cleaning & laundry

Best Steam Mop

Kim
16th December, 2021 | 20 minute read

Are you thinking about buying a steam mop but not sure where to start?

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the different types of steam mop, things you should look out for when buying a steam mop.

Best Steam Mop

This article will also provide you with a list of steam mop reviews so that you can easily make the right choice when you come to place your purchase.

What Is a Steam Mop?

First, let’s explore what a steam mop actually is...

If you’ve never heard of a steam mop before, you may be wondering what exactly it is.

Steam Mop

A steam mop is a modern, convenient cleaning tool that allows you to clean your floors effectively and efficiently.

Compared to a normal mop and bucket, a steam mop provides a very fast and reliable clean every time.

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How Does a Steam Mop Work?

A steam mop works by heating up water within the mop until it’s very hot. The device then sends a line of steam down the neck of the mop and into a mop pad that covers the head. The steam soaks into the pad, and this allows the mop to effectively clean and loosen dirt with ease.

Unlike a traditional mop, the steam allows the pad to absorb the dirt. Plus, the heat from the steam is usually enough to kill off most of the bacteria and dust mites that may be present on the floor.

If you are looking to give your floors a fast and sanitary clean, then a steam mop is definitely what you need.

Types of Steam Mop

In this section, we will take a look at the different types of steam mop. This will help you to decide which variety of steam mop is best for your particular cleaning needs and will allow you to make the right choice when it comes to making a steam mop purchase.

Steam On-demand Steam Mop

An on-demand steam mop allows you to control the level of steam that is produced by the mop.

Steam on Demand

This is useful for when you want to target particular areas with more or higher intensity steam to get a better clean and to kill more bacteria.

On-demand steam mops are usually controlled by a button or lever that is located on the handle.

Continuous Steam Mop

A continuous steam mop lives up to its name – it continuously pumps out steam at a set level so that the pad is constantly moist and humid for a continuously good clean. Continuous steam mops usually don’t require any additional controls, so cleaning with this device is a breeze.

Continuous

Best Steam Mop

There are several different types of steam mop, and each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

To help you find the best steam mop for you, we have created this list of steam mop reviews and provided a list of pros and cons for each different steam mop. This guide should help you find exactly what you’re looking for to suit your cleaning needs.

Best Steam-On-Demand Steam Mop

Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic Multifunction Steam Mop

Vax Steam

The Vax Steam Fresh Combi Mop is an all-in-one steam cleaner that features an upright on-demand steam mop and a handheld steamer to help you target even more dirt on various surfaces. The mixture of steam and detergent breaks down grime and grease faster than mops that just rely on steam alone. The mixture of detergent and steam also leaves your floors smelling fresh. The machine is fast and easy to use.

It takes a mere 40 seconds to heat up the water for steaming, and then you’re ready to go. This steam mop also benefits from sporting an angular floor head that allows you to get right into the corners and other hard to reach areas for a much more thorough clean.

Things we liked
  • Includes handheld steamer
  • Works with detergent
  • Easy to use
  • Fast preparation time
  • Angular floor head
Things we didn't like
  • It doesn’t include scrubbing brush
View Prices for this Product

Shark Steam Mop

Shark

This lightweight steam mop promises to provide a highly sanitary clean using just water. It features an on-demand steam control system that allows you to push a button to pump just the right amount of steam to provide the perfect level of cleaning for a particular area.

The reusable microfiber cleaning pads are machine washable and feature dirt grip pads to provide the optimum level of cleaning. This particular mop benefits from coming with a two year extended manufacturer’s warranty so that you can have complete peace of mind when buying this particular model.

Things we liked
  • Lightweight
  • Machine washable cleaning pads
  • Dirt grip pads
  • Two year extended warranty
  • Easy to use
Things we didn't like
  • Not suitable for carpet cleaning
  • No additional accessories included
View Prices for this Product

Karcher SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Cleaner

Karcher

The Karcher upright steam cleaner provides very effective cleaning of tiles and sealed wooden floors. The system heats up in a mere matter of 30 seconds, so it is a very fast and efficient mop. The refillable tank consists of an intelligent descaling cartridge that removes limescale automatically.

