Many people may have heard that steam mops are better than a traditional mop and bucket. It’s important to choose quality options when choosing new cleaning products.
We love that steam mops kill pathogens and buff flooring simultaneously. If that sounds like your cup of tea, we’ve put together a list of the five best steam mops available.
Keep reading to find out more about these clever cleaning tools.
- Steam blaster for sticky messes
- Large water tank
- Includes dual-sided dirt grip pads
- Triangular head for small spaces
- Adjustable steam level for control
- Heats up fast
- Flip-down scrubber
- Customizable steam level
- Refreshing spring breeze fragrance discs
- Disposable and reusable mop pads
- Drop-IT tank
- Powerful suction cyclonic vacuum
- Digital controls for scrubbing
- Versatile cleaning
- Detachable handheld steamer
Product Reviews
Check out our top five steam mops, rated according to heat-up time, steam production, water tank capacity, and mop head quality.
1. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Mop
Best Overall Steam Mop
Don’t you hate having to touch a dirty mop pad when you’ve cleaned all your floors? Well, with this mop, you don’t have to. You just press a button, and it releases the mop pad into the laundry basket.
What’s more, the two mop pads are double-sided, which means you just have to flip it over once it gets dirty. This may help you clean faster and avoid changing your mop head while you’re trying to complete your daily chores.
The microfiber helps with mopping up spills and dust, and the strips of grip material remove stubborn dirt. Plus, they’re machine washable.
The large water tank can store 12.3 fluid ounces of water for creating steam.
You’ve even got intelligent steam control on this Shark mop. With three settings, you can choose the amount of steam you want to deliver to your flooring.
Do you have any tough grime on your floor that won’t seem to budge? Try out the “steam blaster” function. This lets you deliver a concentrated steam spray onto the spot through the nozzle.
What We Like
Steam Blaster for Sticky Messes
We all know that some messes require a little bit more scrubbing. But you don’t have to use elbow grease with this steam mop.
Instead, you can take advantage of the “steam blaster” setting to loosen it up. Simply wipe afterward with the microfiber mop pad.
Large Water Tank for Efficient Cleaning
With the large water tank, you may not have to refill your steam mop so often. It delivers constant steam for buffing your floors with 12.3 fluid ounces of water.
There’s a water fill flask included with this mop to make it easy to fill up when it’s necessary.
Includes Dual-Sided Dirt Grip Pads
Not many steam mops offer dual-sided dirt grip pads, but this one does. They’re made from reusable microfiber so that it’s soft and non-abrasive on your flooring. Just flip over the mop to use the clean side.
It has a zigzag grip pattern, which effectively removes tough dirt.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Stand Up on Its Own
The one downside to this steam mop is that you have to lean it up against something. Its weight means that it can fall over on its own, which may become annoying when you’ve got to pause.
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.78 pounds |
| Handle Length | 47 inches |
| Water Tank Capacity | 12.3 fluid ounces |
| Mop Head Dimensions | 13.8 x 7 inches |
| Extras Included | Two dirt grip pads, spray bottle with cleaning solution, and water fill flask |
2. O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop
Best Steam Mop for Hard-To-Reach Spots
This is the only steam mop on our list with a triangular head. Tackle those small and hard-to-reach spots around your home, such as corners and narrow spaces. We actually have this exact steam mop and can absolutely recommend it!
We like the lightweight design. It’s only five pounds, which may make it easier to carry up and down stairs. It also heats up fast – just wait 20 seconds, and it’s ready to go.
It’s supplied with a soft microfiber mop pad. The pad is machine washable up to 25 times, which may help reduce waste and help the environment. Just avoid using fabric softener and lay it out flat to dry.
It also includes an extra refill. You’ve got a spare when you’re washing your other mop pad, and it may save you some money. Thanks to the snap-on glider, you can also use this steam mop to clean carpets.
There’s an easy-to-use steam level function. All you’ve got to do is twist the dial to any point between minimum and maximum.
What We Like
Triangular Head for Small Spaces
The mop head is unique, unlike the standard rectangular mop head shape. This may be a better option for cleaning behind furniture, in corners, and underneath obstacles in your home. As mentioned, we use this steam mop at home and love the deep clean it delivers.
Adjustable Steam Level for Control
This steam mop is suitable for all of the different floors in your home. By simply adjusting the dial on the front of the steam mop, you can control the steam emitted.
This means you can decide between a quick clean to shine your flooring or a deep clean when necessary.
