13 Best Steam Mops (Review) In 2022
- The Best Steam Mop
- 1. PurSteam ThermaPro Steam Mop Cleaner
- 2. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
- 3. Shark Steam Pocket Mop
- 4. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Mop
- 5. Bissell 1806C Steam Mop
- 6. Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop
- 7. Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
- 8. PurSteam ThermaPro Elite Steam Mop
- 9. Shark Steam Mop
- 10. Secura Steam Mop
- 11. Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop
- 12. LIGHT 'N' EASY Steam Mop
- 13. iwoly M11 Steam Mop Cleaner
If the idea of mopping your floors fills you with a sense of dread, you are not alone! But don’t worry, there is an alternative cleaning solution that doesn’t involve a normal mop, bucket of water, hazardous chemicals, or scrubbing tiles on your hands and knees.
Steam cleaning is an excellent alternative to traditional cleaning methods for many reasons. Because steam cleaners only use hot water to get results, there is no need for any floor cleaner or floor polisher & harsh chemicals, so it's great for the environment and safe for use within your house. Steam mops are also capable of thoroughly sanitizing an area. This sanitization will kill any germs, bacteria, or allergens that are not visible to the naked eye. In this regard, a quality steam mop is a perfect addition to your stick vacuum cleaner or highly independent robot vacuums.
Another plus for steam cleaning is that there isn't too much elbow grease involved, and this is certainly true in comparison to floor scrubbing. It is an effortless way to get sparkling results. There are hundreds of steam cleaners to choose from, so here we review some of the best steam mops available. We also explain the key features you should look for if you are tempted to invest in a device and answer several frequently asked questions.
The Best Steam Mop
1. PurSteam ThermaPro Steam Mop Cleaner




Key Features
Handheld steam cleaner
Flexible hose
3 levels of steam output
340ml water tank
2.2llbs
30seconds to heat up
Attachments for cleaning different kitchen appliances
2-year warranty
Continuous steam model
20ft power cord
Versatility is what makes the PurSteam ThermaPro Steam Mop Cleaner model our best steam mop choice. This device comes with a detachable handheld steam cleaner that you can use to clean garments, windows, and upholstery, so it is much, much more than a steam mop. There is a selection of different accessories included, so you can effectively clean kitchen appliances, or even carpets, with the right tool.
The ThermaPro also has three different settings to control the steam output and weighs only 2.2llbs, so it is exceptionally easy to move around the house. The cable is 20 feet long, which is adequate, but an increased length would make it even more user-friendly. It is a powerful model with a good-sized water tank (340ml) that heats up in 30 and will last for about 20-25 minutes of continuous cleaning on the lowest setting. A versatile, powerful, and effective product.
Pros
Very lightweight
Good assortment of attachments
Transparent water tank to see when the water level is running low
Cons
Power cord would benefit from some extra length
Reusable pads are only available from limited suppliers
2. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop



Key Features
3 levels of steam output
Swivel steering
23 ft power cord.
30 seconds to heat up
1500 watts
Continuous steam model
6lb
Easy scrubber tool
470ml water tank
This is a machine that is perfectly pleasant to use. It has high maneuverability due to the swivel steering mechanism, a carpet glider, and a long power cord, so you don’t have to keep changing power source. The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop has a level of steam output that is stronger than many other models, plus all Bissell devices have the added advantage of being compatible with the Bissell fragrance discs or fragranced distilled water. If you want your house smelling fresh and lightly fragranced after cleaning then this is a great selling point.
The downside of this model is that while it is super easy to use, there is no on and off switch. This means that as soon as you plug it in it heats up and produces steam, so you need to keep your eye on it (and any nearby children) from the moment it is plugged in.
Pros
Fragrance discs or fragranced distilled water available from Bissell
23ft cord
Large 470ml reservoir capacity
Easy to move around
Cons
No attachments other than a carpet glider
No safety on/off switch
3. Shark Steam Pocket Mop


