Over the past couple of years technological improvements have brought the prices of steam cleaning devices down to a point where it has become accessible for many consumers, and steam mops particularly have largely grown in popularity. A steam mop is a hard-floor cleaning appliance that uses the power of steam jets. It brings together the industrial cleaning power of a full sized steam cleaner with the convenience and mobility of a spray mop or Swiffer. Here you will find some of the best steam mops analyzed in detail. Whether you have decided you are going to buy a steam mop and want to get started on your search or just want to learn more about the features and benefits of today’s modern steam mops, this guide will help give you some examples of highly sought features and things you should look for when buying.
Table of Contents
Why Switch to a Steam?
- Cleaner Floors
Cleaning hard surface floors is rarely an enjoyable task. Buckets, chemicals, smelly mop heads, chasing the kids away from the floor until it dries, it’s a hassle. There are no buckets, no pads, and no chemicals! Steam cleaning has been shown to kill 99% of all microbes, germs, and even dust mites using only simple water. It’s as effective as bleach and has none of the hazards.
- Eco-Friendly
Ordinary mops clean using potentially hazardous detergents/cleaners, steam mops clean by superheating water and using the resulting steam to clean and sanitize your floors. You can clean your floors with a clear conscious, knowing that you are making the right decision for the environment and your family by using a non-toxic cleaning technology. You may even find that you get better results cleaning with steam than you do with traditional chemicals and mops.
- Convenient
Using a steam mop will even save time. No need to mop the floor a second time with water to clean off the sticky residue and noxious fumes left behind by chemical cleaning agents.
Then there are all the other annoyances that you avoid by using a steam mop. Things like keeping the pets off the wet floors, keeping hazardous cleaning chemicals out of reach of curious children, regular trips to the store for disposable Swiffer pads, are just a few of the head aches you’ll get rid of by switching to steam. Plus, I’m sure I’m not the only person who has pulled my back out lifting a heavy and unbalanced bucket of water. Personally, I am getting too old to sling that heavy thing around, and lowering it from the sink to the floor isn’t exactly my idea of a good time either! A steam mop water reservoir is carried in a small water tank on the device, so it can easily be filled with a cup or a bottle, so no more heavy buckets! And get this, a steam mopped floor dries significantly faster than floors cleaned with a regular mop, that’s less time that you have to spend playing Secret Service protecting your clean floors from footsteps.
- Value
If all the downsides of cleaning with chemicals didn’t convince you, how about the near eight dollar price tag on a 24-pack of Swiffer sweeper pads? That’s over $100 a year if you use an average of just one per day. That’s more money than the cost of some of the highest rated steam mops on the internet. The classic mop and bucket set up isn’t much of an improvement either. Even a gallon of simple Clorox bleach goes for almost $5 and more exotic cleaners can get even pricier. Add in the extra costs of new mop heads and excess water, a gallon of Clorox and a mop head every month will still end up costing you over $80 at the end of the year. As soon as you pay for your steam mop you are done shelling out money. No more chemicals and, since most steam mops include reusable scrubber pads, no more mop heads or Swiffer pads. After one year most middle priced steam mops will pay for themselves with the money they will save you over less advanced floor cleaning options.
All and all, a steam mop is an eco-friendly, convenient upgrade from mops and Swiffers, and since they use no chemicals they are great for homes with pets, small children, and/or people with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals.
Things to consider
There a few basic things to consider if you are considering or shopping for a steam mop. You should do as you would when considering any purchase and set out with a budget in mind. Setting a price range in advance can prevent overspending and motivate you to find the best model for your money. Here are a few common features found on steam mops that you may want to look out for.
- Cut The Cord
Steam mops are available in cordless and corded varieties. Just like any other appliance, the cordless is much more convenient and hassle-free but the corded models are often more powerful and better suited to heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Additionally, the cordless models are usually more expensive due to their ease of use and modern appeals. Is a cordless right for you? If you can fit it in your budget and only plan on using the steam mop for shorter cleaning sessions than you’ll probably enjoy the freedom of a cordless model.
- Tight Spaces
If you’ve got tight corners and hard to reach places in your home, you definitely want to take in consideration how flexible. Look for models that fold flat to go under obstacles into low places, like under tables and couches, and that have telescoping handles to give you a greater reach. Some models even are multi-function and have a handheld steaming unit that can be used to steam garments or clean places you couldn’t reach with a steam mop. Multi-function steam mops can give you a steam clean in all the hard to reach nooks and crannies.
- Stand Up
Certain steam mops are considered stand-up models, meaning that they can stand up straight by themselves without any support. To explain, this is an important feature because if the mop stands upright on its own then you won’t have to worry about it falling over while it is heating or cooling. Another accessory you’ll want to consider, if your steam mop didn’t come with one, is a landing pad or tray for the steam mop to sit on while it heats up, protecting your floors from the heat and spilled water.
