While we’ve seen a number of new flooring materials gain ground in recent years, hardwood flooring is still at the top of most homeowner’s wish lists. It can be an expensive addition to your home depending on the species and style you choose, but it’s one of the easier forms of flooring to keep clean.
Vacuums are an excellent choice for hardwood flooring, but they aren’t the only cleaning tools geared towards wooden floors. Dry mops can help you collect dust, while a wet mop will make your floors shine. Steam mops are also an option, which sent us on a quest to find the best steam mop for hardwood floors.
Whether someone suggested a steam mop for your hardwood flooring or you feel it may be a better fit than a spray mop, you need to understand how these machines work. Commonly confused with steam cleaners, a steam mop works in a different fashion and is “usually” geared towards floors, not garments or drapes.
In place of cleaning solution that’s commonly used in spray mops, a steam mop uses water and a cleaning pad to tidy up your floors. The mop heats water inside the holding tank to around 120 degrees, where it’s released by jets in the form of steam. A steam mop can have one or more jets, and some even have pads that are reversible or designed to scrub stains from hard surfaces.
A steam cleaner can disinfect while you clean and kill 99% of bacteria and germs on your floor… as long as it gets hot enough. That won’t be a problem with the best steam mops for hardwood floors, but it something to be mindful of with cheaper models.
Isn’t water bad for hardwood?
Water damage is the biggest concern for owners of hardwood flooring along with scratches or dents if you choose a softer species of wood. If you are considering a steam mop, make sure your hardwood floors are sealed or stick to a vacuum cleaner. While waxes and cleaners can leave residue behind, a steam cleaner that gets too hot or is overused can damage your hardwood flooring.
Cupping is only one issue you can encounter if the heat is turned up too high on hardwood. That’s why machines with multiple settings are essential for hardwood flooring. Simply put, there are better ways to clean your hardwood flooring that are much safer, but if you have your mind set on a steam mop, your hardwood has to be sealed, and the machine needs to have a low steam setting.
Shark is known for their innovation, and they have introduced some interesting features over the years. They haven’t been in the steam cleaning game for long but have two excellent options available, including the simple, but effective Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop.
With a slim profile and weight of 5.78 pounds when empty, the Genius Pocket mop is designed for ease of use. It has a large, round handle that will remain comfortable during extended use. It also has a cord wrap, unlike the PowerFresh slim, which allows you to keep things tidy during storage. A longer power cord would have been nice, however, as this one measures 22’.
You won’t have any issues pushing this steam mop around, and the tank capacity is solid at 11.8 ounces. This mop also has steam control, with three levels to choose from. That steam is directed towards the cleaning pads through the company’s Genius Head system, which uses direct steam channeling through multiple jets. If you have a tough stain to deal with, Steam Blaster technology will make short work of it.
Do you dread having to touch the dirty cleaning pads when you’re done with your floors? Well, it won’t be a problem with this mop. Its design allows you to drop a dirty pad into the bin without touching it, and the cleaning pads are double-sided as well. Their reusable pads are easy on hardwood flooring, but have a unique design that’s ideal for dust and dirt.
The Shark Genius Steam Mop has everything you could as for from a steam mop, while there have been some random complaints, it performs as expected and does an outstanding job on sealed solid surfaces like hardwood. This skinny steam mop comes with a 1-year guarantee from Shark.
Bissell’s Big Green lineup of steamers is popular in the commercial world, but some systems are ideal for the residential side of things as well. The Big Green PowerSteamer is one of those cleaning systems, and while it isn’t fancy, it is a true workhorse.
This steam mop looks rather simple, but as is often the case, looks can be deceiving. This well-built machine has a sturdy, thick power cord that’s 30’ long. It’s capable of cleaning an entire floor depending on your layout, and the capacity is also impressive. The water tank holds 15 ounces of H20, which is well above the average.
You can clean a 12.5” path in one go with the Big Green. It’s heavier than some systems with a weight of 8.5 pounds but is easy to maneuver. Despite the simple design, the company managed to include a few noteworthy features on this steam mop. For stains, there is a swivel-head scrub brush on the back, although the big draw is digital steam control with three settings for low, medium, and high.
This steam mop won’t win any beauty contests, but it’s one of the best steam mops for hardwood floors. The only reason it didn’t take the top spot is the lack of features given the price, and the fact a 30’ cord is great, but definitely not for everyone. The Bissell Big Green PowerSteamer BGST1566 has a 1-year warranty for commercial use, so you can expect it to last for years in a residential setting.
