We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 4 Best Steam Mops, According to Our Tests Our top picks steam away grime and bacteria to deep-clean your floors. By Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline is a writer and creator, passionate about making healthy eating and cooking accessible to all. She specializes in curating product roundups to give readers the best recommendations, from veggie spiralizers to kitchen towels. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 10, 2025 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews How We Tested Steam Mops Factors to Consider FAQ Other Steam Mops We Tested Our Expertise Credit: Food & Wine Cleaning your kitchen floors after dinner has never been so easy thanks to top-tier tools like specialized steam mops. A steam mop deep cleans floors, tackling what a kitchen broom and vacuum cleaner leave behind, by heating water and releasing it in the form of vapor to get your floors, grout, tiles, grills, and more throughout the house looking better than ever. “Consider what you want to clean with your steam mop to decide which potential accessories would be most beneficial,” says Aaron Christensen, Resident Cleaning Expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow. “Longer nozzles, grout cleaning brushes, and non-scratch floor pads are common steam mop attachments.” To find the best steam mops for every type of home and kitchen, we tested 18 models, paying attention to their ease of use, maneuverability, value, and effectiveness. And our top picks can work for multiple surfaces, from sealed hardwood floors to bathroom tiles. Our Favorite Steam Mop If we could only recommend one steam mop, it would be the Shark S6002 Genius Steam Pocket Mop. It earned top marks in our tests for its effectiveness, maneuverability, and ease of use. For an option ideal for hardwood floors, go for the Euroflex Vapour Pro M4S Steam Mop. Top Picks Best Overall Steam Mop: Shark Steam Pocket Hard Floor Mop System at Wayfair $140 Jump to Review Best Value Steam Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing and Sanitizing Steam Mop at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Splurge Steam Mop: SALE Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Steam Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum at Amazon $399 $249 Jump to Review Best Steam Mop for Hardwood Floors: Euroflex Vapour Pro M4S at Amazon $430 Jump to Review Best Overall Steam Mop Shark Steam Pocket Hard Floor Mop System Credit: Walmart $140 $120 at Wayfair $159 at Walmart Pros This mop is easy to store, has a rapid heat-up time so you can start steaming faster, and also cools down quickly when you’re done. Cons There was some residual staining left behind on the pad after washing and drying. From the quick setup process to its effectiveness as a stain remover, this Shark steam mop was a clear choice for our best overall pick. Thanks to its built-in Spray Pocket mop, it can easily transition from mopping up a quick spill to deep cleaning the entire floor. Plus, three settings allow you to adjust the amount of steam produced so you can tailor its output to your specific needs. If you’ve got a stubborn spot or stain that requires an extra, concentrated shot of steam, simply activate its Steam Blaster for a targeted hit. During our testing, the mop moved forward and backward easily and was able to get a close clean along straight edges on the floor. We did notice that it struggled to get into tight corners and around furniture with the regular mop head, but you can purchase a triangle mop head attachment that’s designed for those hard-to-reach areas. After it broke down tomato stains and soaked up sticky syrup, we appreciated the touch-free removal technology for the mop pad so we didn’t have to get our hands and/or fingers dirty when removing the used pad. The cord was just the right size for moving within one room without running out of length, but you will likely need to move around with it to hit every cleaning spot on your to-do list. Tank Capacity: 11.84 ounces | Adjustable Steam: Yes | Weight: 6 pounds | Cord Length: 22.4 feet | Included accessories/attachments: 2 Dirt Grip mop pads, Spray Pocket mop, and fill flask Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Value Steam Mop Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing and Sanitizing Steam Mop Credit: Walmart $120 $118 at Amazon $112 $88 at Walmart Pros This affordable option has adjustable steam output and a built-in scrub brush to tackle dried-on messes. Cons It struggled more than other top choices with set-in stains. If you have a smaller space to clean or are working with a tight budget, this Bissell model is for you. The flip-down easy scrubber gets into stains and stuck-on messes, and the mop pad soaked up liquid messes without a hitch during our tests. The intuitive settings feature on the front allows you to choose from different steam levels, and the lightweight body and small tank capacity make it a perfect choice if you’re living alone and aren’t ready to take the plunge with a more expensive option from this list. We found this mop to be incredibly simple to fill, with a water reservoir that slides out for easy pouring without a funnel. It also impressed us