We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Floor Care The 7 Best Steam Mops, Tested and Reviewed Say goodbye to stubborn stains with these powerful and versatile appliances. By Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 29, 2023 Fact checked by Nicholas Blackmer In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson A steam mop is an effective tool for killing germs and bacteria without using harsh chemicals. These appliances can remove stains, get rid of grime, and deep clean your floors with little effort on your part. Plus, no mop bucket or hands-and-knees scrubbing is required—what more you could ask for? To find the best steam mops, we tested 27 popular models in our Lab and evaluated each on its ease of use, effectiveness, portability, ease of cleaning, maneuverability, and value. We also considered factors such as cord length, weight, and steam output. For expert insight, we tapped Gary McCoy, Lowe’s store manager serving the Charlotte, North Carolina market. McCoy says steam mops can both clean and sanitize floors using water alone: “These handy appliances don't rely on typical cleaning solutions to kill germs, but instead, use water to steam-sanitize your floors and sealed surfaces,” says McCoy. “You can remove up to 99 percent of germs using a steam cleaner with a reusable microfiber cloth.” Our Top Picks Best Overall Steam Mop: SALE PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop at Amazon $100 $60 Jump to Review Best Budget Steam Mop: SALE Black+Decker Classic Steam-Mop at Amazon $50 $40 Jump to Review Best Easy-to-Maneuver Steam Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop at Amazon $92 Jump to Review Best Lightweight Steam Mop: Reliable Pronto Plus Steam Cleaner at Amazon $99 Jump to Review Best Steam Mop With Vacuum: Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One Steam Mop at Amazon $186 Jump to Review Best Steam Mop for Grout: Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Cleaner at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best Large-Capacity Steam Mop: Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop at Amazon $103 Jump to Review Best Overall Steam Mop PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon $80 at Walmart View on Pursteam.com What Stands Out Exceptional functionality and cleaning performance at a very reasonable price point makes this steam mop a steal. What Could Be Improved There are a lot of attachments to keep track of. The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner came out on top in our testing, in part because it comes with numerous attachments for cleaning just about anything in the home—from flooring to mirrors to garments. In our Lab tests, the steamer was able to remove all the stains we tested it on in less than 10 passes—even stubborn syrup and hot sauce stains. It also performed particularly well on grout, thanks to the brush attachments that make it easy to scrub the nooks and crannies. Even after six months, we found that the mop looked and worked just as well as it had when we first took it out of the box. When filled with water, this steam mop weighed just over 5 pounds, and the water heated up in just 17 seconds (faster than the manufacturer’s estimate of 30 seconds). According to the brand, the 12.8-ounce tank allows you to clean for up to 25 minutes, depending on which setting you use. The indicator light lets you know when the unit is on, and you can use the dial to switch between different steam settings depending on your mess. This is a continuous steam mop, so there’s no need to hold down a button while you work (but you can still amp up the steam output using the dial). We found that this steam mop was easy to maneuver, and the mop head easily swivels and fits into angles, so corners aren’t left unclean. The steam mop even alerts you when the tank is empty by making a sound and vibrating. It took just 90 seconds to completely cool off, and we felt the mop head was easy to remove. This is one of the more versatile steam mops on our list thanks to its many accessories and features. The built-in handheld steam cleaner can be removed for use on garments, upholstery, and other small surfaces. According to the manufacturer, its various attachments make it compatible with vinyl, tiles, marble, glass/mirrors, carpets, furniture, garments/fabric, and even hardwood (although you should always use caution when cleaning hardwood floors with steam, as wood is prone to warping when exposed to drastic temperature and moisture changes). Considering the functionality and performance of this steam mop, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that it costs about 25 percent less than the median price of the steam mops we tested—making this all-in-one appliance a serious steal. Steam Output: Continuous | Cord Length: 15.9 feet | Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Weight: 2.2 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Steam Mop Black+Decker Classic Steam-Mop PHOTO: Walmart $40 at Amazon $58 at Walmart $13 at Lowe's Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Effectiveness 2.5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This easy-to-lift steam mop has a slim profile and 180-degree swivel head that makes it ideal for navigating around tight spaces. What Could Be Improved It struggles to clean grout. For navigating tight spaces, such as bathrooms or small kitchens, the