This steam cleaner boasts of its ability to remove 99.999% of enveloped viruses and 99.99% of common household bacteria. It can be used on all types of hard floors and features three different modes to regulate the amount of pumped out steam.

Another major benefit of this steam cleaner is that it comes with a two-year guarantee, so you can have complete peace of mind when buying this model.

Things we liked
  • Efficient
  • Descaling cartridge
  • Effective cleaning
  • It can be used on all hard floors
  • Two-year guarantee
  • Easy to use
Things we didn't like
  • No additional accessories included
  • Not suitable for carpet cleaning
  • Expensive
View Prices for this Product

Best Continuous Steam Mop

H2O HD 5 in 1 Steam Mop

H20 5 in 1

This particular steam mop cleaner heats up in just 15 seconds, so it can be used almost immediately after it’s been switched on. The description states that this steam cleaner kills 99.9% of bacteria that appears on your home floors without needing to use any chemicals.

The microfiber pads provide effective cleaning on all hard floor types, and there is also a carpet glider that allows you to effectively clean your carpets as well.

The machine also converts to a handheld steamer that allows you to clean and target even more areas. The machine itself comes with a huge number of additional accessories so that you can achieve a complete and effective clean with this model.

Things we liked
  • Fast heat-up time
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Effective cleaning on all floor types
  • Handheld steamer included
  • Many accessories included
Things we didn't like
  • Not as powerful as some other models
View Prices for this Product

Russell Hobbs Steam Mop

Russell Hobbs

The Russell Hobbs steam and clean mop heats up very quickly in 25 seconds and provides a very effective chemical-free clean to your property floors. The lightweight design features a tilt axis, angular head that makes cleaning your floors so much easier.

For optimum safety, this mop has an automatic steam cut off feature when the mop is in an upright position. This mop has the benefit of coming with a free one-year manufacturer guarantee, and you can get a free second-year guarantee by registering your product.

Things we liked
  • Angular head
  • Tilt axis head
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic steam cut off
  • One/two-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • No additional accessories included
View Prices for this Product

Morphy Richards 9-in-1 Steam Mop

Morphy 9 in 1

The Morphy Richards 9-in-1 steam mop promises to clean 99.9% of bacteria around your home. The product can be used as a mop for hardwood floors, and it also features an additional carpet glider so that you can easily clean any style of floor in your home.

The fast heat-up time allows you to very quickly perform your cleaning tasks without having to wait for a very long time. The cleaner features a steam output control button that allows you to control the level of steam that comes out of the mop.

With a detachable handheld steamer, this cleaner allows you to effectively clean not only your floors but other parts of your home as well.

Things we liked
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • It can be used on all floors
  • Fast heat-up time
  • Steam output control button
  • Detachable handheld steamer
Things we didn't like
  • Quite bulky
  • Requires distilled water
View Prices for this Product

Best Vacuum Cleaner Steam Mop

Wet Dry Vacuum Steam Mop

Wet Dry

This hoover steam mop doubles up as a steam cleaner, so it is able to provide every level of cleaning needed for your floors. The steam cleaning system means that 99.9% of bacteria are killed with each clean. The system requires no detergents, and the vacuum features anti-hair wrap technology.

If you are looking for a floor cleaner that provides every level of cleaning that you need, then this is the right machine for you. The digital touch controls make switching between cleaning modes a breeze. The 180-degree adjustable cleaning angles allow you to clean corners and hard to reach areas easily.

Things we liked
  • All-in-one floor cleaning machine
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Anti-hair wrap technology
  • Easy to use
  • Digital touch controls
  • Adjustable cleaning angles
Things we didn't like
  • Expensive
View Prices for this Product

Best Steam Mop for Laminate Flooring

Easy Steam Upright Steam Mop Cleaner

Easy Steam

This powerful steam mop provides a very thorough clean without the need for any detergents. This particular cleaner is suitable for use on laminate flooring, hardwood floors, carpets, and other surfaces around the home. With on-demand controls, the steam is only released as and when you need it. This allows you to preserve water and energy.

The ergonomically designed handle ensures that any hand or wrist stress caused by cleaning is greatly reduced. The triangular shape of the head also allows you to clean corners and other hard to reach areas with ease. This particular steam mop also comes with a one-year guarantee.

