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When it comes to removing stains and sanitizing hard floors, no other method is as convenient and effective as a steam mop. The best steam mops eliminate the need for harsh chemicals by harnessing the power of steam to eradicate germs and bacteria and leave your floors sparkling. An internal heating element converts water to steam, loosening dirt and other residue so it easily wipes away. You can officially wave goodbye to buckets of dirty water and scrubbing on your hands and knees.
To find the best steam mop for a multitude of homes and situations, the BestReviews Testing Lab researched dozens of models and tested some to find out how well they performed. We compared cord sizes, timed the usage of one tank of water, conducted stain experiments and more. The Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop is the best overall steam mop and most likely to be a top choice for the majority of households.
Editors’ Favorite
Weight: 11.23 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 14 oz | Steam Control: 3 steam modes | Cleaning Path Width: 6.5”
The Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop earned our spot as the best steam mop for its impressive capabilities that make it a 3-in-1 cleaning tool. It features a brushroll that scrubs deep down to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Next, it produces powerful steam and picks up debris, which leaves floors sanitized and free of particles. This means you don’t have to sweep before you mop. The brushroll is self-cleaning, too, so it doesn’t scatter dirt during use.
At 11.23 pounds with a trim design, this steam mop is easy to maneuver. It features a 14-ounce water tank for cleaning medium-to-large spaces. Three steam modes make it suitable for everything from quick cleanups to serious dirt and stain removal.
This steam mop basically includes two trays — one to collect debris and one for storage. The dirt-collection tray is easy to empty, while the storage tray keeps water from dripping on floors and comes with a brush roll holder.
Great Value
Weight: 6.9 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 11.83 oz | Steam Control: Light, Normal and Deep | Cleaning Path Width: 14.5”
The Shark Steam & Scrub Hard Floor Steam Mop stands out among other steam mops because of how effectively it removes stuck-on stains and grime. In addition to powerful steam, the mop has rotating pads that scrub the floor to remove even the most stubborn residue. The scrubbing pads are made of a tightly looped material that’s more effective for absorbing spills and messes. Best of all, they’re washable, so you can reuse them.
The Shark Steam & Scrub also provides plenty of control over its steam output. It has three steam modes: light for quick cleaning, normal for daily uses and deep for stuck-on residue. The mop can also provide a targeted blast of steam if a particular area requires some extra attention. Not only does the steam remove dirt and grime, but it can also remove up to 99.9% of common household bacteria to ensure your floors are as clean as possible.
We appreciate how easy the Steam & Scrub is to use. Its controls are located right on the handle, allowing you to trigger the Steam Blaster or change cleaning modes just by pressing a button. Its LED headlights also make it easy to spot hidden dirt and debris on your floors, so you don’t leave any mess behind.
Best Basic Mop
Weight: 4.87 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 15 oz (450 mL) | Steam Control: Handle pump | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
With a handle pump to control steam, the Shark Steam Pocket Mop S3501 operates differently than the other model we tested. It doesn’t have a power button or steam settings; rather, it turns on the moment it’s plugged in. You pump the handle to create steam before you start and as needed while cleaning.
While it’s designed to naturally pump as you mimic the back-and-forth motion of the mop, we found that it didn’t really work that way. Instead, the steam dried up, and we had to stop and pump the mop at least five times to generate more steam. However, once the steam got going, it cleaned really well.
Because there wasn’t a constant output of steam to create puddles of water, the floors didn’t get as wet, which made them easier to wipe and dry. However, we did find that constantly stopping and pumping the handle made cleaning take longer than necessary. Since the steam motion was not consistent, the amount of time we got from each water tank varied. That said, the 15-ounce water tank is on the larger side compared to similar models.
The mop head turns sideways to clean corners and underneath furniture, and it has an adjustable handle to suit all heights comfortably. Simple and lightweight, we think this budget-friendly model is a superb choice for those who want a fast mop without a lot of complicated settings.