Black+Decker Classic Steam Mop is a great (not to mention affordable) choice. During our tests, we appreciated how lightweight it was, weighing just over 5 pounds when full of water. It was also incredibly easy for us to lift, move, and carry. It took about 40 seconds to heat up, which is slightly longer than the listed 30 seconds. In terms of maneuverability, this steam mop has a 180-degree swivel mop head that was able to get close to edges and around chair legs during our testing. Plus, the slim build allows it to easily slide under furniture. The mop maintained its high quality after six months of use at home, aside from the mop head occasionally falling off and detaching from the unit. The manufacturer notes that it can clean “nearly every sealed surface,” and although it was able to remove stains on most surfaces in our tests, it struggled to clean the grout on the ceramic tile flooring. We also noticed that the steam mop doesn’t stay upright, so it needs to be propped up against a wall if you take a break while cleaning. It doesn’t come with any attachments beyond the mop pad, either. But given that it costs nearly half of the median price of those we tested, this steam mop is still an overall great buy.Steam Output: Continuous | Cord Length: 16 feet | Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Weight: 5 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Easy-to-Maneuver Steam Mop Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop PHOTO: Amazon $92 at Amazon $93 at Wayfair View on Bissell.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Effectiveness 4.9/5 Ease of Cleaning 3.5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and it features three steam intensity settings. What Could Be Improved It may take a bit longer to heat up and cool down than other steam mops. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop is a lightweight, easy-to-use option. During our testing, the mop impressed us when it required less than 10 passes on tile and concrete. The removable scrubber proved effective for grout stains as well, although we needed to use grout cleaner. We found it effortless to attach and detach the mop pads, and the reusable pads looked as good as new after washing in the laundry. Thanks to its lightweight design, the mop is easy to carry around, even when the tank is fully filled with water. We were particularly impressed by how easily the mop maneuvered, as we found the large mop head smoothly adapted to fit various angles. While the mop head’s large size occasionally poses challenges getting into tight corners and crevices, we think it’s an excellent option for those looking to clean larger spaces without their arms getting tired. The long cord similarly makes it well-suited for bigger rooms. Keep in mind that we noticed that this steam mop took slightly longer than competing options to heat up and cool down—it took a minute and a half to heat up, and four minutes and 19 seconds to cool down. Even so, the unit consistently delivered the same quality and intensity of steam, even after six months of use. The steam mop includes a microfiber soft pad, a microfiber scrubby pad, a carpet glider, and two fragrance discs to keep the area spelling fresh as you clean. Plus, its adjustable SmartSet steam control lets you toggle between low, medium, and high steam, making it suitable for cleaning all kinds of messes, even heavy-duty spills.Steam Output: Continuous | Cord Length: 23 feet | Tank Capacity: 12 ounces | Weight: 6 pounds Best Lightweight Steam Mop Reliable Pronto Plus Steam Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $99 at Amazon $99 at Wayfair $143 at Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4.8/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out Easy-to-use controls make switching out attachments safe, quick, and simple. What Could Be Improved It's somewhat top-heavy, so it can't stand upright on its own. This ultra-lightweight steam cleaner is perfect for maneuvering around the house with ease. It weighs just 2 pounds and 9 ounces on its own, and 4 pounds and 9 ounces when the water tank is at capacity. The smartly designed triangular swivel mop head makes it easy to get into every corner and around any obstacle with ease. Not to mention, it converts into a handheld steamer for above-floor cleaning. In our testing, the Reliable Pronto Plus 300CS took just 15 seconds to heat up and six seconds to cool off, making it safe and easy to switch out the numerous attachments as you go. The controls are easy to use, too—simply pull the trigger to start the continuous steam output and pull it again to stop it. You can also adjust the steam pressure using the dial. This mop took fewer passes to completely remove stains than many of the others we tested, and the high-pressure jet nozzle made quick work of grout stains. After six months of biweekly use, the mop did not undergo any significant changes in quality, although the bristles of the scrubbing brush did become a bit worn down. The tank is removable, so refilling it in the sink is a cinch. However, we did find this steam mop a bit top-heavy, which prevents it from standing up on its own. We struggled to lean it against a wall or chair without it falling to the floor, which could be inconvenient for some. But overall, its lightweight and slim build paired with its numerous attachments (including a carpet and fabric glider) make this a