The hunt for the best steam mop doesn't have to be a hassle, especially when we have done all the research for you. Steam mops have become increasingly popular due to their ability to clean and sanitise various surfaces, making them an essential household cleaning tool. These devices use the power of steam to lift grime, dirt, and stains effortlessly while also killing bacteria and germs. With numerous brands and models available, finding the best steam cleaner for your home might be challenging, so here is our guide to the best on the market.
In this article, we'll round up the top steam mops, along with tips on what to consider when purchasing a new device. Steam cleaners come in various styles, sizes, and functionalities. From the very best steam cleaners for tiles to models designed for multi-purpose cleaning.
Tailored to specific surfaces like hardwood floors, tiles, or carpets - steam mops are a great choice if you live in a smaller home and don't have as much storage space. These mops are suitable for cleaning floors and underneath furniture, and often, they can convert to a handheld steam cleaner to do smaller tasks.
Best steam mops at a glance:
• Best overall steam mop: Shark Klik n' Flip Automatic Steam Mop - View on Amazon UK
• Best steam mop on a budget: Neo 10-in-1 High-Powered 1500W Steam Mop - View on Amazon UK
• Best versatile steam mop: Hoover Steam Capsule 2-in-1 - View on Amazon UK
• Best steam mop for high performance: Kärcher SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Mop - View on Amazon UK
We've shortlisted the best steam mops for different needs and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your home. So you can rest assured that this chore will be pain-free next time you clean.
The best steam mops
Best overall steam mop
The Shark Klik n' Flip Automatic Steam Mop is necessary for anyone seeking efficient hard floor cleaning. You can clean twice as much flooring with double-sided, large cleaning pads by simply flipping the floorhead. Featuring three steam control modes and a 30-second heat-up time, this steam mop also includes a 'steam blaster mode' for stubborn spots. The six-meter-long cord ensures you can cover a vast area effortlessly.
Customer review: "The Shark Klick n Flip is by far the best steam mop I have used. It's comfortable to handle, the swivel head allows you to get into corners, and the clothes are large and easy to change. You get plenty of control over the amount of steam you want, so you don't end up with excess water on your flooring. I put off cleaning my laminate floor so as to give the Shark a proper test. It made swift work of it, leaving it shiny and smear-free. On the downside, as others have commented, it's annoying that it doesn't stand upright when not in use, and the power cord could be bit longer. Overall though it does a great job at a fair price."
Pros
- Double-sided cleaning pads
- Heats up quickly
- 30-second heat-up time
- Cleaning pads are machine washable
Cons
- No indicator light to tell you when ready to use
Best steam mop on a budget
Neo 10-in-1 High-Powered 1500W Steam Mop Turn cleaning days into a breeze with the Neo 10-in-1 High-Powered 1500W Steam Mop. This versatile steam mop handles stains on various surfaces and can even be used on curtains and car interiors. With a 30-second heat-up time and adjustable steam modes, it's a perfect home cleaning solution. It's also suitable for all sealed hard floor types and includes a longer, improved 5M cable.
Customer review: "This is about the third one I have bought. The first was for me and the rest as a gift for friends who kept borrowing mine because they loved it so much! It is a huge help and is easy to use. I admit that I would love it even more if they made a cordless version, but you can't have everything! The additional attachments make it a great all-rounder."
Pros
- Quick pre-heat
- Long cable
- Versatile 10-in-1 cleaning
- 30-second heat-up time
- Adjustable steam modes
Cons
- Best for a smaller home
- A little heavy for some
Best lightweight steam cleaner
The lightweight BLACK+DECKER Steam Mop, weighing just under 2kg, is perfect for those with mobility concerns or who desire easy manoeuvrability. Ready in 30 seconds and bundled with eight accessories, this versatile steam cleaner can be converted to a handheld cleaner for smaller tasks. Plus, it even comes with a carpet glider for soft flooring. While it lacks steam options, its overall performance and affordability make it an excellent choice.
Customer Review: "I bought this to replace my previous Black & Decker, which had sadly worn out. Can't praise these enough. With so many attachments, it cleans everything and everywhere. I've had Polti in the past, but these beat them hands down in price and ease of use."
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around the home
- Can be used on a range of different surfaces
- Quick heat-up time
- An affordable option for those on a budget
- Carpet glider included
Cons
- No steam controls
Best versatile steam mop
If you are looking for an appliance that can do it all, - the Hoover Steam Capsule 2-in-1 Steam Mop stands out with its ergonomic design. It features a 7m cord, a bottom-mounted water tank and a ball-joint head for easy movement. Plus, it has a rectangular nozzle pad and a carpet glider. The mop also has a triangular head for corner cleaning with a 15-second heat-up time and a handheld cleaner - this 2-in-1 mop tackles various surfaces with ease. The 350ml water tank provides about 20 minutes of steaming, outperforming some hybrid models on the market as well.
