The best steam mops offer intense power to help you tackle even the most germ- and grime-ridden floors. In fact, they’re so powerful, regular mops—and even newfangled robot mops—just can’t hold a candle to most of them. That said, not all of these handy devices are created equally, and it’s important to do your research—or defer to ours—before making a purchase. (They’re also relatively pricey, so choosing the “wrong” model can cost you.) Our top pick for 2023 is Bissell’s PowerFresh Deluxe, which offers built-in spot-cleaning capability and is relatively affordable to boot.
Regular mops can't hold a candle to the best steam mops, which offer enough intense power to help ... [+] you tackle even the most grime-ridden floors. 10 In 1 Steam Mop
Of course, it’s important to note upfront that these cleaning accessories don’t work for every home. “While steam mops are amazing tools for cleaning tile floors, they aren’t compatible with all floor types,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Steam mops can actually damage vinyl floors, and they’re not recommended for all types of hardwood, either. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing one of these devices. If you do have the right flooring, though, these mops can be an impressive addition to your cleaning arsenal, says JustAnswer home and appliance expert Aaron Wilson. He notes that they’re “less labor intensive” than traditional mops. Ahead, find a list of the best steam mops on the market and prepare to take your home cleaning to the next level. (While you’re at it, consider our list of the best robot mops, best vacuum cleaners and best handheld vacuums.)
The Bissell Powerfresh Deluxe is loaded with features to help you get clean floors, all at a reasonable price. The mop features the specialized SpotBoost scrub brush to tackle stubborn dirt and mud—it’s built in and pops out with a push on the foot pedal. Once you’re done, simply pop it back in. At 6.4 pounds and with swivel steering, the mop is easy to maneuver around your home—even in nooks and crannies. Flip between two steam levels to tailor your cleaning power. There’s also the option to use fragrance discs and washes like Spring Breeze and Citrus to help freshen up your home. Use it on sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, tile, granite and marble floors to take out up to 99.9% of germs.
Don’t feel like pushing a ton of weight around your floor while you clean? The Shark S3501 is relatively lightweight, making it a breeze to use. The mop features 180 degree swivel steering to help you clean hard-to-reach spots, along with the ability to be fired up and ready in just 30 seconds. It also has a soft-grip handle and padded neck for your comfort. Another cool feature: The mop head is fully covered by a pad, so you can flip the head to keep on cleaning during longer sessions without needing to change the pad out.
The Hoover Complete Pet Steam Mop features “SteamClean” technology, which the manufacturer claims will allow you to target stains on tile and grout before mopping them up. A unique triangle-shaped head also allows users to glide into corners and over bumpy tile without worrying about the mop head spinning around or getting stuck. This mop is loaded with extras, too: It includes 10 multi-purpose tools, so you can tackle upholstery, carpet, windows and even appliances. And pet owners, take note: This Hoover option also cleans and deodorizes pet messes to keep your place from smelling like a kennel. Use it on carpet, tile, sealed hardwood and other hard sealed surfaces.
At over $200, the Bissell Symphony is certainly on the pricier end of steam mops, but that higher price might be worth it: The mop offers the unique ability to vacuum and steam your floors at the same time, along with specialized features that pet owners in particular will appreciate. A “Drop-It” tank emptying system lets you dump out gunk without getting your hands dirty, and there are disposable pads for cleaning up pet messes (you’ll also receive some washable microfiber pads for everyday use). Meanwhile, odor-fighting scent discs help freshen up your place after your pet makes a mess. Use this device on sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, granite and marble floors.
This Black + Decker steam mop is loaded with attachments to give you cleaning options. There are attachments designed to target grout, grates, glass, clothes and even one that slips around your hand so you can scrub and steam counters, your fridge and tiled walls at the same time. The machine heats up in just 20 seconds, making it one of the faster options out there. There’s even an extension pole to adjust the machine to your height. At just six pounds, the mop is also easy to push around your floors without giving you a sore arm.
The PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1 is a longtime Amazon bestseller that can navigate sealed hardwood floors, tiles, marble, ceramic and porcelain tiles, along with clothes and glass. It fires up in just 30 seconds and has three adjustable modes to help you get the ideal level of power for the task at hand. Another nice perk: This mop uses tap water, so you don’t need to constantly remember to order detergent. Enjoy attachments like a window squeegee and various nylon brushes. There’s even a handheld steamer that detaches from the machine itself.
For most buyers, yes—but the answer to this question ultimately depends on the various types of flooring you have within your home. “Steam mops are a great option for people who have tile flooring,” Micetich says. “They’re convenient, quick, thorough and fast-drying, making them an ideal way to clean tile floors.” These mops can also be helpful for people who have trouble repeatedly bending over to wring out traditional mops, she points out. Finally, as Wilson adds, steam mops are also “great for cleaning and sanitizing floors,” along with removing stains and some discoloration.
They can, which is why steam mops aren’t recommended for vinyl floors. “The hot steam released by a steam mop can penetrate vinyl and cause damage,” Micetich comments. Specifically, the steam can bend and warp vinyl and even loosen the glue that holds the flooring together. Keep in mind that this is true for all types of vinyl floors, including vinyl planks. While steam mops can generally be used on sealed floors, Wilson says you should be wary of using them on hardwood as well.
A lot depends on your goal and how much work you’re willing to put into cleaning. “Steaming is typically better than mopping,” Wilson says. “It is less labor intensive, as well as quicker and more efficient.” As Micetich adds, “Steam mops are gaining popularity because they’re convenient and easy to use, but they don’t always do a better job than mopping the old-fashioned way.” Again, steam mops are not compatible with all floor types; however, they do allow you to sanitize your floor without any harsh chemicals.
Zack O'Malley Greenburg is senior editor of media & entertainment at Forbes and author of four books, including A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley and the Jay-Z biography Empire State of Mind. Zack's work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Billboard, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, McSweeney's and the Library of Congress. In over a decade at Forbes, he has investigated topics from Wu-Tang Clan's secret album in Morocco to the return of tourism in post-conflict Sierra Leone to the earning power of Hip-Hop's Cash Kings, writing cover stories on subjects ranging from Richard Branson to Ashton Kutcher to Katy Perry. A former child actor, Zack played the title role in the film Lorenzo's Oil (1992) and arrived at Forbes in 2007 after graduating from Yale with an American Studies degree. For more, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, newsletter and via www.zogreenburg.com. Got a tip on a music, media & entertainment story? Send it over via SecureDrop. Instructions here: www.forbes.com/tips
I’m a digital media executive recognized for building engaging content experiences that delight and inspire audiences. As Chief Product Officer of Forbes, I lead a team of world-class product managers, designers, e-commerce leaders, and other experts focused on building the products that shape the Forbes brand across the web, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.
I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.
For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.
I am an accomplished author, journalist, and photographer who specializes in consumer technologies. Please visit my website at www.JasonRich.com and check out my eBook, \"iPhone 14 Pro Max Digital Photography\" (www.iPhoneBookShop.com). I am also the author of The Remote Worker's Handbook (Entrepreneur Books) that'll be published in March 2023.
For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.
Drew Zieff is a Tahoe-based, globe-trotting freelance journalist, lifelong snowboarder, part-time vanlifer, and self-proclaimed powderhound. He's Backcountry Magazine's Rider In Chief, where he directs their annual splitboard test. He's a regular contributor at Outside, where he directs their annual snowboard test in the winters and covers shell jackets and car camping gear in the summers. He also covers gear, culture, and travel for publications like Whitelines Snowboarding, REI, Gear Junkie, Snowboarder's Journal, Popular Mechanics, and more. When he's not chasing winter—or writing about it—you can find him mountain biking on the trails behind his house or cruising the coast in his custom-built 2006 Chevy Express, hunting for waves.
Electric Mop Cleaner For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.