Steam mops provide ample cleaning power via hot water vapor to quickly and easily remove stuck-on dirt and grime from your hard flooring. These mops also need harsh cleaning chemicals to work, making them an eco-friendly cleaning tool.
Our team reviewed four of the top-rated steam mops available on Amazon. In our analysis, we considered the mop’s capacity, ease of movement, and more.
Best Scent Control
BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop
This steam mop’s 16-ounce water tank heats up in just 30 seconds to clean your sealed hardwood, granite, marble, ceramic, and linoleum floors. It has three steam levels to give you more or less water vapor based on how tough the grime is. It also comes with a soft head pad, a scrubbing head pad, two scent discs, and a carpet glider.
Key Features
- 6.82 pounds30-second heat time
- 16-ounce water tank
- 23-foot cord
- Three steam levels
- Two-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop
Customers were pleased with the lightweight nature of this steam mop. They also said that it was versatile, working on a variety of surfaces. The limited number of customers who gave this product a negative review said that there was hardly a difference between the steam settings.
Most Versatile
LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Steam Mop
This machine acts as both a steam mop and a handheld cleaner. You can detach the body to turn it into a smaller steamer that cleans, deodorizes, and dewrinkles curtains, upholstery, and clothing.
Key Features
- 6.3 pounds
- 30-second heat time
- Three steam levels
- One-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Steam Mop
Customers liked that this mop was durable, easy to push, and effective at reaching awkward spots. Some users said that it wasn’t powerful enough for tough grime, even on the highest steam level.
Best Mopping Pad
Shark Genius Steam Mop
Ideal for cleaning a large living room, this steam mop’s double-sided head flips the pad to the other side when the first one gets dirty. Since it comes with two dual mop pads, you have the equivalent of four heads that trap dirt.
Key Features
- 5.77 pounds
- 30-second heat time
- 220-milliliter water tank
- 22-foot cord
- Three steam levels
- One-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The Shark Genius Steam Mop
Happy customers appreciated how much dirt and grime this steam mop’s included pads could pick up. However, some users struggled to fill its tank with water or attach and remove its mop pads.
Most Heavy-Duty
McCulloch Steam Cleaner
For deep cleans in large homes, consider this heavy-duty steam mop. It has a 48-ounce water tank that can deliver up to 45 minutes of continuous, chemical-free steam to eliminate grease, grime, and dirt. Its nine-foot hose also has a lockable trigger to produce constant steam.
Key Features
- 12 pounds
- Eight-minute heat time
- 48-ounce water tank
- 45-minute runtime
- 15.7-foot cord
- One steam level
- One-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The McCulloch Steam Cleaner
Customers used this steam mop for unconventional purposes, such as removing wallpaper, cleaning ovens, and eliminating bed bugs. However, negative reviews claimed that it didn’t get hot enough.
Buyer’s Guide
To choose the steam mop that works best for your cleaning needs, it’s important to consider heat time, maneuverability, and more. Read below for information that can help you make an informed purchase.
Flooring
Look for a steam mop that can clean tile, hardwood, and the other materials that the floors around your home are made from. If you purchase a steam mop that only works with one type of flooring, it’s going to require several machines to get all of your floors clean.
Maneuverability
A lightweight steam mop is easier to push around and carry from room to room. However, it likely has a smaller water tank that requires more frequent refills. Another element that affects maneuverability is the mop’s head. A swiveling head can clean corners and other hard-to-reach spots.
Heat Time
Heat time measures how long it takes the water in a steam mop’s tank to heat to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and turn to steam. This time frame depends on the size of the water tank and the power of the steam mop. Most mops preheat in under a minute, but heavy-duty cleaners can take 10-15 minutes. Check out our guide on the best steam cleaners for more information.
Steam Strength
Flow rate measures how strong the stream of water vapor from a steam mop is. The higher the flow rate, the more powerful the stream. A low level of steam should be sufficient for dust. If you have stains or other stuck-on grime, you need a higher steam level. For versatility, you can find a steam mop with multiple steam settings.
Water Tank
The water tank in your steam mop should be big enough to get the job done without stopping for refills but not so large that it’s difficult to maneuver or carry. Most steam mops hold around 15 ounces of water. To monitor the water level while you’re cleaning, look for a transparent tank.
Accessories
Most steam mops are sold with accessories. Common accessories include:
- Reusable pads
- Scrubbers
- Scent discs
- Jet nozzles
How a Steam Mop Works
Steam mops turn water into water vapor by heating it to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature at which the liquid turns to gas. When the water is boiled and pressurized inside of a sealed chamber, it releases a forceful stream of steam that loosens stains. In addition to targeting grime, the steam from steam mops also disinfects surfaces. The steam is hot enough to kill any bacteria that are living on your floors.
How To Use a Steam Mop
To make cleaning your floors with a steam mop easy and efficient, follow these basic guidelines.
Check for proper assembly
Before you begin cleaning, make sure that all of your mop’s components are working properly.
Use the right water
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the type of water to use in your steam mop. Most steam mops work best with distilled water because it’s free of minerals that can clog the unit.
Let the mop preheat
Wait for your mop to produce steam before you use it. Once it’s preheated, start using it immediately, as letting it sit for too long in one spot can cause heat damage.
Prepare the floor
Sweep or vacuum your floor prior to mopping it. Otherwise, you’ll just move the dust around.
Do a spot test
Before using your mop for the first time, test it on an inconspicuous spot, such as under your couch. This is especially important if you have floors that are sensitive to moisture and heat. Set the steam to the lowest level, then lightly press the mop down on the concealed area to see how it responds.
Move the mop slowly
Push the mop forward to cover your floor in steam, then pull it back to get the pad to pick up any leftover dirt. Do this slowly over every square inch of your floor.
Change the mop pad
Don’t let the pad get soaked in steam, as this can cause streaks. It’s helpful to have at least one extra pad on hand in case you need to change it in the middle of your cleaning session.
Maintain the mop
After using your mop, you can’t just put it back in your closet. Follow the below tips to get it ready for storage.
- Drain the water tank.
- Place the pad in the washing machine.
- Wipe the mop with a dry cloth.
- Store the mop in a cool, dry space inside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a steam mop?
Here are some of the reasons homeowners choose a steam mop over a regular mop:
- It kills bacteria.
- It neutralizes dander, dust, and other allergens.
- It cleans without chemicals that are harmful to your family and the environment.
Can steam mops damage hardwood floors?
Steam mops shouldn’t damage a sealed hardwood floor unless this flooring has been weakened by constant contact to direct sunlight. If your floor is in sunlight, try the steam mop on an inconspicuous spot before using it to clean the entire surface. You shouldn’t use steam mops on unsealed hardwood floors at all because moisture can seep into their cracks.
What types of floors do steam mops work best on?
Steam mops work on a variety of surfaces, including:
- Sealed hardwood
- Vinyl
- Ceramic
- Marble
- Porcelain
What materials aren’t safe to clean with steam?
You shouldn’t use a steam mop on polished or waxed floors because it could dull their shine. Steam isn’t safe on leather, velvet, or silk either.
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