Best for Fresh-Scented Cleaning
Weight: 6.2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 16 oz | Steam Control: 3 steam modes | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
Simple yet effective, the Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop has three steam modes and a 16-ounce tank, so it can handle small and large floor-cleaning tasks with ease. When you need an extra boost for tough jobs, it features a flip-down scrubber. And it produces ample steam in just 30 seconds, so it’s ready to go when you are.
If you like to add scents to your space, you’ll appreciate that this mop comes with fragrance discs that slide into the microfiber cleaning pads. As the steam is produced, the scent is emitted for a clean, fresh-smelling home. Two cleaning pads and two fragrance discs are also included.
Another reason to love this steam mop is that it’s very lightweight. At just 6.2 pounds, it’s easy to push around the house and carry up and down stairs. The 23-foot cord also adds to its convenience when it comes to cleaning multiple areas, so you can keep going without needing to switch power outlets.
Best Premium Steam Vacuum Mop Combo
Weight: 9.48 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 34 oz | Steam Control: Automatic | Cleaning Path Width: 10”
If you need a powerful option for multiple cleaning purposes, the Tineco Floor One S9 is one of the best steam mops on the market. It’s a versatile cordless machine that gets up to 75 minutes of runtime when fully charged. And it even vacuums as it mops, which cuts down on work.
The Floor One S9 steam mop also does a great job sanitizing floors. It produces powerful steam that adjusts automatically and reaches temperatures as high as 320 degrees. This makes it a great option for tackling tough cleaning tasks. Plus, the built-in HEPA filtration traps allergens while you clean.
The slender build of this mop with a 5-inch depth means that you can easily clean around and under furniture. It has a 34-ounce water tank so you can clean large areas before needing to refill it. At just under 10 pounds, you can easily move it from room to room for almost effortless cleaning.
Best Steam Mop with Attachments
Weight: 4.4 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 12.8 oz (380 mL) | Steam Control: Knob | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
While the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop's main purpose is mopping, we thought the attachments stole the show. The mop body turns into a detachable handheld steamer, allowing you to use a plethora of included tools. From brushing grout to steaming upholstery, this model can do that and more, including steaming cup holders in the car. Every attachment connects easily and features powerful steam to tackle any mess.
In terms of cleaning performance, we were slightly underwhelmed. At first, we were impressed by the amount of dirt and grime the steam was unearthing from our floors. But it wasn’t able to wipe up the dirty water; instead, it pushed some of it around the floor. This may be due to the fact that the steam was very high and pumped out a lot of water. Either way, we wish it had wiped our floors completely clean.
This mop is a budget-friendly choice considering everything you get with it. We love the fact that it can stand on its own if you need to step away for a moment. It also folds for convenient storage. Plus, it was the lightest model we tested. The water tank capacity and cord length are both average, though, making this mop most suitable for small and medium-size rooms.
Feature-Packed
Weight: 17.37 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 0.8 L | Steam Control: Digital | Cleaning Path Width: 9.2”
The Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Steam Wet Dry Vacuum can save you valuable time by letting you clean wet and dry messes on your hard floors simultaneously. It uses Tineco’s patented iLoop Smart Sensor to automatically adjust the mop’s suction power, brush roller speed and water flow to clean as efficiently as possible.
You won’t miss any areas of your floors, either, thanks to the FLOOR ONE S5’s brush roller design. It can slide right up against baseboards and into tight corners for truly thorough cleaning.
The mop also has a dual-tank system that separates the clean and dirty water, so you don’t have to worry about spreading dirty water over your floors. It’s ideal for larger homes, too, because the FLOOR ONE S5’s clean water tank is 30% larger than previous Tineco models. That means you can cover a significant area without needing to refill the mop.
But the FLOOR ONE S5’s most convenient feature may be how little hands-on maintenance it requires. Its self-cleaning function runs water through the inner tubing and deep cleans the brush roller, so you don’t have to touch the dirty components. It also has a pet hair strainer that separates out hair for easy removal.
