The O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop offers a distinct dual-chamber bucket system designed to keep wash and rinse water separate, but does it actually clean better than the original EasyWring? The “Cedar mop clean and dirty water” debate centers on whether you need a complex bucket to achieve a streak-free finish or if the traditional single-bucket spin mop is sufficient. In this hands-on comparison, we analyze the mechanics, capacity, and real-world usability of the O-Cedar RinseClean against the best-selling O-Cedar EasyWring system to help you decide which mop deserves a spot in your cleaning closet.
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Quick Verdict Table: RinseClean vs. EasyWring
Before diving into the mechanics, here is a direct comparison of the two leading O-Cedar systems. The RinseClean is the specialized “clean water” model, while the EasyWring is the high-volume standard.
| Feature | O-Cedar RinseClean (Dual Chamber) | O-Cedar EasyWring (Single Chamber) |
|---|---|---|
| Bucket System | Dual Chamber: Separate Clean & Dirty Water tanks | Single Large Bucket with Integrated Spinner |
| Water Capacity | Lower (~1.5 Gal total) – Requires frequent refills | High (~2.5-3 Gal) – Covers large areas |
| Mop Head Size | Smaller, dense microfiber triangle | Larger triangle microfiber head |
| Best For | Sanitizing small, high-traffic areas (Kitchens/Bathrooms) | Large open spaces (Living rooms, Hallways) |
| Approx. Price | $$ (Mid-range) | $ (Budget-friendly) |
Design & Build Comparison
The most immediate difference between these two models is the physical layout of the bucket. The standard O-Cedar EasyWring features a large, open basin with a red spinner basket in the corner. This design allows for plenty of water and solution, making it ideal for large square footage. However, the lack of separation means that as soon as you dip the mop back in, you are diluting your cleaning solution with the dirt you just removed.
Conversely, the O-Cedar RinseClean bucket is divided. One side holds the “clean” water reservoir, and the other is the dirty collection tank. When you step on the pedal to spin the mop, the dirty water is flung into a separate compartment, theoretically keeping the dip water fresh. However, this added engineering comes with a cost: the clean water reservoir is smaller and sealed, meaning you must refill it more often if you are tackling a large floor. Based on community feedback, the design of the RinseClean bucket is also slightly bulkier and heavier when full, making it awkward to carry for some users compared to the EasyWring.
Feature Deep Dive: The Separation Technology
Does the O-Cedar RinseClean actually separate dirty and clean water? Yes, but with a specific catch that confuses many first-time users. Unlike a commercial floor scrubber that uses fresh water jets, the RinseClean uses a “Splash & Rinse” mechanism. You place the dirty mop into a small rinse bowl, press the pedal to wet it (releasing water from the clean tank), and then spin it dry. The key difference here is that the dirty water is ejected into a separate gray tank, not back into the main reservoir.
However, Reddit users frequently ask: “If I dip a dirty mop into the clean water, isn’t it dirty immediately?” The answer is yes, to a degree. The “clean” water in the RinseClean tank does get contaminated slightly over time by the dirty mop head during the dip phase. It is not a sterile system. But, it is significantly cleaner than a single bucket where the mop immediately soaks in the grimy soup you just spun out. For those asking “what mop has separate compartment for dirty water,” this is the most effective consumer-level answer, even if it isn’t perfect.
Cedar Mop Clean and Dirty Water: Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of the O-Cedar RinseClean System
The RinseClean is a specialized tool. It excels in situations where hygiene is the top priority, such as cleaning up after pets or sanitizing kitchen floors. Here is the breakdown of our experience with the unit:
- Pro: Sanitary Mopping. You are consistently applying fresher water to the floor than with a standard bucket. It removes 99% of bacteria with just water, and the separation helps keep that water effective longer.
- Pro: Less Streaking. Because you aren’t rinsing the mop in gray, dirty water, there is less residue left behind on the floor. This is a massive plus for glossy tiles or hardwood.
- Con: Small Reservoir. The “Clean” water tank runs out fast. If you have a large open-plan living area, you will likely need to stop and refill the tank halfway through.
- Con: Handle Durability. Several user reviews and forum discussions highlight that the telescoping handle on the RinseClean can feel flimsy and prone to collapsing if you apply too much downward pressure while scrubbing. For a deeper dive into this specific model’s long-term performance, you can read our full RinseClean review here.
