Sabco Lightning Mop Questions & Answers
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Hi SABCO, Same issue here, this is our 2nd time replacing a 2 sponge packet of Sabco 4 poster mops. Every one of them has broken away from the attaching glue holding the sponge to the mop!! I see this problem has been reported for years on your site and as of NOVEMBER 2025 Sabco, it appears you still have this issue ongoing. I can't send a photo as its already in the bin. What do you suggest Sabco?
We previously used Sabco mops for years and never previously had a problem, The backing glue does not fail on other brands.
Hi Robyn, We're sorry to hear this. It's certainly not the experience we want you to have. We have changed the adhesion method of the Sponge Mop Refills to Ultrasonic Wielding, which has significantly reduced this occurrence.
Please lodge an enquiry directly with us so that we can assist you further with a replacement - external link
why doesn't the lever on my new sabco mop work? I cannot wring it out...
HI Coral, Is the refill sponge wet when you are attempting to wring it? The squeezing mechanism can require a firm grip and strength to operate, as the lever requires quite a bit of strength to wring, especially while new and not worn in so it does need to be pulled up quite a bit to activate the wringing mechanism. It may feel like it’s under strain, but it is designed to handle that movement.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, please send an email to ask.sabco@sabco.com.au for our team to assist you further.
Thank you so much for answering my question. I did what you said and thankfully it works now. Kind regards Coral.
You're very welcome, Coral! I'm so glad to hear it’s working now. If you ever have any other questions, feel free to reach out – we’re always here to help.
Why does my sponge keep slipping off while mopping
Hi Susan, If the sponge refill is secured by screwing the green posts into place and the sponge has separated from the backing plate, please email us at ask.sabco@sabco.com.au with a photo and your postal details. We'll be happy to arrange a replacement for you.
Remove 30cm 4 post not screw on mop head
Mine did but it was hard. You have to use their plastic piece of rubbish to screw them in then put the old caps back on to keep them on.
The foam head had 4 push terminals which you pushed into the 4 securing holes and they click in there are no screw terminals . On the packaging there are instructions how to fit the new head but NON how to remove the old one. Except bruit force. Thanks for your advice Dee
Hi Peter, As your mop is the Xtra Wide Lightning Sponge Mop, you don't have screw caps like the Standard 23cm Version. To remove the Xtra Wide Lightning Sponge Mop Refills, firmly press down on each post from the top of the mop head. If you grip the sides under the mop head, above the refill pad, it'll make the process a bit easier. Apply some force, as they're not meant to slide out easily to prevent during-use issues.
If you have any further issues send us an email with some photos or videos and we will assist further. ask.sabco@sabco.com.au
Where can I buy a rectangular bucket to suit my new Sabco Lightning Mop that is 30cm LONG?
Derek G.
Hi Derek, You can use SAB37040 12.5L All-Purpose Bucket - ranged at Big W, Coles, Woolworths, and Mitre 10 stores.
Hopefully this clarifies your query.
Thanks Stacey
Can you please tell me if the Saco “lightning and breeze” mops are the same? Have bought some replacement scouters for my “breeze” mop and they are for a “lightning” mop and I can’t seem to fit it as it appears too big.
Hi Jean, To clarify your question; Lightning mop is a 4 pin sponge and is available in 2 sizes and Breeze Mop is 2 pin sponge. SAB30022 Lightning Mop (23cm) SAB30023 Extra Wide Lightning Mop (30cm long basically as long as a ruler). SAB30002 Space Saver Kitchen & Bathroom Sponge Mop (23cm) SAB30001 Space Saver Breeze Mop(23cm) SAB31009 Breeze Mop 2 (23cm) SAB3002 – 1PK Lightning – Sponge Mop Refill (23cm) SAB32013 – 2PK Lightning – Sponge Mop Refill (23cm) SAB30003 Kitchen & Bathroom Sponge Mop – Refill 2PK (23cm) SAB30024 Extra Wide Lightning Mop Refill (30cm) SAB31010 Breeze Mop – Refill (23cm)
Hopefully that clarifies your query.
Thanks,
Stacey
I have been using Sabco Lightning Mops for many years and have always been very happy with their performance until recent times. A few months ago I bought a brand new Saco Lightning mop. Upon using it I found that there was excessive shrinkage in the sponge along with failure of the glue that holds the sponge to the attachment plate, after about 1 use. Initially I thought it was simply an issue with that particular sponge so I went ahead and purchased 2 x twin packs of replacement sponges. Both sponges from the 1st pack failed the 1st time I used them. I didn't see the point in using the remaining twin pack because they were purchased at the same time as the most recent failures. As I am a age pensioner I was reluctant to waste more money on replacement sponges, so for the last few months I have been forced to continue using a mop where the sponge flops around and is impossible to squeeze. Out of desperation I decided it was time to do some research on this issue and so, that led me to this page where I found that this is, in fact, a common problem.
