Don’t tell me you still use a dirty old mop, or actually get to your hands and knees to mop your floor?! Why take so much of hassle of lifting buckets and wringing mops or cloths to wipe the floor when the same work can now be done using half the effort and time using a steam mop? A steam mop cleans all types of floors, and most even sanitise the floors, to give you clean floors and more free time!
Steam mops are in fact a healthier option for cleaning most floors as no harsh chemicals are needed. Steam mops are like traditional mops but with extra features and they make floor cleaning so much easier as there’s no need of emptying buckets and wringing mops!
Okay. So you now agree and decide that you need a floor steamer. You however have a problem here as there are so many brands and models that it’s difficult making a choice! So to help you out, here is a sort of mini-guide to choosing the best steam mop, and a few reviews of popular brands in the market!
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
PRODUCT NAME | Sanitisation Level | Technology? | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|
~99% | Effective Flip Down Mechanism For Tougher Cleanse. Microfiber pads with Microban antimicrobial protection | ||
~99% | Patented Double Sided Microfiber With Push Forward Motion | ||
~99% | Intelligent Steam Control With Washable Microfibers | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||
~99% | 180 Deg Swivel With Two Different Mop Heads | ||
~99% | Comes With On-Board SpotBoost Brush | ||
The Best Steam Mop In The Market That Money Can Buy!
As it was mentioned earlier, there are so many brands and models that it’s difficult choosing the right floor steam cleaner for yourself. Unlike fabric steamers that are blowers, choosing floor steamers can be tricky. While the above mentioned guide does help you make your choice, here are the s and cons of some of the present market’s top-rated steam mops.
Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop, Blue
A steam mop is the answer to all your cleaning woes, especially for the obsessed! The Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop works much faster than most steam mops as it has a built-in scrubber.
It is safe to use on bare floors and effectively cleans and sanitizes your hardwood, stone, marble, tile, ceramic, linoleum and laminate flooring. It’s Febreze spring breeze fragrance discs gives added freshness while mopping.
Pros
- The Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop steams and provides 99.9% sanitization of floors without chemicals.
- Its built-in flip-down scrubber cleans the toughest stains, grout and messes twice faster than other steam mops.
- Customized steam cleaning with its low, medium and high steam control.
- Disposable Febreze spring breeze fragrance discs provide for added freshness.
- Water changing and refilling is easy as water tank is located at the top of the mop.
- Its 23 ft. power cord, ergonomically designed handle and soft grips adds comfort while mopping for long periods.
- Microfiber pads with Microban antimicrobial protection.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Be careful while pressing down on the scrubber as the steam can burn and wet your toes and you risk falling.
- Steam cleaning can leave floors wet; use spare mop heads or a towel to dry the floor.
- Too much steaming can heat the floor and burn your bare feet which is dangerous for toddlers.
- Filtered water is preferred over tap water.
- Leaves floors with a streaky look.
- Some find moving the machine difficult as its pad tends to fold under the mop.
- The handle sometimes comes out randomly while carrying or pushing the steam mop around.
Check Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop price On Amazon
Shark Steam Pocket Mop (S3501)
The imported Shark Steam Pocket Mop uses tap water to steam and eliminate 99.9% of the germs and bacteria on sealed hard floors including wood, vinyl, tile and linoleum. It takes just 30 seconds to steam and its on-demand steam lets you customize your steam output.
The Steam Pocket Mop offers XL water capacity for longer and superior cleaning without breaks and faster drying times. Its technology offers faster double-side cleaning to clean double the area.
Pros
- The right amount of steam in Shark Steam Pocket Mop is ready at the perfect temperature in 30 seconds.
- Provides for 99.9% sanitization of hard floor without any harsh chemicals.
- XL water tank provides for continual cleaning.
- Its patented two-sided microfiber pads cleans double the area for faster cleaning.
- A push-forward motion automatically releases steam.
Cons
- You have to vacuum or sweep first before using the steam mop as it doesn’t pick up dirt and little things.
- It’s challenging using the steam mop to clean baseboards as the pad does not easily stay flush against baseboards. You have to squat to put your hand closer to the pad, which is an inconvenience.