Most Comprehensive
Weight: 12.5 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 28 oz | Steam Control: Trigger | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
If you love multitasking, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vac is for you. It allows you to vacuum, wash and steam your floors all at the same time. Using Bissell’s HydroSteam technology, it can get floors with stubborn, sticky messes up to 20% cleaner. Not just for hard flooring, it can also pick up spills on area rugs.
The CrossWave HydroSteam is ideal for homes with pets. It has a tangle-free brush roll that prevents hair from wrapping around and getting tangled. The included Sanitize cleaning formula can effectively clean pet accidents by removing up to 99.9% of bacteria. The two-tank design also ensures that you don’t spread dirty water across your floor by separating the clean and dirty water.
Its 25-foot power cord allows the mop to clean a larger area without changing outlets in the middle of cleaning. The CrossWave HydroSteam also has one of the largest clean water tanks of all the steam mops on our list, cutting down on the number of refills even in larger homes. The mop also has a self-cleaning cycle that helps reduce maintenance time. It only requires pressing a button to flush the internal system and clean the brush roll, so it’s ready for your next cleaning job.
Best Overall Steam Mop
Weight: 6.2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 19 oz (560 mL) | Steam Control: High or low | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop 1806 came out on top in nearly every category and is a top choice for small and large spaces. It has a 25-foot cord and a 19-ounce water tank, which are bigger and longer than the other steam mops we tested. With the large water tank capacity, we timed it at 20 minutes on high steam, making it the longest-running model. The run time is even longer on the low setting.
As far as cleaning, it excelled in every stain experiment we put in its path, including dried coffee and ketchup. For everyday messes and delicate flooring, we used the soft pad, and it left our floors very clean with no residue. Tougher stains required the scrubby mop pad or the spot-cleaning brush tool, both of which removed every spot and left nothing sticky behind. The manual recommends going over each area three times to get the full sanitizing benefits, and that was more than enough to remove any mess.
This Bissell model is one of few that can stand independently, making it convenient if you need to quickly step away. It comes with scent discs that fit securely in the mop pads, leaving a fresh scent behind after mopping. And swivel steering allows you to effortlessly reach under tables and around chairs.
Most Effortless to Use
Weight: 6.2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 16 oz | Steam Control: High, medium or low | Cleaning Path Width: 12”
We didn’t know what we were missing until we tried the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940A with a removable water tank. Instead of turning the entire mop upside down to empty the water tank after cleaning, you simply remove the tank and empty it. What’s more, the tank is easy to fill back up again. At 16 ounces, the capacity is fairly large, and it lasted 15 minutes and 40 seconds on the high setting during our testing. You could get even more time on a lower setting.
It comes with a soft microfiber pad for delicate floors and a scrubby pad for tough stains. While the heavily textured pad was slightly more difficult to push, it definitely removed more stains, including ketchup and dirt. All fresh stains were gone in three passes, which is what the manual recommends for germ and bacteria removal.
The Bissell PowerFresh’s ability to stand on its own isn’t a feature you realize you need until you have to stop mopping to let the dog out or stir a bubbling pot on the stove. We loved this mop’s ability to do just that. And, if you don’t want to use harsh cleaners but love that freshly mopped smell, you’re in luck because this model comes with some scent discs. If you like them, you can purchase more later.
It takes about 30 seconds for the blue light to stop blinking, meaning the mop is ready to clean. On the downside, we thought it actually needed a few seconds beyond that. And, we thought this mop’s main tool, a flip-down scrubber designed to tackle tough messes, was more gimmicky than useful. It didn’t really do much in our tests.
But overall, we really liked the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940A for its removable water tank and excellent cleaning ability.
Best Steam Mop for Tile
Weight: 6.8 lb | Water Tank Capacity: Dual-tank system, 12.8 oz | Steam Control: Knob | Cleaning Path Width: 11”
The Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop combines lots of useful features, starting with a removable water tank. In fact, this model is unique in that it has two water tanks. The main water tank holds 12.8 ounces, and you can switch between the tanks by turning a dial from “large area” to “small area.” The supplemental water tank is helpful if you just need to do a quick clean.