Key Features
450ml water tank
18ft power cord
1200w
4.87lbs
30seconds to heat up
Telescopic handle to adjust the height
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is light and compact with a large water tank and no controls or triggers to mess around with. This should make the operation simple. Yet the challenge with this model is that it takes a bit more effort to use than many of the competitors. Steam is only emitted when you push the mop forwards, compressing the handle. If you move it backwards, no steam is produced. As a result, cleaning may take a bit longer because there is only a one-way operation and you need to do a bit of the legwork yourself.
There is also no hose, no accessories, and no handheld unit, so the reach is the length of the power cord (18ft). This steam Pocket Mop doesn’t have great versatility as it cannot clean 1vertical surfaces or carpets. But, if you just plan to clean the floor and don’t want any added technology, then this is a simple, effective, yet fairly costly model.
Pros
Very lightweight
Large water tank, so less refilling
Manual steam output control
Mop pads can be used on both sides
Cons
Can’t be used on vertical surfaces or carpets
4. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Mop




Key Features
Steam blaster
3 levels of steam output
22ft power cord
Advanced technology to remove stubborn dirt
Intelligent steam control
Double-sided dirt grip pads
350ml water tank
6lbs
Touch-free technology
The Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Mop is a more advanced model from the Shark range. This ‘intelligent’ mop comes with some cool features and technology to make it a very efficient device. The Shark Genius model is designed to ensure there is even distribution of steam across the pad, improving the efficiency of cleaning and helping you target edges and corners more easily. The pads can also be used on both sides, so you get two uses before you need to wash them. And, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can detach the mop pad and drop it straight into the laundry basket without having to touch it!
For all its intelligent technology, the designers seem to have overlooked the filling and emptying of the water tank. It does not detach, so you will have to somehow turn the whole machine upside down to get rid of the unwanted water. This stops it from being one of the best steam mops, but it is a practical, powerful mop.
Pros
Easy fill cup included
Powerful
Dual usage pads
Detach mop pads without having to touch them
Cons
No attachments
No on/off switch
Does not stand up on its own
5. Bissell 1806C Steam Mop




Key Features
On-board spot boost brush
Bissell scented pads/distilled water compatible
25 ft power cord
Easy to fill water tank
2 levels of steam output
30 seconds to heat up
Swivel head
470ml water tank
6lb
Two-year guarantee
Another of our choices from the Bissell range is less flexible than some models but overall, quite user-friendly. Bissell 1806C Steam Mop comes with a standard mop pad that is compatible with the Bissell fragrances and has a swivel head. The mop head itself is quite large, and as it doesn’t detach into a handheld version, it can be tricky to clean around and under furniture. However, the unique feature of this Powerfresh model means that when you remove the mop head, it reveals a smaller steam attachment with bristles. This is an excellent addition if you have challenging areas to work on, such as dried mud or food. It gently scrubs without scratching the surface.
Refilling the water tank is easy using the cup provided. And you don’t have to wait for the device to cool down before adding more water, so you can keep on cleaning as you top it up.
Pros
Stands up on its own
Power cord length
Ease of water tank usage
Cons
x
6. Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop



Key Features
Vacuum And Steam combination
Drop-It Tank emptying system
Cyclonic vacuum to capture pet hair and debris
1100 Watts for Steam
400 Watts for Vacuum
Adjustable steam output
9.7llbs
380ml water tank
Trigger operation
25ft cord
30 seconds to heat up
Two-year warranty
A multi-functional device, the Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop can be used for light vacuuming and then quickly switched over to a steam mop. If you have pets and find yourself forever sweeping or vacuuming up their hairs, then this product is perfect for saving you time.
While the suction function is fine, it is not as powerful as a regular vacuum, so would not replace your regular, more substantial appliance. However, it is good enough to lift light dirt and pet hair before you start to steam mop. And as steam mops should only be used on debris free surfaces, this function makes the Symphony very convenient. Another useful feature of this model includes its ability to stand upright without producing steam due to the trigger technology. Unlike other brands, you won’t have to rest it against furniture or walls when you want to leave it unattended, nor will you have to run to unplug it to stop steam production. You can simply just remove your hand, stand it up, and the steam will stop.
Pros
2-in-1 vacuum and steam function
Quick and clean to empty vacuum container – no mess and no
touching
Washable and disposable pad options
Easy to switch between operations
25 ft cord
Cons
No attachments
No handheld option
The 25 ft cord is also one of the longest of the steam cleaner ranges and more extensive than some vacuums, so it gives you an adequate range to move around the house.
Lastly, the Symphony comes with a convenient dirt collection cup that detaches and empties straight into the bin. This means you can easily throw away any pet hair or dirt that is picked up by the vacuum without getting your hands grubby. While it doesn’t come with multiple attachments, this is a great 2-in-1 option for light vacuuming and strong steam cleaning.
7. Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop




Key Features
25 accessories
25ft power cord
Extension pole
Heavy-duty tools/brushes for tough and external use
Two-year warranty
350ml water tank
Trigger usage
6lbs
This is a no-nonsense machine that can be used to clean the inside and outside of your house. The Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop comes with just about every accessory you could need, all very conveniently stored inside the device. It is also surprisingly light considering how powerful it is.
The water tank is an average size, but given that this product is designed to clean large, heavily soiled areas, you can expect that you will need to refill it during your cleaning session. It is designed more with the outdoors in mind, so it does not have a carpet glider but the extension pole, handheld option, and 25ft power cable make it suitable for cleaning garages, cars, and outdoor furniture. As you may expect from such a heavy-duty machine, it is not the smallest machine when it comes to storage. More surprisingly, despite all its accessories/functions, it does not come with a carpet glider so it can’t be used on rugs or carpets, unlike other steam mops.
Pros
Great for exterior use
Accessories for use inside your car and on upholstery
Accessories kept in the base of the mop for handy storage
Lightweight despite its heavy-duty purpose
Cons
Takes up storage space
Not for carpet use
If you are only planning to steam mop your kitchen and bathroom, then this has a lot of unnecessary accessories and features that you may never need. However, if you want a comprehensive device to use in your car, garage, driveway and inside your home, you won’t go far wrong with this choice.
8. PurSteam ThermaPro Elite Steam Mop



Key Features
Unique triangular shape
250ml water tank
Built-in handheld steam cleaner
16 ft cord
Extension pole
Two-year warranty
25seconds to heat up
Adjustable steam control
This is a quirky looking model, and the triangle design definitely makes it easier to clean awkward corners! The PurSteam ThermaPro Elite Steam Mop is a super versatile product that comes with a good selection of attachments and the option to use the detachable handheld steamer gives you more flexibility. The only drawbacks are the length of the extension cord and the size of the water tank. As with other continuous flowing steam models, having a smaller water tank may make the model lighter, but you are likely to have to refill it several times when cleaning your house.
Pros
Attachments
Triangle design – easy for corner cleaning
Detachable handheld option
Adjustable control
Cons
Size of the water tank – you will need to refill quite often
Length of cord
9. Shark Steam Mop

Key Features
30second heat up
18 ft power cord
One-year limited warranty
1000W
4.6lbs
Quiet operation
This Shark machine is the best value steam mop option available on the market and is a relatively basic model. The lightweight, compact design makes it very appealing, as does its ease of use. The operation, refilling, and storage are all straightforward. It has a continuous, albeit quiet, steam output which you are not able to adjust. The Shark Steam Mop only has an 18-foot power cable which is considerably shorter than several models and, despite its description of an XL tank, it has a small water reservoir. If cleaning a variety of surfaces or a large area, then the Secura 10 in 1 could be a better option in the same price bracket.
Pros
Compact, easy to use and store
Removable water tank for easy filling
Cons
Small reservoir capacity
No adjustable steam control
10. Secura Steam Mop




