The best steam mops and cleaners

The best steam mops are one of the most powerful tools for deep cleaning and sanitizing, without the use of harsh chemicals. These cleaners pick up caked-on residue to leave your floors and other non-porous surfaces sparkling, and will transform the way you clean. We tested eight steam mops on different types of flooring and stains, and spoke to cleaning and flooring experts for tips on choosing the best steam cleaners.

However, we caveat that steam mops should only be used on non-porous or sealed surfaces like porcelain and ceramic tile, stone, and linoleum. "Avoid using steam mops on any flooring that is unsealed," said Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, referencing hardwood, laminate and vinyl — including luxury vinyl plank — as examples. The high heat and moisture can damage and warp floors, which is when the best mop might come in handy. Approach caution with brands that claim to be gentle enough for hardwood or laminate, and a good practice is to try a spot test before doing a full run.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for the best steam mops

Best overall: Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop - See at Amazon

Best budget: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop - See at Amazon

Best for pets: Bissell 15441 PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop - See at Amazon

Most versatile: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner - See at Amazon

Best with vacuum: Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Steam Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum - See at Amazon

How to choose the best steam cleaner for you

Best overall

A lightweight, no-frills steam mop that delivers strong performance at a reasonable price. The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe is a great option if you're primarily looking to clean sealed hard floors, though it's worth noting that it doesn't include any attachments — this is strictly a floor cleaner, not a multi-use steam system.

In testing, it handled most everyday messes well, with a few expected limitations. Like every steam mop we tried, it struggled with dried egg yolk and couldn't fully lift deeply set stains, but it performed better with substances like mustard and cleaned up sticky spills like honey without leaving residue behind.

Small design details help boost its cleaning power and ease of use. It comes with two washable microfiber pads — including a textured option for tougher messes — and a built-in scrub brush that can be deployed hands-free for more stubborn spots (just be sure to turn off the steam first). The mop offers both light and heavy steam settings, heats up in about 30 seconds, and includes a measuring cup for filling the 19-ounce tank, which provides roughly 25 to 30 minutes of runtime.

It's also easy to maneuver and store, with a few minor drawbacks. The mop head glides smoothly and the unit can stand upright on its own, which is convenient between uses. There's even a tray for optional scent discs if you prefer a fragranced clean. However, the water tank isn't removable, so you can't easily empty leftover water, and assembly requires a screwdriver.

Best budget

Serious versatility for the price. At under $100, the PurSteam 10-in-1 is only slightly cheaper than our top pick but includes far more attachments, including multiple brushes, a grout tool, scraper, squeegee, carpet glider, and two microfiber pads. It works as both a traditional steam mop for floors and a handheld steamer for fabrics, upholstery, and drapes.

It gets the job done, but takes more effort on tougher messes. In testing, it was able to clean up common spills, though it required more passes to lift substances like mustard and needed extra scrubbing for dried egg. Sticky messes like syrup and honey also left behind some residue. Maneuverability was another weak point. The mop felt slightly resistant when turning and didn't glide as smoothly as higher-end models.

The controls and setup are simple, with a few ergonomic quirks. A dial above the water tank lets you adjust steam levels, and the unit heats up in about 30 seconds. However, the knob sits lower on the body when used as a mop, making it less convenient to adjust mid-clean. The 12.8-ounce tank provides up to 25 minutes of steam, and filling it is straightforward thanks to the included measuring cup and funnel.

It's lightweight, easy to store, and quick to assemble. The mop stands upright on its own, which is helpful for storage, and setup takes less than a minute. Simply click the handle into place and attach the base and pad. While it doesn't include wall-mount storage, its compact design makes it easy to tuck into a closet. Overall, while it's not the strongest performer, the added attachments and flexibility make it a solid value buy.

Best for pets

Made for pet messes, but useful in any home. From paw prints to everyday spills, the Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off can tackle floors and above-floor grime with a range of attachments, using the sanitizing power of steam instead of harsh chemicals — a plus for households with pets or kids.

It's a strong cleaner, especially on tougher, stuck-on messes. In testing, it delivered some of the better results on substances like egg and mustard, though it did leave behind a bit of residue with sticky spills like honey. Like the Powerfresh Deluxe, it comes with two reusable microfiber pads — a smooth option for everyday cleaning and a textured one for more stubborn debris.

The attachments are where it really stands out. You get multiple brushes (with color-coded bristles to help keep tasks separate), plus a grout tool, scraper, and fabric steamer. They lock securely into place during use, and the grout brush in particular impressed us when it dislodged a fair amount of gunk from under the rim of a supposedly clean sink. A storage bag keeps everything organized.

It's a little heavier and a bit less nimble than other options. This was the heaviest steam mop we tested, and even the handheld pod has some weight, which may cause fatigue over longer sessions. As a mop, it felt slightly stiff to maneuver. The water tank is also somewhat awkward to fill when attached — you'll need to tilt the unit — though it's easier to handle and empty when detached.

