When it comes to keeping your floors looking shiny and spotless, most people tend to reach for their trusted bucket and mop, as well as their favorite bottle of lemon-scented cleaning solution, in order to get the job done. But while these traditional tools are certainly effective, they aren’t necessarily the easiest or fastest options to work with, and those heavy chemicals and strong scents can be overwhelming as you endlessly breathe them in. Thankfully, newer technology is now able to offer you a different solution for tackling that never-ending dirt and grime that always seems to accumulate in your home, and if you’re tired of sloshing around water and leaving a wet trail behind you, then a modern steam mop might be the perfect choice for you. Able to get your floors sparkling clean with very little effort, steam mops are a more efficient, eco-friendly option for helping you maintain your home, and they completely remove the need for cumbersome buckets or harsh cleaning chemicals. Not only that, but because of the high temperatures generated, these impressive tools can effectively eliminate up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria, leaving your floors not only clean, but fully sanitized as well.  

However, with so many different steam mops available on the market, finding the right one for you can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, and it can quickly become confusing as you try to compare features, price points, and all of the endless accessories offered. This is why our buying guide was created, and if you’ve decided that you’re ready to upgrade from an old bucket to a fancy new steam mop, then this is the place to begin that journey. Delving deep to cover everything you need to know about steam mops, this article will look at all of the key aspects you’ll want to take into consideration as you shop, and will empower you to make a more informed decision about what meets your unique needs and preferences. From the various sizes to what surfaces they are compatible with, our comprehensive buying guide is here to demystify the world of steam mops, and will provide you with the clarity you need so you can begin confidently tackling your floors with ease. 

Surface Compatibility

Before you even begin considering the various steam mops that are available to you, the first thing you will need to figure out is what type of surfaces you plan on using it to tackle. Are you simply in the market for something that will replace your traditional mop and bucket and will be used solely to clean your laminate floors? Do you prefer something that is a bit more multi-purpose in its design and can help you eliminate built-up grime that’s accumulated in your tile grout lines? Or are you really looking to get your money’s worth and want a steam mop that doubles as a fabric steamer, effortlessly able to eliminate wrinkles from your favorite shirts and dresses? How you answer these types of questions will have a big impact on the style and model that ultimately fits your needs, and it's essential to consider the surface compatibility of a steam mop before making a purchase.

For the most part, almost any steam mop you select is going to ultimately be compatible with most types of hard flooring, which includes natural hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile surfaces. However, not all mops are designed in a way that allows them to be converted into handheld steamers for tackling grout lines or fabric, and if this is something you’re interested in, then you’ll need to find the model that gives you the versatility and freedom you require. Thankfully, with so many options out there, there truly is a steam mop for everyone, and as long as you’re doing your research, and narrowing down your options based on your actual requirements, you’ll be able to walk away with that perfect steam mop that will enable you to keep your floors sparkling, your grout lines spotless, and your clothes completely wrinkle-free. 

Steam Output & Temperature

One of the major differences you’re likely to notice when looking at potential steam mop models is that there is a big variation when it comes to how much steam they are able to produce, and how hot that steam is. While this may initially not seem overly important, the reality is that both output and temperature are critical factors in determining how effective a new mop will be, and if it doesn’t get hot enough, or steamy enough, then it may not be able to properly tackle dirt, grime, or bacteria that’s lingering on your floors. This is why you always want to be on the lookout for models that are able to achieve a maximum temperature of at least 200ºF, or if you’re shopping for a larger, more industrial version, a maximum temperature of closer to 300ºF. At this temperature range, steam mops become highly effective in not only cleaning but also sanitizing and disinfecting various surfaces, and when used correctly, should be able to properly eliminate up to 99.9% of all germs, viruses, bacteria, and allergens that currently plague your home. 

