PurSteam Steam Mop
A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
Do Steam Mops Actually Work? (Honest Answer)
Steam mops are popular, but do they really clean better than a bucket and mop? Here's an honest look at what they do well and where they fall short.
What they do well
Steam mops heat water into hot steam that loosens dirt and kills most household germs on sealed hard floors - all with no chemicals. They're quick (heating in seconds on modern models), the floor dries fast, and the washable pads trap the dirt. For routine, hygienic cleaning of sealed laminate, tile and sealed wood - especially with pets or young children - they're genuinely effective and convenient.
What they're not for
A steam mop isn't a do-everything tool. It won't soak up wet spills the way a traditional mop does, it won't deep-clean carpets (a carpet glider only freshens), and it must not be used on unsealed or waxed wood, where steam can cause damage. Heavily ingrained grime may need a pre-clean or a handheld detail tool, and you'll need to keep washing the pads. It cleans and sanitises sealed floors - within those limits it does it well.
Who they suit
Steam mops suit anyone with sealed hard floors who wants quick, chemical-free, hygienic cleaning - households with pets, children or allergies especially appreciate the no-chemicals sanitising. If your home is mostly carpet or unsealed wood, a steam mop is the wrong tool. For sealed hard floors, it's a worthwhile upgrade on a mop and bucket.
Our top picks
#1
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Bissell PowerFresh Pet
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Vileda Steam Mop Plus
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Shark Klik N' Flip
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#5 
Shark
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#6 
Shark
A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
Frequently asked questions
Are steam mops worth it?
For sealed hard floors, yes - they clean and sanitise quickly with no chemicals, the floor dries fast, and they're great with pets and kids. They're not for carpets, unsealed wood or soaking up spills, so they suit hard-floor homes best.
Do steam mops leave floors wet?
Only lightly damp - they use steam rather than a soaking wet mop, so floors dry within minutes. Using the right steam level for the floor and not lingering in one spot keeps moisture to a minimum.
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..