Things we liked
  • It can be used on multiple surfaces
  • Cheap
  • On-demand steam control
  • Ergonomically designed handle
  • Triangular head
  • One-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • Steamer pads are very thin
  • No additional accessories included
View Prices for this Product

Steam Mop Floor Steamer for Laminate Floors

Laminate

This particular steam mop is designed to work best on laminate flooring. However, it can also be used on sealed wood floors, vinyl floors, tiles, and many other flooring types. It is very lightweight and easy to use. The manual pump allows you to control the release of steam so that you can target certain areas and protect your floors.

This cleaner promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria without the need for any harsh chemicals or detergents. With the help of instant heating technology, the mop is ready to use within 20 seconds, so cleaning is fast and efficient.

Things we liked
  • Suitable for multiple floor types
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Manual steam release
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • 20-second heat up time
Things we didn't like
  • No additional accessories included
View Prices for this Product

Moolan Steam Mop Powerful Steam Cleaner

Moolan

The Moolan steam mop is a powerful steam cleaner that can kill 99.9% of bacteria without the need for any detergents or chemicals. This means that your cleaning is safe for yourself, your children, and your pets. The fast-heating time means that your steam mop is ready to use within 15-20 seconds.

The 180-degree triangle-shaped head allows you to manoeuvre around all the areas of your home with ease, and you can even clean those hard-to-reach areas. With the provided carpet glider accessories, you can also clean your carpets with ease using this steam mop.

This particular model also has the benefit of a one-year guarantee for peace of mind when making your purchase.

Things we liked
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Fast heating time
  • 180-degree triangular head
  • It can be used on numerous flooring types
  • One-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • No options to control the flow of steam manually
View Prices for this Product

Best Steam Mop for Wooden Flooring

Karcher SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Cleaner

Karcher SC 3

The Karcher upright steam cleaner provides very effective cleaning of sealed wooden floors. The system heats very quickly in a matter of 30 seconds, so it is a very fast and efficient mop.

The refillable tank consists of an intelligent descaling cartridge that removes limescale automatically. This steam cleaner boasts of its ability to remove 99.999% of enveloped viruses and 99.99% of common household bacteria.

It can be used on all types of hard floors and features three different modes to regulate the amount of steam that is pumped out. A further major benefit of this steam cleaner is that it comes with a two-year guarantee so you can have complete peace of mind when buying this model.

Things we liked
  • Efficient
  • Descaling cartridge
  • Effective cleaning
  • It can be used on all hard floors
  • Two-year guarantee
  • Easy to use
Things we didn't like
  • No additional accessories included
  • Not suitable for carpet cleaning
  • Expensive
View Prices for this Product

Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Steam Mop

Russell Steam

The Russell Hobbs steam and clean mop heats up very quickly in a matter of 25 seconds and provides a very effective chemical-free clean. The lightweight design features a tilt axis, angular head that makes cleaning your floors so much easier. You can easily manoeuvre your mop to reach corners and other hard to reach areas of the home.

For safety purposes, this mop has an automatic steam cut off feature when it is in an upright position. This mop has the benefit of coming with a free one-year manufacturer guarantee, and you can get a free second-year guarantee by registering your product.

Things we liked
  • Angular head
  • Tilt axis head
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic steam cut off
  • One/two-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • No additional accessories included
View Prices for this Product

Morphy Richards 9-in-1 Steam Mop

Morphy 9 in 1

This Morphy Richards steam mop promises to clean 99.9% of bacteria around your home. The product can be used as a mop for hardwood floors and tiles, and it also features an additional carpet glider to easily clean any style of floor in your home. The fast heat-up time allows you to very quickly perform your cleaning tasks with no delay.

The cleaner features a steam output control button that allows you to control the level of steam that comes out of the mop. With the addition of a detachable handheld steamer, this cleaner also allows you to effectively clean not only your floors but other parts of your home as well.