Alongside a hot enough temperature, it’s also important that your mop is able to produce enough steam to tackle a variety of tasks, as you won't always require the same level of output for every cleaning job. Heavily soiled floors, for example, are going to require a lot more steam power than routine maintenance cleaning, and you also won’t want a high output if you’re trying to de-wrinkle clothing or refresh upholstery. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to browse for options that offer you adjustable settings for steam output, and many models will allow you to choose between 2, 3, or even 4 levels so you can fine-tune the intensity based on your needs. These adjustable settings not only enhance the versatility of your steam mop but also contribute to its overall efficiency, and being able to customize your output will help to cut down on how often you need to refill the tank, and even extend the lifespan of your steam mop. 

Tank Capacity

Unlike a traditional mop, your new steam mop won’t require you to lug a heavy, soapy bucket behind you as you go about tackling your floors, and instead, all of the water you need will be neatly contained inside the built-in water tank that's attached to your mop. Because of this, how much water your new mop is able to hold is going to be a critical factor in your purchasing process, and it’s something you’re going to want to take into consideration before you make any final decisions. If you opt for a model with a water tank that is too small, you’re going to find yourself constantly having to pause while mopping, heading over to the sink, refilling, and then resuming the task at hand. Not only is this inconvenient, it’s incredibly time-consuming, and it ultimately defeats the purpose of upgrading to a steam mop in the first place. With that said, a tank that is too big is not only unnecessary but can add a lot of excess weight to your mop, and this can make it difficult as you move around between each of the different areas in your home. Ideally, you should try to aim for a water tank capacity that falls between 12 to 15 ounces, as this should give you sufficient water to clean a reasonably sized area without frequent interruptions.

Weight & Size

No one wants to be stuck lugging around a cumbersome and heavy cleaning tool as they try to tackle their household chores, and this is why the weight and size of the steam mop you select is something that needs to be carefully considered during the shopping process. In general, most people find that a steam mop that weighs around 5 to 8 pounds strikes a good balance between being lightweight and still providing enough cleaning power to be effective, and this tends to be the average weight of most models on the market. Likewise, you’ll also want to ensure the steam mop you end up with isn’t overly bulky in size, as you don’t want something that is going to take up a significant amount of space whenever you need to store it away. Slimmer, more compact designs are the best choice for easier storage and accessibility, and you may even be able to purchase a version that mounts to the wall for added convenience. 

Accessories

At its basic level, a steam mop is designed for one primary purpose - to clean and sanitize your floors efficiently. However, the inclusion of accessories can elevate its functionality and make it a versatile cleaning tool for various surfaces and tasks around your home, and many users find that the right accessories really do enhance their overall cleaning experience. But not all accessories are created equally, and not only can a lot of the available options end up being unnecessary, they can also clutter up your storage area as they sit around and collect dust in your cupboard. Because of this, it’s important to be discerning and choose accessories that genuinely add value to your cleaning routine, and this is something that can vary from person to person. With that said, there are some key add-ons that most people do find to be worth having on hand, and this includes, but isn’t limited to:

In some models, you may also have the option of adding on specialized scent discs that sit inside of the steam mop head and are able to create a fresh, floral scent that is similar to what standard cleaning products leave behind. While this isn’t necessary, it can be nice if you like your home to smell like it was just deep cleaned after you’ve finished mopping, and they can add a subtle aroma to your living space that a lot of people enjoy. However, these discs are something that need to be replaced on a very regular basis, so you’ll want to keep in mind the added cost of these items if you’re specifically looking for a steam mop that supports them. 

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the best steam mop is always going to be the one that you find yourself consistently reaching for when it comes time to tackle your dirty floors, and this is why it’s essential that you’re truly taking into consideration your own habits, preferences, and needs, before you settle on the right model for you. From how big your living space is to the types of surfaces you clean on a regular basis, there are a number of factors that will help you determine which steam mop is going to be the most effective and efficient option, and it just takes a bit of research and patience to find the one that suits you best. Remember to always look at the temperature range offered, how adjustable the output is, and what accessories are included, and in the end you’ll walk away with the perfect steam mop that will empower you to maintain your floors so they always look spotless and sparkling clean.