The 5 best steam mops of 2025 for effective, chemical-free cleaning

A steam mop is an excellent cleaning tool that can sanitize sealed hard floors and other non-porous surfaces without chemicals. They can also be a quicker and more sanitary solution to cleaning than a traditional mop. And if you want extra versatility, there are plenty that go beyond cleaning floors. Many steam mops come with different attachments that can help you clean counters, upholstery, carpets, grout, and more.

To find the best steam mops, we tested eight models on different types of flooring and stains, and spoke to cleaning and flooring experts for tips on choosing the best steam cleaners. Our top pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop performed well and is lightweight and easy to use, but it doesn't come with any attachments. For a more budget-friendly steam mop, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop is highly versatile with a lift-off handheld design that can clean multiple surfaces and comes with various attachments to do so.

While best steam mops will transform the way you clean, note that steam mops should only be used on non-porous or sealed surfaces like porcelain and ceramic tile, stone, and linoleum. "Avoid using steam mops on any flooring that is unsealed," said Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, referencing hardwood, laminate and vinyl — including luxury vinyl plank — as examples. The high heat and moisture can damage and warp floors, which is when the best mop might come in handy. Approach caution with brands that claim to be gentle enough for hardwood or laminate, and a good practice is to try a spot test before doing a full run.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for the best steam mops

Best overall: Bissell 1806 PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop -See at Amazon

Best budget: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop - See at Amazon

Best for pets: Bissell 15441 PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop -See at Amazon

Most versatile: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner -See at Amazon

Best with vacuum: Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Steam Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum - See at Amazon

Best overall

Lightweight yet powerful, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe checks a lot of boxes without being overly pricey. If you're just looking for a floor cleaner, it's a solid choice, but note that it doesn't come with any attachments.

The PowerFresh Deluxe performed well in most of our cleaning tests, except for the egg yolk, which all the machines struggled with to some extent. However, it did well with the mustard, though it couldn't remove the set-in stains on some surfaces. (No steam mop we tried was able to.) It easily cleans honey without leaving a sticky residue behind.

The PowerFresh comes with two washable microfiber pads, one of which is nubbier and meant for spills and stains that are harder to clean. Though, what really improved the cleaning performance was removing the mop head to use a brush attached to the mop's body. It's a bit like a scrub brush with bright orange bristles that you don't have to get on your hands and knees to use. This is a hands-free operation, though you need to turn the mop off first so you don't release steam while your foot is nearby.

There are light and heavy steam outputs that you change with the press of a button. The machine takes about 30 seconds to heat up after you press the power button. An accompanying measuring cup is used to fill the generous reservoir. One drawback is that you can't remove the tank to empty it if you have water left over after you're done cleaning. The 19-ounce tank should give you around 25 to 30 minutes of cleaning, so you may not want to fill it up for quick jobs.

The Deluxe is responsive and maneuverable. It also stands on its own for easier storage. If you like scent while you clean, there's a tray for scent discs that release fragrance while steaming.

Assembly was quick and straightforward, though you will need a screwdriver.

Best budget

At under $100, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop is only slightly cheaper than our best overall steam mop, but has more versatility with added attachments. It has large and small brushes, a nozzle, grout brush, scrape tool, steamer jet, squeegee, carpet glider, and two washable microfiber pads. As a steam mop, it can be used on hard floors and carpets. It can also be used as a handheld steamer to clean and unwrinkle fabric, sofas, and drapes.

During testing, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop managed to tackle liquid and food stains, but not without a little more effort. The steam mop required a significant amount of swipes to remove mustard and more elbow grease for eggs. Substances like syrup and honey left the floor a little sticky. The maneuverability while mopping could also be improved. When turning corners and moving the mop around, there was some resistance, and it wasn't as smooth as other models tested.

To control the steam, there's a knob above the water tank. It takes up to 30 seconds to heat up. When using it as a steam mop, the knob is further down and isn't as easily accessible as other options we tested. When the cleaning tool is used as a hand steamer, it's easier to adjust the steam. Filling the water tank is also easy and straightforward. It comes with a funnel and cup to make the process go smoothly. The 12.8-ounce water tank can last for up to 25 minutes with consistent steam once the steam level is set.

