We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 7 Best Steam Mops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These floor cleaning tools are trending, and it's clear why

Three steam mops displayed in a bathroom

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

A high-quality steam mop uses—you guessed it—steam to lift away dirt, grime, and scuffs, leaving your floors and surfaces spotless without the use of any cleaning solution. Steam can also loosen stains and spills, so they're easier to pick up with other methods of cleaning, such as a sponge or wet paper towel. We wanted to put steam cleaning to the test ourselves, so we tried dozens of the best and trendiest steam mops in The Lab and at home, evaluating their effectiveness, capacity, steam output, ease of cleaning (since you will need to care for the mop pad), and accessories.

If you've never used one of these handy machines before, we understand that you might be feeling curious about the whole premise. These floor cleaning tools have been trending. "Increased interest in steam [cleaning] was a natural evolution of the green trend, as steam doesn't use any chemicals but packs a super-strong cleaning punch," stresses Melissa Homer, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member and Chief Cleaning Officer at MaidPro.

In our experience, steam mops are great for everyday maintenance of most sealed floors in your bathroom, kitchen, or high-traffic areas. They make quick work of early morning coffee spills—plus handheld versions or attachments proved very handy when cleaning our microwaves, ovens, grout, and glass bathroom details (think, your shower door or mirror). Your options, and our tested favorites, include basic mops with a variety of steam settings and accessory-packed ones for all your steam cleaning needs—most of which are easy to clean themselves.

Editor's Note: This review was revised in January 2024 with updated testing insights from our 52 hours of hands-on testing.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

Person cleaning stain from tile floor using the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What We Like
  • Can use as an upright or handheld steamer

  • Lightweight design

  • Easy to switch out cleaning pad

What We Don't Like
  • Mop head flipped up over sticky stains

  • May need to change outlets often

The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner is efficient, can be used on many surfaces, and comes with multiple attachments and cleaning pad replacements to make your everyday cleaning a total breeze. This pick works on flooring and fabric, so you can use the detachable handheld steamer on all your upholstery, curtains, and even clothes, and the regular mop head on your kitchen floors. The replacement pads make it easy to switch out the cleaning pad if you've steam cleaned through a muddy spot your pup tracked in, and then would like to switch to a different task immediately. You avoid the disaster of spreading the mess you just picked up, though having a clean replacement pad handy will be key. (Luckily, these pads are super easy to pop into the washing machine and back onto the mop and, even after six months of wear and washes, have not changed in quality.)

When we tested in our lab, we found that the large mop head easily turned on flat surfaces, though the size of it could make it difficult to maneuver into tight spaces—but, this could also be a benefit since larger spaces could be cleaned more quickly. The pump inside the tank makes a sound and vibrates when the tank is out of water, too, which struck us as a helpful feature.

The only potential problem we encountered during testing was a minor one: the mop head kept flipping when passing over sticky stains. We also think the cord, which is shorter than that of other models on this list, could be a nuisance in rooms with limited outlets. We've found the cord is long enough to clean a room, but required switching to a new outlet each time we moved to a different room. Fortunately, the mop heats quickly, and we found that periodically turning it off when switching outlets didn't pose a problem. In fact, the model took less time than the manufacturer noted to heat up when we were using it—under 30 seconds.

The other positive features and price tag of this pick outweigh the negatives by far, making this steam mop our top one overall. We appreciated the lightweight design, and even found things to like about the mop's manual— it's short yet effective, and we liked the images next to the instructions further detailing how to use the mop. It has performed very well on multiple surfaces (including hard flooring, windows, grout, and clothing), and the 12.8-ounce mop tank has also been plenty large for regular cleaning, and we haven't needed to refill it during a cleaning session (only in between). After six months of use, we continue to hold this steam mop in high regard and don't hesitate to recommend it.

Dimensions: 8.07 x 9.45 x 23.94 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Cord Length: 15.9 feet

The Types of Floors You Can Clean With a Steam Mop

Steam mops should only be used on sealed floors, since excess moisture can cause damage to other kinds of surfaces. Generally, steam mops are safe to use on vinyl, linoleum, ceramic or porcelain tile, some types of sealed hardwood, and some laminate flooring. If you're unsure about whether you can use a steam mop on your particular floors, check with the flooring manufacturer.

