After testing the Flash power spray mop and the Philips One Up electric mop across two rooms, the Philips One Up emerged as the winner for hassle-free, streak-free cleaning. However, both mops have their advantages and disadvantages, with the Flash mop offering unlimited runtime and the Philips One Up delivering superior performance at a higher price.
Testing the mops in the hallway and bathroom
Before starting, the floors were vacuumed to remove any dust or debris, a vital step to prevent simply moving dirt around with the mop. The two rooms that required the most work were the bathroom and the hallway. The Flash mop was used in the hall, and the Philips One Up was used in the bathroom.
The Flash mop, which has been owned for a few years, was originally purchased to replace a standard mop and bucket. It is slim and simple to store, which is a massive advantage, but the spray function has never worked. This means using a separate cleaning solution, spraying it directly onto the floor before buffing it in with the mop. Fabulosa disinfectants are a staple, with a few capfuls mixed with water in a spray bottle creating a long-lasting cleaner suitable for virtually any surface.
Flash mop performance and features
The Flash mop works with stick-on microfibre pads, making the process straightforward. Gliding it across the floor lifts dust instantly, leaving behind an impressive shine. The pads are machine-washable and readily available on Amazon, though they are not the official Flash brand. The mop is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre around furniture, highly flexible, can reach into tight corners, and works brilliantly for cleaning bathroom wall tiles. It left the wooden hall floor looking immaculate.
Moving on to the Philips One Up, which was tested in the bathroom, this was a first experience with an electric mop. While it took a little longer than expected to get to grips with, setting it up was straightforward. It comes with one bottle of concentrated floor cleaner, which apparently lasts 40 cleans, and one cleaning pad that is both machine washable and reusable. The cleaner is slotted into the handle, the container is filled with water, and it is ready to start.
Philips One Up delivers spotless results
Pressing the water button gradually releases water from the bottom of the cleaning pad rather than shooting it out, which works very well without any mess. The mop glides effortlessly across bathroom tiles, leaving them completely spotless without any frustrating streaks. It dispenses clean water and draws up dirty water, with the resulting shine plain to see. The clean and dirty water tanks are kept entirely separate, meaning there is no risk of contaminating freshly cleaned floors.
Each mop has its own strengths and weaknesses. With the Flash mop, it is not electric and lacks the ability to absorb dirty floor water, which can sometimes redistribute it across the surface. However, as it requires no charging, it boasts an unlimited runtime. The Philips One Up is said to offer 70 minutes of battery life, which should be more than enough for most households, though those with particularly large homes might find it difficult to complete the job in time.
Verdict: Philips One Up wins on performance
The Philips mop comes with only one bottle of cleaner and one pad, both of which should last a reasonable amount of time. However, other cleaners or pads do not appear to be compatible, meaning purchases must be made directly, which could be costly over time. That said, if a decision had to be made based purely on performance and ease of use, the Philips One Up would come out on top. At £150, it certainly is not a bargain, but for those seeking a genuinely powerful electric mop and prepared to invest a little more, it is the perfect choice.
