There is a system built to clean any type of flooring you have in your home, whether it’s cork, hardwood, carpet or tile. Depending on your layout, you may be able to handle every room with one machine, but tile can pose a unique problem for homeowners.
Tile is easy to sweep or vacuum, but requires a little something extra when dirt and stains being to soil its surface. When you want to keep tile floors clean, a mop is an excellent option, but the best steam mop is capable of sanitizing your floors while leaving them streak-free.
Sponge mops are a quick way to clean up spills on certain types of surfaces, but a steam mop works to clean your floor in an entirely different way. Instead of using solvents, water is added to a reservoir in a steam mop where it’s heated to high temperatures. The steam comes through jets on the bottom of the mop and moistens a cleaning pad, which is used to remove dirt, grime and stains from tile floors in your home.
If the system gets the water hot enough, it can help kill bacteria on your floors. They can cut through tough stains with ease as well, but the cleaning pad will need to be changed. A steam mop is no replacement for a vacuum, and you’ll need something else for pet hair, but they serve a completely different purpose and can cut your cleaning time in half.
How to find the Best Steam Mop
Capacity and cord length are the two most important areas to keep an eye on when looking for a steam mop in most consumers’ minds. Well, those are two very important specifications, but there are several other areas you’ll need to consider as well.
Ease of Use
We don’t feel that steam mops are difficult to use, although they can require a little more work than a simple stick vacuum. Weight can be a concern if the mop has an awkward, unbalanced design. That can happen with convertible mops, but the cleaning head can cause much bigger issues. A well-designed system should have vents that allow steam to flow freely and a tank that never leaks.
It should also be easy to get into corners, and refilling the reservoir on the steam mop should also be simple. It’s also important to look for a mop that’s comfortable in hand, and comes with a good cord wrap. That’s something missing from a number of otherwise solid steam mops. Hands-free pad systems are rare, but a feature we would definitely like to see more of.
Design
A good steam cleaner isn’t necessarily cheap, especially compared to a spray mop or budget-friendly upright vacuum. There also aren’t many options from a design standpoint, although the form factor can increase the price of a steam mop.
If you are not a fan of corded cleaning devices, cordless steam mops are an option. You’ll need to pay a premium for those systems, however, and could be held back with battery life. A traditional upright is the cheapest style of steam mop, while a 2-in-1 that converts to a handheld is typically on the high end of the pricing spectrum.
Choosing between a standard and convertible steam mop is a decision that most homeowners struggle with, but we’ll make it simple. Do you actually need a steam cleaner to fresh up your drapes or sanitize a countertop? If so, choose a 2-in-1 and pay close attention to the attachments. Otherwise, focus on mops that are designed for floors instead of other areas.
Cleaning Path Width
Steam cleaning is easier than vacuuming in many cases, but it can still wear you out if you pick an awkward mop. A poor design can do you in, but so can a small mop head. Unfortunately, you can’t judge that based on a mops dimensions, so look for a specification called cleaning path width.
Whether you find that number depends on the manufacturer, and it can be like hunting for a needle in a haystack. A mop with a small cleaning path width shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but it can slow you down in a big room. In our research, we found that most steam mops have a head between 8 to 12” wide, although several exceed that range.
Capacity
Whether you’re shopping for the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood or need a spray mop for laminate flooring, capacity is important. With vacuums, it refers to how much dust a machine can hold before you need to empty the bin. It’s the opposite with steam cleaners and wet mops. The tanks on these cleaners will require a refill when they run dry.
How large the water tank is on a steam cleaner can dictate how long or how many rooms you’re able to clean before needing to stop and top of the tank. That process is usually simple, but capacity on these mops can vary wildly. Just like with cleaning path widths, there is no perfect number, but bigger is better if it doesn’t add too much weight.
Cord Length
Unless you plan on picking up a cordless steam mop, cord length is another specification to keep an eye on. We chose machines with long cords that should satisfy most homeowner’s needs, but cord length can have a big impact on cleaning time. In other words, you should never have to stop and unplug your wet mop to finish out a floor.
Cleaning Pads
There are two things all steam mops have in common – water tanks and cleaning pads. We’ve already told you how important the water tank is, and we would be remiss to overlook the plush pads on the end of steam mops. They can vary in size and shape, just like heads from different manufacturers, but all should last through at least a half-dozen cleanings.