Customer review: "I would very much recommend this product. Having never used a steam cleaner before, I am now rather sold on the idea and am glad to have made the purchase!"
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Triangular head for corner cleaning
- Very fast 15-second heat-up time
- Handheld cleaner with multiple attachments
Cons
- Can leave floors and surfaces quite wet
Best steam mop for instant use
www.wilko.com
Whether you're looking to clean tiles, vinyl, wood, or laminate, this Vileda steam mop is an excellent choice. Ideal for cleaning tiles, vinyl, wood, or laminate, it can heat up in just 15 seconds. This fantastic mop uses powerful microfibre pads and steam to eliminate up to 99 per cent of bacteria and viruses. With three pre-defined settings and a triangular-shaped head for easy corner cleaning, it's a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.
Customer review: "This is a VERY easy mop to use, and it really cleans quickly and efficiently. I am 74 years old and I believe I have found the mop I've been looking for."
Pros
- Suitable for all floors
- Detachable, ergonomic handle
- Washable pads
- Triangular head for corner cleaning
Cons
- Short cable at 1m
Best steam mop for quiet cleaning
If you want clean floors without the back-breaking methods to achieve it, then the BISSELL SpinWave is designed to clean your floors effortlessly with soft microfibre pads, revealing their natural sheen. Including a multi-surface cleaning formula and on-demand spray, this mop has a cord length of 6.7 meters. It also comes with two sets of washable power spin pads, a sample bottle of BISSELL formula, and a SpinWave.
Customer review: "I didn't want a hard surface cleaner that was too heavy (I need to carry it up lots of stairs) or too complicated, and this Bissell Spinwave meets all of my requirements. Am very pleased with its simplicity and low maintenance."
Pros
- On-demand and quiet spray
- Lightweight and easy-to-use
- Includes cleaning formula
- Long 6.7-meter cord
Cons
- Not best for tiles
- Pricey pads
Best steam mop for high-performance
The Kärcher SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Mop is ready to go in just 30 seconds. With a large 500ml tank, this mop features an intelligent descaling cartridge for automatic limescale removal. The removable tank is easy to fill and, with the three different modes, regulates the steam quantity. Just choose the symbol that suits your floor and let your floors shine. Although Kärcher's upright steam mop is heavier than other models on this list, it is also more powerful than your average steam mop,
Customer Review: "I am very satisfied with this steam floor cleaner. The good thing about it is you can use tap water. You adjust it to the soft to hard water. Is very solid made. I wish I bought this before. I can recommend it."
Pros
- Durable build
- Powerful performance
- Versatile settings
- Large 500ml tank
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Cord is quite short
What to consider when choosing a steam mop
Surface compatibility: Make sure the steam mop is suitable for the types of flooring in your home, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet.
Water tank capacity: A larger water tank will allow longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills.
Steam control: Adjustable steam settings enable you to control the steam released, depending on your cleaning needs.
Attachments and accessories: Look for models with additional attachments for cleaning various surfaces and tight spaces.
Steam mop FAQs
What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a steam mop?
The difference between steam cleaners and steam mops is small, but it's still important to consider when deciding on what appliance fits your home best. If your living space is smaller and storage is a problem, a steam mop might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you have a larger area to clean, a steam cleaner could be a more suitable option.
Steam mops resemble the familiar spray mops you might have seen. They are sleek, slimline models that usually don't have a hose and are ideal for cleaning floors and reaching under furniture. In many cases, they can even convert into handheld steam cleaners to tackle smaller tasks like grout cleaning.
Steam cleaners, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and can cover more ground due to their larger water tanks. These versatile cleaners often come with attachments for easy handling of smaller jobs and must be moved around using their cord and hose. However, they do require more storage space than steam mops. Additionally, handheld steam cleaners are compact devices with a spout, perfect for those living in tight quarters. You also have steam cleaners for other tasks too. There are window steam cleaners, for example.
Can steam mops be used on all types of floors?
Most steam mops are designed for use on sealed hard floors, such as tile, linoleum, and sealed hardwood. However, some models come with attachments or settings for use on carpets. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using a steam mop on any floor type.
Do steam mops kill germs and bacteria?
Yes, steam mops can kill up to 99.9 per cent of germs and bacteria when used correctly. The high-temperature steam effectively sanitises surfaces, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
Can I use cleaning solutions in my steam mop?
Most steam mops are designed to work with water alone. Adding cleaning solutions or chemicals could damage the unit or leave residue on your floors, so always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use.
How often should I change the mop pad?
This is dependent on how often you use it and how much debris it collects each time. The mop pad replacement depends on the level of dirt and the size of the area you're cleaning, so generally speaking, changing the mop pad when it becomes visibly dirty or when the cleaning performance decreases would be best.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.