Key Features
1200W power
25 – 30 seconds to heat up
300ml tank
10-in-1 multi-functional cleaner
Carpet glider
Flexible mop head
Adjustable steam setting
20 ft power cord
Two-year warranty
Handheld option
Under 6lbs
The Secura Steam Mop is our budget choice of best steam mops. Despite the low price you still get the reassurance of a two-year warranty and a supply of three microfiber steam mop pads as standard. It is exceptionally lightweight and comes with nine different attachments and a carpet glider, making it suitable for cleaning just about any room.
The cord length could be longer, but you do have the handheld option, and, for a budget model, it has more features than many of the more expensive devices available. The smaller size reservoir combined with the continuous steam output method is not ideal as it means you will probably need to refill your tank to complete cleaning.
Pros
Steam adjustment knob – tailored to your needs
Nine different accessories, including an ironing brush and window
cleaning tool
Handheld option
Cons
The small water reservoir will need regularly refilling for larger areas
11. Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop



Key Features
Handheld Cleaner option
13 tools
400ml tank
30 seconds to heat up
1500W
25 ft power cord
180degree swivel head
Continuous steam model
This Bissells’ PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop model is targeted towards pet owners; however, even if you are not a pet owner, you will still be impressed by the many features of the PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off. The large water tank is not the easiest to fill, but the accessories and handheld options compensate for this. With scrapers and squeegees plus a garment steaming accessory, there are very few surfaces or items that this steam mop can’t tackle. There is even the Easy Scrubber which is ideal for stuck on mud or clearing dirt out from grooves on your floor. You simply fold it down and it ‘scrubs’ the area but without scratching.
As it is a Bissell model, you can also use their fragrance pads while cleaning, helping to neutralize any unwanted pet or household odors. What stops the PowerFresh from being one of the best steam mops is its storage. It is one of the heaviest models available, yet it has to be stored upright and there is no hook on the device to help you do this. Plus you will need to find somewhere for the accessories as they come in a separate bag, not attached to the cleaner.
Pros
13 attachments
25-foot cord
Cleans pet beds, toys, removes dried-on pet food from floors or bowls
Removable handheld steamer
Cons
Not the most stable model if you need to leave it standing up
10lbs – one of the heaviest models
Handle not adjustable
12. LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Steam Mop




Key Features
30 seconds to heat up
Intuitive Smart Switch
Handheld steam mop option
3 levels of steam output
Selection of attachments
Heats up to 250degrees F
1550W
240ml water capacity
This is a highly adaptable steam mop due to the selection of attachments that you get. The LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Steam Mop can successfully deep clean upholstery as well as steam clean your kitchen and bathroom. With all of these accessories, cleaning difficult to reach places becomes exceptionally easy. It is equipped with a 20ft power cord, but as it can also be used as a handheld cleaner, cord length is not a problem.
The Smart Switch technology means that you can stand the device completely upright and the steam output will be cut off. So if you need to pause partway through your cleaning, just stand the machine upright and it will also take a rest! The reservoir capacity is one of the smallest on the market, so if you have large areas to clean, you are likely to have to refill it quite a few times. This particular device doesn’t have a carpet cleaning option, so in order to maintain your wooden floors, tiled floors, and also carpets, maybe you should choose carpet cleaner as an addition to this steam mop.
Pros
Handheld cleaner option
Works on a variety of surfaces
Cleaning power and versatility
Amount of tools available
3 cleaning pads included
20ft cord
Cons
No carpet tool
Small reservoir capacity
13. iwoly M11 Steam Mop Cleaner



