Product Review: Clorox ReadyMop

I'm a working mom with two small children and trying to keep up with housework is not an easy task. There are some tasks, such as mopping, that I completely dread and often end up putting off for as long as possible. All of that changed when I received the Clorox ReadyMop as a gift when we moved into our new home. The mopping system is lightweight and makes it quick and easy to mop and maintain floors.

The design

The Clorox ReadyMop starter kit retails for approximately $20 and includes the mop, a 24 ounce bottle of cleaning solution, and a box of absorbent cleaning pads. As the name of the product implies, it is pretty much ready to go when you purchase it. Assembly basically involves popping the solution into the storage chamber and attaching the cleaning pad at the bottom. The mop itself is slender and lightweight. There is a trigger on the handle and the cleaning solution is dispersed through two openings on the mop head.

How it works

Once you have assembled the Clorox ReadyMop, you squeeze the trigger to release the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution works to dissolve the dirt and grime while the absorbent pad picks it up. One pad can be used to clean a medium-sized kitchen or a small bathroom. When you are finished mopping, you just pull off and dispose of the pad.

The mopping system is designed for use on tile, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, marble, stone, and finished and sealed wood floors.

My experience

I love the functionality of the actual mop. It is very lightweight and easy to maneuver. There is a swivel head that makes it easy to get in and out of corners, in between your refrigerator and cabinets, and even around and behind your toilet. It is nice because you don't have to mess with a mop bucket or wringing out the mop head. I always hate storing a regular mop because it is so bulky and dirty. With the ReadyMop, you throw out the absorbent pad, so there is no mess, and it small and easily stored.

One drawback is that you do have to continue to spend money to replace both the cleaning solution and the absorbent pads. The manufacturer reports that the cleaning solution will last for two to three months, but I found myself replacing ours every four to six weeks. To get your floor really clean, you need to use a lot of solution. Although the starter kit is readily available in most grocery stores and major retail outlets such as Target and Wal-Mart, I have found that it can be difficult to locate the refills of the cleaning solution and the refills of the absorbent pads. Clorox does not recommend the use of other cleaners as a replacement and using other cleaners will void your warranty. I have never tried using other cleaners, but I have heard from friends that it will clog the tubing on the mop.

I have tried using other brands of absorbent cloths because they are easier to locate and less expensive because they can be purchased in bulk at stores such as Costco or Sam's Club. The problem with this is that they do not have the openings at the front to allow the spray to come through. I did discover that the Swiffer Sweeper Wet Cloths will work with it, though. These cloths are pre-soaked with a cleaning solution and also have a scrubbing strip on them. I have started using these in place of the cleaning solution/dry absorbent cloth combination. It is less expensive and works well.

Overall, this mop works well for quick clean ups and maintaining your floors. I have had no problem picking up bigger spots and grime, although you do have to put forth a bit more effort to do this. For someone who is on the go a lot but wants to maintain a clean home, this is the perfect solution. Another perk is that kids love it and it's easy for them to maneuver so that they actually enjoy helping out with the household chores.