Heats Up In 20 Seconds
You don’t have to wait a long time to get cleaning if you’ve got a busy schedule. Plug it into the nearest power outlet, and you’ve only got to wait around 20 seconds for the steam to begin. This is 10 seconds faster than some others on the market.
What We Don't Like
Mop Head Is Small
Compared to some other steam mops, you may find this one has a smaller head, covering less surface area. It’s 12 inches by 8.8 inches; this might require more motion and effort to clean a larger space. It does take a little longer to mop larger rooms, but in our experience, the pros outweigh the cons.
Product Specs
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Handle Length | 53 inches |
| Water Tank Capacity | 8 fluid ounces |
| Mop Head Dimensions | 12 inches by 8.8 inches |
| Extras Included | Snap-on carpet glider, 20-second heat-up |
3. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
Best Steam Mop for Bad Odors
Do you want to make your home smell fresh and welcoming? You might want to try out this steam mop. Not only can the steam sanitize your floors, but it can also make your home smell fantastic.
This is due to the two spring breeze fragrance discs that are included. Simply insert them into the mop pad. These discs are safe for hardwood, ceramic, granite, and linoleum floors.
The mop head uses microfiber attachments for restoring your floors. There’s a soft pad included for everyday cleaning, plus a scrubby pad for resilient stains. The overall weight is six pounds.
You may also love the customizable steam level. The digital control enables you to choose the steam level you want for your cleaning needs.
A lower setting will be best for everyday buffing, while a higher setting is ideal for monthly deep cleans. For stubborn dirt, there’s a flip-down scrubber. This removes marks on your flooring or any grime that won’t budge.
What We Like
Tackle Stubborn Dirt With the Flip-Down Scrubber
The scrubber brush is a good accessory that helps remove scuffs and tough marks. Simply flip it down with your foot, and it can scrub away behind your steam mop. Fold it back up once you’re done.
Customizable Steam Level
The adjustable steam levels mean that you’re not limited to cleaning one type of floor. You can adjust the digital control between low, medium, and high.
Includes Refreshing Spring Breeze Fragrance Discs
Now you can leave a clean and revitalizing scent behind while you mop. This is the only steam mop on our list that includes this excellent feature. The spring breeze fragrance is released due to the steam heating up the disc.
It’s recommended to take out the fragrance disc before washing the mop pad. This may help to prolong the scent.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Have an Adjustable Handle
This product doesn’t have an adjustable handle. So, you’ll need to check if it’s the right length (46 inches) for your height to avoid any discomfort while cleaning.
Product Specs
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Handle length | 46 inches |
| Water Tank Capacity | 16 fluid ounces |
| Mop Head Dimensions | 10.8 x 7.7 inches |
| Extras Included | Microfiber soft pad, microfiber scrubby pad, two spring breeze fragrance discs |
4. Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Vacuum
Best Steam Mop for Pets
If you have pets, you may be interested in this two-in-one steam mop. Save time and energy cleaning up after your furry friends since this model vacuums and steams simultaneously. You can get rid of hair and scrub away dirty paw marks.
It’s suitable for various flooring, including marble, hardwood, and linoleum. It only takes around 30 seconds to warm up before being used.
With the 12.8-ounce water tank, enjoy fewer trips to and from the faucet. We also like the “dry-tank” technology with this product, which is designed to keep moisture out. This may prevent bad odors from your vacuum and steam mop.
Furthermore, you don’t have to touch the dirt when emptying your vacuum. You can empty all the debris straight into the trash with one button.
There is a disposable pad for one-off messes and a reusable microfiber pad. You can simply throw it in the washing machine. You’ll receive an eight-pack of odor-eliminating scent discs as well.
What We Like
Disposable and Reusable Mop Pads
You can be armed for every cleaning task. So, if you’ve discovered a bad mess caused by your pet or an accident, you can use the disposable pad. You might want to use the reusable one for everyday and regular cleaning tasks.
Drop-IT Tank for Hands-Free Disposal
Nobody wants to clean up all the dust and dirt and then have to get it on their hands. Once you’re finished with the vacuum, you can take advantage of the Drop-IT tank to avoid touching any germs.
Cyclonic Vacuum for Powerful Suction
We love the ability to vacuum before steam mopping the floors. This might save you time, as you can vacuum up loose debris before buffing your surfaces.