Most versatile

A whole home cleaner, not just a steam mop. The Dupray Neat is the most versatile steam cleaner we tested with a canister design and 17 attachments that let it handle everything from floors and grout to windows and upholstery.

It delivers powerful, consistent steam with strong cleaning performance. In testing, it cleared most spills in one to two passes, though tougher messes like egg and mustard took a bit more effort. Sticky substances like honey and syrup left behind minimal residue, which isn't always the case with steam cleaners.

The wide range of attachments makes it easy to tackle different surfaces. It comes with multiple microfiber pads and cloths, several brushes (including a brass option), extension tubes, and specialty tools like a triangle head and steam lance. Swapping attachments is simple thanks to pull tabs, and the extension tubes make it comfortable to use on floors without bending, while still allowing you to adjust for smaller or higher-up cleaning tasks.

It's built for long cleaning sessions, with a few usability trade-offs. The large 54-ounce tank provides up to 50 minutes of runtime, but it takes around eight minutes to heat up, and there's no clear water level indicator when filling. The canister glides smoothly and the steam trigger is easy to control from the handle, though storage is less convenient — the boxy design, non-detachable hose, and many attachments can be cumbersome to keep organized. I ended up purchasing a storage container to house it in.

Best with vacuum

Combines steam cleaning with vacuum-like convenience. The. Tineco Floor One S5 Steam is designed for people who want to tackle both wet and dry messes at once, pairing steam power with a motorized roller that picks up debris — all while using a smart LED display to show how dirty your floors are in real time. It's limited strictly to floor cleaning, however, with no functionality for above-floor use, which does make it a little less versatile than steam cleaners with attachments. But if you have lots of ground to cover, it could be time-saving.

It cleans effectively, though not as quickly on tougher stains. In testing, it handled most everyday messes well, leaving behind very little sticky residue from syrup and honey. However, it required a few extra passes to fully remove tougher substances like egg and mustard.

The smart features and self-cleaning system make it especially easy to use. The vacuum-like design propels forward, reducing effort despite its weight. Steam is activated via a button on the handle and heats up in about 30 seconds, though you can't adjust the steam level. Instead of microfiber pads, it uses a roller brush that continuously washes itself during use and pushes dirty water into a separate tank. There's also a self-cleaning mode on the dock, with prompts that alert you when it's time to run it. During testing, we found that the mop recommended self-cleaning multiple times during a cleaning session.

It's convenient, but requires more maintenance than a standard steam mop. The removable water tank is easy to fill and provides about 20 minutes of runtime. However, the system needs regular upkeep: the brand recommends cleaning the clean and dirty water tank, brush roller, and brush roller cover after each use. Tineco's version is also corded. If you're looking for a more souped up version, the Roborock F25 Ultra has many settings, including hot water cleaning and steam with a more hands-off self-cleaning program. Our reviewer called it the the most low-maintenance floor cleaner she's ever used, even letting the water sit between uses, thanks to its heated-self dry cycle. This tech will cost you about $500, and that's when it's on sale.

What else we tested

Shark S1000 Steam Mop: While this is by far the cheapest steam mop we tested and it cleaned OK, there was much to be desired. There's no way to control the steam output beyond the pumping action required to operate the mop, which also felt inconvenient to press continuously. There's also no standby mode for when you power the mop on or need to pause. It also has the shortest cord of any steam mop we tested, making it likely you'll need to unplug and replug it in throughout your cleaning.

What to look for in a steam mop

Before selecting the best steam mop for your needs, consider what you'll be cleaning and technical features like the unit's size, weight, water tank, and cord length.

Compatible floor type: Before purchasing a steam mop, consider the flooring types you have. Steam cleaners are recommended for sealed floors, such as tile and stone. While many brands market their product as being compatible with wood, laminate, or vinyl flooring, most cleaning experts do not advise using a steam cleaner on these surfaces.

Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the steam cleaner to ensure comfort of use and maneuverability.

Heating time: Steam mops should reach a water's boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Most designs heat up within 30 seconds to two minutes.

Water tank: Depending on how much or how long you need to clean, you want to ensure the tank can hold enough water so you won't need to refill mid-clean. The steam mops we tested range from 10 ounces to 25 ounces, and have cleaning times of up to 30 minutes. If you have quicker cleaning sessions or less area to clean, water tank capacities in that range would be sufficient. For cleaning large areas, look for water tanks with larger capacities. For example, our top canister steam mop has a 54-ounce tank and a cleaning time of up to 50 minutes.

Cord length: The majority of steam cleaners are corded models. Depending on the size of the room you're cleaning, a cord at least 20 feet long will suit most people.