The main thing to think about with cleaning pads is the cost of replacements and how long they may last. None are considered cheap if they are well-made, but you can find a variety of third-party alternatives that work with various steam mops. Outside of a few oddballs, most come in multipacks and are machine washable.
Features
Steam cleaners and steam mops are simple cleaning tools. That means they don’t require a lot of cutting-edge tech to do their jobs. Unfortunately, you won’t find nearly as many fun features on these machines, although there are a few that can make an impact.
Steam on demand is a popular option, but it can be hard to find with some brands. These systems typically have a trigger-based system or a button for steam whereas others let off a continual stream. There are also steam mops with preset steam levels like low, medium and high.
The only other common feature we’ve found that’s worth your time are spot cleaners. Scrapers and scrubbers are popular, and can quickly remove stubborn stains. Mops that use a concentrated blast of steam also work well alongside microfiber cleaning pads.
The Best Steam Mops for Tile
Finding a good steam mop can be difficult, even if there aren’t as many options to dig through as you’ll find with upright vacuums or wet mops. To find the best of the bunch, our team poured through all the new models along with older best-sellers to see how they held up in several key areas. We took verified user reviews and expert testimony into account as well, along with homeowners’ budgets and needs.
Shark may be known for their vacuum cleaners, but the company makes a variety of cleaning products. That includes steam mops like the Shark Lift-Away Pro, a system that can clean tile floors along with other areas in your home.
There are a lot of great features on this steam mop, but we’re going to start with the design. The Lift-Away is a system that allows you to detach a section to use as a handheld steamer. In this case, it’s the middle which is a unique approach. While easy to reach, the controls are located on the removable section, which is in the middle of the pole.
The company also designed the mop head with ease of use in mind. It’s a touch-free system that allows you to attach and remove pads without getting your hands dirty. That’s a bonus, and so is the triangular scrubbing head, which excels at removing stubborn stains. The Lift-Away is powered by a sturdy 22-foot cord which wraps around the back when not in use.
Design aside, this mop is smart with three levels of steam control. This allows you to use the Shark S3979 on different surfaces as well, like drapes and upholstery. It has the largest water tank capacity of any steam mop in their lineup at 500ml and has a unique feature called a Steam Blaster. It can direct a jet of steam towards stains but is only available on the normal cleaning head, not the triangular one.
Shark knocked it out of the park with this steam mop, and we’re huge fans of the touch-free pad changing system as you don’t have to wait for the mop to cool when you need to change pads. The convertible nature of the Lift-Away is a big draw as well, although it is one of the most expensive steam mops for residential use. You’ll get a 1-year warranty from Shark along with a 3-foot hose and a handful of accessories.
If you’re new to the world of steam cleaning, you may think steam mops are unwieldy and difficult to deal with. While that’s true for brands steam mops, that’s not the case with the Bissell PowerFresh Slim as it’s a skinny 2-in-1 mop with an impressive array of accessories.
With a weight of only 6.4 pounds, the PowerFresh Slim 2075A is a lightweight convertible steam mop. It weighs just a little more than a stick vacuum when the 12-ounce water tank is full. A 25-foot cord provides continuous power, and the Slim heats quickly, so it’s ready to go in around 30 seconds. The ability to adjust the steam levels is a key feature as well.
This steam mop converts to handheld mode in a matter of seconds, which is where the attachments come into play. A bristle brush, grout tool, and flat scraper are just a few of the accessories, and some can be stored on the bottom of the mop for easy access. As a bonus, the 2075A also comes with a flat surface tool and a clothing steamer.
The on-board tool system allows you to clean uninterrupted, and the extra tools are handy if you want to de-wrinkle a shirt or steam clean grimy surfaces in the kitchen. The regular mop head is nothing to scoff at, however, as its 13” wide and glides across tile with ease. While most consumers found it easy to use, some found it difficult to store as there is no cord wrap.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced steam mop with multiple power levels and plenty of attachments, the PowerFresh Slim 2075 should definitely be on your shopping list. The only common complaint is the lack of a cord wrap, but overall it’s an excellent choice for tile flooring along with various other things in your home.
Pros
2-in-1 design
13” cleaning path
Cleaning tools
Cons
Cord storage
3. Dupray ONE Steam Cleaner with Complete Accessory Kit
Most steam mops live up to their namesake when it comes to form factors. While technically not a “mop” in the traditional sense, the Dupray ONE steam cleaner is a canister-style system and one of the best options for your home.