Best Model – Light N’ Easy 5-in-1 Steam Cleaner
The Light N’ Easy multi-function steam mop is the crown prince of the steam mop market right now. The 5-in-1 steamer can replace up to five different appliances with one simple unit. You can use it on the floor as a steam mop; on the carpet, for a professional level clean without the price tag; as a garment steamer, perfect for getting light wrinkles out of that pricey suit or blouse; and it can even steam clean windows and mirror, blasting away stubborn smudges and fingerprints. Using this machine, you can hygienically clean your entire home using the chemical-free power of steam.
PROS
- Convenience
This multi-function model is lightweight and has an 11.5 oz water reservoir that can last for up to 30 minutes of cleaning with refilling. Superheated steam is ready in 30 seconds
- Versatility
The multifunction options let you to steam clean virtually any surface in your home. One example of some of the accessories included is a special surface scrubbing attachment. This versatile accessory enables you to clean practically anywhere in your home using the power of steam.
- Warranty
Light N’ Easy offers a free replacement policy that takes no costs from the consumer and a 1-year warranty. So it’s a brand you can trust and you’ll know that you’re covered if anything malfunctions.
CONS
- Price
This model is on the higher end of the price spectrum, so if you have a tight budget it may a viable option
- Corded
This steam mop is powered by a 20-foot power cord, so if having a cord is a deal breaker than the Light N’ Easy doesn’t fit the bill.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Steam Mop Steam Cleaner Multifunctional Steamer S3601,Floor Steam Cleaner Handheld Garment Steamer... | 1,527 Reviews | Check Price |
Best Value – Shark Steam Pocket Mop
This light and maneuverable steam mop is the perfect fit for anyone looking for a low-cost entry into the world of steam mops. Its swivel lets you clean in hard to reach corners easily, and cleaning is a breeze with a 25-foot cord. Plus, it’s great for quick messes with a heat up time of only 30 minutes.
PROS
- Light
Weighing in at only 4.87 pounds, the Shark Steam Pocket Mop is fun to use and doesn’t wear you out.
- Value
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is the lowest price steam mop out of Amazon’s top 10 highest rated steam mops.
CONS
- Cord
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is a corded model, so you’ll have to deal with a chord getting in your way while you are cleaning.
- Grout
Some reviewers say that the Shark Steam Pocket Mop has difficulty cleaning grout on tile floors. If you have a lot of tile in your home you may want to look at other options
Honorable Mentions Greatic Foldable 10-in-1
The Greatic 10-in-1 multifunctional steam mop has custom settings designed specifically for cleaning 10 different surfaces, such as hardwood, marble, tile, laminate floor, and more. The steam mop is foldable and can fit neatly in almost any storage area. It’s triangular mop allow you to easily clean tight corners.
PROS
- Size
This mops ability to be folded makes it great for anyone with limited storage space. When folded, it can easily fit in a cabinet or under a bed.
- Versatility
The Greatic 10-in-1 includes accessories and attachments that allow you to thoroughly clean practically any surface found in a home.
- Powerful
The 1500w heating element kills up to 99% of all germs and lifts stubborn stains without chemicals
CONS
- Cord
This is a corded vacuum with a 5-meter long cord. It needs to be plugged in during use
- Small Tank Capacity
The water reservoir on this model is 350 ml, while tanks on other models commonly range near 500 ml.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Foldable Steam Mop, Greatic 10-in-1 Multifunctional Powerful Steam Cleaner for Kitchen, Toilet,... | 3 Reviews | Check Price |
SKG 1500W 212F Hot Steam Mop
The SKG 1500W Steam Mop is a serious cleaner with a triangular mophead that helps you get into hard to reach corners. The included carpet glider attachment gives you a professional level steam clean on your carpets without springing for a pricey steam vacuum cleaner. You can clean up 6 different ways with the included accessories and attachments, including attachments that let you steam clean bathrooms, windows, grout, kitchens, ovens, and upholstery. For Amazon customers, this product comes with 1-Month free trial & 2-Year warrant
PROS
- A+ on Carpets
SKG’s 1500W steam mop includes a carpet glider attachment, which allows you to use it on your carpets and area rugs. Using this accessory you can get a professional level clean without breaking the bank on an expensive steam cleaner/vacuum combo.
- Safety
Built-in sensors and alarms let you know when everything is running correctly. It informs you when there are issues that need to be addressed, such as a low water level or when the unit is left turned on.
- Versatile
This vacuum comes with accessories that allow you to clean up to 6 different ways using the included attachment modules.
CONS
- Heavy
Weighs in at a hefty 12.5 pounds.