The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop is lightweight and easy to store. It can stand up on its own, making it even easier to store in a closet or kitchen corner. However, if you like mounting cleaning tools on the wall, the steam mop doesn't come with any attachments to do so.

Assembly was easy and took less than a minute. The handle is already connected to the steam mop body. To assemble, you pull up the folded handle until it clicks, then add the mop base and microfiber pad attachment.

Despite other steam mops performing better against certain spills and debris and the need for improvement on maneuverability, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop still provides great value for the price, especially with the extra attachments and its versatility.

Best for pets

It should serve you well if you're mainly using it as a floor mop, but the real reason to buy the Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off model is for all its attachments. It is equipped with nearly a dozen of them, including brushes, scrapers, and nozzles for various tasks. While marketed for pets, the tools are useful in animal-free homes, too.

An all-around good cleaner, the PowerFresh Pet earned high marks on all our tests, doing the second-best job on egg and mustard. It did leave some traces of sticky residue in our honey tests though. Like the PowerFresh Deluxe, the PowerFresh Pet comes with two reusable microfiber pads, a smooth one for everyday use and a textured one for tougher messes.

The PowerFresh Pet comes with three brushes, two for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. The bristles are different colors so you don't mix them up, which is a nice touch. You also get a scraper, grout tool, and fabric steamer. There's a bag for all the attachments, which makes them easier to store.

The tools lock firmly into place so they don't twist when you're using them. We were especially impressed with how the grout brush dislodged a fair amount of gunk from under the rim of a supposedly clean sink.

This is the heaviest steam mop we tested. When the pod is separated from the base so you can use the attachments, it weighs about 4.5 pounds. This may fatigue some people. We also felt the PowerFresh Pet was a little stiff to maneuver when we used it in its mop form.

The location of the tank's fill hole is a bit awkward because you have to lay the pod on its side to pour water in, using a provided cup. This isn't as cumbersome when the pod is detached, but it's not as easy to fill as the PowerFresh Deluxe when it's on the mopping base. However, the disassembled pod is easier to empty. That's important if you don't want water sitting in the tank between uses.

Most versatile

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is one of the most versatile steam mops. It features a canister design with 17 attachments for floors, windows, grout, and more. With the press of a button, it delivers powerful and consistent steam that cleans a variety of stains on different surfaces.

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner performed well during most of the cleaning tests, taking as few as one to two swipes to get through different spills and debris. But when it came to egg and mustard, it took a few more swipes to clean. With honey and syrup, the floors left very little sticky residue after cleaning.

The steam cleaner comes with three washable microfiber pads, a microfiber cloth, a microfiber bonnet, five nylon brushes, a brass brush, two extension tubes, a triangle tool, a steam lance, and a floor tool. Thanks to the tab on each pad, switching between attachments is easy, even when swapping microfiber pads during cleaning. The extension tubes make it easy to use as a steam mop without any back strain, but they can be adjusted when cleaning other areas.

To fill the Dupray's tank, there's an opening at the top of the canister with a funnel-like design. It's supposed to make filling it up easier, but water would sometimes pool up and the canister would need to be moved from side to side to help the water go into the tank. There also isn't a water level indicator and it's difficult to tell when the tank is full. Since the water tank is large, it can take up to eight minutes to heat up. There's a light indicator that is orange while heating and turns green when the steam cleaner is ready to use. The 54-ounce tank has a runtime of up to 50 minutes.

The Dupray is comfortable to use and easy to maneuver while gliding along the floor. The steam button is conveniently placed on the handle, making the steam easy to control on-demand. Where it loses points is its storability. The canister is a cube design with a non-detachable hose that can make it difficult to store on its own, especially with the extra attachments. To make storage easier, I purchased a storage container to house the steam mop to make it more accessible on shelves or in a closet.

Assembly was quick and easy. All you have to do is add the extension tubes, if needed, and then add the attachment you want to use.

Best with vacuum

Tineco makes some of the best wet-dry vacuums, and its model with steam, the Floor One S5 Steam Smart Wet Dry Vacuum merges the best qualities of a steam mop with the ease of a device that can tackle both liquid spills and dry debris. As a smart cleaning tool, it has an LED display that indicates how dirty and clean the floors are, turning red when the floor is dirty and turning blue when the floor is clean.