If you want a steam cleaner with attachments, this is an excellent option. It’s designed with a removable handheld steamer to utilize the tools. With the nine included attachments, it can clean almost anything, from grout to upholstery to tiny crevices. The mop head is triangular-shaped, making it great for corners. Plus, it comes with a soft, textured mop pad.
While it’s not a steamer you can just turn on and go, some may appreciate the customizations. For example, there’s a power button, a knob to switch between water tanks, a knob to choose the steam level, a trigger to activate the steam and a steam boost button to target tough stains.
Those settings, combined with the plethora of attachments, make it a valuable multifaceted tool for a customized cleaning experience. It also has a hard-water filter, which we didn’t see in any models we tested. Notably, the manual states that this filter should be changed every six to eight months.
To identify the best steam mop, we conducted a series of tests and recorded how each one did in every category.
First and foremost, each steam mop must perform its intended function well. We put each steam mop through a variety of spill tests on multiple types of hard flooring to evaluate cleaning performance. In addition to the natural dirt, mud and grime that finds itself on floors every day, we added a ketchup test and a coffee test. We made a note of how many passes it took to clean each mess and whether the mop wiped up all dirty water or left any streaks behind. Many of the manuals suggested a minimum of two or three passes on each spot to get the full sanitizing benefits; we always followed those recommendations.
No one wants to stop multiple times to refill their mop’s water tank. We noted the run time and the capacity of each mop’s water tank during testing. We timed how long it took to warm up and then how long one tank lasted on high. Some models had a few variables that altered the run time, such as extra steam shots or a pump handle with no steam settings.
Multiple factors can influence how easy a steam mop is to use, and it can also vary from one person to the next. However, we wanted to monitor each setting, accessory or feature that makes a steam mop convenient or difficult to use. Factors we looked at included assembly, removal of the dirty mop pad, water tank type and how difficult each was to fill, the number of settings offered, foldability (for storage purposes), drying time, weight and overall design.
If it had attachments, we also took note of how simple they were to attach and use.
Using the steam mop is only half the battle. We also wanted to see how durable each model is and how difficult it is to maintain. For this, we tested how simple it was to empty the water tank, remove the mop pads and wash and dry them. We also took note of whether each steam mop folded for storage and the condition of the pads after washing.
Choosing a steam mop that’s easy to handle is essential, especially if you know you’ll need to carry it up and down stairs. Without water, the lightest model we tested — the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop — was 4.4 pounds, and the heaviest we considered — the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop — weighs 11.23 pounds. However, this top-selling mop is easy to maneuver despite the higher weight. Each steam mop had between 6.5- to 12-inch cleaning paths.
In terms of storage, a model with a folding or telescoping handle is easier to tuck into a closet or cabinet. For example, the handle on the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop collapses, allowing it to fit into smaller spaces. Several of these models also featured an expandable handle.
Many consumers prefer a steam mop that can clean under objects. Our top pick, the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop, has a trim design that fits under furniture, such as tables, most chairs and bedframes, with several inches of clearance. If you have furniture that sits close to the floor, you may want to consider a mop with a low profile that will easily fit beneath items with low clearance.
During our testing, we realized that water tank capacity and type played a pivotal role in our overall enjoyment of each model. For example, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vac has the largest capacity, holding 28 ounces. This allows you to clean multiple rooms or larger areas without refilling the tank. In contrast, a few models on our list only ran for 10 minutes before running out of clean water. This can make a big difference when you’re trying to get your chores done.
To prevent mold and mildew growth in a steam mop tank, it’s important to empty all water after each use. Without a removable tank, you’re forced to clean until the water tank is empty or turn the entire mop upside down. A removable water tank is extremely convenient, which is why we prefer models like the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop, Shark Steam & Scrub Hard Floor Steam Mop, the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vac and the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940A.