- Its carpet glider doesn’t seem to do anything to the carpet.
- Leaves some dull streakiness on the floor.
- Some complain of the handle breaking after constant use.
- No automatic shutoff to prevent the building up of pressure.
- No water filter.
Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop (S3601D)
Fed up of the harsh chemical smell while mopping? Well it’s time you tried the Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop as it ensures 99.9% sanitization of your wood and hard floors without chemicals.
It works on an XL water tank and with its 2-sided steam pocket pads, all it takes is a quick flip of the steam head to clean twice the area. Its Intelligent Steam Control features offers 3 settings to choose from for different floors and cleaning needs.
Pros
- 9% sanitization against germs and bacteria without chemicals.
- Double cleaning speed with its 2-sided cleaning pads. Takes just 30 seconds to start steaming.
- Intelligent Steam Control feature offers 3 steam settings to choose as per your floor and cleaning needs.
- Choose between Dust, Mop or Scrub; or more steam for tough cleaning tasks, less for everyday cleaning and light for light dusting.
- 2 quick release mop heads-a rectangular one for general cleaning purposes and a triangular one for cleaning corners and hard to reach areas.
- Washable microfiber pockets gives a thorough clean with quick drying results and each pad lasts 20 washes.
Cons
- Shark does not offer warranty on their products sold on Amazon.com.
- Some complain it’s not safe on wood floors as the floor shows more grain as it is softened by the steam.
Check Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop Price On Amazon
SKG 1500W Powerful Non-Chemical 212F Hot Steam Mops & Carpet and Floor Cleaning Machines (6-in-1 Accessories)
The SKG 1500W Powerful hot Steam Mop naturally cleans, sanitizes and kills 99% of germs, ticks, parasites, fleas and harmful bacteria without using any chemicals. It refreshes carpets too where you can choose between light and tough cleaning.
The set contains 6 useful accessories to clean every area of your home like windows, bathroom, carpet, floors and ovens. Can be used to mop sealed hard floor surfaces including wood, laminate, vinyl and tile.
Pros
- Provides for environmentally safe steaming of your floors within 15-30 seconds without using chemicals.
- Its 180 degree swivel triangle head provides for easy maneuvering for cleaning hard to reach areas.
- Min to Low settings for light cleaning and High to Max for tough cleaning jobs.
- The mop comes with 3 washable microfiber pads.
- Sound alert system reminds you if the steamer is accidently left on. It gives regular beep when in use and grows louder if water has to be refilled.
- 6 accessories to choose and use while cleaning laminate, hardwood floor, marble, glass, carpet and tires.
Cons
- As not all floors are meant for steam cleaning, it’s better to test on a small isolated area before steam cleaning the entire floor.
- Can only use distilled water and not hot water.
- Handle doesn’t seem to lock tight enough when fully extended.
- Some complain it doesn’t clean as well as advertised.
Check SKG 1500W Price On Amazon
Bissell 1806 Power Fresh Deluxe Steam Mop
The Bissell 1806 Power Fresh Deluxe Steam Mop drastically reduces your cleaning time and gives you sparkling, germ-free floors. This steam mop sanitizes your floors and eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria without any harsh chemicals.
Its on-board Spot Boost brush helps scrub away tough and sticky messes and its spring breeze scent discs leave your room smelling refreshingly clean. Its water tank is easy to fill and comes with a measuring cup.
Pros
- Uses steam’s natural power to clean and sanitise floors by eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
- Has an on-board SpotBoost brush which helps remove tough stains.
- Its spring breeze scent discs leave your room smelling refreshingly clean.
- High and low steam settings to choose as per your cleaning needs.
- Its 5-foot power cord makes cleaning easy.
- Has a 2-year limited warranty.
- Its water tank can be refilled anytime, even when the unit is hot and in use.
- Easy to put together and comes with washable and easily removable mop pads.
Cons
- Steam comes out of a hole in the bottom to slowly make a hole in the mop pad.
- Not safe to use on Pergo floors.
- Doesn’t glide over the floor that fluidly.
