The Best Steam Mops, Tested
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A handy steam mop can make cleaning floors a breeze. Our top picks are sure to make this chore hassle-free.
Many steam mop manufacturers promise their products will get floors squeaky clean, so we put them to the test. We spent 5 weeks using seven of the top-rated steam mops. We mopped up everyday messes, tried out any included attachments, and put each steam mop through a more rigorous dried-on-food challenge.
To our surprise, the most expensive steam mops didn’t always come out on top. While we ultimately looked at cleaning power and ease of use, other factors, like cord length and mophead thickness, came into play. After thorough testing, here are our top picks of the best steam mops.
- BEST OVERALL: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
- RUNNER-UP: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: OApier S8 Lightweight Steam Mop
- BEST FOR TOUGH MESSES: Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System
- BEST FOR TILE: Bissell PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop
- BEST FOR PET OWNERS: Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Steam Mop
- BEST WITH HANDHELD STEAMER: Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
Before You Buy a Steam Mop
Most steam mops are safe for use on ceramic tile, grout, sealed wood floors, linoleum, or laminate floors, and some can even be used on carpet. However, shoppers will want to check the flooring manufacturer’s care instructions before using a steam mop to ensure it can clean specific floor types.
If flooring is fragile, heavy-duty cleaning from steam mops may do more harm than good. The extreme temperature and moisture from steam cleaners could warp the wood, including hardwood floors and engineered wood flooring.
Here’s a tip: Before cleaning, test a small corner of the floor to see how it reacts to the steam. Many steam mops are suitable for most flooring types, but always test them first just to make extra sure. If there is a noticeable change to the wood after a steam clean, consider an alternative cleaning method, such as a vacuum cleaner-mop combo.
How We Tested the Best Steam Mops
Before testing steam cleaners, we spent hours researching the best models. We narrowed our list to highly rated steam mops that can clean a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors, laminate, linoleum, and tile. We also chose models that include attachments for grout cleaning, carpet steaming, and scraping. We have previous experience testing dozens of cleaning products and tried each mop multiple times to give it a fair assessment.
We used each steam mop on several hard floor surfaces, noting how easy it was to use, how well it maneuvered, how thoroughly it cleaned, and the effectiveness of any attachments.
For more rigorous testing, we placed ¼ tablespoon of pasta sauce and ½ tablespoon of apple juice on a hardwood floor in seven spots and allowed each to dry for several hours. We then tested to see which steam mops best removed the messes. After testing, we rated the steam mops and assigned the winners based on their performance.
Our Top Picks
The best steam mops meet the needs of a range of budgets, work on multiple surfaces, help clean up after messy pets, and offer quality performance and convenience. We rigorously tested each model to determine both the standout features and the areas that need improvement for each steam mop.
Best Overall
Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
Photo: amazon.com
This mop boasts three steam settings—high, medium, and low—so users can choose the best one for the type of flooring or stain. In addition, the 23-foot power cord and swivel steering make it easy to move around the room, cleaning all the nooks and crannies.
The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop comes with a microfiber soft pad, a microfiber scrubby pad, two spring-breeze fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.
We rated the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop best overall because of how well it maneuvered and cleaned. The three steam settings made it easy to switch from light steam for everyday messes to higher steam for powering through stuck-on dirt and grime.
The low-profile mophead maneuvered under the edge of cabinets and furniture, while the attached scrub brush proved useful for grout. The swiveling head worked well to clean along vertical surfaces and around toilets. This mop also came with two scent discs that left the room smelling fresh.
Even though this mop doesn’t have extra attachments like some others, it’s the one we wanted to grab over and over again. Its ease of use makes it a clear winner.
Read our full review: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
Product Specs
- Cord length: 23 feet
- Number of steam settings: 3
- Tank size: 16 ounces
Pros
- Kills 99.9 percent of germs; great for households with kids and pets
- The low-profile head fits under the edge of cabinets and dressers
- 3 steam levels allow users to switch settings quickly based on floor and mess type
- Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles such as toilets and furniture
Cons
- Its 6.2 lb weight makes it a little cumbersome to carry up the stairs
Get the Bissell scrubbing steam mop at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.
Runner-Up
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com
Different flooring requires varying steam levels. That’s why the three adjustable steam modes on this mop from PurSteam make it an ideal choice for hardwood floors or tile. The different settings also help to clean tough, stuck-on stains. This steam mop also boasts a sizable 11.5-ounce reservoir that allows for 20 to 25 minutes of cleaning on the lowest setting.
Apart from floors, buyers can use this steam mop to clean carpets; steam garments; and wash windows, mirrors, glass, and other areas throughout the house. The handheld detachable steamer simplifies all these jobs, and the supplied accessories can be used for different tasks.
After testing, we found the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner powered through stuck-on messes better than any other model. This mop preheats in 30 seconds, delivering large amounts of steam even on the lowest setting. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down stairs and allows for effortless maneuvering.
The PurSteam was the easiest mop to use and also cleaned the quickest. Its design allows users to detach the handheld steamer with the push of a button. It also features a folding handle for compact storage.
The biggest con to this model, and the reason it didn’t earn “Best Overall,” is its short power cord. At only 15.9 feet, the cord isn’t long enough for users to clean a large room. Instead, it’s necessary to stop and switch outlets or use an extension cord.