The second steam mop from Shark on our list is a little different from our first from a design standpoint but just as effective on hardwood flooring. The Shark Lift-Away Pro Pocket mop has a lot in common with the Genius, but convertible which allows you to extend your cleaning range.
Three of the main features from the Genius are found on this mop as well. The Lift-Away Pocket has touch-free technology and makes use of the company’s rewashable double-sided cleaning pads. You’ll never have to wait for the machine to cool before changing pads, and you won’t have to touch those grimy cleaning pads.
Direct steam channeling is also present on their Intelli-Mop head with multiple jets that help keep the cleaning pad moist. You can attack stubborn stains with the Steam Blaster or remove the center for handheld mode and slap an attachment onto the steam mop. You can steam a garment with the included attachment, and it comes with a 3’ hose.
A 22’ cord powers this steam mop, and you won’t have to worry about filling the tank often as its 16 ounces. Cleaning path width is around 13” which is also best in class. The secondary triangular head is smaller, but perfect for tight spots or areas that require a little more elbow grease. Last, but certainly not least, are three levels of steam control.
The Shark Lift-Away isn’t the best option for some surfaces, but an excellent choice for hardwood flooring. Steam control and a large water tank are two reasons we like this steam mop, although the hands-free pad system is a huge perk as well.
Pros
13” cleaning path
Lift-Away mode
Touch-free pad changes
Large water tank
Cons
Warranty length
4. Bissell PowerFresh Slim Hard Wood Steam Cleaner
Bissell produces several styles of steam cleaners. While you’ll encounter a few of them on our list, the PowerFresh 2075A Slim is a fan favorite, and an option for homeowners in need of the best steam mop for hardwood flooring.
The Bissell PowerFresh Slim is one of the lightest convertible steam mops on the market. It only weighs 6.4 pounds so that you can take it anywhere in your home, including up the stairs. You will be tethered to the wall as it’s corded, but you will have a considerable amount of range thanks to the 25’ cord. The cleaning path is around 10” wide on this system.
While you can’t clean as much ground as you could with a wide microfiber mop, the 2075A heats up quickly and can get into some pretty small spaces. The mopping pads work well on hardwood, and you can control the steam through their steam on-demand system. Controls are set on the back of the unit and easy to reach.
The water tank on this steam mop isn’t the largest at 12 ounces, so you’ll need to refill if you have a larger home. Attachments are another advantage of this steam mop, especially if you have tile or other surfaces you want to steam clean. You’ll receive a flat scraper, two bristle brushes, an angle tool, grout tool, and a clothing steamer with the PowerFresh Slim 2075A.
Bissell covered all their bases with the PowerFresh Slim. It has a modern design, can quickly convert to a handheld steamer, and comes with a slew of useful attachments. The fact it has a trigger-based steam on-demand feature is a bonus for hardwood, and homeowners have been thrilled with its performance on their floors. The only negative on the 2075A is storage because of the design and the lack of a cord wrapping system.
Pure Enrichment makes a variety of home goods, including air purifiers and devices for heat therapy devices. While The Pure Enrichment Steam Cleaner isn’t technically a mop, its design allows it to work magic on hardwood floors, although it can do far more than that.
Unlike most of the steam mops on our list, you’ll need to pull the PureClean around behind you. It’s a canister style system with a massive water tank that holds 1.5 liters of water. The company claims you’ll get up to 45 minutes of cleaning time from this steam machine, which is more than enough time to go through an average-sized home from top to bottom.
The cleaning wand can be shortened or lengthened, depending on what you need to clean. The head is triangular, as are the cleaning pads, so you can get into some pretty tight spaces. When not in use, the PureClean can be broken down to a degree for compact storage. The 16’ cord wraps around the back while the handle locks onto the top of the machine. It’s convenient but still more substantial than similar options at 15.4 pounds.
If you love attachments, canister-based cleaners are always a great choice, and the PureClean brings a lot to the table in that department. In comes with a triangle brush, squeegee, utility brushes, a brass brush, scrub pad, and two sections for the extension wand. It also comes with a measuring cup, funnel, and two cleaning pads to get you started.
While the PureClean Rolling Cleaner doesn’t have the widest cleaning path, it does an outstanding job on hard flooring surfaces, including hardwood floors. A trigger allows you to control the steam, and the extra tools will let you tackle everything from dirty tires and grout lines to the windows in your home. At 16’ long, several consumers found the cord a bit short, although most everyone has been impressed by its cleaning power.
