:strip_icc()/bhg-primary-steam-mops-dburreson-001-1-8a340221b3004bf38ff7ae8ff1d73c78.jpeg "The 5 Best Steam Mops, Tested by BHG")
Even if you often sweep and vacuum, mopping the floor is necessary to remove any sticky residue, grime, dirty footprints, or buildup in the floor’s grout. A steam mop is a wonderful tool that can save time on cleaning, but does require some prep work to make it effective.
“Steam mops can be used on a variety of sealed, hard flooring. They are especially great for tile floors since they clean and sanitize tile and grout quickly and thoroughly,” shares Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager of the cleaning service Two Maids.
“Steam mops work with heat and moisture so delicate flooring need not apply—think laminate, vinyl, or unsealed hardwood that can be damaged by excess moisture and heat,” Cohoon says. “Always use discretion and follow any usage instructions for the type of flooring in your home.”
What We Tested
To find the best steam mops on the market, we tested 31 of them in our lab. We evaluated each mop based on ease of setup, tank capacity, heat-up time, portability, ease of cleaning, and maneuverability.
For more information on how we tested steam mops, check out our testing process below.
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Why You Should Get It
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It earns top marks for performance, design, maneuverability, and ease of use.
Given the approachable price, we were surprised by just how well the Bissell Powerfresh Deluxe Steam Mop performed in nearly every category, making it the obvious pick for best steam mop overall. We found it to be thoughtfully and intuitively designed, in addition to being productive at stain removal.
It’s the most lightweight option on our list, and easy to carry even when full of water. Instead of extra tools and accessories, everything you need is right there on the mop. There’s an on/off button, an indicator light that tells you when the mop is ready, and buttons for both steam settings.
Our favorite feature is the built-in drawer for the included scent discs, which are activated by the steam to deliver a fresh, pleasant smell. We loved the scent so much we were tempted to use the mop more often than strictly necessary just so that the house smelled that good all the time.
The steam mop won big in terms of effectiveness, taking just three passes to remove the stickiest substance we tested (other models required up to 60 passes). A brush on the mop pad and the lift-off base help clean crevices, corners, and grout lines, while the swivel head aids in mobility.
Our chief complaint is that the mop pad can only be removed by hand, which is gross. Though there’s technically a tab on the back to help you pull it off, it’s only marginally helpful.
Product Details: Dimensions: 9.5 x 13 x 46 in. | Weight: 6.2 lbs. | Cord Length: 25 feet | Recommended Surface: Sealed hard floors including wood, linoleum, ceramic, tile, marble, and granite
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We were so impressed with this mop that we assumed it cost 50% more than it does. While there were some minor inconveniences during testing, they ended up being negligible relative to overall performance. The mop is intuitive to set up—to fill, lift out the basin, flip it over, and unscrew the closure.
You can use a funnel, but the basin is light enough that you can also just hold it up to a faucet. However, there is no fill line. Without an on/off switch, the steam mop starts to heat up as soon as you plug it in. You can pick between three power levels, depending on how intense the job is.
The mop only took 40 seconds to heat up before it was ready to start cleaning. Tomato paste was most difficult to remove, requiring 19 passes, while the other substances we tested only needed three passes. We felt like the mop’s heavier weight helped get gunk off the floor.
An extra brush on the back of the mop head that you can release with a clip excels at cleaning grout. Though you can’t remove the brush on its own, the mop head itself comes off with a release button, so you can rinse both off at the same time.
Though not the lightest, we found that this steam mop maneuvers well—the head rotates so it’s easy on your wrist, and it can get right up to the edge of the wall. Due to the weight, the handle did come out once while testing, but we were able to quickly slide it back in without any problems.
The cord length is impressive at 25 feet, which is especially useful if you’re trying to tackle multiple rooms without stopping. It takes time to wind up when you’re done cleaning, but there is a dedicated spot on the mop the cord can attach to that keeps it streamlined.
How it Performed After Six Months
This steam mop has replaced our Swiffer when we want to disinfect and deep-clean the floor. It makes quick work of built-up grime and stuck-on stains, but isn’t as skilled at picking up pooled spills. The steam production is strong, making the mop feel especially satisfying to use.
Though we wash the mop head after every use, it has gotten stained over time; after six months of use it feels like time for a replacement.
Product Details: Dimensions: 7 x 11 x 43 in. | Weight: 7 lbs. | Cord Length: 25 feet | Recommended Surface: Sealed hard floors
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When it comes to cleaning, pet messes are a whole other animal. Only the most effective and versatile mops get the job done. This pick includes 13 tools for different cleaning situations, plus a storage bag. We loved the fresh and subtly sweet scent pads for removing unpleasant pet owners.