well-rounded steam mop that almost anyone can use.Steam Output: Continuous | Cord Length: 19.7 feet | Tank Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Weight: 2.9 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Steam Mop With Vacuum Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One Steam Mop PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.1/5 Maneuverability 3/5 Ease of Emptying 3.8/5 Portability 3.8/5 Noise Level 3.5/5 What Stands Out It can efficiently steam clean and vacuum hard floors simultaneously, taking fewer passes to effectively remove stains with the steam function. What Could Be Improved The water tank is not removable and the mop head does not swivel. Those with limited storage space will appreciate this all-in-one steam mop that can steam clean and vacuum hard floors simultaneously. In our testing, the steam function took fewer passes to remove stains than other models, completely removing maple syrup without leaving behind any sticky residue. But keep in mind that this mop-and-vacuum combo is not going to be effective at lifting embedded dirt from high-pile carpeting, so it’s best reserved for hard floors. According to Bissell, it’s safe to use on all sealed surfaces including hardwood, ceramic and tile, marble, and linoleum. You can use the digital controls to toggle between vacuuming, steaming, or both. The steam function also comes with two settings—high and low. This is an on-demand steam mop, meaning the trigger must be held down to release steam. We found that the vacuum function works slightly better when used without steam because steam has a tendency to make the debris heavier. You may want to switch between the two functions when tackling bigger messes. In terms of build, this is one of the heavier units we tested—but given that it’s both a steam mop and a vacuum, we’re willing to overlook this. The mop head itself has a low profile, but the body is somewhat bulky for going under furniture. In our tests, it took 30 seconds to heat up and one minute and 45 seconds to cool down. One feature we don’t love is the water tank. It’s not removable and can only be emptied by turning it on its side over a bucket. We also noticed that the mop head does not swivel, which can make it difficult to navigate around awkwardly shaped spaces. However, we do appreciate that this unit comes with a foot pedal that makes it easy to release the mop head. Keep in mind that it doesn’t come with any attachments besides the mop pads and detachable tray, so it’s not going to work on above-floor messes or small crevices. But for a device that knocks off two chores at once, it’s still an excellent value. Steam Output: On-demand | Cord Length: 25 feet | Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Weight: 9.7 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson The 13 Best Vacuums, Tested and Reviewed Best Steam Mop for Grout Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $110 at Amazon $110 at Home Depot $130 at Ace Hardware Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4/5 Maneuverability 3.5/5 Value 4.7/5 What Stands Out It has superior grout cleaning ability and the fastest heat-up and cool-down times compared to its competitors. What Could Be Improved It doesn't have continuous steam output. Out of all the steam mops we tested, the Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop was one of the most effective on grout, thanks in part to its removable handheld steamer and grout cleaning attachment. We were impressed that the mop was able to completely remove stains on all surfaces. Plus, it was the quickest to heat up and cool down out of all the models we tested—it heated up in just five seconds and cooled down instantly, making it easy to switch out attachments. This steam mop comes with a main water tank and a supplemental water tank, but still only weighs just over 7 pounds when full. We found that its weight and design made it easy to use and carry around, even when the two tanks were completely filled. Plus, the swivel mop head makes it easy to navigate around corners and furniture. We found the controls (which include a dial for adjusting the steam output) easy to use and operate. But keep in mind this is an on-demand steam mop, so you’ll need to hold the trigger down in order to release steam. The 10 attachments include a hard surface squeegee, an upholstery cloth, a carpet glider, and more. For the most part, the mop maintained the same quality after six months of use. The mop pad did stretch out a bit during our testing, but given that this steam mop falls right at the median price of all those we tested and it proved to be both effective and versatile, this is a rather small inconvenience. Steam Output: On-demand | Cord Length: 26 feet | Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Weight: 6.8 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Large-Capacity Steam Mop Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop PHOTO: Amazon $103 at Amazon $103 at Target $103 at Kohls.