Microfiber mops require very little water to work. One plunge in the bucket or a few sprays are often enough to clean an entire room, protecting your vinyl floor from warping while saving soap and water. (BestReviews)

Vinyl floors are known for their resilience, but that doesn't mean they are indestructible. The best way to keep your floors clean and ensure they last a long time is to invest in a microfiber mop.

One of the most common mistakes people make when they clean vinyl floors is to flood them with water. Vinyl may be waterproof, but excess water can leak through any cracks or seams and sink into the subfloor. This can lead to a host of problems, such as loosened seams and discoloration. Microfiber mops attract dust and grime without the use of a lot of water or harsh cleaners. Manufacturers also note that microfiber gets your floor cleaner in less time than traditional mops.

The O-Cedar Microfiber Spin Mop is one of the best microfiber mops on the market for vinyl floors with a number of features that can access just about any nook and cranny in your home. Microfiber mops have a variety of designs and features, however, that might mean another option better suits your home.

The most common type of mop head shapes you'll find are round, rectangular and triangle-shaped. The shape affects how well you can clean hard-to reach-places so your choice will depend on what rooms you’ll be mopping.

Microfiber mops use a variety of different head and pad constructions. Some mops have interchangeable heads so you can tackle dusting, light sweeping and soaking all with one tool. Many microfiber mop heads are wringable, meaning you have to wring them out by hand, by using a mechanism in the mop’s handle or by using a bucket with a built-in wringer. Other models use a spray system or just require you to rinse or wash the head after each use.

Microfiber cloth pads: Microfiber mop cloth pads are an easy-to-clean solution to mopping. These are great for sticky or muddy floors. Some microfiber mops come with dust pads that sweep up any debris before swapping out for a wet mop head.

Fringed microfiber heads: Fringed mop heads line the cloth pad with microfiber strands like an afghan rug. These are great at capturing dust and pet hair without clogging up the cloth pad so you can sweep and scrub all in one.

Rag microfiber heads: If you need a deep clean or soak, the rag head is your best bet for extra-absorbent power. These are made of large microfiber strips or tubes woven into long loops that retain volumes of soap and water while covering a lot of ground. Rags are most helpful when combatting stubborn staining and grime.

An inexpensive microfiber mop starts at about $20. For this price point, you can get a variety of flat or round mops and bucketless systems that use sprayers instead. A quality microfiber mop falls in the $20-$50 range where you’ll start to see bucket systems, removable pads and wringable models. Above $50, consumers can expect to see industrial-quality mops for school and shop floor purposes. These often feature charging systems that allow you to soak multiple mops at once, and several replacement pads.

A. No, you can use microfiber mops on virtually any floor, including hardwood.

A: Plain old soap and water are all that are needed to clean your floors with a microfiber mop.

A: Yes, but not for a long time. You clean the floor pads with soap and water so there aren't any harsh or corrosive chemicals to worry about. And when the head gets dirty, most models allow you to just pop the mop right into your washing machine.

A: Many rag and cloth models require buckets or come with them, but you can also purchase a spray-mop with a solution dispenser to save storage space.

O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop, Bucket Floor Cleaning System: available at Amazon and Home Depot

Our take: At a modest price point, this mop can clean a wide variety of rooms with its triangular-round hybrid of a mop head.

What we like: The built-in bucket wringer has a foot-press spinner that allows you to control the mop head's dampness without getting your hands dirty. The splash guard on the bucket is a great bonus, as anyone who has sprayed themselves with mop water can tell you. And the rag mop head can be used both wet and dry for stains or dust.

What we dislike: Without wheels, the bucket is difficult to move without risking tipping over or sloshing and spilling.

O-Cedar Microfiber String Cloth Mop: available at Home Depot

Our take: This is a no-fuss, simple and inexpensive mop that can be used with your own bucket or O-Ceder's Quick-Wring system.

What we like: You can use this mop on just about any surface and it is machine washable, meaning it will last for many uses.

What we dislike: Some users report that the 4.67-foot handle seems a bit too short.

Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Premium Spray Mop: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Home Depot

Our take: This mop is a versatile, bucket-free alternative to the rag variety that uses a rectangular head and spray system.

What we like: The refillable cartridge spray system and machine washable pads cut down on waste. Its soft microfiber cloth pad covers the mop base's corners so you won't scuff your baseboards or knick your furniture.

What we dislike: Some customers complain that the plastic isn't as durable on this model, making it prone to snap or break with heavy use. 

Nancy Dunham is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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