Key Features
2 levels of steam output
Easy reach controls
360 swivel head
Carpet glider
Vibration feature
1100W
410ml water tank
Less than 45seconds to heat up
16.4ft power cord
This is a no-frills design. The iwoly M11 Steam Mop Cleaner is not the most glamourous but performs adequately and has a generous reservoir capacity. There isn’t great versatility in the settings you can choose (only two levels), but you can at least adjust them directly from the handle, so you don’t have to pause your cleaning and crouch down to switch the output.
One unique added feature you do get is the vibration mode, so if you push the button on the mop head, it will shake and beat the floor. This should loosen any tough dirt so you can achieve optimal floor cleaning. The carpet feature is also an excellent addition for a basic model; however, with a power cord of only 16.4ft, the reach can be frustrating. Overall the cost seems a little high considering it is a relatively basic model.
Pros
Carpet glider
Reservoir capacity
Easy operation
Simple design with no complex features
Cons
Lack of versatility
Short power cord
Features To Consider With Steam Mops
Size
Steam mops vary greatly in terms of shape, size, and design. If you are tight on space, then you should consider how large the steam mop will be when stored. There are some very cleverly designed devices that fold down and keep all your accessories neatly packed away. As you have seen from the reviews, some of the more powerful machines can still be quite compact, so look for the measurements that will best suit you.
Weight
Steam mops do vary in weight and the lighter the model, the easier it will be to maneuver around your house. Depending on the model that you choose, bear in mind that sometimes you may have to lift the device when it is full of water.
Reservoir Capacity
The reservoir capacity refers to the volume of the water tank in the mop steamer. It will determine how long you can use steam for cleaning before you need to refill it. When making your choice, consider that the larger capacity may be longer-lasting, but it will often take longer to heat to the required temperature. Also remember that when machines state how much continuous cleaning you will get from one full tank, this will refer to the water usage when it is in its least powerful output setting.
Steam Output
While the wattage of the machine will give you an indication of how powerful the mop steam output will be (the higher the wattage, the more powerful) this doesn't necessarily make it the best option. What is more useful to know is how much you can control the steam output. Some have adjustable scales to give you complete control, so you can conserve water in areas that only need a light clean, or reduce the output on more delicate surfaces. Other models have only one set output level, making them better suited for standard floor cleaning.
If you are planning to clean a variety of different surfaces with varying levels of built-up dirt, then having adjustable steam output is a useful feature.
Accessories
There is a variety of steam cleaning accessories available, from different nozzles, brushes, hoses, and cloths to clean different surfaces. Depending on where you are planning to use your steam cleaner, you should select a device that has the most appropriate accessories for you.
Ease Of Use
When considering ease-of-use, there are several points to look at. How easy is it to:
- Refill the water tank
- Move the mop around the floor
- Access and program the controls
- Attach and change the microfiber steam mop pads
- Cover a large area (the reach of the mop from the plug to the mop head)
Maintenance
Steam mops are relatively low maintenance, however, they are all subject to the build-up of limescale and minerals which can reduce their effectiveness over time. Therefore, many models recommend using distilled water for operation. If you do not plan to use distilled water and live in a hard water area, you may want to source a mop that is easy to clean and de-scale.
Some manufacturers have tools specially designed to decalcify their model or have a limescale filter fitted.
Whichever model you choose, to help maintain your steam mop it is recommended that you regularly clean/replace the mop pads and fully empty the water tank after each use.
Steam Mop Controls and Features
Steam mops are relatively simple devices, however, here are some key features and controls to consider when choosing the best steam mop for you:
- Steam Control - this allows you to control the steam output
- Empty Light Indicator - tells you when to refill the water tank
- Swivel Head (sometimes known as a double-hinged head) - helps to maneuver around furniture or tight spaces.
- Detachable Steam Generator - this means you can remove the mop end from the base, so it becomes a handheld steamer.
- Power Cord - the length of the power cord could determine how well the machine meets your needs. The length can range from 15feet to 30 feet.