Controls: We found three types of controls during our testing: digital controls, a knob or manual controls and one that required a pumping action. Steam mops like the Shark Steam & Scrub Hard Floor Steam Mop and the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 with digital controls are the easiest to use. Those with trigger controls like the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vac can cause hand fatigue fairly quickly and are a poor option if you have arthritis or another condition that affects dexterity. The Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop has simple manual controls that are easy to operate. With models that have a knob, such as the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner, it’s sometimes confusing to know the exact steam level you’re going to get each time.
Steam settings: The most effective, versatile steam mops have adjustable steam settings, like the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop, Shark Steam & Scrub, PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner and Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam. With adjustable settings, you control the steam output to match the type of flooring and mess. Look for a mop that has at least three settings for the most control. You should also pay attention to the mop’s maximum steam temperature. For deep cleaning, you want a model that reaches at least 140 to 180 degrees.
After you plug in and turn on the mop, you must wait for it to heat up and start producing steam. Note that a steam mop can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes to heat up.
The shape, size and maneuverability of the head on a steam mop determine how easily it will clean your home and what areas it will be able to reach. There are three basic head types: rectangular, triangular, and swivel heads.
Rectangular: This works best if you have large areas of open floor to clean. The Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop, Shark Steam Pocket Mop, the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner and the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 all have rectangular heads.
Triangular: This is helpful for cleaning nooks and crannies, such as around a toilet or in the corners of a shower stall. However, a small triangular head isn’t practical for cleaning a large area.
Swivel: A mop head that swivels like the one on the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam comes in handy when you need to maneuver around furniture and other items. Look for one that turns 180 degrees for the most versatility.
It might seem like a small detail, but the cord on a steam mop is important. You want to choose a model with a long cord that makes it easy to move around a large room without having to unplug the appliance and risk it cooling down. Look for a steam mop with a cord that’s at least 15 feet long, such as the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Steam Mop and Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam. If you have very large spaces to clean, choose a model with a cord that’s around 30 feet, such as the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner and the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5.
While we didn’t test any battery-operated models, those types of steam mops are available. However, they aren’t common. If you were to use a battery-operated mop, you’d need to charge it beforehand. Also, you’d need to prepare for the possibility that it might run out of charge in the middle of your cleaning session. On the plus side, you wouldn’t have to worry about finding an electrical outlet in every room you wanted to clean.
While mopping is the primary function, many steam mops come with accessories that enhance cleaning performance or help you clean other places in your home. Here are a few of our favorite accessories:
A. In general, they range in price from as little as $50 to as much as $300. For a durable, effective mop, expect to pay $80 to $150.
A. Always consult the owner’s manual for your mop to make sure it’s safe for use on your flooring. That said, most steam mops can be used on marble, ceramic, stone, linoleum, vinyl, laminate and sealed wood.
A. Most steam mops have reusable pads that must be cleaned regularly. Most can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle with a mild laundry detergent. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper washing procedure for that mop. Some require air drying.
A. Limescale can accumulate in the water tank, particularly if you’re filling it with hard water. Empty and wipe down the tank after each use. It’s a good idea to periodically clean the steam nozzle with a pin to remove any limescale deposits that collect there.
A. The lifespan of a steam mop depends on the model you buy and how often you use it. Budget-friendly mops sometimes wear out after a year. High-end mops can last for five years or more.
Keep in mind that the more often you use the mop, the sooner it will break down. If you use your steam mop once a week or less, it will last longer. If you use it daily, it might start to show signs of wear and tear after about a year.
The team at BestReviews is made up of writers, editors and experts who stay up to date on the latest trends and releases and are determined to find the best products to make life easier. We perform hands-on testing so we know how products work in real-life situations.
BestReviews writer and tester Bre Richey has been testing products for almost a decade and has been writing about household equipment at BestReviews for over a year. She personally tested the top five steam mops in this guide in her own home and recorded how they performed in everyday scenarios. She used them to clean up after a golden retriever who loves to dig, children who are prone to spill and regular foot traffic from a family.
We also consulted BestReviews cleaning expert Ketia Daniel for tips and insights into what makes a quality steam mop.