Things we liked
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • It can be used on all floors
  • Fast heat-up time
  • Steam output control button
  • Detachable handheld steamer
Things we didn't like
  • Bulky
  • Requires distilled water
View Prices for this Product

Best Steam Mop for Carpet

10 in 1 1500W Neo Hot Steam Mop

Neo hot

This particular steam mop is suitable not only for carpets but for all floor types, so you can achieve an amazing floor clean throughout your entire home. It takes just 30 seconds for the water to heat up, so you can use this steamer almost instantly after turning it on.

The variable steam controls mean that you can achieve the perfect level of cleanliness regardless of the floor material.

Considering this steamer is so low priced, it comes with a lot of additional accessories and even includes a detachable hand steamer so you can clean even more of your home with the power of steam. The 180-degree triangular head allows you to clean corners and other hard to reach areas very easily.

Things we liked
  • It can be used on all floor types
  • Fast heating time
  • Variable steam controls
  • Many accessories included
  • Hand steamer included
  • 180-degree triangular head
  • Low price
Things we didn't like
  • Small water tank
  • Quite flimsy
View Prices for this Product

Moolan Steam Mop 12 in 1 Steam Cleaner

Moolan 12 in 1

This Moolan 12 in 1 steam cleaner provides a professional clean on all of your floor surfaces and promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria. The fast heat-up time means that your steam mop is ready for use in just 15 seconds and the triangular-shaped head means that you can clean all of the hard-to-reach areas of your floor with ease.

It features automatic and variable steam controls so you can achieve the optimum level of cleaning needed for your floors. There are twelve attachments included with this model, so you can clean every area of your home with little effort. This steam mop model also has the benefit of coming with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Things we liked
  • Adjustable steam settings
  • Suitable for different surfaces
  • It comes with many attachments
  • Fast heat-up time
  • One-year guarantee
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
Things we didn't like
  • More expensive than some other models
View Prices for this Product

Autofather Hot Steam Mop

Autofather

With a huge range of attachments, this hot steam mop provides you with all of the tools you need to complete high-quality cleaning throughout your home. You can easily detach the water base from the steam generator, and this leaves you with a powerful handheld steaming device that can be used in all areas of the home.

This steamer is very lightweight and easy to use, and it promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria without the need for any harsh chemicals. You can adjust the steam level via the four adjustable modes so that you can achieve the optimum level of steaming for each surface you are cleaning. The carpet glides included on this model mean that you can clean your carpets with minimal effort.

Things we liked
  • Range of attachments included
  • Converts to a hand steamer
  • Lightweight
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Adjustable steam levels
Things we didn't like
  • Small water tank
View Prices for this Product

Best Handheld Steam Mop

H2O HD 5 in 1 Steam Mop

h20 5 in 1

The H2O 5 in 1 steam mop cleaner heats up in just 15 seconds, so it can be used almost immediately after it’s been switched on. It benefits from killing 99.9% of bacteria that appears on your home floors without needing to use any chemicals.

The machine converts to a handheld steamer that allows you to clean and target even more areas of your home. It also comes with a huge number of additional accessories so you can achieve a complete and effective clean with this model.

Things we liked
  • Fast heat-up time
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Effective cleaning on all floor types
  • Handheld steamer included
  • Many accessories included
Things we didn't like
  • Not as powerful as some other models
  • More expensive than some other models
View Prices for this Product

Polti Vaporetto Steam Mop with Handheld Cleaner

Polti

The Polti Vaporetto steam cleaner is a two in one system that features an upright steam cleaner as well as a handheld steam cleaner. This system comes with a range of accessories to help ensure you achieve the perfect level of cleanliness for all areas of your home. The appliance itself is very lightweight and efficient.

Once turned on, it takes just 15 seconds for the steam to heat up so you can start your cleaning routine almost instantly. The steam levels can be adjusted easily to suit your needs, and the limescale filter on this model ensures that no watermarks are left behind.

Things we liked
  • Range of accessories included
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Fast heating time
  • Adjustable steam levels
  • It kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses
Things we didn't like
  • More expensive than some other models
View Prices for this Product

Dcenta 12 in 1 Steam Mop

Dcenta

The Dcenta steam mop features a removable handheld device that allows you to clean every area of your home with ease. The huge range of attachments that are included with this model makes cleaning your home an absolute breeze. There are two steam control settings on this cleaner that allow you to choose the right amount of steam for your needs.