with its maneuverability as it slid effortlessly under tables and chairs thanks to a step-on lever that allows you to lower the handle so you can get into tight spots. We do wish that you could monitor the level of water in the tank during use, but it never ran out of steam during our tests. We also love that it cools down quickly after use, so you can spend less time cleaning up after your cleaning tools. Tank Capacity: 16 ounces | Adjustable Steam: Yes | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Included accessories/attachments: 1 soft pad and 1 scrubby pad Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Splurge Steam Mop Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Steam Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum Credit: Amazon $399 $249 at Amazon $599 $500 at Walmart $279 $399 at Tineco.com Pros This all-in-one wet/dry vac eliminated the need to vacuum or sweep separately before using the steam mop. Cons The initial setup took longer than expected. Steam mops are typically not equipped to also vacuum up physical dirt or debris, but this Tineco model is an exception to the rule. It features their Smart Sensor technology which adjusts suction power, water flow, and brush roller speed as needed to clean up messes of any kind. And you don’t have to worry about your mop water getting dirty because it has a dual-tank system that separates the dirty water from your fresh supply for cleaning. We were a bit confused about how to get this mop up and running at first, so the setup took us longer than we would have liked. But with a thorough read of the manual, we were able to get it running without issue. During our tests, it picked up debris like a breeze and was able to swivel and maneuver around easily from room to room. The spinning mop roller brush broke down and lifted larger pieces of food and dirt, and it powered through set-in stains and messes. After you’re done using it, the handy self-cleaning feature means you can quickly get it into storage and move on to the next task. Tank Capacity: 25.3 ounces | Adjustable Steam: Yes, automatic | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Cord Length: 26 feet | Included accessories/attachments: Dry filter, cleaning tool, storage tray, and replacement brush roller Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Steam Mop for Hardwood Floors Euroflex Vapour Pro M4S Credit: Amazon $430 at Amazon $600 at Target $600 at Euroflexproducts.com Pros This model is simple to use, even without prior knowledge of using steam mops. Cons The cord does not have a swivel and can get in the way if you are moving around quickly. Sealed hardwood floors are safe to clean with a steam mop, and this Euroflex model is just the right fit for the job. Thanks to its Ultra Dry Steam technology, it can offer the same deep-cleaning and sanitizing powers of steam while creating less moisture overall. So you don’t have to worry about any undue water damage to your beautiful wood floors, as long as you use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We loved how simple this mop was to set up, and we had no trouble filling the water tank thanks to the included bottle that inserts into the boiler opening and locks in while it fills the tank to the appropriate level. It powered through all the spills and tough stains we threw at it during our tests. When maneuvering through tight spaces there were some difficulties with the mop pad staying on the head and getting caught due to some excess fabric, but it didn’t hinder us from completing the job. The additional included accessories, like the various brush attachments and a detail nozzle, also helped this model secure a spot in our top picks for their added versatility and effectiveness. Tank Capacity: 20 ounces | Adjustable Steam: No | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Cord Length: 23 feet | Included attachments: 18 total, including microfiber pads, a carpet glider attachment, and two extension handles Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine How We Tested Steam Mops To determine the best steam mops available, we put 18 models through real-life situations to see how well they would perform in a variety of settings. This trial was only one of our many mop tests, which include nearly 80 models overall that we've put through their paces over years of testing. Starting with the setup process, each steam mop was evaluated based on how easy or difficult it was to assemble them, fill the water tank, and get them running according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the steam mops were set up, we tested their performance and ranked them according to their effectiveness at cleaning up various messes, including dried-on tomato sauce stains, sticky syrup, and more. We also ranked their maneuverability and general ease of use to see how easy or difficult they were to navigate around furniture and in hard-to-reach areas. If the mops came with included attachments, we also made use of them on our simulated messes to test how well they functioned. We then ranked the mops based on overall value by comparing their performance against their price to determine whether or not each steam mop's price was reflective of its value. Our top choices scored high