PurSteam Steam Mop
A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
Steam Mop Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Steam mops look similar but vary in the things that matter: the type, how fast they heat up, tank size, steam control, the floors they suit and the pads. This guide walks through each so you can match one to your home.
Type: upright, 2-in-1 or multi-cleaner
This is the first decision. A basic upright steam mop is built for floors and is light and simple. A 2-in-1 works as an upright and detaches into a handheld steamer for tiles, grout, ovens and surfaces - the most versatile choice for most homes. A multi-purpose steam cleaner (often cylinder-style) comes with a big set of attachments to steam-clean the whole house, from floors to upholstery, at the cost of more bulk. Match the type to whether you just want floors done or a do-it-all cleaner.
Heat-up, tank and steam control
Modern steam mops heat up in seconds rather than minutes, which is far more convenient. Tank size determines how long you clean between refills - bigger tanks suit larger homes, smaller ones keep the mop light. Steam control matters too: variable or adjustable steam lets you use less on delicate sealed wood and more on tough tiles and grout, which protects your floors and improves results.
Floors, pads and what to avoid
Crucially, steam mops are only for SEALED hard floors - sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood. They should not be used on unsealed or waxed wood, or on carpet (some mops include a carpet glider that just freshens, not deep-cleans). Pads are washable microfibre and reusable, but they're the main ongoing cost and need regular washing, so check replacement pad prices and availability. Always follow your floor manufacturer's advice on steam cleaning.
What to expect
A steam mop cleans and sanitises sealed floors with just water - no chemicals - and the floor dries quickly. It's brilliant for routine hygienic cleaning and freshening, especially with pets and children. It won't soak up wet spills like a traditional mop, won't deep-clean carpets, and isn't for unsealed floors. Used on the right surfaces, though, it's a fast, natural and effective way to keep hard floors clean.
Our top picks
#1
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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.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important thing to consider?
The type (upright, 2-in-1 or multi-cleaner) and that it suits your floors. Steam mops only work on sealed hard floors. After that, heat-up time, tank size, steam control and pad costs refine the choice.
Do steam mops kill germs?
Hot steam kills most common household germs and bacteria on sealed hard floors, which is a big appeal of steam cleaning - all without chemicals. Effectiveness depends on the steam temperature and dwelling time, so follow the model's guidance.
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..