Product Specs
- Cord length: 15.9 feet
- Number of steam settings: 3
- Tank size: 11.5 ounces
Pros
- Contains attachments for cleaning hardwood, tiles, carpets, clothing, and windows
- Heats in 30 seconds, producing large amounts of steam even on the lowest setting
- Powered through dried-on apple juice and pasta sauce without a problem
- The slim design and foldable handle make it compact for storage
Cons
- Because of its short 15.9-foot power cable, users must switch outlets or use an extension cord in larger spaces
- There are no markings on the steam nozzle to indicate current steam level
Get the PurSteam steam mop at Amazon or PurSteam.
Best Bang for the Buck
OApier S8 Lightweight Steam Mop
Photo: amazon.com
This OApier steam mop weighs in at 5.74 pounds. That might not seem particularly consequential, but for users who are cleaning an entire home, the light weight won’t tire arms out as easily.
This model comes with only one mop pad, but it’s reusable and washes easily. It heats water in less than 20 seconds and is suitable for a variety of floor surfaces, including hardwood, ceramic, marble, and linoleum.
When we tested this mop, it cleaned well despite its limited settings. It’s lightweight and has a 360-degree swivel, making it easy to push. The square head butts up against walls and furniture, allowing users to mop edges and corners with ease.
While the OApier S8 was simple to use, it did have one major pitfall: The thin pad catches if there’s any roughness or unevenness in the floor. For example, mopping linoleum and tile went smoothly, but when tested on slightly uneven hardwood floors, the mop pad kept rolling up in one corner. Also, the thickness of the square design wouldn’t fit under some cabinet overhangs.
Overall, it’s a good starter steam mop, especially in a small home. But for users with uneven floors, there are better options.
Product Specs
- Cord length: 20 feet
- Number of steam settings: 1
- Tank size: 8.8 ounces
Pros
- Heats in 20 seconds; almost no wait time before cleaning
- The 360-degree swivel makes the mop easy to maneuver around obstacles
- Square mophead cleans flush against baseboards and in sharp corners
Cons
- Single mop pad will eventually deteriorate, requiring new pad purchase
- Thin mop pad catches on floor’s rough or uneven spots
- Thick mophead won’t fit under some cabinet overhangs and low furniture
Get the OApier steam mop at Amazonor Sears.
Best for Tough Messes
Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System
Photo: amazon.com
One of the least appealing parts of steam mopping might be handling removable pads after mopping. The Shark Genius addresses this with double-sided pads and a touch-free release feature that eliminates handling damp, dirty cleaning pads.
This mop has three steam settings plus an option for blasting stuck-on dirt. The steam can be controlled based on the floor surface or grime level. It comes with two dual-sided pads and a flask to fill the tank. This model is easy to use right out of the box.
We appreciated the absorbency of the Shark Genius’s mop pad. In our cleaning test, this mop picked up bits of dried pasta sauce that other mops left behind. In addition, the steam blast feature was ideal for all types of stuck-on messes—from globs of toothpaste that fell on the floor to dried-on food.
We also like the three steam settings. The low steam is enough for everyday mopping, while the high steam setting works well on grout. Users who often find themselves scrubbing messes off the floor will appreciate this mop.
Our biggest complaint is that the mophead is on the thicker side and doesn’t fit under the edge of cabinets or dressers. Another minor pitfall is that the mop doesn’t stand upright on its own, so it has to lean against a wall when not in use.
Product Specs
- Cord length: 22 feet
- Number of steam settings: 3
- Tank size: 11.8 ounces
Pros
- Users avoid touching dirty pads with touch-free release and double-sided pads
- The mop pads were the most absorbent of any mop we tested
- Easily steam-blast stuck-on messes without having to switch the settings
Cons
- The mop can feel hard to maneuver until the pad dampens from the steam
- It doesn’t sit upright on its own, so users will need to lean it against a wall for storage
- Because the mophead is thick, it doesn’t fit under the edge of some cabinetry
Get the Shark steam mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Kohl’s.
Best for Tile
Bissell PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop
Photo: amazon.com
Tile floors have bumps and crevices that can be hard to clean. Although a standard upright steam mop may be just what’s needed for most tile floors, the Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop gives users another option. It features a unique dual-mode configuration, so it can be used as a traditional steam mop as well as a handheld tool that will clean smaller and harder-to-reach areas, such as the tile in the shower.
This Bissell steam mop features a variety of accessories: grout tool, angle tool, flat scraper tool, and bristle scrub brush. An onboard storage kit houses the tools, so users are prepared to clean any messes they encounter.
During testing, we liked the convenience of easily switching from regular mopping to using the handheld steam cleaner. The top of the mop removes with the press of a button, and users can add whichever attachment they need.
While we were impressed with the handheld steamer, maneuvering the unit as a standard mop was somewhat uncomfortable. The water tank is high on the handle, which made the mop feel heavy while cleaning a large room. Dispensing steam on demand is a nice idea, but holding down the trigger became hard on the hand after only a few minutes.
Overall, the Bissell PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 is best suited for tile, grout, and users looking for a quality handheld steam cleaner.
Product Specs
- Cord length: 25 feet
- Number of steam settings: 100 percent adjustable
- Tank size: 11.8 ounces
Pros
- 3-in-1 capability; it’s easy to switch between the mop, power steamer, and handheld cleaner
- Comes with attachments that make it ideal for cleaning shower grout, window tracks, and more
- The slim mophead allows users to clean under furniture and cabinets with ease
Cons
- The water tank placement makes it top heavy and harder to maneuver than other options
- No cord storage; users must wrap the cord by hand and secure with a strap
- Must use wall mount or lean against a wall when not using; doesn’t stand upright
Get the Bissell slim steam mop at Amazon, Target, Wayfair, Bissell, or Macy’s.