The Tineco performed well during testing but took a few more swipes to clean mustard and egg. With syrup and honey, very little sticky residue was left after cleaning. It's only functional for floor cleaning, and doesn't come with any additional attachments.

The water tank is removable, making filling it simple. You can also use tap water with the steam mop. The tank lasts up to 20 minutes.

The Tineco is very easy to use. Even though it's heavy, when turned on, the mop is in wet/dry mode and automatically propels forward, making it easy to maneuver around. To turn on the steam, you press a button on the handle and wait for the LED display to reach 100, which takes about 30 seconds. The steam level isn't adjustable, but it's consistent and even while cleaning.

Instead of using microfiber pads, the steam mop uses a roller brush that continuously cleans the roller brush to flush dirty water and accumulated debris into a dirty water tank. It can also be cleaned in self-cleaning mode and removed and rinsed with water. It also comes with a replacement brush. To use self-cleaning mode, you place the mop on the dock and press a button. The mop also prompts you whenever the self-cleaning mode is recommended. During testing, we found that the mop recommended self-cleaning multiple times during a cleaning session.

The Tineco Floor One S5 Steam Cleaner Wet Dry Vacuum requires more maintenance than other models tested. The brand recommends cleaning the clean and dirty water tank, brush roller, and brush roller cover after each use.

Assembly was quick and easy. The steam mop was already mostly assembled and only required inserting the handle into the base.

What else we tested

What else we recommend

Shark Genius S6002 Steam Pocket Mop: This Shark steam mop did a fine job cleaning, but there were a few things that kept it from making the cut. First, it was the only mop we tested that couldn't stand on its own. That makes it more of a pain to store and to pause while cleaning. It only has a single level of steam, though you can get an extra burst by flipping the mop head over. The smaller triangular head was a great addition but not enough to make up for a pricey mop without many features.

What we don't recommend

Shark S1000 Steam Mop: While this is by far the cheapest steam mop we tested, and it cleaned about as well as its other Shark counterparts, there was much to be desired. There's no way to control the steam output beyond the pumping action required to operate the mop, which also felt inconvenient to press continuously. There's also no standby mode for when you power the mop on or need to pause. It also has the shortest cord of any steam mop we tested, making it likely you'll need to unplug and replug it in throughout your cleaning.

What to look for in a steam mop

Before selecting the best steam mop for your needs, consider what you'll be cleaning and technical features like the unit's size, weight, water tank, and cord length.

Compatible floor type: Before purchasing a steam mop, consider the flooring types you have. Steam cleaners are recommended for sealed floors, such as tile and stone. While many brands market their product as being compatible with wood, laminate, or vinyl flooring, most cleaning experts do not advise using a steam cleaner on these surfaces.

Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the steam cleaner to ensure comfort of use and maneuverability.

Heating time: Steam mops should reach a water's boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Most designs heat up within 30 seconds to two minutes.

Water tank: Depending on how much or how long you need to clean, you want to ensure the tank can hold enough water so you won't need to refill mid-clean. The steam mops we tested range from 10 ounces to 25 ounces, and have cleaning times of up to 30 minutes. If you have quicker cleaning sessions or less area to clean, water tank capacities in that range would be sufficient. For cleaning large areas, look for water tanks with larger capacities. For example, our top canister steam mop has a 54-ounce tank and a cleaning time of up to 50 minutes.

Cord length: The majority of steam cleaners are corded models. Depending on the size of the room you're cleaning, a cord at least 20 feet long will suit most people.

Steam output: There are different types of steam outputs to choose from, including on-demand, continuous, and adjustable.

• On-Demand steam: Steam mops with an on-demand steam output produce steam when a button or trigger is pressed. This option gives you more control over when the mop cleans.
• Continuous steam: Steam mops with a continuous steam output produce steam automatically when turned on. This output requires no effort on your end and can make cleaning quicker and easier.
• Adjustable steam: Steam mops with an adjustable steam output allow you to adjust the level of steam produced.

Attachments: Steam mops with lift-off capabilities and various attachments like grout brushes, extension hoses, and squeegees make it possible to use your steam cleaner for extended household chores like cleaning your bath, grout lines, windows, appliances, and more.