This high-end steaming system differs from the rest of the picks on our list when it comes to performance and design. It can reach 303°F, which is considerably hotter than most steam mops. It can also heat up quickly in a matter of minutes, but not seconds like some of the smaller steam mops. While the temperature range is impressive, it’s far from the only unique feature on this European-made steam mop.
A stainless steel boiler holds 39 ounces of water, which allows you to clean up to 50 minutes without stopping. It also has a child-proof lock and automatic shut-off, so it can eliminate germs while keeping your family safe from burns as well. Want to adjust the pressure for hard to a hard to clean stain? Well, you can do that from the handle so you don’t have to reach down to the machine.
Another draw of this system is the accessory kit. It comes with two floor tools, both of which have bristles and “bonnets,” which act as a microfiber mop head. Two extensions give you plenty of range while nylon and brass brushes will take care of grime in the grout. Other interesting accessories include a window tool, power lance, swivel connector and a plunger tool for drains.
Everything on the Dupray ONE is well-built from the 6’2” flexible hose and attachments to the unit itself. It’s an absolute breeze to use on flooring and has a top-notch warranty at 3 years on the system to go along with a lifetime guarantee on the boiler. On the downside, it’s not cheap and some consumers have had problems keeping the cord wrapped when the mop is not in use.
Our second option from Shark shares several features found on the Lift-Away Pro, but with a few key differences. It’s also one of the more affordable cleaning systems on our list, and a mop that’s capable of removing tough stains other systems would leave behind.
The Genius Pocket steam mop is one of the sleeker cleaners on the market. It’s thin and lightweight at around 5.5 pounds, and while it isn’t convertible like the Lift-Away, it’s extremely agile. The water tank is also slightly smaller at 350ml, although the cord length remains the same. This mop allows you to choose a steam level to suit your needs, which works well with the company’s steaming system.
Direct Steam Channeling is used inside the Genius cleaning head on this mop. This distributes steam throughout the dual-sided pocket pads, which allows you to remove more dirt in one pass. Shark included the Steam Blaster on this model as well. It’s a feature you’ll be thankful for when you have to deal with tough stains that cleaning pads struggle with.
Do you hate having to handle dirty cleaning pads fresh off the mop? Shark solves that issue with something they refer to as Touch-Free technology. After you’re done cleaning, a button will release the cleaning pad, so you never have to touch it. There’s also no need to wait for the head to cool down as attaching the pad is a hands-free process as well.
The Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop is an excellent alternative to their flagship steam mop, especially if you don’t need a 2-in-1 system. It doesn’t give you the range of the Lift-Away but is cheaper and performs as advertised according to countless homeowners who’ve left positive feedback for this steam mop.
Convertible mops and vacuums typically function in the same fashion by allowing the user to disengage part of the machine to use as a handheld. Well, Bissell took a different approach with the PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop as it transforms in an entirely different way.
The feature that sets this steam mop apart from a half-dozen other steamers from Bissell is its ability to spot clean an area. When you encounter a tough stain, a foot pedal will unlock the cleaning head and unleash the SpotBoost Brush. It’s smaller than the mop head but has rubber bristles, which are very effective on tile and makes it easy to clean as well.
When you need to clean your entire tile floor, the microfiber cleaning pad does an excellent job. It provides you with a 12” cleaning path width, is washable, and very easy to replace. It’s also lightweight at 6 pounds and has a long 25-foot cord. This powerful 12 amp system can heat up in around 30 seconds, and there are two steam models to choose from with low or high.
The Bissell PowerFresh 1806 can also freshen up the air in your home. On the front of this system, there’s a small tray that holds the company’s Fragrance Discs. They will put off a light scent as you clean, and while we could only find two types of official discs, there are other scented options from third-party manufacturers.
From the swivel steering system to the handy filling cup that snaps onto the back of this cleaner, there’s a lot to like about the Bissell PowerFresh 1806. It doesn’t give you the range for a true 2-in-1 mop, but the built-in spot cleaner is handy and works like a charm. It’s definitely an option for the best steam mop for tile and is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Every mop chosen for our list of the best steam mops for tile is capable of removing grime but will push hair and debris around. That’s the drawback with any type of mop unless you buy a system like the Bissell Symphony Pet steam mop and vacuum.
Unlike other 2-in-1’s on our list, the Bissell 1543A can actually remove debris from your floor before or while you steam clean. You’ll no longer have to use two cleaning tools for one room and can leave your broom in the closet if you have pets. The cyclonic vacuum uses Dry Tank technology to keep dust and dirt where it should be and performs admirably on tile, hardwood, laminate, and low pile carpet.
