Best Steam Mops

best steam mops

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


Are you tired of scrubbing your floors with a mop and bucket? Then why not make your life easier with a new steam mop? These cleaning devices use the power of steam to break down dirt and destroy germs fast, without the need for chemicals. Not sure which is the best option for your home? Our in-depth reviews and buyer’s guide should help.

How We Compared Steam Mops

To find the right steam mops, we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Weight
  • Floor Suitability
  • Heat-Up Time
  • Ease of Use
  • Versatility

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Steam Mop Reviews

Vileda Floor Steamer (Editor’s Choice)

First on our list is this feature-packed model, our Editor’s Choice. With its fast action, ease of use, and a range of valuable additions, it is a great pick for any home. It can kill 99.9% of germs quickly without the need for harsh chemicals, which makes it ideal if you have children or pets in the house. 

The Vileda steam mop, boasting a generous 400ml water tank, can hold plenty of fluid for long cleaning sessions of up to 28 minutes. Once switched on, it is heated up and ready to go in just 15 seconds, so you can rapidly tackle any messes. And as it’s compatible with all types of sealed hard flooring, including tile and laminate, you can use it all around your home. 

This model features a lightweight design that’s effortless to carry. The pointed head helps you to get into nooks, corners and crevices for a thorough, hygienic clean. It also comes with a set of carpet glider pads for tackling dirty carpets easily. The range of settings allows you to control the steam output and tailor it to your needs. Whether you are dealing with a nasty spill or simply sprucing up your floors, this steam mop can do it all.

Pros:

  • Generous 400ml tank
  • Fast heat up
  • Up to 28-minute usage time
  • Steam output control
  • Lightweight design

Cons:

  • The floor may take some time to dry after use
  • The handle could be more comfortable

Shark Floor & Handheld (Luxury Choice)

Are you looking for an all-in-one steam mop that can tackle almost any surface? Then check out our Luxury Choice. It is cleverly designed for use on floors and above, so you can easily complete all the chores. 

The Shark Floor & Handheld steam cleaner requires only water to sanitise your floors and destroy up to 99.9% of household bacteria. The long handle makes it easy to manoeuvre, while the wide double-sided cleaning head covers a large area with each pass. If you encounter stubborn muck, the steam blast mode is perfect for breaking it down for simple removal. And once one side of the head is dirty, just “kick and flip” the head over to use a fresh side hands-free. 

However, perhaps the best feature of this product is its “Lift Away” mode. Ideal for kitchen counters, shower doors or ovens, it converts into a convenient handheld steam cleaner at the click of a button. Complete with a concentrator nozzle, crevice tool, scrubbing tool, copper brush and handheld pad for surfaces, it is an excellent choice for effortless household cleaning.

Pros:

  • Double-sided head
  • Kick and flip, hands-free feature
  • Steam blast mode
  • Converts into a handheld cleaner
  • It comes with a wide range of attachments

Cons:

  • It may feel quite heavy
  • The power cord could be longer

Russell Hobbs RHSM1001-G (Best Value)

Our best value choice boasts a simple yet effective design that can clean your floors fast with little fuss. The tilting head sweeps around surfaces and gets into tight corners with ease. The dual microfibre pads are also machine washable for convenience. 

Lightweight and comfortable to use, this model is great if you have a big floor area to cover. The water tank holds 380ml and lasts up to 25 minutes of cleaning – plenty for all but the largest homes. It heats up fast in just 15 seconds, and the 5-metre cord gives you generous reach. 

With 1189-1416 watts behind the steam output, this pick is powerful enough to tackle dirt on all sealed floors and carpets. Like other products we have seen, this steam mop also kills up to 99.9% of nasty bacteria and germs without the need for harsh chemicals. It doesn’t include many attachments, but it comes with a useful measuring jug for easy filling.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design
  • Lasts for up to 25 mins
  • Ready to use in 15 seconds
  • Machine washable pads
  • Tilting head

Cons:

  • Instructions could be better
  • The handle may feel a bit flimsy

H2O HD (Best for Versatility)

If you’re looking for a super convenient option that can do it all, check out our pick for the best versatile product on the market. It can clean both floors and above, so it’s a hassle-free solution to household chores. 

The best feature of the H2O HD is its ability to quickly convert from a standard upright to a handheld steam cleaner in seconds. It is simple to manoeuvre and is suitable for use on stone, slate, marble, tiles, glass, carpets, sealed hard floors and even upholstery. With this mop, you can almost clean your home from floor to ceiling using just one appliance. It heats up rapidly, too, so you’re ready to get going in just 15 seconds. 

In addition, it boasts 1500 watts of power, so you can enjoy effective results with intense steam generation. Choose from three settings to destroy dirt, kill bacteria and deodorise smelly fabrics easily. It comes with a range of attachments for efficiency and folds away for simple space-saving storage.

Pros:

  • Converts to a handheld steam cleaner
  • 1500 watts of power
  • Three steam settings
  • Folds for easy storage
  • Suitable for a wide range of surfaces

Cons:

  • Removing or replacing the tank stopper may be awkward
  • It may leave floors a little wetter than preferred

Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic (Best for Ease of Use)

If simplicity and hassle-free operation are most important to you, then you should take a look at this option. Our favourite easy-to-use choice, this steam mop features a range of controls and a clever design to maximise your cleaning. 

