5 STAR Rated 10 Best Steam Mop Reviews of 2024 | Vacuum and Steam Mop

Home sanitization is far beyond the usual cleaning and moping. Technology has birthed the best steam mops that help in eliminating all germs and bacteria through an effective steam action. These mops are usable on a wide range of surfaces. We can say that the initial investment might be hefty but the resultant service is worthwhile and cheaper. You only need clean water from your tap and the mop performs its abracadabra. Below are a few samples to consider.

Conclusion

As you look around for natural ways of deep cleaning your home, consider purchasing the best steam mop cleaner from Amazon based on steam mop reviews. A few that aren’t on our list are Swiffer steam mop and Oreck steam mop. There is a plethora of these home equipment from reputable manufacturers with exquisite features and excellent customer after-sale service.

FAQs and Buying Guide of Steam Mop

Steam mops are taking over the place of disinfectants in many households. This is because they are easier to use and are cheap investments. Sanitizing now needs the best steam mop with excellent psi levels and hot water temperatures to make a surface clean and free from germs and microorganisms that cause diseases. We have put together this

How we picked 10 best steam mop

We are a team of non-biased individuals and we value genuineness while rendering product knowledge to all our readers. Our experts took on thorough field research to find out the types of steam mops that homeowners used. More findings were from the nearest malls and equipment stores while others dug the internet to find out what online users are saying on this topic. The final product listing was from Google and Amazon.

How we tested those products

For us to determine product authenticity, functionality, and durability, we invested in fur samples of each of the 34 products. Upon purchase, distribution was done amongst new users who were asked to give feedback after 8 months of use. Some of the aspects that were vital for confirmation were a capacity test, temperature tests, energy consumption test, and steam pressure gauges among others. Out of the 34 products that were tested, only 10 passed the testing criteria and deserved a mention.

Revolution of steam mop

Romi Haan was the first man to envision the steam mop in 1998. She later created a prototype of it in 2001. The steam mop was launched in 2004 and available in the market for potential buyers. From there, these came new companies that improved what Romi created and developed their own versions into what we have today like Black and Decker steam mop and steam mop Costco.

Types of steam mops

There are two major types of steam mops that you can choose from. They are dependent on the duration of steam production. See below:

Continuous steam mops

Continuous steam mops are those that upon heating up, steam pumping is continuous. These types need little effort.

Steam-on-demand mops

For these ones, you need to press a button or pull the trigger only when you want to dispense steam. These require more energy to operate.

Advantage of steam mop

Below are the advantages of using a steam mop:

• Eliminate all bacteria from surfaces
• Usable on a daily basis
• Low maintenance
• Energy efficient
• Environmentally safe
• Compact and space-saving
• Easy to use
• Eliminates mold
• Time-saving
• Portable and easy to maneuver
• No detergent used
• Counters allergies and asthma from cleaning detergent
• Cost-relieving

Q: What is a steam mop?

A: A steam mop is a kind of mop that requires steam to clean and sanitize surfaces and carpets. It doesn’t need cleaning agents but steam to clean and disinfect the surfaces. They come with microfiber pads that are stuck under the steam jet. These pads trap dirt leaving your surfaces free from debris and dust.

Q: Is steam mop work safe?

A: Generally, steam mops are safe for most surfaces. However, it is crucial to confirm with your manufacturer which floors it is recommended to avoid voiding the warranty on your floor. Also, it is advisable to use steam mops on sealed surfaces only. Stay away from surfaces that are peeling or unfinished.

Q: How does a steam mop work?

A: A steam mop heats the water that is inside the water chamber or tank. It later dispenses it into steam. All steam mops come with disposable cloths or reusable microfiber pads. Either of them is attached under the steam jet or the head to aid in steam dispersion across the surface. The steam will penetrate and soften the grime on the floor. The pad picks up the grime and any debris. You can get rid of the disposable cloth or remove the microfiber pad and wash it for the next use. There are steam mop vacuum cleaners too.

Q: How much does a steam mop cost?

A: While the price is a primary determinant of the type of steam mop to purchase, there are steam mops that are as cheap as $45 for the simplest and most basic designs. Others cost as much as $1000 for more sophisticated designs and those that are used for larger premises like industries or commercial cleaning firms. However, you can find a good steam mop within your budget. Other variations that influence price are hard floor steam mops, vacuum steam mop, and vacuum and steam mop However, you can save for the best one for your current and future needs if you feel like you can survive without one at the moment.

Q: Do I need a steam mop?

A: You need a steam mop cleaner like your life depends on it. First, it saves you the cost of purchasing cleaning detergents.  Also, you are spared from harsh chemicals from the same detergents if you own one. By purchasing one and doing away with these cleaning products, you reduce the chances of triggering asthma and allergies. Floors that have been steamed dry very fast countering the chances of injuries and there are no instances of the floor getting dirty if it is immediately walked on. The dazzling shine lasts longer and comes after less work.

Q: How to clean steam mop?

A: Follow below steps

Step 1: Unplug the mop

Unplug the steam mop from the source of power to avoid any accidents. This is very crucial if your model automatically produces steam upon plugging in. if you have been using it and now need to clean it immediately, you will have to wait for half an hour for it to cool.