When you’re ready to steam, you just need to attach a soft or scrubby microfiber pad and make a few adjustments. It warms up in around 30 seconds with a light that lets you know when it’s ready to go. Digital controls let you choose from high or low level steaming, and the SteamBoost system is a nice touch as well. It consists of a special tray and disposable pads to keep you from soiling your microfiber with pet stains.
The company’s dust bin system is noteworthy as well. It features Drop-IT Tank technology, which lets you eject dirt with the canister removed. That bin is 12.8 ounces, so it will hold quite a bit of dirt although we were unable to find details on the water tank’s capacity. This steam mop has a 25-foot power cord and is easy to maneuver, although it does not have a swiveling head.
If you own a dog or cat, it’s hard to go wrong with the Bissell Symphony Pet. It won’t replace a traditional vacuum cleaner but does allow you to vacuum and mop simultaneously which is a rare feat. This unique steam mop comes with a standard 2-year warranty from Bissell, two microfiber pads, and four disposable SteamBoost pads.
PurSteam may not be a well-known name in the cleaning world compared to brands like Bissell, Hoover, or Shark. Their slogan is the “World’s Best Steamers,” and while we can’t put that claim to the test, the ThermaPro steam mop is one of the most highly rated mops on the market.
This light-duty steam mop is geared towards small to medium-sized areas with an 11.5-ounce water tank. It’s rated for around 20 minutes during normal usage, but you’ll need to stop for a refill at 10 minutes if you use Max power mode. There are three modes to choose from, and the company says it’s ready to go in 30 seconds.
PurSteam refers to this steam mop as a 10-in-1 system. It is nimble, as the design allows it to convert into a handheld steamer. A number of attachments extend the ThermaPro’s capabilities as well when the mopping or you need a boost. Bent nozzles and nylon brushes make grout easy to clean while a window squeegee will make short work of dirty windows.
This steam cleaner isn’t as slick as a system from Shark, but it has a budget-friendly price tag and provides a lot of bang for your buck. It’s also the easiest convertible steam mop to store thanks to a folding handle, although consumers did complain about the cord being too short. The ThermaPro 211 comes with a 2-year guarantee from PurStream.
While there are plenty of expensive steam mops available, it’s rare to find something in the budget-class that can pack a punch. O-Cedar managed to do just that with its microfiber steam mop, which is thin and light but effective on tile flooring.
Bacteria can find its way into every corner of your home, including tile and the grout that locks them together. The O-Cedar steam mop heats up in only 20 seconds and will kill up to 99.9% of bacteria on your floors. A swiveling head allows it go get into tight spots as it glides across flooring. The microfiber pads are easy to remove and replace as well.
Washable pads for this machine can last around 25 cycles before replacements are needed. Those pads are priced in-line with similar options, but we couldn’t locate any third-party or scrubby heads for this unit. Homeowners felt that this steam mop was simple to operate with an adjustable steam dial, and the tank holds plenty of water for its size with a rating of 400ml.
With a weight of 5 pounds, the O-Cedar steam mop is light, and it has a very nice price point. It’s powerful for its size with enough oomph to handle any room, although consumers complained about the cord length, a specification we couldn’t track down. This mop comes with a filling cup, an extra cleaning pad, and a carpet glider attachment.
Pros
Budget-friendly price tag
Adjustable steam
Only weighs 5 pounds
Cons
Cord length
No scrubbing pads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use tap water in my steam mop?
A: Some manufacturers recommend that you only use distilled water in their systems to prevent build up and extend the life of the mop while others claim tap water is suitable for use in their systems. It’s a coin flip depending on the brand, but if you have hard water, you’ll want to use distilled H2O.
Q: Can I use a steam mop on other surfaces?
A: It all depends on the surface. Glazed tile and sealed stone can handle a steam mop, but you need to proceed with caution on hardwood, cork, and other types of organic flooring. When in doubt, refer to the manufactures guide for your flooring or finish.
Q: Are steam mops safe to use?
A: While they are safe to use, you can injure yourself with the steam produced by one of these mops. Don’t “test” them to see if how hot they are, and always keep your hands and feet away from the cleaning head.
Q: How do I wash microfiber cleaning pads?
A: By themselves or with other fabrics made from microfiber, otherwise, lint can be a major problem. Heat and the type of detergent you use can be an issue as well, so follow the instructions that come with your system or with the replacement pads.
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