My questions are: Have the sponge problems (shrinkage and Glue failure) been resolved yet? Where can I buy replacement sponges that are NOT part of the "Bad Batch"? What do I do with the 2 brand new sponges that are more than likely "faulty"?
Hi Gordon, I am really sorry about that, I can totally undersand how frustrating it can be. Can you please email me at social@sabco.com.au with a photo of the mop and the sponges and a screenshot of this conversation in order for me to identify which ones you've purchased?
Our mops come with a 2 year warranty so I am sure I will be able to be of support.
Thank you
Over the last three months have purchased mop refills from Woolworths that last one use . The glue holding the backing plates is defective, Have tried gluing them back . Needs special waterproof glue .Whats happened to your once fine product?
Hi Peter, I am so sorry to hear this has happened, it’s certainly not the experience we want you to have. We have received a couple of bad batches of sponges and I can organise a replacement to be sent to your home address. Can you please send me an email at social@sabco.com.au with a photo of the issue and a screenshot of this conversation?
Thank you and have a great end of the day
Hi,
I used the mop once with cold tap water. Then when I went to use it again a month later the Sponge on the end had shrunk quite a lot as it dried over the month. This meant that the glue holding the sponge to the plastic backing had been pulled away and now the sponge is no longer attached to the mop. This is pretty disappointing. I fear that the mop stick and the spare sponge refills that I bought are all totally useless as they appear to be single use only?
Also I have now noticed that the sponges in the refill bag are slightly damp when in the bag. This is why the sponge is a larger size and squishy when on the supermarket shelf. But then it shrinks up and breaks after 1 use.
Would you have any ideas of how to make sure this doesn't happen? or I would like to get my money back please?
Thanks
Hi Beck, I am really sorry about it, that's not the experience we want you to have with our products. We have been working on improvements on our sponges and redesigned the sponge to eliminate the glueing issue. Can you please send me an email at social@sabco.com.au with your details and a screenshot of this conversation?
Thank you and have a great end of the day!
I went to use my Sabco mop for just the third time and when I immersed it in hot water the sponge fell off. Looks like it is only glued on?
It is held on with screws. Contact Sabco for a replacement if it is not doing the job it is meant to. cheers Janice
Hi Karen, I'm so sorry this has happened. It's certainly not the experience we want you to have. Please send me your address details and I can get a replacement sponge out to you. Kind Regards
Thanks so much - please send to : 8 Marylands Place, Middleton, Christchurch 8024, NEW ZEALAND.
Thanks Karen. I will get the warehouse team to process this for you. Cheers
Hi. I have a sabco breeze white plastic parts on handle. 4 post sponge mop and cannot find replacement sponges. My local Woolworths does not stock the 4 post sponge. Nor does the local Bunnings. As we cannot go out of 5 km zone at the moment where can I get one. I am in Williamstown Victoria postcode 3016. Also I have heard bad reviews on the quality of the sponge. I haven’t replaced mine for a few years and it’s crumbling so I have avoided using the mop. But this is a very convenient floor mop. I hope the sponge issues have been resolved. As my unit is till in very good condition
You can order them from Sabco. Some hardware stores also keep them. I havent had the problem with the sponges. They tend to shrink a lot when dry but once wet are fine.
Hi Tom, you can actually get them at BigW - external link . As for the quality. It seems some people has got some bad ones. We are still use the same high-quality french cellulose and we looking into whether its been a bad batch or chemical used while cleaning that has made the sponge deteriate faster then normal. Keeping in mind that after frequent use they do come apart, especially on a rough surface because it is a natural product. Hope that help. Cheers
I bought a wide mop to replace the old four post screw on sponge . The new push on type is a piece of rubbish . I tried to remove the plastic wrapping but couldn't . I had to destroy the posts to remove it . The design is hopelessly faulty .Why ? My six year old grandson could design something better . Junk !
I am sticking to the four post design as the size of the sponge fits into small areas at my place. There is still a problem with the holes for the screws, but I will persist, and ask for a replacement when it fails. I tried an Oates push on type which broke after two uses. When I returned it to the supermarket following no response from Oates re my two complaints to them, the sales person said they had a four returned prior to me for refunds.
I had the same problem with the wide Sabco mop, just fell apart. Sabco replaced it, after I complained on this site, but I asked for the smaller one which is much better in design and has the scew on sponge.