If you'd like to test sealed hardwood floors to see whether it's safe to use a steam mop on them, you can do so by dripping a few drops of water onto the floor. If, after five minutes, the water hasn't been absorbed into the floor, it's probably safe to use a steam mop. You should avoid using a steam mop on any flooring that has warped or which has gaps. The steam can seep through into those areas and cause damage to the subfloor and trap moisture, which can lead to mold.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Close-up of Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop cleaning spill

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.9/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Multiple steam settings

  • Includes scrubber brush

  • Generously sized water tank

  • Long cord

What We Don't Like
  • No additional accessories

  • Directions not included

The Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop works on most hard floors including sealed hardwood, marble, granite, ceramic, linoleum, and laminate floors. It produces three levels of steam on demand (unlike many other models that produce just continuous steam). That feature, combined with the flip-down scrubber brush, makes it great for getting out tough, dried-on messes. It delivers this powerful performance at a reasonable price; this steam mop costs less than the average of the ones we tested.

With that in mind, we recommend taking your storage situation into account before buying because this pick is a bit bulky. It may not be best for a small cleaning closet or small living space. Aside from an included scrubber brush, this steam mop doesn't come with any extra accessories, except for Bissell fragrance discs to leave your floors smelling fresh. So while it's not the most heavy-duty, feature-filled option on the market, you don't have to worry about storing extra attachments on top of the somewhat awkward design. It does have an extra-long cord, too (several feet longer than that of the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop, our best overall choice), and a 16-ounce water tank that will get you through all of your messes.

And it really does clean well. It took less than 10 passes to remove spills on tile and concrete in our experience. For cleaning grout, we needed to give a bit of a boost with grout cleaner, but it still performed admirably. While the lack of directions left a bit to be desired (none were included), if you're looking for something that's value-driven, reliable, and easy to use, this Bissell mop is a great and effective option.

Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.1 x 28.6 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 16 ounces | Cord Length: 23 feet

Best Lightweight

Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop

Person cleaning spill from floor using Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Included scent discs

  • Has a power switch

  • Built-in accessories

What We Don't Like
  • Can't fit under low furniture

  • Emptying excess water can be cumbersome

Having a lightweight appliance in your household turns cleaning from a workout into a task that's satisfying–and maybe even fun. "This mop made steam mopping enjoyable, if it can be believed," we raved during testing. It gave a standout performance, taking only three slow passes to completely remove sticky, dried-on syrup in the lab, a task that took some other models up to 60 passes. The 12-inch cleaning path (the width of the mop head that affects how much surface area you can cover in one pass) also ensures you can move quickly over your floors, making this a great pick for homes with lots of floor space to clean.

Another perk? The on-off button. While this doesn't sound like it should be an exception, as it turns out, not every mop offers it and we very much appreciated the ability to turn the mop off while still keeping it plugged in. We also liked how the accessories were built right into the mop, so you don't have to find extra storage or make cumbersome adjustments when you're in the middle of cleaning. The included scent discs were also a very big hit and left a lovely smell in our testing space.

If we had to complain about anything, it would be that the body of the mop is quite bulky, despite being light. It can't reach under low-furniture well, so you may find yourself moving furniture around or caring for those hard-to-reach areas with a damp cloth instead. Emptying the machine also isn't as streamlined as some of our other top picks, but the 25-foot cord (while keeping you attached to an outlet) is generous. That being said, the mop can maneuver well around table legs in our experience.

Ultimately, this mop rivaled and even outperformed more expensive models, and portability-wise felt similar to the ultra-light models you'd find from other brands. While it doesn't come with a multitude of attachments, the efficient cleaning and overall easy maneuverability still make it a standout.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 13 x 46 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 12 ounces | Cord Length: 25 feet

Best for Attachments

Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop

Closeup person cleaning spills on floor with Bissell 1544A PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Plenty of additional attachments

  • Has a power switch

  • Easy to set up

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy, not as maneuverable as some

  • Potentially difficult to store

Steam isn’t just helpful for floors—it also can be used to clean numerous other areas of your home, which is why you may want to consider a feature-packed pick like the Bissell 15441 Steam Mop. We wanted to keep cleaning with it even after testing wrapped because it was so rewarding to use.