- Did not work straight out of the box for some people.
Check Bissell 1806 Power Fresh Deluxe Price On Amazon
Factors To Consider
- Size and weight
Generally the size and weight are not much of a bother. It’s only when you have to change the mop head, which has to be done regularly which you may find to be heavy when filled with water. So think about the size and weight of the mop head when it’s full of water and has to be changed. Will you be able to manage it?
- Accessories
While a basic mop can help with basic household cleaning, there are mops with various utility heads you can interchange to clean other surfaces besides dirty floors. Cleaning windows, bathrooms, worktops and counters is a cinch with these attachments!
- Warming up time
Find out how long the water takes to heat and produce steam as the longer it takes, the more time you waste waiting for the steam! The faster machines generally need only 15 seconds while slower ones may take a minute to produce steam.
- Steaming time
Generally, floor steam cleaners have shorter steaming time than steam cleaners as they have smaller tanks. Steam mops produce about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes of steam time. Make your choice based on how you intend to use the machine.
If you want to use it to quickly whizz across the kitchen floor, then you don’t need machine which steams for 30 minutes. However if you want to use it to clean many rooms, then look for a machine which gives more steam time as it’s irritating to repeatedly refill and wait for the mop to heat up.
If you opt for steam mops with smaller tanks as they are light to carry, you need to remember that they also produce less steam time. So whenever the tank runs out of water, you have to head to the kitchen to refill the tank and wait once more for the steam.
There are mops with a trigger mechanism wherein they produce steam only when you are ready to clean. This is a plus point and feature in the machine as it makes best use of the water in the tank.
- Temperature
Steam floor cleaners with a higher temperature give more effective cleaning power to disinfect surfaces better. Machines which produces steam at just the boiling point, may kill germs but need more steam exposure for a thorough cleaning.
- Steam output
The machine’s steam output affects its cleaning power as the more steam it produces, the better it cleans your floors. However some floors need less steam as excessive steam may damage its finish.
As stains are not created equal, look for steam mops where you can adjust the steam output based on the type of floor you want to clean, and how much of soil has to be removed. Check the manufacturer’s website to find out more about cleaning your flooring. They usually provide recommendations for cleaning particular surfaces.
- Use of detergents
The steam of these mops is usually enough to clean all surfaces. However there are also some situations where you may need some help from a detergent. This is why there are some models which let you use a detergent in the cleaning process. These mops usually have a separate tank for the detergent with an option to turn it on and off as required.
- Maneuverability
Steam floor cleaners are really rather light and easy to use. However if you are particular about buying a machine which is easy to handle, then look for features like a swiveling head, its shape and how far the handle can recline.
- Operational costs
Steam mops don’t consume much electricity; what you need to worry about is its cloth pads. Find out how many pads come with the mop as you need a couple of pads while cleaning large areas. All the dirt accumulated on the floor does not end up in a bucket like traditional mops.
Some people even like using a dry cloth to wipe the floor after washing it to make it really dry. As most steam mops come with just one or two floor cleaning pads, consider the costs of buying additional pads to decide if you can afford them. Some machines which come with washable mop pads, which saves money but have the additional hassle of washing the pads after use!
There are also some machines which specifically have to be used with de-ionized or de-mineralized water. This can be expensive and inconvenient too! While some machines do come with a filter to prevent scaling to let you use tap water, you will eventually have to pay for, and change the filter.
If you are buying a steam mop which uses a detergent, you have the additional cost of buying detergent powder. Most of these brands recommend the use of specific detergents, which are usually more expensive than high street brands.
- Price
Steam mops cost anywhere between $40 to $300 and more. You have to make your choice based on your budget, and if you want to buy a simple model or one with accessories and special features. It’s not necessary that the most expensive steam mop is the best as there are many decent options available at a rate which fits most people’s pockets.
- Tank capacity
The capacity of the tank affects your choice in two manners. While large tanks let you clean a larger area at a time, it increases the machine’s weight. While small tanks may increase the machine’s maneuverability, you have to periodically refill the tank and wait for it to reheat. Generally, floor steamers have water tanks which hold between 0.28 and 0.5 liters of water.