But this isn’t an ordinary vacuum – it’s cyclonic. You don’t have to purchase any bags. Unlike other vacuums, the cyclonic system means that you can collect dust and dirt without losing suction.
What We Don't Like
Some Customers Experienced Leaks
During our research, we did notice that some customers experienced leaks with this mop. The leaks originate from the mop head and empty onto the floor.
Product Specs
| Weight | 9.74 pounds |
| Handle Length | 46 inches |
| Water Tank Capacity | 12.8 fluid ounces |
| Mop Head Dimensions | 9.75 x 11 inches |
| Extras Included | Vacuum function, soft microfiber pad, microfiber scrubby pad, Steam boost tray, steam boost disposable pads, mop pad tray |
5. Light ‘n’ Easy Steam Mop
Most Multifunctional Steam Mop
We love how versatile this product is. It’s not only suitable for cleaning floors, but it also turns into a garment and handheld steamer. So you can use it for your furniture, clothing, and grouting too.
Just unclip the handheld tool, and you’ve got a handheld steamer. The nozzle and hose included making it straightforward to use. You may want to use it for reviving cotton and other soft materials around your abode.
The smart switch and sensors on the mop make it easy to start cleaning in as little as 30 seconds. You’ll know you’re ready to go since the digital indicator light will stop flashing.
The digital steam control allows you to choose your desired steam intensity. Options range between low, medium, and high.
With the wide mop head of 11.8 inches by 6.8 inches, you may cover a lot of ground on practically all flooring. It also has a microfiber cloth pad for capturing dirt.
The ergonomic handle makes it easy to glide around without any effort. A water cup is included for filling up the steamer with water. There’s even a hook for organizing the power cord for storage.
What We Like
Digital Controls for Scrubbing
You can choose the steam level you require from three different settings.
This steam mop is effortless to use, thanks to the smart switch. You just have to tilt the handle to activate the steam and start gliding the mop over the floor. To stop, simply stand the steamer upright.
You don’t have to use any buttons – it’s all automatic with your movement for ultimate convenience.
Versatile Cleaning Around the Home
In addition to the microfiber mop head included, there’s also an attachment for cleaning furniture and clothing. This removes creases and freshens up materials. The flexible hose is easy and lightweight to use.
Features Detachable Handheld Steamer
It’s easy to detach the handheld steamer and clean surfaces, grouting, and wall tiles. There’s a steam nozzle included for targeted cleaning, with a smart sensor for activating the steam. You might want to blast away oil and stubborn grime.
Just hold your hand over the smart sensor to begin and remove your hand to stop.
What We Don't Like
May Not be Suitable for Taller Individuals
Unfortunately, this steam mop is only 46 inches in length. This may mean it’s not going to be comfortable for taller folk. It doesn’t have an adjustable handle, and you might want to watch you don’t injure your back.
Product Specs
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Handle Length | 46 inches |
| Water Tank | 11.5 fluid ounces |
| Mop Head Dimensions | 11.8 x 6.8 inches |
| Extras Included | Microfiber mop head, flexible hose, steam nozzle, and water filling cup |
| Product | Award | Weight | Water Tank | Mop Head Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Genius | Best Overall | 5.78 lbs | 12.3 oz | 13.8″ x 7″ |
| O-Cedar Microfiber | Best For Corners | 5 lbs | 8 oz | 12″ x 8.8″ |
| Bissell PowerFresh | Best For Bad Odors | 6 lbs | 16 oz | 10.8″ x 7.7″ |
| Bissell Symphony | Best For Pets | 9.74 lbs | 12.8 oz | 9.75 x 11″ |
| Light ‘n’ Easy | Most Multifunctional | 6.4 lbs | 11.5 oz | 11.8″ x 6.8″ |
Benefits of Steam Mops
If you’re going to spend a decent amount of money on a steam mop, you want it to be merited. Well, the good news is that there are a lot of advantages a steam mop can offer you. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Kills Germs and Bacteria
An ordinary mop and bucket can easily get rid of dirt and dust on your floor. But it can’t remove germs and bacteria very well. This is where a steam mop comes in.
Steam is hot water vapor that can eliminate bacteria and pathogens from surfaces. This means it can rid your floors of bacteria like Salmonella, which may be present on surfaces for up to four weeks (1).
In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended steam cleaning to prevent the norovirus’s spread in 2011 (2).
In addition, steam vapor may get rid of pesky mold. It’s common for mold to grow in bathrooms when there’s moisture in the air. Using a steam mop over tiles and grouting can successfully remove it.