This versatile tool includes a lift-off pod, essentially transforming it into a handheld steamer. It comes with 13 additional attachments that allow you to use it on everything from curtains to grout. The accessories in your box include a window squeegee, a fabric steamer, a grout tool, a flat scraper, an extension hose, scent discs, and more. These attachments make it easy to reach a lot of small areas other mops might miss, or even skip entirely, and make it so you don't need to splurge on as many additional cleaning tools. They also make this mop a particularly great value.

While this pick is slightly above the median cost of the steam mops we tested, the mop ultimately performed better than many other higher-priced models. Just take note that at 10 pounds, it's a bit bulkier and harder to store than more lightweight models. You'll likely need to keep it in a dedicated space in your laundry room or utility closet. Another important note: while this steam mop is marketed for pet owners, some experts warn against using steamers on untreated pet urine because the heat can further set the stain and odor into your carpet. Of course, as most pet owners know, our furry friends can get into plenty of other messes to make this a worthy choice. And when you're done tackling those messes, the mop pads of this machine are easy to toss into the washing machine.

Ultimately, this mop isn't basic. It's easy to set up in our experience, taking only 32 seconds to heat up and 17 seconds to cool down, and featuring that on-off button we came to love during testing (and that you can also find on our best lightweight pick, the Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop). However, the long list of attachments do make it better for a household looking for a versatile, feature-packed model for deep cleans and everyday cleans alike, versus a ready-set-go one for essential floor maintenance.

Dimensions: 13.2 x 11.14 x 44.7 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 12 ounces | Cord Length: 25 feet

Best for Tile Floors

Hoover Steam Complete Pet

Person cleaning the dirt and stains on floor using Hoover Steam Complete Pet

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.7/5
What We Like
  • Multiple useful attachments

  • Heats up and cools down quickly

  • Especially effective on grout

What We Don't Like
  • Design of brush leads to rolling and stretching

The Hoover Steam Complete Pet Mop is another great choice, especially if you have tile floors in your home. We were impressed with this mop's performance when steam cleaning grout, and appreciated both the variety and usefulness of the attachments. It's effective when cleaning windows, upholstery, stovetops, and more during a spring cleaning rush, and also proved efficient with heating and cooling. In fact, the mop's cool-down stage felt practically immediate.

Like other picks, this steam mop does take some getting used to as you're using it around your space, and we did find it tricky to to maneuver around a chair because the mop head kept stretching out. This means, when using the steam mop in your kitchen or bathroom, you may have some trouble around table legs or the toilet. The weight of the steam mop and overall design made it very portable, though, even with the two water tanks completely filled. And yes, two tanks means extra water capacity. It holds up to 18 ounces in total and is one of the largest steam mops we recommend in terms of water tank capacity.

We enjoy using the steam mop with the squeegee attachment on mirrors. The steam mop also proved helpful at cleaning the grout in a tile shower, but we wouldn't equate it to professional-grade cleaning (or, perhaps, even the results of using one of the best grout cleaners). Still, with all that said, it offers great value and is a great go-to cleaning tool for tile and other surfaces.

Dimensions: 10 x 8.25 x 45.25 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces, 2 tanks | Cord Length: 26 feet

Best Splurge

Black+Decker 7-in-1 Steam-Mop

Black+Decker 7-in-1 Steam-Mop and attachments displayed on floor

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    3.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    3/5
What We Like
  • Comes with steam glove and other clever accessories

  • Heats up quickly

  • Disperses steam well

What We Don't Like
  • Some leaking from water tank

  • Instructions can be daunting

The Black+Decker 7-in-1 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner not only performed well in our testing in the lab, but it comes with multiple attachments and can switch from an upright to a handheld steamer in just seconds. Its outstanding performance and versatility really make it a standout product. Once we put this steam mop to the test, it cleaned up stains with relative ease, with all stains needing no more than 10 passes apiece, and some as few as two passes. We also appreciated how the steam was dispersed over the entire pad and how it's very maneuverable, making it easy to clean corners.

