almost all floor types. Changeable mopping pads are meant to spread less dirt and dust around while mopping and make the mop always clean and ready for use. Since the WetJet has been around for so long, there is also a variety of options for off-brand mop pads and liquid cleaning solutions. Plus, there are washable, reusable mop pads available for the WetJet that can save you money, like the Turbo Microfiber Reusable Floor Mop Pads — and if you're really clever, you can try this TikTok-approved Swiffer WetJet hack that could save you even more.

The WetJet has remained popular over the years, but in 2023, Swiffer released the PowerMop, which is an upgrade to the WetJet in a few ways. It has a slightly larger mop head, at 15.25 inches wide compared to the WetJet's 11.5-inch pads, and the new PowerMop pad design has over 300 strips of fabric for more effective scrubbing power and absorbency. It also has a foam grip for more comfort.

While both mops have their pros and cons, the most important factor in choosing which one to buy is which mop will most effectively clean your specific surfaces. The Swiffer WetJet can change the way you clean — according to Amazon reviews, the device is very effective on most common flooring types. However, it can struggle on some surfaces due to its flat mop pad. For instance, it may not be the right choice for cleaning tile grout because of the difference in height between the grout and the tile surface. The liquid cleaning solution reservoir is also located on the back of the mop and is somewhat bulky, which makes it difficult to get the mop head underneath furniture. Some reviewers also say that while the WetJet is good for quick cleaning jobs and minor messes, it does not have the absorbency or scrubbing power to handle larger spills. 

The PowerMop was designed to address some of these issues. The longer fibers on the scrubbing pad create an uneven surface that can get into the grooves of tiles and clean grout. The cleaning solution reservoir is also located on the top of the mop and has a much flatter shape, making it better for reaching under furniture. The additional fibers create more space for absorbing, meaning that it's better able to handle the larger messes that a WetJet cannot. Despite the upgrades, reviews on the durability of the PowerMop are mixed. Some Amazon reviews report that the PowerMop is less durable than the WetJet, while others praise the mop's maneuverability and cleaning power.

The Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit and Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit for Floor Cleaning are both being sold for about $30 on Amazon in starter kits. The Swiffer WetJet kit includes the mop, two batteries, five mopping pads, and a bottle of liquid floor cleaning solution. The Swiffer PowerMop kit comes with the same accessories, but only two mopping pads. 

For WetJet refills, you can find 42-ounce WetJet cleaning solution bottles for around $7, and 15-count replacement pad boxes for about $10. For the PowerMop, a smaller 25.3-ounce cleaning solution bottle costs about $6, and a box of only five replacement pads costs about $11. Based on price alone, the WetJet is a better option — especially in the long run, as the refills and replacement pads are less expensive.

Ultimately, you are deciding between a tried and true favorite with the WetJet and an upgraded newcomer with the PowerMop. If you need the occasional quick clean for everyday dirt and grime, the WetJet should do the job for you. If you have tiled floors or frequently have to deal with large messes, the PowerMop may be a better choice. Just keep in mind that the cost of replacing the pads and cleaning solution will add up over time, so you may want to consider this DIY hack you can use to refill your Swiffer on a budget.