The best steam mops of 2024, tested and reviewed (2024)

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The best steam mop simply uses just water to produce steam to help loosen grime on floors. They clean and sanitize floors without the use of chemicals. Some even come with attachments for cleaning grout, appliances, or windows, making them an extremely versatile and powerful part of a cleaning routine.

We tested five steam mops with various stains on several types of flooring to determine the three best steam mops and also spoke to cleaning and flooring experts for tips on choosing and using a steam mop. Our top pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mopperformed well and is lightweight and easy to use, but it doesn't come with any attachments. If you're after extra cleaning attachments for even more versatility, we like the Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop, which has nearly a dozen tools for cleaning appliances, countertops, grout, windows, and more.

While best steam mops will transform the way you clean, note 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 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 for pets: Bissell 15441 PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop -See at Amazon

Best for delicate floors: Shark Steam & Scrub S7001 Steam Mop -See at Amazon

Best overall

Lightweight yet powerful, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe checks a lot of boxes without being overly pricey. If you're just looking for a floor cleaner, it's a solid choice, but note that it doesn't come with any attachments.

The PowerFresh Deluxe performed well in most of our cleaning tests, except for the egg yolk, which all the machines struggled with to some extent. However, it did well with the mustard, though it couldn't remove the set-in stains on some surfaces. (No steam mop we tried was able to.) It easily cleans honey without leaving a sticky residue behind.

The PowerFresh comes with two washable microfiber pads, one of which is nubbier and meant for spills and stains that are harder to clean. Though, what really improved the cleaning performance was removing the mop head to use a brush attached to the mop's body. It's a bit like a scrub br

ush with bright orange bristles that you don't have to get on your hands and knees to use. This is a hands-free operation, though you need to turn the mop off first so you don't release steam while your foot is nearby.

There are light and heavy steam outputs that you change with the press of a button. The machine takes about 30 seconds to heat up after you press the power button. An accompanying measuring cup is used to fill the generous reservoir. One drawback is that you can't remove the tank to empty it if you have water left over after you're done cleaning. The 19-ounce tank should give you around 25 to 30 minutes of cleaning, so you may not want to fill it up for quick jobs.

The Deluxe is responsive and maneuverable. It also stands on its own for easier storage. If you like scent while you clean, there's a tray for included scent discs that release fragrance while steaming.

Assembly was quick and straightforward, though you will need a screwdriver.

Best for pets

It should serve you well if you're mainly using it as a floor mop, but the real reason to buy the Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off model is for all its attachments. It is equipped with nearly a dozen of them, including brushes, scrapers, and nozzles for various tasks. While marketed for pets, the tools are useful in animal-free homes, too.

An all-around good cleaner, the PowerFresh Pet earned high marks on all our tests, doing the second-best job on egg and mustard. It did leave some traces of sticky residue in our honey tests though. Like the PowerFresh Deluxe, the PowerFresh Pet comes with two reusable microfiber pads, a smooth one for everyday use and a textured one for tougher messes.

The PowerFresh Pet comes with three brushes, two for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. The bristles are different colors so you don't mix them up, which is a nice touch. You also get a scraper, grout tool, and fabric steamer. There's a bag for all the attachments, which makes them easier to store.

The tools lock firmly into place so they don't twist when you're using them. We were especially impressed with how the grout brush dislodged a fair amount of gunk from under the rim of a supposedly clean sink.

This is the heaviest steam mop we tested. When the pod is separated from the base so you can use the attachments, it weighs about 4.5 pounds. This may fatigue some people. We also felt the PowerFresh Pet was a little stiff to maneuver when we used it in its mop form.

The location of the tank's fill hole is a bit awkward because you have to lay the pod on its side to pour water in, using a provided cup. This isn't as cumbersome when the pod is detached, but it's not as easy to fill as the PowerFresh Deluxe when it's on the mopping base. However, the disassembled pod is easier to empty. That's important if you don't want water sitting in the tank between uses.

Best for delicate floors

While we still wouldn't recommend using the Shark Steam & Scrub S7001 — or really any type of steam mop — on laminate, wood, or other water-and-heat-adverse floors, we liked the control it offered with its three steam levels. You can select between light, regular, and deep modes depending on what floor type you're cleaning.

The Steam & Scrub was one of the top performers when cleaning egg and honey but was toward the bottom of the pack for mustard. It has a unique design, with two circular pads that spin as you move the mop around the floor. This helps do some scrubbing work for you without being overly harsh on the surface underneath.

We found the spinning could sometimes tug the mop in a different direction than we wanted. That made the Steam & Scrub a bit more difficult to maneuver than some of the other mops on our list. Because the pads are round, it was impossible to get fully into corners, leaving small sections uncleaned.

Another distinctive feature of this Shark is its LED headlights. Not only are they useful for cleaning under furniture, but they also make any grime you're mopping more visible.

The tank is accessible for filling with the included cup, but it's not removable for emptying afterwards. It holds less than 11 ounces of water, enough for about 15 to 20 minutes of cleaning, depending on the steam level.

The mop can stand independently and comes with an extra set of cleaning pads.

What else we tested

What else we recommend

Shark Genius S6002 Steam Pocket Mop: This Shark steam mop did a fine job cleaning, but there were a few things that kept it from making the cut. First, it was the only mop we tested that couldn't stand on its own. That makes it more of a pain to store and to pause while cleaning. It only has a single level of steam, though you can get an extra burst by flipping the mop head over. The smaller triangular head was a great addition but not enough to make up for a pricey mop without many features.

What we don't recommend

Shark S1000 Steam Mop: While this is by far the cheapest steam mop we tested, and it cleaned about as well as its other Shark counterparts, 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.

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.

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.

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.