Pros
1.5-liter water tank
5-year warranty
Above-floor cleaning capability
Over a dozen accessories
Cons
Cord length
6. Bissell PowerFresh Slim Hard Wood Steam Cleaner
Convertible cleaning systems are a popular choice with homeowners as they allow you to clean more than just the floors. That can be easier said than done with a steam mop if not properly designed, although Bissell managed to master that with the affordable PowerEdge Lift-Off hardwood floor cleaner.
The Bissell PowerEdge 20781 lives up to its namesake by allowing you to detach the pole and cleaning head. In handheld mode, you can tidy up appliances around your home or attach a tool that can clean grout or other small areas. Don’t expect any exotic accessories from this model, however, as there are only two tools included with a grout tool and scrub brush.
When you want to clean your hardwood, tile, or laminate, the triangular head on the PowerEdge is impressive. It glides across floors with ease and swivels so that it’s easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. The slightly oversized pads are easy on baseboards and washable as well. It’s the lightest steam mop on our list at 4.6 pounds, but also has one of the smaller tanks, unfortunately.
There’s a lot to like on the PowerEdge steam mop, including the removable water tank and its lightweight nature. We did see a few complaints on this model when it comes to tank size and cord length, something to keep in mind if you have a larger home. The lift-away feature is a bonus as well, even if this system is a little light on accessories.
Whereas some companies dabble in steam cleaners and introduce a few new models every so often, Dupray specializes in them. They are a premium brand, and while they don’t have traditional steam mops, you won’t want to overlook the Dupray Home Steam Cleaner.
This steam cleaner can produce more heat than the rest of the pack with a high temperature of 293 degrees. While you don’t need that much heat for hardwood, it has an adjustable pressure system so you can find a setting to suit your needs. It can heat up in less than 8 minutes, so it’s not the quickest, but you’ll be thankful for the tank.
Depending on the steam level, you’ll get up to 40 minutes of steam from this system. It has a stainless steel boiler that holds 34 ounces of water. You may have to dump the excess when you’re done, but you won’t have to refill it in an average-sized home. It’s smart enough to sense when the water gets low, has an automatic shut-off feature, and a childproof safety lock as well.
If you like accessories, you’ll love what comes with the Dupray Home Steam Cleaner. A wide floor head and triangular cleaning tool are included along with bonnets for each head. There are also a variety of brushes to go along with a window tool, lance, two extension tubes, and a variety of other goodies. It’s easy to use and only weighs around 9.5 pounds when empty.
If you need a powerful steam cleaner that can handle hardwood along with anything else inside or outside of your home, the Dupray Home is one to seriously consider. It’s a little pricey but has a solid 3-year warranty and a lifetime guarantee on the power cord. It also comes with one noteworthy negative. While this system can handle an entire home, you’ll need to plug it in when you switch rooms as it only has a 7’ power cord, although the hose adds an additional 5.7’ to your cleaning range.
Pros
Adjustable pressure levels
Automatic shut-off
Large stainless steel boiler
3-year warranty
Cons
The price tag
Cord length
How to find the Best Steam Mop for Hardwood Floors
If you’re not sold on a dry mop or spray mop for hardwood flooring, you’ll want to proceed with caution when choosing a steam cleaner. While we only chose the safer systems for our lists, there are a number of things to consider if you want to find the right fit for your home.
The Design
Are you a fan of high-tech appliances and home goods or prefer something a little simpler? The design of a steam cleaner has more to do with how it’s built than how many jets it has. That means you’ll have several form factors to choose from, and will need to decide whether a traditional system or a 2-in-1 is better suited to your needs.
Traditional steam mops are a cross between an upright and stick vacuum. They can hold a lot of water, and some models even have attachments that allow for above-floor cleaning. Cordless models aren’t a viable option with the limitations on battery power, but there are plenty of 2-in-1 systems that can convert into a handheld steamer as well. They can be more expensive but typically have more features.
What other types of flooring do you have?
Is your home completely covered in hardwood from front to back? If so, you’ll still need a stick vacuum or sweeper to compliment your steam cleaner. They don’t “suck” only steam, so you still need to deal with dirt, dust, and debris somehow. Consider other areas of your home before settling on a steam cleaner or setting a budget for your new purchase.