The steam mop powered through messes that other models struggled with. Thanks to the steam nozzle, it was able to clean the stains in the grout without pretreatment or scrubbing. Another favorite tool is the carpet glider, which refreshes and deodorizes carpets and rugs (but it can’t suction).
The mop is heavier than some we tested, and it lacks a swivel head, which made cleaning around corners tricky. The head is low profile, but with a bulkier body, it struggles to clean under furniture and similar obstacles. You can detach the tank and add the hose to clean hard-to-reach places.
As with our best overall pick, the on/off button is a serious pro; it comes in handy while switching out the attachments. After use, you do have to remove the mop pad by hand—there’s a little tab on the back to make this easier, though in practice, it wasn’t by much.
How it Performed After Six Months
We’ve used this mop very regularly during the at-home testing period. The detachable steamer has proven to be a serious value add, given that it can be used on kid’s toys, stuck-on pet food, window crevices, and more. Despite washing the mop head after every cleaning, we haven’t noticed any wear and tear.
Product Details: Dimensions: 13.2 x 11.14 x 44.7 in. | Weight: 10.6 lbs. | Cord Length: 30 feet | Recommended Surface: Hard surfaces and carpet
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Grout is notoriously tricky to clean, but not with the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. In fact, it was so effective that we used it to clean up after other mops during testing.
Though there’s only one setting, there are plenty of attachments that make it versatile and help you get into tricky areas (including grout lines). Though it took more passes to clean certain messes, it was by far the most effective at cleaning.
We found the trigger intuitive to use, and we loved being able to change out the mop pads hands-free—all you have to do is step on the pad, pull the mop head off, and then apply the new pad. We used a fresh pad for each test substance, and were impressed by how well the stains washed out.
Overall the machine is easy to work with, but we found that a couple of details compromised maneuverability. The mop’s stiff plastic tube makes it difficult to get under certain furniture as you have to work with the tube’s natural curve, and the power cord is awkwardly placed on the underside.
But our least favorite aspect of the machine is the heating time. It took about 14 minutes to be ready to use, which is much longer than other models that heat up in under a minute. Still, the effectiveness outweighs those minor cons.
How it Performed After Six Months
Using the mop at home gave us the chance to put all the attachments to work—and we’ve been impressed with them all. The machine is so versatile, we use it on the hardest-to-clean places. And we’ve noticed that the places where we’ve used the mop have stayed overall cleaner than other spots.
Product Details: Dimensions: 9.5 x 10.5 x 15 in. | Weight: 9 lbs. | Cord Length: 16 feet | Recommended Surface: Hard floor
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In addition to being a steam mop, the multitasking Tineco Floor One S7 also operates as a vacuum, making it something of an all-in-one floor-cleaning device. What’s more, it’s cordless, has a smart LED display, and an LED headlight to help you see sneaky debris.
There are four cleaning modes: auto, steam (for localized stains), boost steam (for heavy dirt), and suction (for water, app only). A counter on the machine indicates when it’s ready to steam by counting back from 48 and then shutting off once ready.
The most stubborn substance took 17 passes and almost two minutes to fully remove, while the least stubborn took four passes over just 25 seconds. That said, it’s worth pointing out that the steam mop/vacuum can’t reach the edges as well as cheaper models we tested.
In addition to providing a thorough clean, it also self-cleans, which is a major value proposition for cutting down on maintenance. The mop sprays down the sponge roller and then steam-cleans it. At the end, it puts itself through a centrifugal air-drying process.
The price is definitely up there, and due to all the features, there’s a learning curve. The user manual, app, and voice guide in five languages can help you figure out all the buttons and icons fairly quickly. Once you know how to use the mop, it’s very easy to operate.
How it Performed After Six Months
We’re no longer hesitant about the price of the mop. It makes short work of large surfaces, including those with texture and small grooves, and easily cleans dog urine and food. We also love that it feels lighter than a regular vacuum. But it does struggle to suck up large debris and fit in tight spaces.
Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 10.8 lbs. | Cord Length: Not applicable | Recommended Surface: Hard floor
The Bottom Line
Adding a steam mop to your arsenal of cleaning tools is a wise decision if you have sealed floors. The Bissell Powerfresh Deluxe Steam Mop 1806 is a mid-priced steam mop that we found easy to use and quite effective.
If you’re on the hunt for an option with a lot of features, we recommend the Tineco Floor One S7 Steam. Though expensive, the smart steam mop also operates as a vacuum, and has plenty of settings you can access via app, voice guide, and LED display.
Our Testing Process
At our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, we ran 31 steam mops through a series of tests to see how each cleaned on a variety of surfaces including tile, grout, and hardwood. We spilled sticky syrup, chocolate milk, dirt, and hot sauce on each of the surfaces.
