Best steam cleaner 2022: 8 reliable steam cleaners and mops for sanitizing floors

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Want to clean with steam? The best steam cleaner — or best steam mop — will do this very well for you. They'll banish bacteria from sealed floors, tiles, the oven, and windows, and some will even take care of sanitizing rugs, carpets, and even dirty curtains.

But perhaps the most endearing power of steam is that it will make your surfaces clean using no chemicals whatsoever, just water. If you have kids or pets in the house or are committed to using the purest products available, a steam cleaner will be especially relevant to you.

An impressive-looking piece of kit, this floor steam cleaner (opens in new tab) from Kärcher means business and delivers sensational deep cleaning results using just tap water. It heats quickly and is great for hard floors, plus limescale and stubborn stains around the home. We also love its large water tank and the range of attachments that come with it. The only drawback is a short lead, and it is heavier than other models on the market.

Multi-functional accessories

You can use this steam mop on so many areas around the home – hard floors, ovens, hobs, taps, tiles, sofas, carpets – and maneuver around areas with interchangeable hand nozzles as well as the handy round brushes.

Child lock

Perfect for families with young children, this model has a locking system to prevent little ones from getting it started.

Steam flow control

For easy use, the Kärcher model has its steam volume control on the handle, which you can use to suit the type of surface and level of dirt you’re dealing with in your home.

Real Homes rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Read our Kärcher SC3 review (opens in new tab) for more intel.

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2. Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop

Best steam mop you can buy: with intelligent controls for a targeted clean

Specifications

Cord length: 22.4 ft.Water tank: 11.8 oz.Power: 1200WHeat-up time: 30 secondsWeight: 5.78 lb.Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight operation+Touch-free release for washable, dual-sided dirt grip pads+Suitable for sanitizing all types of hard and sealed flooring+3 settings to control steam+Indicator light to let you know when the steam is ready+Gets rid of stuck-on stains with Steam Blaster

Reasons to avoid

-Tank is pretty small-Needs to lean against the wall to stabilize after use-No On/Off control button

If you prefer the familiar motion of running a vacuum, you'll immediately feel comfortable sweeping the Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop. It's designed to make cleaning floors even easier thanks to its intelligent operation that delivers a precise, targeted steam clean on sealed hardwood, marble, tile, and stone. Simply flip the mop head and you’ll cover twice the area, too. It also cleans away 99.9 percent of common household bacteria, ideal for homes with children or pets.

Twice the clean
The double-sided, machine-washable Dirt Grip cleaning pads allow you to steam clean double the area by simply flipping the mop head. They are specially designed strips of gripping material which are woven throughout the pad to lift and lock in dirt. You can release the used pad by clicking a switch too, so there’s no need to get your hands on the grimy pad.

Steam blaster
Check out the Steam Blaster mode, which delivers a targeted blast of super-heated steam, ideal for removing stubborn stains.

Easy to use
Suitable for all types of hard flooring, this steam mop model is lightweight and comes with swivel steering for easy movement around furniture.

3. McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

Best steam cleaner for large jobs: an easy to use steam cleaner with a large capacity water tank

Specifications

Cord length: 18 ft.Water tank: 48 oz.Heat up time: 10 minutesPower: 1500wWeight: 13 lb.Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+Ideal for deep cleaning+90 minutes of cleaning power and continuous steam+Kills and removes 99.99% of germs and bacteria+Comes with 20 accessories, including an on-unit accessory net

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive-Heavy-Some accessories could be sturdier

In exchange for a longer heat-up time (10 minutes), you'll find yourself with an industrial-strength steam cleaner that can tackle larger cleaning jobs. In short, The McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner is a beast, with 20 customizable attachments, an extra-long 10-foot hose, and 4 bars of pressure to rid your home of dirt, dust, and allergens in a chemical-free way. This steam cleaner is safe for use on sealed hardwood and laminate, linoleum, glazed ceramic, granite, marble, vinyl, stained concrete, and tile; plus, suitable for cleaning your floors, cars, garage, bathrooms, kitchens, and much more with just steam.