Hold The Steam Mop In Place For Five Seconds
2. Floors Dry Faster
A traditional mop leaves floors wet forever. This is inconvenient, and it can damage your flooring.
On the other hand, steam mops don’t soak your floors. Instead, they only need to make the floors slightly damp in order to clean. In turn, floors dry faster. If you have guests coming around or kids and pets running all over the place, you can quickly steam mop the floors, and they’ll be dry in a couple of minutes.
3. Removes Stubborn Grime
Steam mops remove the need for elbow grease when removing stubborn grime on your floor. The heat and water vapor makes it quick and easy to deep clean the floors. Less scrubbing involved? Sounds great.
4. No Need to Use Harsh Chemicals
A lot of cleaning agents and solutions can be damaging to your floor. The strong chemicals can strip your flooring of its natural color and shine over time.
As team mop doesn’t require any cleaning solutions: only water. This deep cleans your floors while preserving them for much longer. In turn, this saves you money.
If you hate the smell of bleach and other cleaning products, you may want to consider a steam mop.
Don’t Use Steam Mops On Unsealed Wooden Floors
5. Pet and Child-Friendly
If you have young children or pets in your home, you may be conscious of the chemicals you are using. With a steam mop, there is nothing toxic for your kids or furry friends. It’s also beneficial for those with allergies (5).
Steam mops also have the natural ability to kill fleas, including some eggs, adults, and larval fleas (6).
It is, however, worth noting that the humidity from steam cleaning can encourage the hatching of flea eggs after one or two days. The few that reappear will have to be dealt with again.
How to Choose a Steam Mop (Buying Guide)
With so many products out there to choose from, we’ve narrowed down some good features you may want to look for.
1. Fast Heat-Up Time
When you wish to clean with your steam mop, you don’t want to wait forever for it to be ready. So, when you’re browsing to make a purchase, look out for one with a fast heat-up time. We’d say that around 20 to 30 seconds is as quick as it gets.
2. Adjustable Steam Levels
A steam mop that has different intensities may be good if you’ve got different types of flooring in your home. This means you can simply change the steam level depending on the task at hand.
In addition, a dial may also be beneficial depending on the cleaning task. For example, if you clean your floors every day, you may choose a low setting. Whereas if you’re completing a deep clean, the high setting might speed up the job.
3. Microfiber Mop Head
The steam loosens any grime and dirt, but this has to be trapped by the mop head. Microfiber may be the best material for this task.
Microfiber can remove 99 percent of bacteria from your floor (7). It has fibers to lift and hold bacteria and debris. Combined with the natural sanitization qualities of steam, this may help to get your home spick and span.
4. Large Water Tank Capacity
When you’ve got large spaces to clean, the fewer trips to the faucet, the better.
Look out for steam mops with a large water tank capacity to make the job less of a hassle. We’ve seen sizes between 9 fluid ounces and 16 fluid ounces.
Use Distilled Water To Fill Up The Water Tank
5. Fragrance Discs
Do you like fresh fragrances and leaving a pleasant smell behind when you clean? Perhaps you can look out for a steam mop that provides fragrance discs. These attach to the mop head so that a lovely fragrance is present in the room.
6. Versatility
Do you want to clean more than just your floors? Look out for a steam mop that has a detachable, handheld function. This can let you target specific areas of grime by hand, especially surfaces and grouting.
Some will give you the option to clean furniture and clothing as well. The handheld steam cleaner option is necessary for this as it offers more precise control.
FAQs
Is It Worth Getting a Steam Mop?
It is worth getting a steam mop like this Shark Steam Mop because it kills 99 percent of all bacteria without the need to use harsh chemicals. It is also relatively inexpensive and ready to use in just 30 seconds.
Can I Put Vinegar In My Steam Mop?
You can put vinegar in your steam mop to kill bacteria and make it smell nice. Choose a low-acidity vinegar, like Lucy’s Family-Owned Five Percent Distilled Vinegar. White vinegar is the best product to use because it doesn’t stain the inside of your steam cleaner.
Do Steam Mops Damage Tile Floors?
Steam mops do damage tile floors because of the high temperature of the steam and misting from water residue. They also damage stone, marble, and granite floors.
Can I Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors?
You cannot use a steam mop on laminate floors. Laminate is highly sensitive to heat and excess moisture, causing it to warp. It also fades the laminated pattern on the surface.