Once the liquid had dried, we turned on each steam mop and observed how well the mops cleaned up the mess. After each test, we then rated the mop’s performance.
During the testing process, we took note of how easy to use or unwieldy each product felt, how quickly it got hot, and how quickly it cooled off. It was important for us to note how well each steam mop cleaned in nooks and crannies, such as in corners and around furniture.
Finally, we evaluated the process of removing the cleaning pad or cleaning the bristle brush.
Once we finished testing in the lab, we brought our top picks home to test in our everyday cleaning routines, noting any change in quality after continued use. After months of testing, we were able to narrow the selection down to the five best steam mops.
Credit:
Better Homes & Gardens
What to Know About Steam Mops Before Shopping
Floor Type
Steam mops should only be used on sealed hard floors, including linoleum, ceramic, porcelain tile, and sealed hardwood. In some cases, you can use steam mops on carpets for a deep and sanitizing clean—but only with the correct carpet-cleaning attachment.
“A key point to remember, however, is that if you notice cracks, chips, or areas where the sealant has worn off, it’s best to avoid using the steam mop, as this can exacerbate any damage or lead to trapped water and mold issues,” says Sara Aparacio, a home cleaning expert from Homeaglow.
Modern laminate and vinyl can usually be cleaned with a steam mop, but require caution. “Both typically require a ‘low’ heat setting to prevent accidental harm,” Aparacio says. “The steam can seep between the cracks and joints, causing vinyl to melt, bubble, and discolor, and damage the core laminate layer.”
‘’Similarly, cleaning old and worn grout too vigorously with a steam mop can lead to cracking and damage that can impact the wider tile area,” she says. It’s always best to check and double-check your settings with the flooring manufacturer guides.
Not sure what kind of flooring you have? Try Aparacio’s trick to find out if it’s sealed. “Drip some water on the surface in an inconspicuous area, and see if the water soaks in or beads on top,” she says. If the water soaks in, then your floor is unsealed, and if the water beads, then your floor is sealed.
Attachments
All steam mops come with standard microfiber mop pads to use on floors, but the more versatile ones come with others as well. The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, for example, includes a squeegee attachment.
“It helps clean grime from glass, especially in areas where windows get very dirty or a standard window-cleaning product just doesn’t do the job,” Aparacio says. “Like a regular squeegee, the steam attachment performs a similar function, helping to direct and remove the debris that the steam has loosened.”
A carpet glider, included with the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A, is another useful attachment. Though a vacuum can take care of most of your carpet’s needs, Aparacio says that steam-cleaning with this tool “thoroughly sanitizes while adding an extra depth of freshness.”
Both the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner and Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A have a variety of versatile brushes and nozzles. According to Aparacio, these tools are useful for fabric surfaces such as curtains, stuffed animals, pillows, pet beds, and more to remove allergens, dirt, and debris.
Credit:
Better Homes & Gardens
Other Steam Mops We Tested
Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop – S3601
Basic isn’t a bad thing as long as it’s effective, but in the case of the Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop, it simply fell short. The mop struggled with grout and residue, and we didn’t love the lack of attachments or indicator light. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver with three steam settings, but remained overall a poor value.
Your Questions, Answered
Do steam mops sanitize floors?
For the most part, yes. “Steam cleaners can kill or destroy the vast majority of bacteria and other potential nasties that accumulate on your floor,” Aparacio says. “The steam and heat help to kill the nasties, while the moisture and action help to lift and scrub away the sources of grime on the floor.”
It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that different settings and ways of cleaning may impact the effectiveness. Still, it’s a great option for a chemical-free routine that provides a deeper clean and removes the majority of bacteria and viruses in the home.
Can you put a cleaner in a steam mop?
Most steam cleaners run solely on water. Some people may choose to use bottled or distilled water so that there’s no residue left behind in your steam cleaner’s water tank.
“Extra product is not usually needed, as most steam mops are made to work without product since the heat and steam are the real muscle,” Cohoon says. “Be sure to read the usage instructions for your steam mop model, as using products unnecessarily can damage the machinery and/or your floors.”
Is steaming a floor better than mopping it?
This truly depends on your cleaning goal and the type of mess in your household. “Steam mops are typically not the best for dealing with dust, hair, and other dry debris on floors, so be sure to sweep and/or vacuum before steam mopping for best results. Also, be sure to leave adequate dry time for floors to ensure the shiniest sparkle,” says Cohoon. Steam mops can sanitize and shine floors, so if that’s the goal, then go for it!
Who We Are
Quincy Bulin is writer for Better Homes & Gardens who focuses on cleaning and organizing and decor. She researched steam mops and used our testing insights to write this article. She also spoke to Sara Aparacio, a home cleaning expert from Homeaglow, to learn more about how steam mops operate.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
