Best Steam Mops for Easy Cleaning 2024

Steam mops are a great way to thoroughly clean your hard floors without using harsh chemicals. Whether you have young children or pets, or if you just want perfectly clean, shiny floors without any cleaning residue, a steam mop is a must-have. These smart appliances use superheated water to blast dirt and grime away with steam to leave sparkling clean, bacteria-free and quick drying surfaces behind.

With so many different models of steam mop available, though, finding the right one for your needs can feel like a headache. To help you to decide which steam mop to purchase, we’ve reviewed five of the very best steam mops on the market. We’ve also included a handy steam mop buying guide, so you’ll know what to look out for when purchasing your new steam mop.

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1Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop Bundle

16 oz water tank
Three steam levels
Built-in Scrubber
Cleans all sealed hard floors
Fresh scent demineralized water and steam mop bundle
One-year warranty

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2Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop

7.7 oz capacity
20-second preheat
Lightweight
Swivel head
Multiple steam levels
Suitable for all hard floors
One-year warranty

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3Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop

12.3 oz capacity
Three-setting Intelligent Steam Control
Touch-Free Technology
Steam Blast setting
Dual-sided cleaning pads
Five-year warranty

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4Shark XL Water Tank Steam Mop

Detachable 12.6 oz water tank
Lightweight design
30-second heat up
18ft cord
Upright lock
One-year warranty

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5Bissell PowerFresh 3-in-1 Steam Mop

12 oz water tank
3-in-1 steam mop and handheld steamer
Extra scrubbing tools, pads and nozzles
On-board tool storage
Suitable for sealed hard floors, above floor areas and upholstery
Two-year warranty

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop Bundle

This cleaning bundle from Bissell includes a PowerFresh steam mop and scented demineralized water for a fresh-smelling, hygienically clean home. This steam mop is suitable for use on almost all hard floor types, including sealed hardwood, marble, granite, ceramic, and linoleum floors, so you don’t have to worry if you have different types of flooring in different rooms. With three different steam levels, you’ll easily be able to select the one that’s right for your cleaning needs. There is also a handy Easy Scrubber that removes dried-on spillages.
With its 16 oz detachable water tank, the PowerFresh is easy to fill up and holds a decent amount of water for longer cleaning between refills. Weighing in at just six pounds, it’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver to make cleaning your floors quick and easy. On the whole, this is an excellent steam mop for all your hard floors, and it can even get your grout clean. Using this steam mop would be much easier, however, if there was a central power button rather than having to unplug it to turn it off. Also, the reservoir cap is not very durable, although replacements are available.

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Pros

Detachable 16oz water tank
Three steam levels
Built-in Easy Scrubber
Cleans all sealed hard floors
Fresh scent demineralized water and steam mop bundle

Cons

No power button
Fragile reservoir cap

Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop

The Light ‘N’ Easy steam mop is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a budget priced steam mop recommended for all hard floor types, including vinyl and laminate. It is lightweight and features a swivel head, making it easy to use throughout your entire home. The Light ‘N’ Easy also has a rapid 20 second heat up, so you won’t have to wait around potentially increasing the chances of a stain developing.
While this steam mop is an excellent value, its small water tank it is better used for quick clean ups rather than full home cleans. This will avoid multiple refills. As it is a manually functioning steam mop, you’ll have to pump it several times once it has heated up to get it started steaming. Steam variation is achieved by increasing or decreasing motion for more or less steam. While none of this is at all complex, if you have any problems with your hand strength, or you just simply prefer to press a button to select your required level of steam, then you should check out some of our other steam mop recommendations.

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Pros

20-second preheat
Lightweight
Swivel head
Suitable for all hard floor types

Cons

Manual function
Small water tank

Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop

The Shark Genius Pocket is an intelligent steam mop that has been designed to allow you to customize the amount of steam needed for each cleaning task with a choice of three steam control settings. The Steam Blaster is an exceptional addition that allows you to easily remove stuck-on dirt with a powerful jet of steam. This makes the Genius an ideal steam mop for homes with pets or children as it allows you to effectively remove all traces of dirt without the need for chemicals. Thanks to Shark’s Touch-Free Technology, you no longer have to handle dirty cleaning pads, simply activate the release mechanism.
With its fantastic cleaning performance and ability to tackle even tough messes, the Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop is an excellent choice for any household. Its dual-sided cleaning pads effectively trap dirt and leave all your sealed hard floors hygienically clean. The only real drawbacks to this product are non-performance related. Its non-detachable water tank means that you’ll need to raise it up over your sink after use if you’ve not emptied all the tank. In addition, you may find it a little irritating that this steam mop does not stand up, so you need to prop it up if you need to stop cleaning and when storing it.

