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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Mop Buckets

The unsung hero of floor cleaning. We compared mop buckets from basic pails to self-wringing systems—finding what makes mopping bearable versus what requires a second shower.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

O'Cedar

EasyWring Spin Mop Bucket

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

The bucket that changed mopping. Foot pedal spinning means dry hands.

Wringing

Centrifugal spin

Activation

Foot pedal

Capacity

~2 gallons

Features

Splash guard

Pros

✓ Foot-activated spinning
✓ Hands stay dry
✓ Splash guard

Cons

✗ Specific to O-Cedar mops
✗ Pedal mechanism can wear
✗ Takes storage space

$30

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
EasyWring Spin Mop Bucket Best O'Cedar	4.5	$30	View
WaveBrake Side Press Bucket Value Rubbermaid	4.6	$70	View
Bucket with Handle Caddy Casabella	4.3	$25	View
12 Quart Plastic Pail United Solutions	4.2	$8	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

O'Cedar

EasyWring Spin Mop Bucket

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

The bucket that changed mopping. Foot pedal spinning means dry hands.

Wringing

Centrifugal spin

Activation

Foot pedal

Capacity

~2 gallons

Features

Splash guard

Pros

✓ Foot-activated spinning
✓ Hands stay dry
✓ Splash guard

Cons

✗ Specific to O-Cedar mops
✗ Pedal mechanism can wear
✗ Takes storage space

$30

View on Amazon

Best Value

Rubbermaid

WaveBrake Side Press Bucket

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

What janitors actually use. Built for daily commercial use.

Capacity

35 qt

Wringer

Side press

Material

Commercial plastic

Features

WaveBrake baffle

Pros

✓ Commercial-grade quality
✓ Side press wringer
✓ WaveBrake reduces splashing

Cons

✗ Bulky
✗ Expensive for home
✗ Made for string mops

$70

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Premium Pick

Casabella

Bucket with Handle Caddy

4.3 (5,678 reviews)

The bucket that holds your cleaning supplies too.

Capacity

2.5 gallons

Features

Caddy, pour spout

Material

Plastic

Design

Ergonomic handle

Pros

✓ Built-in organizer caddy
✓ Pour spout
✓ Comfortable grip

Cons

✗ No wringer
✗ Smaller capacity
✗ Caddy adds bulk

$25

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Budget Pick

United Solutions

12 Quart Plastic Pail

4.2 (45,678 reviews)

Sometimes simple is enough. Reliable pail for basic mopping.

Capacity

12 qt

Material

Plastic

Features

Pour spout

Use

Multi-purpose

Pros

✓ Ultra affordable
✓ Simple and durable
✓ Multi-purpose use

Cons

✗ No wringer
✗ No features
✗ Manual everything

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Mop Buckets

Mop Buckets: The Unsung Hero of Clean Floors

The bucket makes or breaks the system. Good buckets have splash control and proper capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mop Buckets

How often should I change mop water?

Every room, or when water looks dirty—whichever comes first.

Spin bucket vs press wringer?

Spin keeps hands dryer. Press wringers are more commercial/durable.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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