This steam mop comes with a plethora of attachments and tools that really make it a multipurpose cleaning system. While it's on the expensive side, this single purchase can replace several household tools, including a handheld clothes steamer. Your purchase comes with a 2-in-1 steam mop and handheld steamer, a grout tool, a copper brush, a plastic brush, an adjustable steam nozzle, an accessory hose, a steam glove accessory, a fabric steamer, and replaceable pads for the mop and steam glove.

The steam glove is an especially intuitive and clever solution that helps you access hard-to-reach spots that an upright or handheld appliance can't, and also to apply more dedicated pressure to tough stains. We did find the instructions to be a bit daunting due to the number of attachments provided, though. We also noted that there was some leaking when the reservoir was at max capacity, and especially when the handheld component was detached and held overhead, so be warned that you might need to adjust and accommodate.

All in all, if you're looking for a steam mop that can get your floors clean and do so much more, though, we still love and recommend the Black+Decker 7-in-1 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner. If you're looking for something a bit more basic, though, try a pick with less attachments offered, such as our best overall, runner-up, the Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop. The attachments of the Black+Decker steam mop can be beyond what some will need for everyday use.

Dimensions: 12.8 x 25.3 x 7.4 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 19.6 ounces | Cord Length: Not listed

We Also Love

Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop

A closeup of the Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop standing upright on a tile floor

The Spruce / Joe Morales

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight yet durable

  • Easy to use and maneuver

  • Reversible head allows for longer mop session

What We Don't Like
  • Cord holder clip snapped off

One of our senior editors owns this Shark Steam Pocket Mop, and is a big fan. We haven't run this mop through our regular testing process, but his hands-on experience and detailed praise has earned it a spot alongside the models that have made it past the rigors of our lab tests. The aptly-named pocket mop is sleek and simple, with a straightforward design that accommodates reusable fiber pads. It has a reversible mop head, so you can use both sides of the pad during your cleaning session without needing to stop to switch the mop heads out. Now, it doesn't offer a lot of bells and whistles or variety of accessories that some of our other picks do, but it's really proven to be a reliable pick that performs week after week.

It heats up in 20 seconds and cools down quickly too, limiting the chance of burns when you're removing the mop pads. Though, speaking of that process, we don't love how you have to touch the pads to remove them—but that's also a common occurrence with steam mops.

We also reported that the cord clip snapped off, but we managed just fine by holding the 20-foot cord. Still, all these notes are small downsides for such a reliable cleaning tool. If you're after a steam mop designed just for floors, and you don't need or want extra attachments taking up space in your home, you'll want to take a (very!) close look.

Dimensions: 51.2 x 12 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 4.85 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 15 ounces | Cord Length: 20 feet

Final Verdict

The best overall steam mop is the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner; it has everything you need to clean your home. It's easy to use, it comes with multiple attachments, and it heats up almost instantly. You might also want to consider our best overall, runner-up pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop. It delivers a powerful, reliable clean—and while it doesn't come with a variety of attachments, it does have multiple steam settings.

Other Options We Tested

Shark Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner S1000: Shark products have a great reputation (we particularly love and recommend Shark vacuums), so we were optimistic about this sleek and streamlined model. While there are some definite perks, we just found that it just wasn't a top performer when compared to other models. We found that the easy-to-detach mop pad rolls up when you move it over the floor. Plus, it wasn't as effective as we would have liked, and requires a good amount of effort to pump the handle to get the pad wet enough to clean flooring. However, it was priced well below the median, and we still thought this was given a fair price.

Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop: This steam mop performed well, and was competitive with a number of options named above. However, it ultimately didn't earn one of our top spots since we ran into a few hiccups with it in testing. We overfilled it the first time due to some unclear instructions. We also would have preferred a stand to help it stay in place—plus, an on-off button instead of indicator lights.

True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop STM-500: This mop proved to be good, but not great, during our testing process. We think it'd be ideal for light-duty cleaning, but we wouldn't recommend it for tough stains or higher-traffic areas. It takes many passes to get stains up, even on the max steam setting. If you had the opportunity to use or borrow this mop, you'd probably find it to be a helpful tool—but when it comes to value, you can find more high-performing models at similar price points.