The appliance only takes 25 seconds to heat up, so you can start cleaning your home almost instantly after the mop has been switched on. If you are looking for a steam mop that can do it all, then this is a great option for you.

Things we liked
  • Huge range of attachments
  • Two steam settings
  • Easy to use
  • Fast heating time
  • It kills 99.9% of bacteria
Things we didn't like
  • Flimsy
  • Short cord
View Prices for this Product

Best Cordless Steam Mop

Karcher Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

Karcher Cordless

The Karcher cordless steam cleaner features a twin tank cleaning system with two microfiber rollers that are constantly moistened via the freshwater tank. At the same time, dirty water is collected in a separate tank, making your floor cleaning an incredibly simple and easy process. The swivel joint means that you can reach all areas of your floor with ease.

The set features a parking station with roller storage and a battery charger so you can always ensure your steamer has power. This particular cleaner also benefits from coming with a two-year guarantee.

Things we liked
  • Twin tank cleaning system
  • Easy to use
  • Swivel joint
  • Rechargeable
  • Two-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • Expensive
  • No additional attachments included
View Prices for this Product

What to Consider Before Buying a Steam Mop

You may want to consider several things when deciding on the right steam mop for you. Below is a list of things that you should think about before you decide to make a purchase:

Cord Length

The length of the cord is an important factor when deciding on the right steam mop for you. The longer the cord, the further you can move around while you’re cleaning.

If you have a large home or if the rooms you intend on cleaning are quite large, then you will need to think about buying a steam mop that comes with a long cord. Otherwise, you’re going to find yourself unplugging and plugging the appliance back in every few minutes at different areas.

Accessories

Some steam mops come with a range of different accessories, and others do not. It’s a good idea to have a think about what you intend to use your steam mop for.

Buying a Steam Mop

If you require certain accessories to complete your cleaning tasks, then you will need to take this into account when deciding on a steam mop to purchase.

Continuous or On-demand

Some steam mops will provide a continuous stream of steam for the entire duration that it’s turned on. Others will have a button or lever that allows you to control when the steam is emitted. When deciding on a steam mop to buy, you should take this into consideration and think about which type of steam would be best for you.

Chamber Size

The size of the water chamber will determine how much cleaning you can complete before you need to go and refill it. A larger water chamber will cover a larger area.

However, you must remember that the more water you fill your steam mop with, the heavier it will be. Therefore, the size of the chamber is down to your personal preferences and whether or not it’s an issue for you to go and refill it.

FAQs

How do you unblock a steam mop?

Below is a list of steps that you can take to unblock your steam mop:

  • Unplug the mop and allow it to cool
  • Remove and empty the water chamber
  • Locate the spray tip that is at the base of the mop
  • Remove any clogs in the spray tip using a paperclip
  • Pour vinegar into the mop head to remove any clogs there
  • Reassemble the mop, fill the water chamber and test if it is working effectively.

Which steam mop is best for hardwood floors?

There are several steam mops that work well on hardwood floors. We have provided some examples in our list of the best mops. However, some features you should look out for are soft microfiber steam mop pads.

You should also choose an on-demand steam mop for hardwood floors instead of a continuous steam mop so that you can control the level of steam that is being emitted and avoid over-soaking the floor.

Can a steam cleaner kill bed bugs?

Yes, a steam cleaner can kill bed bugs. It will be able to kill bed bugs in every stage, including the eggs, due to the temperature of the steam.

Can a steam mop burn me?

As with any hot appliance, improper use of a steam cleaner can lead to burns. This is why you should never leave your steam cleaner unattended around children or pets. Always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use to make sure you are aware of how to use the appliance properly and safely.

Can steam cleaners be used on carpets?

Some steam cleaner models can be used on carpets. You will need to choose a model that comes with a carpet glider if you intend to use the product on your carpet.

Sources

  1. https://www.achooallergy.com/blog/learning/steam-cleaners-faq/#faq12
  2. https://www.smartvacuums.co.uk/best-steam-mops-in-the-uk/steam-mop-and-steam-cleaner-faq