From microfiber mops to electric-powered styles, the professionals share their favorite tools to get tough jobs done.

A good mop can be a game-changer for your homekeeping routine. “A well-designed mop can make your cleaning experience go more smoothly by providing easier access to hard-to-reach spots and surfaces—reducing both frustration and back pain,” says Donna Dougherty, founder of Go Green Cleaning Experts. “Furthermore, a good mop will leave your floors cleaner.” However, with all the mops available on the market, separating the best from the so-so can be tricky. “While there are many choices with lots of bells and whistles, there are some things that all mops should be able to do,” says Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock, a Neighborly brand. “They should absorb well—so you aren’t just moving around the same dirt and mess from place to place—they should be machine washable, have a comfortable grip, be height adjustable, and ideally, offer a scrubbing action and require little (to no) wringing.”