Pros and Cons of the O-Cedar EasyWring System
The O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop is the #1 best seller for a reason. It prioritizes volume and simplicity. The single large bucket means you can fill it with hot water and cleaner and mop a large area without stopping. In 15 years of testing cleaning tools, we have found that for general maintenance of large areas like living rooms or hallways, the EasyWring is often faster because you aren’t constantly refilling a reservoir.
- Pro: Large Water Capacity. The bucket holds significantly more water than the RinseClean. You can clean 800+ sq ft without needing a refill.
- Pro: Cost-Effective. It is generally cheaper, and the mop heads are widely available and affordable.
- Pro: Proven Durability. The bucket design has been around for years. While the plastic gears can wear out, the overall simplicity makes it less prone to the leaking issues some users report with the RinseClean’s internal tanks.
- Con: Dirty Water Reuse. The biggest downside. As you clean, the water becomes a “gray soup.” You are essentially cleaning your floor with progressively dirtier water, which is why users often ask “Why are my feet still black after mopping?” with this model.
- Con: More Frequent Water Changes. To get a true clean, you must dump the dirty water and refill the bucket multiple times during a big clean, which defeats the convenience of the large capacity. If you have sensitive hardwood floors, check out our guide on mopping hardwoods safely.
Buying Guide: How to Choose & The “DIY RinseClean” Hack
Choosing between these two comes down to square footage and mess tolerance. If you have a large, open-concept home with mostly dust and light dirt, the EasyWring is efficient. If you have a smaller kitchen with sticky spills, pet accidents, or high-traffic grime, the RinseClean’s ability to keep a rinse water separate is worth the extra refill trips.
Expert Hack: The DIY Dual-Bucket System
If you want the cleanliness of separated water but don’t want to pay for the RinseClean bucket, there is a popular community hack. Take a standard EasyWring bucket and place a small, shallow bucket (like a 2-gallon or ice cream bucket) inside the main basin, slightly off to one side. Fill the small inner bucket with your clean, soapy water. Fill the main EasyWring bucket (outside the small one) with just a few inches of plain water to act as your dirty catchment.
- Dip mop in the inner “clean” bucket.
- Spin mop in the large EasyWring basket. The dirty water flies into the main bucket, not the inner one.
- Repeat. Your clean water stays relatively clean!
This mimics the RinseClean functionality perfectly and is a favorite trick among professional cleaners who can’t carry heavy dual-chamber buckets.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Many users switch from a Swiffer to an O-Cedar and struggle with the technique. A common mistake is using too much cleaner. If you ask “Is Dawn dish soap ok for wood floors?”, the answer is yes, but use it sparingly. Too much soap leaves a sticky residue that actually attracts more dirt, leading to the “black feet” phenomenon.
Another issue arises with the telescoping handles. Both models use a twist-to-lock handle. If you lean heavily on the mop to scrub a stuck spot, the handle sections can collapse or unscrew. We recommend using a dedicated scrub brush for stuck-on food and using the mop only for surface cleaning to extend the life of your pole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the O-Cedar mop separate clean and dirty water?
The standard EasyWring model does not; it uses a single bucket. However, the O-Cedar RinseClean model features a dual-chamber bucket that keeps clean wash water separate from the dirty collection tank.
What mop separates clean and dirty water?
The O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop is the most popular consumer model that separates these waters. Commercial options like the Tsmine Rinsewise also exist but are typically more expensive and complex.
How to use O-Cedar mop with clean water?
For the RinseClean, fill the reservoir with hot water and solution. Dip the mop in the rinse bowl, spin to dampen, mop, then spin dry into the dirty tank. For the EasyWring, you must manually change the water in the bucket frequently to ensure you are mopping with clean water.
Should you wash or throw away O-Cedar mop heads?
You should wash them. The microfiber heads are machine washable. We recommend replacing them every 3 months to ensure maximum bacteria removal, as the fibers lose their grip over time.
Why are my feet still black after mopping?
This usually happens when you use a single-bucket system (like the EasyWring) and the water becomes too dirty, or when you use too much cleaner that leaves a sticky film. Always rinse the floor with plain water if you use a heavy soap solution.
Final Verdict: Which O-Cedar Wins?
If you are looking for the best mop for general home cleaning, the O-Cedar EasyWring remains the king of value and efficiency. However, if your specific search is for a “cedar mop clean and dirty water” system because you are tired of pushing grime around, the upgrade to the RinseClean is justified. It effectively stops the cycle of re-contaminating your floors, provided you don’t mind the smaller tank capacity. For heavy-duty, whole-house cleaning, we still recommend the EasyWring, perhaps with the DIY bucket hack for the best of both worlds.