in all categories across the board. Food & Wine Factors to Consider Floor Type If you've only worked with traditional mops or spray mops, steam ones have different considerations to think about. When shopping for a steam mop, it’s crucial to take into account the kind of surface you’ll be using it on since steam mops are not suitable for all floor types. It’s safe to use steam mops on these surfaces with proper care and application: Ceramic and porcelain tile: Steam mops can provide a solid clean on tiles and grout without causing damage.Water-resistant laminate: Water-resistant laminate floors are okay to be cleaned with steam mops when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.Sealed hardwood: Use a light steam setting on sealed hardwood to avoid any warping or water damage. Food & Wine Similarly, there are a few floor types that steam mops are not the best fit for: Vinyl and vinyl planks: Steam can seep through the seams between vinyl planks and cause lifting and other damage.Standard laminate: As with vinyl, steam can come through the seams in laminate flooring to cause damage and unwanted lifting.Unsealed hardwood: Unsealed wood can be warped or discolored if cleaned with a steam mop. Read its specifications carefully to determine if your steam mop is made for hardwood floors, tiles, and sealed or unsealed finishes. And then to be on the safe side, test on a small, inconspicuous corner before tackling the entire surface. Food & Wine Tank Capacity and Steam Output The tank capacity of your steam mop determines how much you can clean at once without having to refill with additional distilled water. All of our picks range from 11.54 to 54 ounces, which is a similar range to the average steam mop. Our Best Overall pick, the Shark Genius S6002 Steam Pocket Mop System, has the smallest capacity at 11.84 ounces. Just as the tank capacity can vary between mops, so can the steam output. Most steam mops have an adjustable steam output, which allows you to choose your level of steam from low to high. As you get used to using your steam mop, it will become easier to judge what setting is right for you and how high of an output you need to get the job done. Weight and Maneuverability Steam mops are typically not very heavy, with our top picks weighing between 6.2 pounds and 12.5 pounds. A steam mop that’s on the heavier side will be more difficult to use, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover and a large tank capacity as well. But even the lightest steam mop may not serve you as well in the long run if you can't hold it comfortably in your hand, easily maneuver it around and under furniture, or get into awkward spots. Food & Wine Accessories and Attachments Many steam mops come equipped with additional accessories and attachments beyond the standard mop pad, and figuring out how to best put them to use can be a game-changer when it comes to tackling the nooks and crannies in your kitchen. A small brush attachment can fit into tight corners, a grout brush attachment can transform your tile in multiple rooms, and a copper brush attachment gets your grill grates clean without heavy scrubbing. If they don't come included with your steam mop, they may be available for purchase separately. Maintenance and Storage Your steam mop will last for many cleaning sessions to come if properly cared for. Unplug your steam mop after use and let it fully cool down before removing the pads and tossing them in the washing machine. If there’s any water still in the tank, empty it prior to storing. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific directions for your model, which may include information about troubleshooting should any issues arise. Food & Wine Frequently Asked Questions Are steam mops worth it? Steam mops are not ideal for cleaning dry debris, so they require the extra step of sweeping or vacuuming before every use as you would before mopping with a standard mop and bucket. And although they can do a solid job of sanitizing surfaces as part of your regular cleaning routine, deep dirt or set-in stains may be more difficult to remove without also using traditional cleaning products. However, they can be much more effective than regular mops at giving your floors a deep clean. And if your model comes with additional attachments, such as ones for grout or upholstery, you can use them for many different applications besides just mopping. How do you use a steam mop? There are a few steps to take before getting started with your steam mop. First, fill your water chamber with distilled water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, attach the pads, and turn it on. Depending on the model, the time it will take to heat up may vary. Sweeping or vacuuming your floors before mopping is another crucial step. Steam mops are not designed to pick up dirt in the same way that a broom or vacuum does and will ultimately spread solid debris around. Once your mop is done heating and starts producing steam, it’s ready to go. “Steam loosens dirt and grime, which the mop pad then wipes away,” says Allison Hogan, cleaning product manager for Black+Decker. For the most part and depending on the model, “all you have to do is plug in the product and turn on the boiler to heat up the water (this typically takes less than 30 seconds on most models).” Is steaming floors better than mopping? It may be a personal preference at the end of the day to choose steaming floors over mopping or vice versa. “For many people, steaming the floor is an easier alternative to mopping. No water puddles that need to dry and no heavy bucket to lug around the house,” says Christensen.