Abstract: A roller mop having a wringer assembly connected to a handle and a cleaning element mounted in the wringer assembly for reciprocation through a pair of rollers in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The cleaning element is reciprocated by a retraction rod that has upper and lower arms that are angled relative to one another. The lower arm is oriented to exert a pulling force upon the cleaning element that is directed at an angle relative to the axis of reciprocation. To counteract a nonproductive component of the exerted force that tends to bind the cleaning element, the lower arm is arranged to engage a bearing surface that in included on the wringer assembly.