Person using Shark Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner S1000 to clean spills on linoleum floor

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested the Steam Mops

We've tested dozens of steam mops in The Lab and at home to find the best ones for your floors. In the lab, we test the steam mops to gain insights on very specific attributes.

  • Setup: We time the setup of each mop, and make note of how long it took each mop to heat up and be ready for use. We also take note of how clear or confusing the instructions are.
  • Effectiveness: We evaluate each model's cleaning performance on tile and concrete stained with hot sauce, chocolate milk, syrup, and dirt. We note how many passes it took to clean up a stain, working with the steam mop's various features and attachments to also see how useful, effective, or practical they are.
  • Ease of Use: We consider each mop's overall ease of use, noting how easy it is to learn the mop's ins and outs and get to cleaning with it. We take note of indicator lights, power switches, and any other design features that make your experience more streamlined.
  • Portability and Maneuverability: Portability, or how easy and comfortable it is to carry the steam mop around, is also considered. We ask ourselves if it's tough to store, bulky in one spot and trim in another, and whether it's too heavy to carry up and down stairs. We also look at the mop's maneuverability, which we determine based on whether or not it was designed to get into crevices and corners, and how easily it can clean around obstacles. At this point, we also take a cord into consideration and note whether it's limiting to be connected to an outlet.
  • Value: Finally, value is considered, with specific attention to how well the product performed and if it was or wasn't worth the listed price based on our entire experience.
Testing Stats
Products Tested  26
Hours Spent Testing  52
Tests Performed  6
Unique Testers 40
Testing Steam Mops for Tank Capacity, Effectiveness, and Accessories

What to Look for in a Steam Mop

Water Tank Capacity

Water tank capacity is important because it determines how much you can clean at one time. How do you know what size you might need? Consider what areas you’ll be cleaning regularly. If you have a larger home, choose a mop with a capacity of around 16 ounces, so you can tackle a lot at once. If you have a smaller home or fewer spaces you intend to clean with your steam mop, a larger reservoir may mean a more cumbersome and heavy appliance, and a smaller reservoir could make more sense for you.

Most residential steam mops have a 12 to-15-ounce water tank capacity, and all of our picks range from 11 to 19 ounces. The highest-capacity steam mop we recommend is our best splurge pick, the Black+Decker 7-in-1 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner, at 19.2 ounces. It's followed by our best for tile floors pick, the Hoover Steam Complete Pet Mop. Thanks to two water tanks, it has an 18-ounce capacity.

An illustration of what not to do with a steam mop

Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen Lindner

What It's Like to Use and Maintain Your Mop

"If you're going to invest in a steam cleaner, do the research and select a model you can actually use and maintain properly," says Melissa Homer, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member and Chief Cleaning Officer at MaidPro. Many picks on our list are easy to maintain because you can just toss the mop pad into the washing machine when you're done. In our experience, the mop pad hasn't loss any of its quality during this process either, even after six months. However, picks that come with extra mop pads and a simple system for clipping the mop pads and taking them off are easier to maintain and use.

"Beyond the maintenance, look for models with the most versatile attachments, largest tank, and highest wattage heater you can afford, as these key features will really determine how much usage you can truly get out of the machine." Your lifestyle and cleaning habits will also determine what will be effective for your household. For example, a home with two toddlers that love spaghetti and a big dog that loves puddles will have very different needs than an adults-only household with no pets.

Most of our picks should be effective for a variety of households and families. On that note, if you're looking for an all-around, tried and true choice, consider our best overall pick, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner, which you can use in multiple ways. If you're looking for a more basic pick, then aim for our best overall, runner-up pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, that comes with just a scrubber brush but also many steam settings.

Accessories

A basic steam mop is great for occasional cleaning jobs, but some options come with extra tools that make it easier to reach certain areas of your home. "If you have lots of nooks and crannies, be sure to opt for a steam mop with the proper attachments, and if you need to clean large spaces often, get one with a large water tank," says Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids & A Mop.

Popular extras include grout tools, scrub brushes, squeegee tools, and even fabric steamers. Models with special nozzles for windows, blinds, countertops, and upholstery are typically more expensive than your basic steam mop, but are also more versatile and could potentially replace some of your other cleaning tools. Our best splurge pick, the Black+Decker 7-in-1 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner, includes 11 attachments, including an intuitive steam glove.