- Cord length
You will need a machine with a longer cord if you will be mopping large areas. Long cords provide far more reach which is why short cords are inconvenient for large cleaning jobs. You don’t want to take breaks in the middle of your cleaning just to find another outlet!
- Storage
Steam mops are generally easy to store, as long as there’s space to wrap the cord. However if you buy one with attachments, ensure it has space to store the tools. It’s also nice if the mop has a cooling tray as the machine head gets hot after cleaning and the tray protects the floor while storing it.
- Adjustable handle
It’s better to choose a floor steam cleaner with an adjustable handle if you are on the taller side. Using a mop with a short handle only leads to potential discomfort and back pain!
- Stand-up mop
Its better buying a steam mop which stands upright on its own. You needn’t worry about it tipping over while you wait for it to heat up or cool down while cleaning.
- Online reviews
Online steam mop reviews can help you make your choice as you learn quite a lot about the machines like how durable they are, if they work as the manufacturer claims they do and if they may break in a few months’ time.
However if you find a machine with many steam cleaner reviews but a low rating, its better avoiding it. Look for a steam mop which fits your budget, has the features you want and more positive reviews.
Types Of Steam Mops
- Regular steam floor cleaners are best used for cleaning hard floors, for freshening up carpets and lifting stains. These are the cheapest of the lot and can be handheld for other tasks.
- Two-in-one mops do just as the name suggests; both mop your floors and tackle other smaller surfaces. It’s additional accessories make it useful for cleaning windows, tiles, worktops, bathrooms, clothes and tiles too. These mops are more expensive than the regular steam mops.
- Cylinder steam cleaners too can be used for cleaning floors and for smaller cleaning tasks like tiles, windows and upholstery. The benefit here is that they have larger water tanks which steam longer, making this a feasible choice if you have a lot of cleaning to do. However the bigger tank makes these mops heavy and bulky to store, need more time to heat up and are rather expensive.
Its better buying a traditional steam mop if you just need to clean floors. If you plan to use it to clean other surfaces too like your kitchen tops, curtains and bathroom tiles, then a 2-in-1 steam cleaner is a better choice.
While cylinder steam cleaners are large in size, they usually come with wheels, making it easier to drag around. They do most of the things a 2-in-1 steam mop does, is a wise choice if you have a lot of cleaning to do and if you find upright steam mops to be rather heavy.
Attachments
Attachments prove helpful for tackling other cleaning jobs around your house like window cleaning, cleaning the car and refreshing carpets. So based on what you need to steam clean, here are some accessories to look out for:
- Squeegee – for cleaning glass
- Scrubbing brushes – removes embedded grime from grout and tiles so much quicker.
- Carpet glider – helps in the carpet cleaning process.
- Cleaning pads – for wiping down surfaces
- Upholstery tool – usually constitute a brush or squeegee tool with a pad on its top for easy refreshing of fabrics and treating stains.
- Scrubbing pad – for removing grease from ovens. Some mops even come with its personal detergent and built-in dispenser.
FAQs
Is there the best way to use Steam Mops?
Careful use of a steam mop is essential. Eliminate all obstacles that can derail the process of mopping. Also, clean the floor and remove sharp objects. Begin the cleaning away from the door section. And, do not leave the mop running if not in use.
Will the Steam Mops collect dirt?
If you don't clean the surface, the steam mop will pick up the dirt, which will block the steam mop's smooth operation when in use.
How frequent should you steam mop?
First, think about your floor type before you get to know the number of steam mopping you need. We recommended cleaning the bedroom floor once every month. For the tiles, you'll need frequent cleaning to eliminate dirt.
Is it advisable to use steam mops when I'm chemical sensitive?
The steam mops are suitable for safe cleaning and will not leave chemicals in your location. Steam mops eliminate the substances that might be hiding in your surface and fabrics.
Can the steam mops deal with pet odors and stains?
Since the steam mops are powerful, removing pet stains will be stress-free. The mops remove sticky surfaces and leave the entire body looking neat.