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Pros

Three-setting Intelligent Steam Control
Touch-Free Technology
Steam Blaster
Dual-sided cleaning pads

Cons

Non-detachable water tank
Not self standing

Shark XL Water Tank Steam Mop

This Shark steam mop is a good basic steam mop complete with a larger-than-average, detachable 12.6oz water tank. This means you can clean for longer between refills and it’s easy to pour away any left over water by simply removing the reservoir. Unlike many other steam mops, this model has an upright lock so that you can store it with ease, ensuring that it won’t fall over. Thanks to its compact size and low weight, this Shark steam mop is easy to maneuver for sparkling clean hard floors in any room of your home.
This steam mop heats up in 30 seconds, making it ready for use when you need it. As a basic steam mop, you will need to push down on the handle for steam and there are no variable steam settings available. So, if you would prefer a steam mop with more advanced settings, take a look at some of our other steam mop recommendations. Nevertheless, this is an economically priced steam mop from one of the market leaders that functions well, is easy to store, and gets your floors spotlessly clean.

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Pros

Detachable 12.6oz water tank
Lightweight
30-second heat up
Upright lock

Cons

No variable steam levels
Need to push for steam

Bissell PowerFresh 3-in-1 Steam Mop

The Bissell PowerFresh 3-in-1 Steam Mop is a great all-around model that is suitable for use on your floors, counters, upholstery, and other above floor cleaning needs. Complete with nine accessories, including pads, scrubbing brushes, and nozzles, this mop can be used to clean grout in your shower, to get your stove sparkling or to refresh your pet’s bed. This multiple-use steam mop cleans much more than just your hard floors. The on-board tool storage is also extremely handy as it allows you to quickly switch to another accessory as needed for the most efficient, effective clean.
Whether you’re using the Bissell PowerFresh steam mop to clean your floors or other parts of your home, its 12oz detachable water tank makes cleaning easier and allows you to clean for longer between refills. While this is an impressive, handy steamer to have around it is rather top heavy and thus little difficult to maneuver. You should also bear in mind that this steam mop does not have a trigger lock. So, while it is very useful for cleaning small areas and in handheld-mode, you may find it less practical for cleaning floors in large rooms.

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Pros

3-in-1 steam mop and handheld steamer
Includes scrubbing tools, pads and nozzles
On-board tool storage
Cleans sealed hard floors, above floor areas and upholstery
12oz water tank

Cons

No trigger lock
Top heavy

Comparison Chart

Features	Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop Bundle	Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop	Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop	Shark XL Water Tank Steam Mop	Bissell PowerFresh 3-in-1 Steam Mop
Dimensions (inches)	24 x 11 x 7	11 x 5.9 x 48.5	47.1 x 11.8 x 11.8	11 x 7.4 x 46.1	14 x 9.5 x 46.5
Water Capacity (oz)	16	7.7	12.3	12.6	12
Multiple steam levels	✓	X	✓	X	✓
Suitable for all sealed hard floors	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Swivel head	X	✓	X	✓	✓
Accessories	✓	X	✓	X	✓
Weight (lbs)	6	5.3	5.78	4.6	6
Warranty	1-year	5-year	1-year	1-year	2-year

Buyer’s Guide:

Steam Mops for Easy Cleaning

Still wondering whether or not you should go for a steam mop? Take a look through our buying guide to find out all you need to know about how a steam mop could make your home cleaner and easier to keep clean.

Steam Mops Explained

Steam mops heat up water from their reservoir to around 248 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates steam which exits the steam mop via its steam jet outlets. These jets moisten the cleaning pad, which then draws up any dirt. Thanks to the high temperature, your floors are disinfected and there is no need for chemicals, meaning that steam cleaners can kill around 99% of bacteria found on your floor without leaving any residue or releasing any toxic substances. Floors are cleaned faster and dry quicker and, as steam mops clean more effectively, you won’t have to waste your time cleaning the same area over again by hand to get it clean. Moreover, thanks to their proven germ-killing, disinfecting abilities, steam mops are often favored by parents of small children. Homes with pets or with anyone with health problems, particularly immunodeficiency, also benefit from steam mops for the very same reasons.

Features to Look For When Buying a Steam Mop

When you’re looking for a new steam mop, there are certain features you’ll want to check over to make sure that you’re getting the best steam mop for your money:

Water Tank Capacity

You’ll want a water tank that has a good capacity, however, bear in mind that for full house cleans you will probably need to stop to refill, even with larger tanks. You should also remember that water is pretty heavy, so a larger tank means a heavier steam mop. On the other hand, you don’t want a steam mop that needs really frequent refilling. Take into account your average room size and cleaning style when considering what capacity water tank you need.

Detachable Water Tank

While it can be simple to fill up non-detachable water tanks, you need to think about how you’ll empty one when you’re done cleaning. If you’re looking at a fairly lightweight steam mop and you have no issues lifting it up over your sink to empty, then you’ll be fine with a non-detachable tank. If not, make sure you only purchase a steam mop with a detachable water reservoir.