Superior Strength

The McCulloch MC1375 offers four bar pressure to blast away dirt, grease, and grime, plus a variable steam control to get just the right amount of steam. The 48-ounce water tank means you'll be able to tackle large spaces. Convenient scrub pads ensure extra opportunities to work built-up dirt. Additonally, McCulloch notes that it's also safe to use this device on carpets, though as a spot cleaner rather than a complete carpet cleaner.

What's included?

This steam cleaner features accessories including two 16.5-inch Extension Wands, 13" x 8.5" Large Mop Head, Jet, and Angled Nozzle, 3-inch Scrapper, 4-inch Triangle Brush, a Large Brush, Bristle Brush Attachment, 1.5-inch Brass Utility Brush, 1.5-inch Nylon Utility Brush, and 2.5-inch Round Scrub Brush, Microfiber Mop Pad, Scrubbing Mop Pad, and two 2.5-inch Round Scrub Pad as well as a storage bag, accessory net, and a full cup.

We specifically want to call out the brass utility brush for its ability to clean up oven wire racks and the Triangle brush for getting into tight corners.

4. BISSELL SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner

Best handheld steam cleaner: for smaller cleaning jobs and precision control

Specifications

Cord length: 20 ft.Water tank: 6.6 oz.Heat up time: 30 secondsPower: 1000WWeight: 3.8 lb. Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight and very portable+Lots of attachments+Trigger to control steam

Reasons to avoid

-Small Water Tank-Can become tiresome to hold

New to the world of steam cleaning, or have small messes you want to target? We suggest the Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner for tackling smaller jobs. It's small but mighty and excels at blasting away grime from tile and grout but requires extra effort for degreasing baked on grime from ovens and cookware.

Triggered Steam Control

To release steam, press the trigger located above the handle to activate and later control the steam. This function conserves steam and uses it only when needed.

Thoughtful Design

The kettle-shaped container is easy to hold to get into a handful of tight smaller spaces like an oven or a shower. The extra-long 20-foot cord enables you to move around freely, and though the water tank is small, the swift 30-second heat-up will have you back in action in no time.

Plenty of Attachments

Right out of the box, you'll notice tons of tools to help you accomplish your cleaning journey, from a flat scraping tool to a grout brush, angle concentrator, and three scrubbing brushes.

5. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop (1940)

Best value steam mop: score a great steam mop for less than $100

Specifications

Cable length: 23 feetWater tank: 19 ouncesHeat-up time: 30 secondsPower: 1500WWeight: 6.2 lb.Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+Continuous steam release, and three steam options+Swivel steering for easy maneuvering +Removable water tank for easy filling

Reasons to avoid

-Requires a Phillips head screwdriver to assemble -Many buyers reported water tank cap breaks from use- Distilled water is highly recommended

A powerful steam mop doesn't have to be expensive, and Bissell's PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop is up for the task. It's safe on sealed hard floors such as hardwood, linoleum, ceramic, tile, marble, and granite. In addition to removing up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria, you can add specially designed scent packets to leave behind a fresh fragrance, if desired.

Seamless Scrubber

Yes, tough spots happen, but this Easy Scrubber makes them less difficult to clean. With a strategical design flip-down feature, this model reaches down to tough-to-reach grout and crevices to provide a precise clean.

Scent boost

Insert the included Spring Breeze Fragrance Disc into the tray for a burst of freshness while you steam clean.

Easy to use

The swivel steering is ideal for tight spaces such as under tables and sofas, plus along edges and corners. The Digital Steam Control offers three steam settings with the option of high, medium, or low steam. Low steam is great for everyday cleaning, while you'll want to switch on the high steam mode for grimier messes.

The steam mop also comes with two washable microfiber pads: the white microfiber pad is best for everyday use on delicate floorings like sealed hardwoods and laminate. Lastly, the gray and white striped pad will heavily scrub soiled floors and clean tougher messes.