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 3.5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out Although it has a generous tank capacity, it still only weighs 6.5 pounds when full of water. What Could Be Improved It doesn't come with many attachments. If you want a powerful, no-frills steam mop for cleaning large spaces, look no further than the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop. This mop has the second largest water tank out of all the steam mops we tested, at a generous 19 ounces. But don’t worry about it being heavy or cumbersome—it weighs just 6.5 pounds when completely full of water, making it well-suited for tackling large homes without tiring out your arms. Even more importantly, this steam mop was one of the most effective at removing stubborn stains, including dried-on maple syrup and red hot sauce stains on grout. It was able to heat up in just 28 seconds and cool down in one minute and 12 seconds. And, unlike other mops that require you to switch out attachments for different tasks, this mop comes with the “attachments” built-in—simply remove the mop head to reveal the SpotBoost Brush that’s perfect for scrubbing extra-stubborn messes. The mop comes with two steam settings and an on/off button. It also includes two scent discs that can be placed in the built-in scent tray to release fragrance as you clean. We found the low-profile, swivel-head mop made it easy to clean around corners and obstacles. In terms of value, the mop retails for less than the median price of the steam mops we tested. Although it doesn’t come with many attachments or extras, the thoughtful design and cleaning power make it a great choice for the money. Steam Output: Continuous | Cord Length: 25 feet | Tank Capacity: 19 ounces | Weight: 6.2 pounds Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Our top pick is the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner because it was able to remove all the stains in less than 10 passes in our testing, including stuck-on syrup and hot sauce stains. Additionally, it comes with numerous attachments and a built-in handheld cleaner, so you can clean just about any surface in the home. For a budget option, we like the Black+Decker Classic Steam Mop because it’s nearly half the median price of the steam mops we tested, and it has a slim, lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver around tight spaces. Plus, it was able to remove stains from almost all the surfaces in our testing (with the exception of grout). Our Testing Process We rounded up 27 steam mops and put them through a series of tests in our Lab, evaluating each on ease of use, effectiveness, portability, ease of cleaning, maneuverability, and value. To start, we filled each steam mop to capacity with distilled water and weighed it on the scale to see how heavy it is when full. (The Reliable Pronto Plus 300CS Steam Cleaning System was the most lightweight when full, at 4 pounds and 9 ounces.) Next, we used a stopwatch to record the amount of time it took each steam mop to heat up to its highest setting, taking note of whether there was an indicator light and whether any water dripped or puddled on the floor. Out of all those we tested, the Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop was the fastest to heat up, taking just five seconds. To evaluate the effectiveness of each steam mop on different floor types, we completed the following tests on both sealed concrete and sealed ceramic tile flooring: We used the steam mop to target different types of stains, using any attachments or settings necessary and noting how many passes were required to clean each stain. We made sure to maneuver around obstacles and clean within the corners of the testing area to determine how well the mop head handles angles.We used a stopwatch to time how long it took for the mop to stop producing steam after it had been turned off. Once the mop was completely cool, we removed the mop pad and assessed how much dirt and debris it had accumulated.For steam mops with a detachable, handheld steamer, we evaluated how easy they were to carry with one hand for steaming curtains or windows. Finally, we received the retail price of each steam mop and scored its overall value considering its cost and performance in our Lab tests. After our initial round of testing, we sent the best steam mops home with our staff to evaluate in real-world conditions for six months. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Steam Mops Like a Pro Floor Type Keep in mind that steam mops only work on certain surfaces. Most steam mop manufacturers say to avoid using them on unsealed floors, which can sustain damage when exposed to excess moisture. In general, Gary McCoy, Lowe’s store manager serving the Charlotte, North Carolina market, says steam mops are safe to use on glass, sealed tile and grout, stainless steel, sealed wood, and sealed granite and stone. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications of your steam mop before use. And be careful with hardwood and laminate flooring: Despite marketing claims, these types of floors can easily warp or swell when exposed to extreme moisture and temperature changes. “Even if you use the best steam mop on the market, cleaning your hardwood floors with it can potentially damage them or void your warranty, so be careful when choosing a floor to clean,” says McCoy. Steam Output Steam mops release steam one of two ways: continuous or on-demand. Once they heat up, continuous steam mops keep producing steam, meaning less effort is required on your part. On-demand steam mops require pulling a trigger or holding down a button to dispense the steam. This takes extra effort on your part, but it gives you better control over the steam output so you can dispense extra bursts of steam for