Step 2: Empty and clean the tank

Empty all the water in the water tank. Any water left in the tank can damage your equipment. If you leave it in there for days, it may corrode the surface affecting its durability. Ensure it is completely dry. If you can detach your tank, use a clean cloth to clean the inner side of the tank. Use vinegar to remove any limescale if you are using hard water to clean. Thoroughly rinse it in case you use vinegar to clean the inside of the tank.

Step 3: Clean your Nozzle

You have to disassemble the head base of the mop so as to reach the nozzles. To remove the base plate, use a screwdriver. Bissell brands are common for this because their nozzles are in the base. You can see buildup if any around the nozzle. Use a clean cotton pad to wipe out all the limescale so as to unblock your nozzle. For nozzle in further areas, use a safety pin or needle. If your brand comes with a nozzle cleaner, use it for this step.

Step 4: Change or clean mop pads

If you use disposable cloths with your steam mop, you can skip this step. However, if using microfiber pads, use mild liquid detergent and warm water to clean the pads. Rinse thoroughly and allow to drip dry. Ensure that they are completely dry without storing.

Step 5: Wipe the mop

Wipe the other parts of the steam mop using a clean and dry piece of cloth to remove any dirt and dust. You can now assemble your equipment and store it in a clean place.

Q: How to choose a steam mop?

A: Besides the budget, there are a few aspects that you need to have in mind before selecting the best steam mop for your needs. You can see below in order to get value for money

• Type of surface or floor
• Size of the area you intend to clean
• The material for cleaning cloth or pads.
• Accessories
• Ease of use
• Heating up time
• Length of cord
• Portability and maneuverability
• Storage space

Q: What is the best steam mop?

A: The best steam mop is one with a long cord to allow you to clean a larger surface area though there are cordless steam mops. It should be lightweight and portable for easy handling. Its energy consumption should be relative and the resultant pressure and steam temperature enough to clean and sanitize your surfaces. The steam mop should take a short time to heat the water into steam and its working duration reasonable without needing frequent breaks in between cleaning. It should be backed by a warranty in case of defects in material and or workmanship.

Q: How to use shark steam mop?

A: Follow below steps

Step 1: Filling the tank

Assemble the steam floor mop and fill the water tank to the required level. Use distilled water to preserve the nature of your nozzles.

Step 2: Switch on the machine

Switch on your steam mop and allow it to heat up for 30 seconds. Pump the handle severally to make the cloth or pad damp

Step 3: Cleaning

If light cleaning, use the dust mode and mop if regular cleaning. Scrub mode is for removing stubborn grease. Use a back and forth motion to clean the surface and ensure consistent steam flow. Once you finish, unplug the machine and cool it before storing it.

Q: Can you use a steam mop on laminate floors?

A: No. it isn’t advisable to use the steam mop on laminate flooring since the moisture released ruins the laminate unless you have a specific steam mop for laminate floors.

Q: Can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors?

A: Yes. You can use a steam mop on hardwood floors that have been sealed. If unsealed, you risk damaging the flooring. Choose the best steam mop for hardwood floors if you need one.

Q: Can you use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring?

A: The answer could be a yes and a no. you can use a steam mop to clean vinyl plank flooring if it is in the manufacturer’s surface listing. If not do not since that steam mop isn’t designed for this purpose. Steam seeping between the planks loosens the glue holding them in place.

Q: Can you use a steam mop on wood floors?

A: If your steam mop for wood floors is designed for cleaning hard flooring, you can use it on wood. However, the wood should be sealed prior to steam mopping. Even if using your steam mop on a hardwood floor, we recommend that you use the low setting.

Q: Can I put vinegar in my steam mop?

A: If cleaning vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors, you can add vinegar to your steam mop if you don’t have the best steam mop for tile. However, you need not add it to the mop if working on hardwood surfaces as it breaks and damages the chemical finish.

Q: How to clean nozzle on shark steam mop?

A: Nozzles need cleaning periodically. This should be mandatory if you use hard water in your steam mop. The mineral elements and other compounds in the water clog the nozzles. If you can use distilled water in the steam mop, the better. Distilled water upon changing to steam flows freely ensuring a shorter and more effective cleaning session.

Step 1: Access the nozzles

You have to disassemble the head base of the mop so as to reach the nozzles. To remove the base plate, use a screwdriver. Bissell brands are common for this because their nozzles are in the base. You can see buildup if any around the nozzle.

Step 2: Unblocking

Use a clean cotton pad to wipe out all the limescale so as to unblock your nozzle. For nozzle in further areas, use a safety pin or needle. If your brand comes with a nozzle cleaner, use it for this step.

Conclusion

We are aware of the paranoia of many homeowners regarding steam mops. We have done in-depth research to ensure we give clear answers to the commonly asked questions that our potential buyers have. Now that you are knowledgeable on the machine, we advise that you check the Amazon steam mop options and check the steam mop reviews then select the best one for your needs.

Sources:

1. Lih-Ming Yiin, Chang Ho Yu, George G. Rhoads, Zhi-Hua Fan: Evaluation of HEPA vacuum cleaning and dry steam cleaning in reducing levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and house dust mite allergens in carpets.
2. An extract from Bayzi: Steam Cleaning Studies
3. Christopher J. Griffith: Hospital cleaning: problems with steam cleaning and microfiber