- Corded
This unit is not available without a cord.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SKG 1500W Powerful Non-Chemical 212F Hot Steam Mops & Carpet and Floor Cleaning Machines (6-in-1... | 418 Reviews | Check Price |
Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop
The Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop is a great solution for anyone who wants to buy a simple steam mop for quick cleanups. With 3 intelligent steam control settings, you can easily configure the unit to clean different surfaces with the touch of a button. The double-sided, washable microfiber pad is double-sided so you can get more done before have to wash it again. It even has touch-free technology which allows you to remove the pad without ever having to touch it.
PROS
- User-Friendly
The intelligent steam settings allow you to easily clean different services by simply pressing a button. It’s a great gift for your friends or relatives that are less tech-savvy than most.
- No Mess
No touch cleaning pad release means no more fumbling around trying to get filthy pads detached from the mop.
- Practical
The double-sided microfiber pad lets you get twice as much work done as you would with ordinary pads. When it’s saturated with dirt or grime, simply flip it over and get right back to it. Less washing means less water, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
CONS
- Small Tank
The water reservoir holds only 350ml, which is on the smaller end of the sizes of water tanks found on similar steam mops.
- Cord
This unit uses a 20-foot long electrical cord for power.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner with Direct and Steam Blaster Technology,... | 394 Reviews | Check Price |
Comparison Table of All models
| MODEL |  Light N’ Easy 5-in-1 Highest Rated |  Shark Steam Pocket Mop Best Value |  Greatic 10-in-1 Foldable S. Mop | SKG 1500W 212F Hot Steam Mop | Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST FEATURE | Five steaming tools in one let you steam all your surfaces | Lowest price on Amazon’s top 10 highest rated steam mops | Can be folded for easy storage | Included carpet glider let’s you clean rugs like a professional | Automatic steam settings make configuration easy |
| SECONDARY FEATURE | Comprehensive Warranty and Replacement Policy | Weighs in at under 5 pounds | Heats up in 20 seconds to sterilize and disinfect surfaces | Safety alarms let you know when there is an iss | No-touch release, no need to handle dirty pads |
| PROS | -Versatile -Convenient -Powerful | -Maneuverable -Light -Easy to Use | -Light-weight -Versatile -Convenient | -Safe -A+ on Carpeting -2 Year Warranty -Handheld Mode | -User-Friendly -No Mess -Practical |
| CONS | CONS -Corded -Higher Price | -Corded -Poor on Grout | -Short Cord -Small Tank | -Heavy, 12 Lbs -Corded -Handheld unit is Cumbersome | -Small Tank -Corded -Higher Price |
Shopping Guide
There are a wide variety of steam mops that fill all kinds of different needs. The steam mops listed in this guide are by no means the only choices in this diverse field of products. Use what you have learned about here, including the features and specifications, to guide you in your shopping as you search for the right mop. Remember to always consider your needs and don’t pay for features that you don’t need. Stick to your budget, shop around, and find the deal that’s right for you. Remember that you can sometimes net even more savings if you buy directly from the manufacturer, so it’s worth checking to see if the company offers direct to consumer distribution before you make a purchase. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best mops in each of the selected categories.
Value – Shark Steam Pocket Mop
This vacuum is the lowest priced vacuum on Amazon.com’s top 10 highest rated steam mops
Versatility – SKG 1500W
The steaming unit can be detached and used as a hand-held module. It even comes with a shoulder strap so you can carry it comfortably while using it. The included attachments and accessories, including a carpet glider for steam cleaner carpets and rugs, that make the SKG 1500W the clear winner for versatility.
Overall – Light N’ Easy 5-in-1
The highest rated vacuum, the Light N’ Easy 5-in-1 is a versatile steam cleaning machine that can tackle just about any mess you can throw at it. Along with a long cord, a large water reservoir, and the confidence that comes with a two-year replacement warranty the Light N’ Easy 5-in-1 is the clear cut winner for the best all-around choice on our list.
Best by Surface or Floor Plan
Open Concept Design / Open Areas and Space – Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop
This Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop is flexible and easy to use. The swivel head increases mobility and the wide-based rectangular cloth covers more area per swipe, making quick work of large rooms and open space, plus the lightweight design means your arms won’t get tired.
Hard Surfaces – Greatic 10-in-1 Foldable Steam Mop
This 10-in-1 Greatic Steam Mop comes with an arsenal of attachments and accessories that make it the hard surface champion. Some of the surfaces it’s geared up to tackle are hardwood, marble, tile, laminate floor and other hard surfaces.
Carpets – SKG 1500W
The SKG 1500W includes a special carpet gliding attachment that lets you give your carpets and rugs a do-it-yourself, professional level steam clean. No need to pay experts to bring in huge, industrial steam vacuums, with the SKG 1500W you give your carpets the celebrity treatment. It’s an easy pick for the best carpet cleaning steam vacuum on our list.
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