Has the mop met its match? (Product Test).(Buyers Guide)

The humble sponge mop now faces sophisticated new competition, the latest being the Hoover Floor Mate H3000, a wet/dry vac that also has scrub brushes in its head. Here's how the Floor Mate, the Swiffer WetJet, and a plain sponge mop fared in our tests. (The "first-year cost" column reflects our estimate for the mopper, replacement sponges or pads, and a supply of cleaner.) As the chart indicates, the Swiffer was handier than the Floor Mate for small jobs; consider it first if your mop and pail are ready to kick the bucket.

 
PRODUCT       PRICE  1st-YEAR  WHAT IT IS        HOW IT 
                       COST 
 
Hoover Floor  $180     $200    Electric wet/dry  Vacuum up 
                               vacuum and        loose soil, then 
                               floor scrubber    turn on the 
                               combined.         scrubbers. 
 
 
 
 
 
Swiffer        25      100     Stick-vac-style   Push it like a 
WetJet                         mop using         mop. Trigger on handle 
                               disposable        sprays cleaner onto 
                               cleanning pads.   floor. 
 
 
 
 
Mop and pail   15       50     Old relable.      You shouldn't have to 
                                                 ask. 
 
 
 
 
PRODUCT       CLEANING                   CONVENIENCE 
 
 
Hoover Floor  Can vaccum up as much      Too bulky to get 
              as a quart of liquid. But  into corners or 
              needs several swipes to    tight spots. Cleaning 
              clean ...