Top 5 Best Steam Mops

Important Features | Best Steam Mops

Power – The power rating of a steam mop is given in watts (W). Most steam mops will run on around 1350W to 1500W. The higher the number of watts, the faster the unit will generate steam and be ready for use.

Heat Up Time – This is the time that it takes the mop to start generating enough steam to start cleaning. The best steam mops will be ready to use in as little as 30 seconds.

Maximum Steam Time – Maximum steam time tells you how long the mop can generate steam. If you have a lot of hard flooring, or want to use the steam to clean above the floor, look for a model with a maximum steam time of at least 15 minutes. Bear in mind, while a cordless steam mop will offer this steam time, you will have to wait for the battery to recharge before you are able to use the mop again.

Variable Steam – The best steam mops allow you to control the level of steam to cater for different floors and surfaces. Whereas some models have two settings – light or heavy cleaning – while others have three steam settings.

Suitable to Clean What Surfaces – Before investing in a steam mop, make sure that it is compatible with your flooring and that it will do the other chores that you want it to. Most steam mops will easily cope with laminate, hardwood, tile, vinyl and sealed stone. However, you will need to check that the steam mop comes with the attachments that you need for cleaning windows, hobs, carpets and upholstery.

Water Tank Capacity – Make sure that the water tank has a good capacity – around 0.5L is suitable for most households. A larger water tank means less refilling, allowing you to get your cleaning done more quickly.

Detergent Option or Steam Only – The majority of steam mops clean and sanitize using the power of steam alone. However, for more powerful cleaning, a twin tank system allows steam to be used alongside a detergent solution.

Detachable Handheld Steamer – If you want to use steam to clean your sink, oven, tiles, upholstery and windows, as well as your floors, then look for a mop with a detachable steam pod. This allows you to use the unit as a handheld steamer independently of the main mop.

Cord Length – Cord length varies significantly between models. While some steam mops have a 20 ft cord, others feature a generous 30 ft cord. A longer cord can save a lot of plugging and unplugging. Cordless steam mops are available, however, remember that they will need time to recharge after each use.

Attachments and Accessories

• Fragrance/Scented Discs – When you read various steam mop reviews, many customers rave about the difference that these innovative fragrance or scent discs makes to their cleaning. Adding fragrance while you steam, these scent discs are either placed in a mesh pocket in the mop pad or a holder on the mop head. As a result, a lovely aroma is noticeably emitted.

• Microfiber Pads – Microfiber pads fit over the mop head and are the ideal choice for cleaning most floors, including more delicate laminate and sealed hardwood. Most pads are machine washable, so they can be used repeatedly.

• Brush Heads – A range of attachments are available for steam mops with a handheld steamer: brass brushes for cleaning greasy hobs and ovens, and nylon brushes for showers, sinks and upholstery.

• Carpet Glider – If your home is a combination of hard floors and carpets, or you have a lot of rugs, a carpet glider is an essential tool. The carpet glider lets the mop to glide across the surface, allowing steam to penetrate the fibres.

• Squeegee – A squeegee attachment is a must, if you want to use your detachable handheld steamer to get a perfect, smear-free finish on mirrors and windows.

• Measuring Cup – Make sure that steam mops which do not have a removable water tank are supplied with a measuring cup; it will make refilling so much easier. Alternatively, you can just use a measuring jug.

Detergent – If the steam cleaner is designed for detergent, use one that is approved by the manufacturer (some models will include one bottle). Using a detergent that has not been designed for your mop (or using detergent in a steam only cleaner) can damage the appliance.

Weight and Dimensions – Steam mops weigh anything from under 3 kg up to 5 kg and their heights vary from around 66 cm to 116 cm. If you’re going to be carrying the mop upstairs, a lighter model may be better, and if you are tall, it would be wise to opt for a steam mop with a longer handle.