6. PurSteam Therma Pro 211 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner

Best multi-function steam cleaner: Clean floors, carpets, windows, and even garments with this all-purpose design that converts into a handheld too

Specifications

Cord length: 15.6 ft. Water tank: 11.5 oz.Power: 1550WHeat-up time: 30 secondsWeight: 2.2 lb.Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+Converts to a detachable hand-held unit+Handle folds down for easy, compact storing+Very lightweight+Adjustable steam modes+Many attachments to customize your clean

Reasons to avoid

-Nylon brush bristles break down-Steam Cycling means uneven cleaning pressure -Mop pads don't make complete contact with the floor, requiring multiple passes

When you want a really multifunctional steam mop, this 10-in-1 steam cleaner from PurSteam World's Best Steamers has got it all, and it's still lightweight and easy to use! With a whopping 10 functions, in addition to cleaning sealed floors, you can take this lightweight machine to also clean carpets, mirrors, glass, windows, clothing, ovens, and much more. It’s said to kill 99.9% of bacteria so will make your home hygienically clean and give peace of mind to those with young children, babies, or allergy sufferers without the use of any harsh chemicals. Most importantly, as well as an upright steam mop, it can also be used as a handheld steamer, too. A handheld is perfect for hard-to-reach spaces, areas above the floor, or even your car.

Lifts off into a handheld
This steam cleaner is not just for floors! Easily snap out the handheld part to steam clean hard-to-reach areas, up high, your car, your oven, windows, and so much more.

Attachments and Accessories
The steam cleaner comes with a variety of attachments to make your cleaning experience even more customizable. Included is a window squeegee, a steamer jet nozzle for targeted steam cleaning of hard to reach spaces, various nylon brushes for cleaning ovens, hobs, and bathrooms, an angled nozzle for hard to reach spaces, a scraper for cleaning your oven and getting out gross burnt on food, a grout brush for cleaning in between tiles, a garment steamer attachment for clothing, curtains, and upholstery, a carpet glider for carpets, microfiber cleaning pads, and a measuring cup to fill the water tank. Phew. That sounds like a complete kit to us!

Adequate Running Time
For most jobs on the lowest setting, a full tank will last you 20-25 minutes of steaming on the lowest setting, or half of that on the maximum setting. The water only takes about 30 seconds to heat up should you need to add more, as you very quickly will get another burst of steam.

7. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

Best steam cleaner for carpets: a multi-purpose cleaner that works on all floor types, including carpets

Specifications

Cord length: 16 ft.Water tank: 54 oz.Heat up time: 7 minutesPower: 1500wWeight: 9 lb.Warranty: 2 years / Lifetime on steam cleaner boiler

Reasons to buy

+Interesting boxy design+Huge water tank with up to 50 minutes of cleaning time+Heats up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit +Suitable for removing viruses, pathogens, bedbugs, mold, and other undesirables from the floor, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout and tiles, bathrooms, and more.+Discreetly hidden cord storage and pop-up handle for easy handling

Reasons to avoid

-No accessory carrier-Have to turn unit over or lift to wrap cord-Mop head doesn't swivel

Most steam mops can't handle carpeted surfaces, but the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is up for the challenge. Designed to steam clean, degrease, deodorize and rid your home of viruses, pathogens, bedbugs, mold, and other undesirables from floors, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout and tiles, bathrooms, and more. It's almost hard to think of things this steam cleaner can't clean. We'll use it in our showers, degreasing the oven, cleaning the interior of our car, sanitizing toys and high-touch items, and so much more.

Power and ease of use

In addition to the 16-foot-long power cord, it was has a 6.6-foot steam hose and rolling wheels for easy maneuvering. However, the power cord is tucked away underneath the unit, which was a pain point for some. Though, as far as steam power, it offers steam pressure up to 50 psi or 3.5 bar, and its high capacity water tank allows for extended periods of cleaning sessions.

What's included?

Similar to previously mentioned steam cleaners, these multi-function tools come with various attachments. Along with the list of what's included: a rectangular floor tool, three microfiber pads (though you can use any pad or towel you like as back up), a window tool, two extension tubes, a lance, a microfiber tool, a triangular tool, a triangular tool microfiber bonnet, five nylon brushes, a brass brush, and an Add fresh Fragrance Disc.

8. Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner

Best steam cleaner vacuum combo: a two-in-one cleaning experience

Specifications

Cord length: 25 ft.Water tank: 12.8 oz.Heat up time: 30 secondsPower: 1100W for Steam / 400Wfor VacuumWeight: 9.74 lb.Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+Enables you to vacuum and steam mop at the same time, or each setting individually +Option to use disposable mop pads +Built for families with pets

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive-Limited for other steam cleaning jobs-Distilled water recommended

The thing to know about steam cleaners is that your floor should already be free of dust before going through with a steam mop. But, if you're short on time, or simply don't want to have to go over the floors twice, a steam cleaner that is also a vacuum sounds like an absolutely winning combination. The big thing here is that it'll catch dirt and sanitize surfaces at the same time.It'll also capture pet hair with Bissell's cyclonic vacuum technology.

Time-Saving
Reclaim your cleaning schedule and use this vacuum to clean the floor of dust and small debris as you steam mop. The water tank offers about 15 minutes of cleaning, which is great for quick steam cleaning passes across your sealed, hard floors. You use a steam trigger for when you want to apply steam to your cleaning, with two steam settings, low for everyday cleaning, and high for harder to clean messes.

Drop it Tank Emptying System
The Symphony Pet features an exclusive Drop-It Tank Emptying System which enables you to clear out the debris canister without getting your hands dirty.

Swiffer Steam Boost Tray
In addition to the two included microfiber cleaning pads, this Bissell includes a Swiffer (yes, that Swiffer) Steam Boom Tray that works with Swiffer BISSELL Steam boost disposable pads, which include four to start. They're great for messes you'd rather not have to deal with again, though you will eventually need to buy replacement pads.

Why buy a steam mop, or steam cleaner?

The floors in our homes need to be kept crumb and dirt-free to keep them looking nice, comfortable, and of course, clean. While the best vacuum cleaner will tackle crumbs and pet hair on the carpets, the best steam cleaner will help to make the hard flooring sparkle.

These handy cleaning devices can kill up to 99.99 percent of bacteria, fungi, and mold. Yep. Some can even remove carpet stains, give a new lease on life to your upholstery, refresh your tiles or other hard floors, and make your kitchen appliances shine. All without the use of harsh chemicals or cleaning agents.

Simply put, an upright or a handheld steam cleaner means the likelihood of you getting on your hands and knees with a scrubbing brush again is very slim. Not to mention the help they can offer when it comes to the dreaded task of cleaning your oven. Seriously, we've thought of everything when it comes down to how to use a steam cleaner.

How to choose the best steam mop or steam cleaner

When looking for a new, or replacement, steam cleaner there are a few elements to consider to ensure it is the best steam cleaner for you:

Cable length
All steam mops are corded, so depending on the size of your house or the number of outlets you have dotted around, be wary of the cable length.

Water tank
Since these appliances convert water into steam, the size of the water tank is an important feature. The larger the water tank, the more time you'll have to clean. Live in a larger home? Opt for a mop with a large water capacity to save having to top it up regularly.

Floor Surface
Most steam cleaners can work with a variety of flooring types including sealed hardwood, tile, ceramic, marble, granite, cement, linoleum, and vinyl.Do not use it on unsealed hardwood or other porous surfaces.Before using a steam cleaner on carpet, we suggest spot-testing or noting if a particular machine is even built to allow carpet cleaning as well.

Heat up time
Waste no time waiting for your mop to heat up, the majority of our picks heat up in just 30 seconds.

Power
A higher wattage won’t necessarily equal better performance so consider all the specifications before making your mind up.

Weight
You’ll find that handheld steamers are lighter and easier to use but don’t steam for as long as mops. Mops heat up quicker and last a lot longer but the exact time will depend on the size of the water tank. Opting for a lightweight steam mop is a smart thing to do, especially if you have stairs in your home. Also, look at the overall design and see if the handle is ergonomic enough for you and if the style of the steam mop suits the way you work.

Attachments
You can also find a range of attachments for your steam cleaner such as upholstery tools, scrubbing pads, and squeegees for cleaning windows and appliances, for example.

What's the difference between a steam cleaner and a steam mop?

Steam cleaners are available in handheld, mops, and canister models. Each offers a different type of cleaning, and you can also get a combination of them all if you want to clean different types of surfaces on a regular basis.

Steam mops are best for hard flooring, canisters are good for carpets and upholstery and handheld machines are best for reaching small or inaccessible areas.