PurSteam Steam Mop
A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
The Best Steam Mops in the UK (2026)
A steam mop cleans and sanitises sealed hard floors using nothing but hot steam - no chemicals, and the floor dries fast. The choice comes down to type (upright mop, 2-in-1 with a handheld, or multi-purpose cleaner), heat-up time, tank size, steam control and pads. This guide explains what matters, then lists our top picks.
Quick answer
For most homes, a Shark or Vax upright steam mop covers sealed floors brilliantly; a 2-in-1 (mop plus detachable handheld) or a Karcher/Polti multi-cleaner adds versatility for tiles, grout and surfaces. Crucially, steam mops are only for SEALED hard floors - not unsealed wood or carpet. Shark leads the UK market.
What to look for
- Type - upright mop, 2-in-1 (mop + handheld), or multi-purpose cleaner.
- Heat-up time - the best are ready in seconds.
- Water tank - bigger means longer cleaning between refills.
- Steam control - variable steam for different floors.
- Pads - washable and reusable; the main ongoing cost.
- Weight and cord length - for easy, hassle-free mopping.
How we pick
We rank on real-world usefulness: type, heat-up, tank, steam control, pads and handling. We don't show scraped prices or star ratings; our editorial score reflects how well each cleans sealed hard floors. A steam mop sanitises with steam, not a wet bucket - and only on sealed floors. Check the live Amazon price, as steam mops go on deal often.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Bissell PowerFresh Pet
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#3 
Vileda Steam Mop Plus
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#4 
Shark Klik N' Flip
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#5 
Shark
A practical steam mop (upright mop, 30-second heat-up) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#6 
Shark
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#7 
Steam Mop
A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#8 
Shark
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#9 
Karcher SC 3 EasyFix
A practical steam mop (upright mop, 1900W) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
#10 
H2O X5 Steam Mop
A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
Frequently asked questions
Do steam mops actually work?
Yes - they turn water into hot steam that loosens dirt and kills most household germs on sealed hard floors, with no chemicals. They clean and sanitise rather than soak up spills, and floors dry quickly afterwards.
What floors can you use a steam mop on?
Sealed hard floors - sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood. Avoid unsealed or waxed wood and carpets, as steam and moisture can get into gaps. Always check your floor manufacturer's advice first.
Do you need cleaning solution with a steam mop?
No - that's the appeal: steam mops use only tap water turned to steam, so there are no chemicals or solutions to buy (some offer optional scent discs). It's a cheaper, more natural way to clean and sanitise floors.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the PurSteam Steam Mop (our score 9.6/10) - A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home..