Steam output: There are different types of steam outputs to choose from, including on-demand, continuous, and adjustable.

• On-Demand steam: Steam mops with an on-demand steam output produce steam when a button or trigger is pressed. This option gives you more control over when the mop cleans.
• Continuous steam: Steam mops with a continuous steam output produce steam automatically when turned on. This output requires no effort on your end and can make cleaning quicker and easier.
• Adjustable steam: Steam mops with an adjustable steam output allow you to adjust the level of steam produced.

Attachments: Steam mops with lift-off capabilities and various attachments like grout brushes, extension hoses, and squeegees make it possible to use your steam cleaner for extended household chores like cleaning your bath, grout lines, windows, appliances, and more.

How we test steam mops

To compare the cleaning abilities of the best steam mops, we examined how well each cleaned dried-on egg, mustard, and honey on a variety of surfaces, including tile, wood, and laminate (though we don't recommend using steam mops on laminate or wood floors).

We also timed how long each mop took to heat up and made notes on maneuverability, ease of filling and emptying the water tanks, and which models could stand up independently. If there were extra tools or features, we evaluated how useful they were.

We also spoke to Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, and Brett Miller, vice president of Technical Standards, Training, and Certification for the National Wood Flooring Association, for advice on using steam mops.

Steam mop FAQs

Can I use a steam mop on a wood floor?

"We recommend never using a steam mop on any real wood floor," said Brett Miller, vice president of Technical Standards, Training, and Certification for the National Wood Flooring Association.

He said steam can travel between the cracks and into the cells of the wood itself. "This can permanently damage the wood and the floor's finish," he said. Even a traditional mop and bucket may introduce too much water. Instead, Miller suggests using a broom or microfiber mop daily, a vacuum weekly, and cleaning with a professional wood floor cleaning product monthly.

Can I use a steam mop on other types of floors?

As a general rule, "avoid using steam mops on any flooring that is unsealed," said Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. Engineered wood and bamboo can suffer from the same issues as hardwood. Laminate flooring is also susceptible to warping from steam, and excessive heat can damage vinyl.

Bissell also warns that the use of a steam mop could reduce a floor's glossiness.

While manufacturers generally say tile and linoleum flooring are safe for steam mops, keep in mind that excessive heat or water could still cause problems. Don't leave the steam mop in one place for too long, and it's a good idea to test the mop in a hidden area before cleaning your whole floor. You may also want to limit the frequency of your steam mopping.

Will a steam mop sanitize a floor?

Technically, yes, but not without some effort. Temperatures between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit are often enough to kill bacteria and viruses, though it's not instantaneous. Water boils and produces steam and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and some steam mops get even hotter.

While that's technically hot enough to kill germs, the manuals for the Bissell machines instruct you to slowly pass the mop back and forth over a spot three times, while the Shark Steam & Scrub S7001 requires 15 passes on the highest setting. Remember that sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria, while disinfecting kills most of them. There are less intensive ways to disinfect surfaces.

Is steam cleaning floors better than mopping?

Steam cleaning floors can be quicker and easier than traditional mopping. Steam mops don't use chemicals, can sanitize floors, are more sanitary since they don't reuse water from a bucket, and are efficient at cleaning tough stains with little effort. However, they're more expensive than traditional mops and can't be used on all types of flooring, such as unsealed floors and hardwood. For floors that you can't use steam mops on, traditional mops can work just as well, but require more physical labor and might not sanitize floors as well as steam mops can.

How do you use a steam mop?

Stapf recommends sweeping or vacuuming first to remove dust, dirt, crumbs, and other debris on the floor. If you're looking for recommendations, we also have plenty of opinions about the best vacuums.

You must fill the reservoir with water and attach a mop cloth.

Start with a clean cloth, Stapf said. "You may need to replace the cloth as you mop, depending on the size of the room you're cleaning," she said. You'll also want to wait until the mop produces steam before you start cleaning, usually between 30 seconds and a minute.

"It's helpful to work your way from one side of the room to the other to make sure you clean the entire floor and avoid missing any areas as you go," said Stapf.

Can you put vinegar in a steam mop?

"When it comes to steam mops, it's best to stick to the basics," said Stapf. "Regular warm water should do the trick." Most manufacturers warn against putting anything other than water in the machines' tanks.

Do I need to use distilled water in my steam mop?

Many manufacturers suggest using distilled or demineralized water, especially if you have hard water, to avoid mineral buildup and prolong the life of your steam mop.

Why does my steam mop leave my floors streaky or cloudy?

First, check the mop pad you're cleaning with. If it's dirty, you may be redepositing grime back onto your floor. If the cloth is clean, you may be trying to clean a waxed or oiled floor.

Steam mops can decrease the glossiness of polishes and waxes, leaving floors looking streaked or cloudy.

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