Cord Length

If you have plenty of large rooms or few outlets, make sure that your steam mop has a decent cord length so you won’t have to keep stopping to unplug and replug it in elsewhere.

Variable Steam Levels

Some steam mops have different steam level settings allowing you to adjust the amount of steam produced. This can be useful for homes with multiple hard floor surfaces and for varying degrees of dirt.

Heat-up Time

Purchasing a steam mop with a short heat-up time will ensure you won’t waste time waiting around for your steam mop to produce steam. Remember that when you refill your reservoir, you’ll need to wait again, so if you’re cleaning several rooms you could spend a considerable amount of time waiting on your steam mop.

Storage

Some steam mops are easier to store than others. Take into account the dimensions, whether they need to be supported, and how any parts disconnect.

Cleaning Pads

Some steam mops use dual-sided cleaning pads, giving you a longer clean from one pad. This also reduces the amount of washing you’ll need to do, with each pad lasting twice as long. Check that your steam mop comes with replacement pads, or if only one is included, that you can easily order several more. Most steam mops are only effective at disinfecting your home when used as directed with the correct cleaning pad, so make sure that you carefully follow any fitting instructions.

Pros and Cons of Steam Mops

Pros:

Eliminate Over 99% of Bacteria – Steam mops are an effective way to significantly reduce the amount of bacteria and germs in your home. The high temperature means they disinfect your floors, reducing the risk of you and your family getting ill.
No Chemicals – While it’s important to have a clean home, you don’t want to load up on chemicals to do so. While chemicals will kill a lot of bacteria, they can also be damaging to our health. This is especially true for families with young children and pets, as both tend to spend a lot of time on the floor, putting them into direct contact with potentially toxic cleaning residues.
Fast Drying – A freshly steamed hard floor will dry very quickly. Using a conventional mop can leave you with wet floors for hours. This can add extra humidity to your home, cause slipping, and leave certain areas off limits for long durations at the risk of getting dirty straight away if not cordoned off. Using a steam mop resolves all of these issues.
No Residue – Using a steam mop will not leave any residue on your floors. Not only does this mean less toxicity, your floors will also look cleaner and shinier.
Effortless – When you use a steam mop, you won’t need to put in any elbow grease to lift even dried-on stains. Simply allow the steam to do its work for effortless results.
Washable Cleaning Pads – Using a steam mop cuts back on waste as you can wash your cleaning pads. This means less disposable, replacement mop heads in your trash.

Cons:

Price – Purchasing a steam mop is going to cost you more than buying a replacement conventional mop. It will, however, give you a better, non-toxic clean.
Refilling – Using a steam mop requires water. Although many steam mops have generous water tank capacities, if you have a large home, you may have to refill multiple times.

Steam Mops

Pros

Effective elimination of bacteria
Chemical free cleaning
Fast drying
No residue
Washable cleaning pads

Cons

Expensive
May require frequent refilling

FAQ

Here are all of the answers to some of your most frequently asked steam mop questions.

Are steam mops dangerous?
No, steam mops are not dangerous when used correctly. As with any hot water appliance, a certain degree of caution needs to be used, but steam mops are safe to use in accordance with manufacturer’s usage instructions. In fact, using a steam mop can kill over 99% of bacteria typically found on your floors. As they do not require the use of any chemicals, a steam mop can be extremely beneficial for your entire family’s health. Steam mops provide you with a safe way to protect your pets, children, and other family members from potentially health-threatening germs without exposing them to harsh chemicals that could also have a negative impact upon your health and wellbeing.
Are steam mops suitable for linoleum floors?
Yes, steam mops are suitable for linoleum floors, however as a general rule you should always start off with a new steam mop on its lowest setting. If you feel that you need more cleaning power, increase the steam intensity a little. You can also check that the manufacturer recommends their model for use on linoleum floors before purchasing.
Can steam mops be used on carpet?
If you really need to deep clean your carpet, then you’ll need a carpet cleaner that will be able to clean, brush and suck up the dirty water. Steam mops can be used effectively to refresh tired looking carpets, though, and might even be able to clean up carpet stains. If your steam mop does not come with one, have a look at any add-on accessories for a carpet glider. This will allow your steam mop to be used on your carpet for maximum efficacy. While a steam mop won’t be able to make an extremely dirty carpet look brand new, they are extremely useful for revitalizing tired looking carpeted areas.
Will a steam mop damage my wooden floors?
Steam mops are designed to be used with sealed hard floors. Provided you regularly mop your wooden floor, then you shouldn’t have any issues using a steam mop to clean it instead of a traditional one. If you have any doubts, double check the manufacturer’s advice before starting cleaning. Unsealed hard floors can be damaged by heat and moisture, so a steam mop may not be your best choice. Steam mops do provide an extremely hygienic, practical and chemical-free way to clean floors that you may wish to consider one anyone for other areas such as your bathroom floor.