The Shark Klik n’ Flip is not only powerful, but it’s also created with the user in mind. The microfibre pads come with “dirt grip technology” to grab muck and remove it from surfaces in just one swipe. It’s great for small patches. But if you want to tackle a larger space, just kick the head to flip it over and double the cleaning area. This feature is perfect for getting tasks done fast. It also means you don’t need to touch a dirty mop head either. 

It has a steam blast mode for tough dirt and a selection of three steam settings, so you can pick whichever suits your needs best. It’s suitable for all hard, sealed floors, tile and marble. Therefore, it’s a good choice for use all over your home. The 6-metre cord provides plenty of flexibility, and you can clean the included pads in the washing machine.

Pros:

  • Dirt grip technology 
  • Double-sided pads
  • Flip to clean twice the area
  • Steam blast mode
  • 6m power cord

Cons:

  • It may not stand up on its own
  • It might struggle to reach stains between tiles

Vax Fresh Combi Multifunction (Best Convertible)

If you need a multi-purpose option that ticks all the boxes, look at our best convertible pick. This model can deliver powerful cleaning with steam and detergent, so you can attack stubborn dirt. 

The Vax Fresh Combi can be used as a standard upright but also converts to a handheld steam cleaner at the touch of a button. This detaches from the side of the main unit and is perfect for breaking down grime in ovens or nasty scum on bathroom tiles, taps or mirrors. When used for floors, the head of this mop is cleverly angled so that you can access tight corners easily for a thorough clean. It also comes with an integrated scrubbing brush for those challenging tasks. 
Capable of heating up in only 15 seconds, this is a great pick if you have a busy lifestyle. It also includes a 15-piece accessory kit that you can store on the back of the unit for simple access and efficient results every time.

Pros:

  • You can use it with both water and detergent
  • Detachable handheld steam cleaner
  • It comes with a range of accessories
  • Heats up in just 15 seconds
  • Angled mop head for corners

Cons:

  • The water tank may be too small 
  • It might be too heavy for some

Shark Steam Mop Pocket Mop (Best Lightweight)

If you hate the thought of hauling around a heavy appliance when doing your chores, this lightweight option is a perfect choice. With an overall weight of 1.8kg, this steam mop allows you to clean your home thoroughly without fatigue. 

Like others in their range, this Shark Steam Mop comes with reusable dirt grip cleaning pads that can be washed in your machine after use. Each one is designed to grab onto as much grime as possible so you can lift muck in just one pass. A smooth pump action controls the on-demand steam flow, effectively removing dirt from all hard sealed floors with no fuss. The mop head is also specially shaped to get into all nooks and crannies, so you won’t miss a spot. 

As it is so lightweight, this steam mop is very comfortable to use. Manoeuvring it around your floors feels easy, and the pads are simple to attach and detach in seconds. The removable water tank unclicks effortlessly and, at 375ml, offers a generous capacity.

Pros:

  • Lightweight at just 1.8kg
  • Reusable dirt grip pads
  • On-demand steam flow
  • Angled mop head

Cons:

  • Pump-action steam may become frustrating
  • It cannot free stand, which could be a problem for some

How to Choose a Steam Mop

Before settling on your final purchase, take a moment to read through our buyer’s guide. In this section, we look at the most important features to consider before making your choice, so you can be certain you have selected the right one for your needs. 

Weight

Take the time to check out the weight of your potential steam mop. Lightweight models are better if you have a large area to clean or for the elderly and those with low upper body strength. Even if none of these applies to you, consider whether you would feel comfortable pushing that weight around every time you need to clean your floor. 

Floor Suitability

When choosing the right steam mop for you, it is crucial to check which types of flooring it is compatible with. Many mops are suitable for most types of hard sealed floors, such as tile, varnished wood, laminate and marble. Other models may also be used on carpets, textiles and upholstery. Consider what areas of your home you would like steam-clean, and keep this in mind when shopping. 

Heat-Up Time

Heat-up time is an important feature to check out before buying. The faster your steam mop heats up, the quicker you can start cleaning and finish your chores. Some options can heat up in as little as 15 seconds – perfect for those days when you’re in a rush. 

Ease of Use

Does the water tank come away and reattach easily? Can you remove and replace the cleaning pads in just a few seconds? Are the controls simple to understand? Is the unit comfortable to manoeuvre into those troublesome tight spots? The last thing you want is to buy a steam mop and then discover it’s a hassle to use every time you need it. 

Versatility

Some steam mops are multifunctional, which is ideal if you prefer all-in-one appliances. Models which can be converted into handheld steamers are great for tackling high surfaces, shower curtains or even cleaning the inside of ovens. In contrast, those with various heads are perfect for destroying the toughest stains.

Summary

Our overall favourite and Editor’s Choice is the Vileda Floor Steamer Mop. It offers a generous 400ml tank, so you can enjoy a long cleaning time of up to 28 minutes per fill. It heats up rapidly for quick results, and the steam output controls ensure it’s easy to use, even on tough messes. It’s also lightweight and comfortable to manoeuvre, making it ideal for sanitising and cleaning your floors without fuss.

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