stubborn stains. Some steam mops also come with adjustable steam output, which allows you to switch between different levels of steam depending on the mess. (Both continuous and on-demand steam mops can have adjustable steam settings.) Tank Capacity The tank capacity of a steam mop directly correlates to how much you can clean at a time. But keep in mind that a larger water tank also means a heavier unit. Most steam mops have a tank capacity between 12 and 15 ounces. For a large home, look for a capacity of 15 ounces or more (our best large-capacity pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop, has a tank capacity of 19 ounces). If you have a small apartment or want a lightweight steam mop, look for a model with a smaller tank. Maneuverability Weight and cord length are major considerations when it comes to maneuverability, especially if you’ll be navigating a large or heavily furnished space. (Since cordless steam mops don’t exist yet, people with large homes should look for models with long cords.) You should also consider the shape of the mop head for getting around tight spaces and into corners. The best steam mops will glide around obstacles without leaving tight corners unclean or keeping you closely tethered to an outlet. Accessories and Features Most steam mops on the market come with an array of attachments and accessories that add to their functionality. You’ll find steam mops with squeegees for cleaning glass and mirrors, corner tools for tackling every last nook and cranny, and even fabric steamers. “Some steam mop cleaners can even easily convert to handheld steam cleaners for sanitizing areas that may be hard to reach with a mop,” says McCoy. Others can even double as vacuum cleaners, too (like the Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam Vacuum and Steam Mop). Real Simple / Dera Burreson More Steam Mops to Consider Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop: This small-but-mighty steam mop did a good job removing stains in our testing. We particularly liked the “Steam Blaster” function, which gives you a powerful burst of targeted steam for stuck-on stains. However, it missed the mark for its water tank capacity of just 7 ounces, especially given that it's not as lightweight as some of the other options on our list that have larger capacities. True & Tidy STM 500 Heavy-Duty Steam Mop: This steam mop earned high marks for maneuverability and ease of use, thanks to its removable water tank, adjustable steam dial, swivel-head mop, and lightweight build. It performed relatively well in our stain testing, although it took more passes than those that made our list. Unfortunately, the removable mop pad seemed to want to roll under the mop head when used on uneven surfaces, which can make for a frustrating experience. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask Do steam mops sanitize floors? Steam mops work by heating water in a reservoir and sending a burst of hot steam onto whatever surface is being cleaned. When used correctly, steam mops can sanitize floors due to the high temperature of the steam, but to truly sanitize, you’ll have to hold the mop in place for longer. However, steam mops are still more effective at killing germs than traditional mops. Can you add cleaning solution to a steam mop? Unless the manufacturer states otherwise, steam mops should not be used with cleaning solutions. The high temperature of the steam is enough to clean the surface effectively with water, and adding a cleaning solution to the reservoir can damage those steam mops that are not intended to be used with a cleaner (and maybe even void the warranty). McCoy says this makes steam mops “a great option for those who are looking to reduce the number of cleaning chemicals they use in their home or who may have family members who are sensitive to other cleaning solutions.” Can you use tap water in a steam mop? Although some manufacturers claim their steam mops can be used with tap water, it’s best to use distilled water in a steam mop, just to be safe. Mineral deposits in tap water can build up over time and clog the steam nozzle. Using distilled water is particularly important if you have hard water because its high mineral content will cause the nozzle to clog more quickly. What surfaces can you use a steam mop on? While steam mops have gained popularity due to their ability to disinfect without chemicals, certain surfaces hold up to steam mops better than others. As a general rule of thumb, steam mops are usually safe to use on sealed surfaces (think: sealed tile, linoleum, and water-resistant laminate). Because steam mops utilize water as a cleaning agent, ensure that your surface doesn’t have any cracks or peels that water could seep into. Experts typically recommend avoiding using steam mops on hardwood surfaces and laminate plank flooring, as the steam could potentially cause bubbles or mold to form if it penetrates open areas. The 8 Best Steam Cleaners, According to Our Tests Take Our Word for It This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 27 steam mops in our Lab and evaluated them on ease of use, effectiveness, portability, ease of cleaning, maneuverability, and value. For professional insight, Melanie consulted Gary McCoy, Lowe’s store manager serving the Charlotte, North Carolina market. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. The Best Clothes Steamers You Can Buy Online