Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The RUBBERMAID REVEAL spray mop is similar in design to the popular Swiffer mop, combining a swivel mop head, replaceable pads, and a dispenser for cleaning solution. I've owned a Swiffer mop for several years, and I've found that it works best for touch-ups (since I'm not convinced the little paper pads really do much more than wet the surface). My first impression of the REVEAL was that it offers a much larger cleaning surface (see the photo comparing the Swiffer paper pad with the REVEAL pad). After trying it out, I found that it's head-and-shoulders above the Swiffer in just about every way. Here's the low-down: 1. The REVEAL uses washable, "microfiber" pads, which can be easily attached to the mop head with "Velcro-like" strips. Three of these pads are included with the mop, which should enable you to clean an entire house before you have to wash them. I found that the "Velcro-like" strips are much more efficient in keeping the pads attached to the mop head than the Swiffer system is - and the microfiber pads are much more durable, and clean much better than the paper pads used with Swiffer. There's a loopy, textured surface to the REVEAL pads that enable them to pick up stray dust/grime during mopping. The Swiffer paper pads just can't compete. 2. The detachable, refillable bottles allow you to use your own cleaning solution (whether it's a store-brand, something you mix yourself, or just plain water). The Swiffer forces you to buy their expensive refills. Two of these refillable bottles are included with the REVEAL, so that you can switch from one solution to another during cleaning, depending on which room you're cleaning. They can also be stored separate from the mop - one of the problems with the Swiffer is that the cleaning solution remains attached to the mop after cleaning, meaning the liquid is in constant contact with the mechanism (this has caused problems with the Swiffer batteries). 3. The REVEAL uses no batteries! This may sound like a silly point to make about a mop (why should a mop use batteries?), but anyone who has used the Swiffer knows that without the batteries the Swiffer just doesn't work (and they corrode quickly). The REVEAL's spray mechanism is pump-activated (you squeeze a lever at the end of the handle and the solution sprays out in front of the mop). This is a much better system than the Swiffer. It feels very much like cleaning with a traditional sponge mop. I do have some concerns about the plastic connection between the mop head and the handle - it swivels very nicely, which is great, but it also seems a bit shaky and I'm not sure how long it will last. But for now, the REVEAL mop works very well. I can't imagine using the Swiffer again, since the REVEAL is a much better product (and the money you'll save in not having to buy batteries, replacement pads, and cleanser refills will quickly offset the REVEAL's slightly more expensive price tag). If you're looking for a spray mop, I highly recommend this one.