- Continuous versus triggers - a continuous steam cleaner will constantly produce steam once it is heated up. A trigger model means that you will need to hold down a button to generate the steam. A trigger model may be more energy-efficient, as you are only producing steam exactly when you need it, but if you choose a trigger model, consider how comfortable the button is to use.
- Telescopic handle - an adjustable handle means you can set it according to your height, making it more comfortable to use. Telescopic handles and poles are also a great feature if you are tight on storage space as this will make the mop more compact when you put it away.
Steam Mop FAQ
Q: What floors can you steam mop?
Generally speaking, you can steam mop all tiled, stone and linoleum floors without any problems. For vinyl and hardwood floors, you need to check the manufacturers' details (if the material is sealed it is usually fine for steam cleaning) or do a small test on an area of the floor.
With steam mops, there is a possibility that the moisture will get into the joins of laminate flooring, damaging the adhesive that holds them together. Hence why you need to ensure your particular laminate states that they have been sealed and are suitable for steam cleaning.
Steam mops are not recommended for hardwood floors, as the hot water causes them to warp. If you really want to use your mop to clean the wood, test it by putting a small amount of water directly on the floorboard. Wait for five minutes. If the water has not been absorbed, then steam cleaning should be ok. If the water has been absorbed, do not continue. This means that all the moisture from your steam mop will be soaked up by floorboards leading to warping and a change in shape.
Also, be cautious if you have a painted floor as the heat and moisture may cause the paint to bubble.
Q: Are steam mops better than regular mops?
Steam mops are more efficient than regular mops due to the high temperatures employed, which is what creates the steam. This heat kills more bacteria and loosens dirt on the floor more effectively than a regular mop. This dirt is then picked up by the mop pad.
Q: Do steam mops actually clean?
The good news for steam mops is that again, due to the high temperature, they are capable of sanitizing an area without the addition of any harsh chemicals. It is the heat that does the cleaning. Of course, to get the best steam mop results, you need to remember to change or wash the mop pad once it gets dirty, otherwise, you will just be moving dirt around the floor.
Q: Can I put anything other than water in my steam mop to smell nice?
Unless the manufacturers' instructions say that you can add any other liquid to your cleaner, don't do it! You could damage the working of the steam mop and ruin the effect it has on your floor. Steam mops are designed to be chemical-free, so they might not give the pleasant smell you get when you use traditional floor cleaners. Some manufacturers have made scents specifically for their models (see the Bissell models we reviewed) to help you achieve this. These are the only additives you should use.
Q: Can I put vinegar or essential oil in my steam mop?
No. All steam cleaners are designed to use only water. If you add anything different, you risk damaging the operation of your steam mop.
Q: What are the benefits of a steam mop?
Firstly, they don't need any harsh chemicals, so not only are they safer for the environment, but this also means you don't get any of the residues that are sometimes left behind from traditional floor cleaners.
Next, they are highly effective at sanitizing the area due to the heat of the steam used during the operation. This kills bacteria, dust mites, and other unwanted germs from your floors while also removing visible dirt.
From a more practical perspective, they are also easier to use than a traditional mop as you won't need to mess around preparing a bucket, have the hazard of tripping over the bucket or frequently changing the dirty water. You can just pop the cleaning pads in the washing machine after use, and reuse. No extra accessories, cleaning materials or chemicals are needed. Once a surface has been cleaned by a steam mop, it also dries much more quickly than if you use a mop and bucket solution.
Q: Do steam mops clean bacteria?
99.9% of germs can be killed at a temperature of between 175 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat produced by a steam mop is usually around 200 degrees, so it is a very effective way to kill bacteria. In fact, in many hospitals, steam mop cleaning is used instead of excessive amounts of chemicals as it is the best at maintaining hygienic surfaces.
If you want to achieve full sanitization with your mop, then you will need to move over the areas very slowly as it takes between 30 seconds to 3 minutes to kill all 99.9% of those germs. Your device will tell you how long it will take to sanitize an area. The high temperatures, plus the ability to sanitize, is one of the reasons that steam mops are considered more effective than regular mops or spin mops Rather than transferring the bacteria from floor to mop pad, the steam kills them.
Sources
How to Use a Steamer Mop - SF Gate
How to Use a Steam Mop - Hunker