Steam mops are highly effective on tile and similar sealed surfaces, but pointless on carpet unless you’re just trying to freshen up a rug or it comes with a glider attachment. In other words, don’t overpay for something you will only use in a few rooms if you still need another system to handle the rest of your home.
Cleaning Heads
This part of a steam cleaner can go by many names, but the cleaning head is where the magic happens. Water converted to steam comes through the head, and it also serves as the attachment point for the cleaning pad. While a few models may have systems that make them easier to use, the width of the head is something you shouldn’t overlook.
How wide of a cleaning path a steam mop can achieve depends on the size of the cleaning head. Referred to as cleaning path width, this measurement lets you know how wide of a path your mop can cut through dirt. A larger head will cover more ground but isn’t always ideal when you have tight spaces to get into.
The Water Tank
When you think of the water tank on a steam cleaner, think about the size of your home. A system with a small water reservoir may be lightweight, but it may not be large enough to handle more than one room. Even a steam mop with a large tank can cause issues as well.
It could go through water quickly, depending on the design. That’s a problem we’ve seen many homeowners complain about with subpar steam mops. Leaks can be an issue on any system, regardless of the size of the tank, and any tank should be easy to access and fill.
Steam Control
As mentioned, some steam mops can go through water very quickly. That’s a common problem with models that provide continuous steam along with systems that aren’t designed well. Some of the best steam mops for hardwood floors will have a feature called steam on demand. It’s ideal when you want control over how much steam comes into contact with your floor, and handy when there’s a stubborn spot to scrub as well.
Height
Do you have to duck under doorways when you walk into a room? If so, the height of a steam mop could be an issue. Bending down to mop isn’t good on your back, so the height should be comfortable. Problems can obviously arise if you’re on the short side as well, but for completely different reasons. Unfortunately, most mops are one size fits all, which is great if you are of average height. If not, look for a mop with an adjustable handle or check the pole length beforehand.
Weight
Weight is also a problem with some homeowners, although steam mops aren’t necessarily known for being heavy. The average weight for most systems in this class is between 5 to 6 pounds, although we’ve seen several steam mops that weigh 12 pounds or more. That’s the dry weight, however, so you can expect a steam mop to weigh an additional 2 to 3 pounds when full of water.
A multi-use system like a vacuum mop can weigh more than a skinny steam mop. Stairs are also a problem for homeowners and steam mops. Moving heavy objects up a flight of stairs is never ideal, which is something to consider if you an upper floor with hardwood.
Ease of Use
The weight, height, and overall design of a steam mop can significantly affect how easy it is to use, but they aren’t the only areas of concern. Some mops have built-in scrubbers or scrapers, which you don’t want to use on hardwood, but will work miracles on dirty tile flooring. Something as simple as a well-designed trigger system can also have a large impact in the ease of use department.
With any corded cleaning device, make sure the cord is easy to wrap when it’s not in use. We’ve seen several cleaning machines that didn’t have a cord wrap for some bizarre reason, and others with ones so flimsy they give out within a month. Controls should always be easy to reach and on the handle or towards the top of the cleaner. You’ll also want to make sure your mop heats up fairly quickly, especially for quick or emergency cleaning sessions.
Cleaning Pads
Whether a steam mop weighs 5 pounds, has a 1-gallon water tank, or a 30-foot cord, every mop will have a cleaning pad of some sort attached to its end. More often than not, they will come with two or have a soft variant along with a “scrubby” pad that’s geared to remove stains and grime from your floor.
Having a variety in the types of mop pads available is nice, but the price is essential as well. Almost every steam mop we came across had washable pads that could withstand at least a dozen cycles or more in the washing machine. Eventually, you’ll need to replace them, so it’s a good idea to check on the cost of refills or third-party alternatives.
Accessories
Do you plan on cleaning anything else in your home with steam? Some steam mops can double as a steam cleaner, which comes in handy if you have tile floors or want to steam other things. Accessories allow you to accomplish that. You’ll be surprised by some of the available options, although you don’t need anything special to clean hardwood flooring with steam.
One of the more common accessories, which is still somewhat rare, would be a carpet glider. It allows you to “freshen” up rugs or carpet, but can’t replace a carpet cleaner. Grout cleaners are incredibly useful on tile, but useless on hardwood. The same goes for attachments, angled tools, or bristled nylon brushes. Look before you leap with accessories and consider what you’ll actually use.
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