How we test steam mops

To compare the cleaning abilities of the best steam mops, we examined how well each cleaned dried-on egg, mustard, and honey on a variety of surfaces, including tile, wood, and laminate (though we don't recommend using steam mops on laminate or wood floors).

We also timed how long each mop took to heat up and made notes on maneuverability, ease of filling and emptying the water tanks, and which models could stand up independently. If there were extra tools or features, we evaluated how useful they were.

We also spoke to Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, and Brett Miller, vice president of Technical Standards, Training, and Certification for the National Wood Flooring Association, for advice on using steam mops.

Steam mop FAQs

Can I use a steam mop on a wood floor?

"We recommend never using a steam mop on any real wood floor," said Brett Miller, vice president of Technical Standards, Training, and Certification for the National Wood Flooring Association.

He said steam can travel between the cracks and into the cells of the wood itself. "This can permanently damage the wood and the floor's finish," he said. Even a traditional mop and bucket may introduce too much water. Instead, Miller suggests using a broom or microfiber mop daily, a vacuum weekly, and cleaning with a professional wood floor cleaning product monthly.

Can I use a steam mop on other types of floors?

As a general rule, "avoid using steam mops on any flooring that is unsealed," said Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. Engineered wood and bamboo can suffer from the same issues as hardwood. Laminate flooring is also susceptible to warping from steam, and excessive heat can damage vinyl.

Bissell also warns that the use of a steam mop could reduce a floor's glossiness.

While manufacturers generally say tile and linoleum flooring are safe for steam mops, keep in mind that excessive heat or water could still cause problems. Don't leave the steam mop in one place for too long, and it's a good idea to test the mop in a hidden area before cleaning your whole floor. You may also want to limit the frequency of your steam mopping.

Will a steam mop sanitize a floor?

Technically, yes, but not without some effort. Temperatures between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit are often enough to kill bacteria and viruses, though it's not instantaneous. Water boils and produces steam and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and some steam mops get even hotter.

While that's technically hot enough to kill germs, the manuals for the Bissell machines instruct you to slowly pass the mop back and forth over a spot three times, while the Shark Steam & Scrub S7001 requires 15 passes on the highest setting. Remember that sanitizing reduces the number of bacteria, while disinfecting kills most of them. There are less intensive ways to disinfect surfaces.

Is steam cleaning floors better than mopping?

Steam cleaning floors can be quicker and easier than traditional mopping. Steam mops don't use chemicals, can sanitize floors, are more sanitary since they don't reuse water from a bucket, and are efficient at cleaning tough stains with little effort. However, they're more expensive than traditional mops and can't be used on all types of flooring, such as unsealed floors and hardwood. For floors that you can't use steam mops on, traditional mops can work just as well, but require more physical labor and might not sanitize floors as well as steam mops can.

How do you use a steam mop?

Stapf recommends sweeping or vacuuming first to remove dust, dirt, crumbs, and other debris on the floor. If you're looking for recommendations, we also have plenty of opinions about the best vacuums.

You must fill the reservoir with water and attach a mop cloth.

Start with a clean cloth, Stapf said. "You may need to replace the cloth as you mop, depending on the size of the room you're cleaning," she said. You'll also want to wait until the mop produces steam before you start cleaning, usually between 30 seconds and a minute.

"It's helpful to work your way from one side of the room to the other to make sure you clean the entire floor and avoid missing any areas as you go," said Stapf.

Can you put vinegar in a steam mop?

"When it comes to steam mops, it's best to stick to the basics," said Stapf. "Regular warm water should do the trick." Most manufacturers warn against putting anything other than water in the machines' tanks.

Do I need to use distilled water in my steam mop?

Many manufacturers suggest using distilled or demineralized water, especially if you have hard water, to avoid mineral buildup and prolong the life of your steam mop.

Why does my steam mop leave my floors streaky or cloudy?

First, check the mop pad you're cleaning with. If it's dirty, you may be redepositing grime back onto your floor. If the cloth is clean, you may be trying to clean a waxed or oiled floor.

Steam mops can decrease the glossiness of polishes and waxes, leaving floors looking streaked or cloudy.

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