Hi Robert, We are indeed aware of the issue with our Extra Wide lightning mop and are currently improving the design and functionality. Im sorry for the problems this has caused. I can offer to send you a replacement of the EXTRA Wide Lightning mop or get you a standard size one as we did for Rob who commented. This is a bit smaller but comes with screws instead of the push system. Alternatively, if you want a different type of mop we can talk about getting you something else. Cheers
Thank you for your reply . I had a standard size mop with four screw posts for a very long time , certainly some years . I found that satisfactory until the serrated edge to the screw holes broke away . It had , however , years of service so I would be happy with that type again . Thanks Robert
Hi, I'm glad to hear that one served you well for so long. I will have that one sent out to you. ill just need your full name and address, please. If you prefer, you can send that to me via a private message over Product review. Cheers
I have sent a private message as requested
I am not sure I sent message to correct source as nothing in reply yet . Robert m
Hi, i dont think i got it. Ill send you a message and just reply to that. Cheers
Do you still make the sabco breeze mop if so where can I buy one I have been looking for ages in the Sutherland shire. Thankyou Faye
Hi, you can purchase a sabo Breeze mop at your local Woolworths external link or a Breeze mop 2 at your local BigW external link Hope that help :) Cheers
I am traveling international and want to take extra wide lightening mop with me Pls let me know how to take it. Is it foldable ?
Hi Tariq. if you are needing a shorter handle if think you will need the regular size Lightning Mop with 2-Piece handle which are available in Officeworks, Mitre 10 and Big W external link Hope this helps!
Why are the mop heads so much more expensive in New Zealand than Australia? In Bunnings in both countries Australia for a 2 pack is $9.90A and NZ is $10 each for 1. Even accounting for the exchange rate that is a big difference, and because of that I will not be buying replacement sponges and changing sponge brands!!
Hi spandex - Thanks for reaching out with your concern, hopefully we can clarify this for you. The Sabco Lightning Xtra Wide is ranged in Bunnings NZ. This is the same mop ranged in Bunnings AU and is wider than our regular Lightning Mop, which is ranged at other AU retailers. The refill for the larger Bunnings mop is only available in a single pack and retails for $12.99 in Australia and $11.98 in NZ.
The Twin pack refill only fits the smaller Lightning mop. This sells in various AU retailers. It retails for $13.50 in both Woolworths and Big W. Perhaps you have spotted this on promotion, but I can assure you it is not the regular price.
Hopefully this helps. Thanks - Sabco
Thank you.
I have just bought a Sabco Lightning mop, and used it for the first time. It left huge water marks over the floor. I’ve had to go over it again spraying plain water and using a micro fibre cloth. Believe me it’s no small task as I have a lot of tiled area. What do you suggest?
Its a horrible product does not suck up water, its a cheap nasty chinese sponge
So Sabco official.
100% cellulose eh ???
Well you are sticking by your argument.
Whats your next marketing genius ?
Perforated condoms ?
Yes. 100% . The unit get rusty and broken . The chemical from the rust leaves a very nasty mark on the path room. The Unit supposed to be designed to used with water plus add any cleaner. It does not as the handle is metallic and react with the water and rusted and got broken from the base. You end up with useless unit. I do not not use any add-on cleaner/chemical, Just water. We are not suppose to buy a new one every 6 month.
I too am feed up with the Sponges only lasting a month or less. I only use warm water and no cleaners . But when I read one of your responses I became aware why they don't last.
'Hi Jewel -
Sorry to hear you are unhappy with your Sabco Lightning Mop. Sabco Lightning Mop Refill is made from highest quality 100% cellulose, .... Sponge mop refills are moist when packaged at the factory, but can dry out if the stock is old or has a rip in the packaging. Unfortunately, once this happens, the sponge will disintegrate....
Sabco posted on Dec 07, 2017'
I realise this is why they fail, they are made of cellulose. This is a product that is not lasting Are we expected to keep them in a sealed container with water so they do not dry out? Do you Sell (or maybe you should sell) a small device that can be clip over your mop and save the Cellulose Sponge?
Hi Allan - Thanks for contacting us. We would like to clarify that the cellulose actually can dry out between uses - it will rehydrate once the mop is wet again, apologies for the confusion on this.
We are working very hard with our factory to get to the bottom of the problems that our customers are having with these sponges and are also conducting many tests internally with our QC team.
If you email us at customerservice@sabco.com.au or contact us on 1800 066 522 we would be happy to send you some replacement sponges.
Thanks -
Sabco
Unfortunately Sabco Lightning Mop Sponges will disintegrate if you do not use them and becomes dry. Sabco needs to understand Australia in general has a hot weather and we have to use their own product with other cleaning products to clean a Dirty floor , this is the main purpose of Sabco Product. They need to define what they mean by [ made from highest quality 100% cellulose] if it the Sponges fails badly in a month time and the handle gets rusty, I get the same response as mine completely got rusty and disintegrated from the base with the handle.. The Unit has No Value for money at all. What is more interested and unfortunately they refused to refund me with one single cent. My advise is "Do not buy this Product and save your money.
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