Portability

A steam mop that is too cumbersome to use, or that tires your arm out after just a few minutes, will not do you much good in the long run. For each of our picks, we considered how easy it is (or isn't) to move the tool and clean with it around your space. The item's size and weight are the main factors that influence how easy they are to move, but there are design elements to consider, too.

For example, our best lightweight pick, the Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop, can't fit under low furniture well. Models with wheels or an included stand, so you can easily set the mop down, can also be helpful if you plan on having longer cleaning sessions.

Person holding the True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop STM-500

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Standout Features

Power Switch

We heartily agree with our tester who lamented the absence of on-off switches on many steam mops. As it turns out, it's not uncommon for the electrical cord to be the mop's main power switch. Or, in some cases, the power switch can be encased in plastic, making it more inconvenient. We love to see a tool with easy, accessible buttons or switchers that simplify its on-off process. Notably, our best lightweight recommendation, the Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop, has an easy button placement that made the mop easier to use.

Storage Stands

If you're in the middle of using your steam mop, there's a whole host of reasons you may not want to set it down on the floor. A stand, or at least a carefully balanced design, helps with this issue, but these features are, unfortunately, not standard with every mop. Among the picks here, we love our best overall, runner-up pick's—the Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop—stand in particular. We found it helpful in inserting the water tank.

Hand removing dirty mop pad from the Shark Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner S1000
The Spruce/Dera Burreson
FAQ
  • How do you use a steam mop?

    Once you've vacuumed, prepare your steam mop by filling the water tank. Once you've vacuumed, prepare your steam mop by filling the water tank with distilled water and letting it heat up. Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, an internationally recognized home-cleaning expert, and the author of 30 Days to a Clean and Organized House, notes, "Filtered water, such as that from a Brita or fridge dispenser, is also fine—the idea is just to ensure there are no minerals like those in water directly from the tap." The minerals can build up in your appliance, compromising its effectiveness and lifespan.

    Your steam mop will usually let you know when it's ready to go (typically by a light on the handle). Choose your desired level of steam output, starting with the lowest setting. If you have a tough stain to tackle, work your way up to a stronger output. If your pad becomes dirty, have clean ones on hand to change out while using. That way, you won't be smearing any excess dirt or grime onto the floor.

    Steam mops come in different shapes and sizes, and most have an adjustable steam output. However, you'll want to think about the task you're trying to complete before you start it. "Steam mops are typically not the best for dealing with dust, hair, and other dry debris on floors, so be sure to sweep and/or vacuum before steam-mopping for best results," says Cohoon. "Also, be sure to leave adequate dry time for floors to ensure the shiniest sparkle."

  • Can you put floor cleaner in a steam mop?

    Although there are some dual-function steam mops on the market that use both water and cleaning solution, for most models, you should not put floor cleaner in a steam mop. Most steam mops are designed to be used with water and nothing else. The hot, high-powered steam does a great job of cleaning surfaces on its own.

  • Do you put hot or cold water in a steam mop?

    A general rule of thumb is to use cold water in your steam mop. Remember, the mop is programmed to perform the heating process quickly and efficiently. However, there are other recommendations. "Always use distilled water in your steamer, even if the manufacturer says you can use tap water. Tap water can leave mineral deposits inside the machine that eventually clog the steam holes and make it stop working." says Homer.

  • Can you use a steam mop on pet odors and stains?

    We don't recommend it, because the heat can potentially worsen your situation by further setting the stain and smells into your carpet or upholstery fibers. Although the industry is a bit divided on the topic, with many brands and steamers marketing to pet owners and promising trouble-free results, we still recommend steam-free methods for taking care of pet messes.

Person cleaning stains off of wood flooring using the Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is a commerce writer for The Spruce who has written professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She's covered cleaning tools from steam mops to robot mops, and upholstery cleaners and steam cleaners. When putting together this roundup, Ogden sorted through testing data from The Lab, and considered each steam mop's ease of use, steam output, capacity, additional features, practicality, and customer reviews.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Common Questions About Cleaning Hardwood Floors. Hardwood Distributors Association.

  2. How to remove pet odors and stains. Humane Society of the United States.