“Steam mops are a great cleaning option for efficiency seekers and those who love the satisfaction of a deep clean,” Hogan adds. “Like most powered cleaning tools, steam mops take a lot of the manual effort out of cleaning that you would experience with traditional mopping. [Another] benefit of steam mops is that you can often achieve germ kill with just water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, making these tools a convenient and safe choice for consumers.” Can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors? Since hardwood is an absorbent material, moisture can sometimes remain in it, causing warping or mold. If you do use a steam tool on hardwood, it’s important to make sure that the floor's seal is intact. Christensen advises that people “check that your flooring material will not be harmed by the high temperatures of the steam; certain laminate flooring, linoleum, and unsealed wood or stone are not suitable.” Can you put cleaner in a steam mop? It is generally not recommended to add a cleaning solution into a steam mop. Distilled water is the best option to prevent mineral buildup and prolong the life and effectiveness of your steam mop, or any appliance. “Except for a few specialized models, most steam mops simply use distilled water to clean and disinfect. Check your owners’ manual for more information,” says Christensen. Do steam mops disinfect and sanitize? The water in steam mops must be properly heated (around 200°F to 300°F) to not only clean effectively but also to sanitize surfaces. While sanitizing only reduces the number of germs present, disinfecting actually kills them, typically with the use of a disinfecting product. There is mixed information available about how long the steam needs to be held in one spot where germs and bacteria are present to actually kill them, and using a steam mop for a prolonged period of time in one area may cause damage to your floors. Other Steam Mops We Tested Strong Contenders Bissell Commercial Steam Mop ($180 at Amazon) This simple Bissell steam mop was easy to use and maneuver thanks to its slim design, but there is little to no opportunity to rinse the mop during the cleaning process. So a true clean without swiping any mess around may be hard to achieve. Bissell Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop and Handheld SteamShot ($160 at Amazon) We liked how lightweight and intuitive this model was to use. But it generally took more force to push through stains with this Bissell steam mop, and the rubber handle was not as comfortable to use as other options offered. McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner ($192 at Amazon) This was the heaviest of the models we tried and also took the longest to heat up, but it did work effectively once put to the test. Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop ($90 at Target) This steam mop by Shark was one of the most affordable models we tested and was easy to move around, but it doesn’t have a steam trigger or additional attachments to take it up a notch. Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop ($165 at Amazon) The placement of the water tank on this BISSELL model was a bit cumbersome to navigate, but it was overall easy to maneuver and use. Editor's note: A previous version of this story included the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, which has been recalled by the CPSC due to risk of burn hazards or serious injury. Consumers should stop using the recalled steam cleaner immediately and visit dupray.com for instructions on receiving a free replacement safety boiler cap. What Didn’t Make The List We tested several other steam mops, including more Bissell models and ones from brands like Ewbank and Costway. Many of those didn’t make the cut because of their inability to clean as effectively as some of our top performers and strong contenders. In addition, some had instructions that were difficult to follow, water reservoirs that were tough to fill, and generally did not maneuver well. Our Expertise Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over seven years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she took testing data into account to determine the best picks and spoke with Aaron Christensen, Resident Cleaning Expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow, to get more information about the best attributes for steam mops. Rachel Weingarten also contributed to this article, drawing from her own hands-on experience with testing out various steam mops to clean up far too many kitchen messes. She also consulted with cleaning experts, including Black+Decker's cleaning product manager Allison Hogan, for product recommendations and helpful insights on how to choose the right model and how to use steam mops properly. Explore more: What to Buy Cleaning Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit