On this website, I have written three in depth guides on the best buys in the following categories.
This is a useful site if you just want some Air Fresheners.
Rather than just review many individual steam mops I have tried to find the best in each category for you.
In each category, I have selected a best buy and one budget buy.
Best Buys these are not high prices mop with unnecessary features. But mops which have sufficient features, at a reasonable price to complete your cleaning effectively.
The budget mops often have only essential features but are still able to do the cleaning effectively,
To complete these guides I have spent many hours researching, studying customer reviews, reading manufacturer specifications and talking to experts.
In addition to the above guides, I have compiled many steam mop reviews and steam cleaner reviews. To help you find the best steam mop and best steam cleaner for your needs. To start with I have listed what I consider to be the best steam mops and best steam cleaners in each category.
My Best Steam Mop and Cleaners
Below I have listed what I think are the best steam mops and cleaners in each category.
Best Combined Steam Mop and Steam Cleaner
In this category I would recommend the Vax S86-SF-C Steam Fresh Combi 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner. This steam mop can operate as both a upright and easily converts to a handheld cleaner. It has a very quick heat up time of 30 seconds and at least 12 minutes running time. This combined with it excellent performance makes it my top recommendation in this category.
Best Steam Mop
Here the easily overall winner is the Vax S86-SF-P Steam Fresh Pet Steam Cleaner. This mop combines the power of steam together to breakdown grease and grime even faster. The mop is both lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
Best Handheld Steam Cleaner
Here I choose the Vax S4 Grime Master Steam Cleaner. There is not a huge range of handheld steam cleaners on the market. But this one does a good job and is very reasonably priced.
Comparing different Steam Mops and Cleaners
So you can quickly see the best steam mops and cleaners in different categories I have completed comparison tables for the best floor and handheld steam cleaners, steam mops and handheld steam cleaners. From these top steam mops there are links so you can navigable to a full reviews of each of the cleaners. On the right hand side under recent reviews is a complete list of all the steam mop reviews I have written. These reviews include by overall ratings of the steam cleaners I have reviewed.
| Product Image | Model | Review | Water Tank Capacity (mls) | Steam Time (mins) | Heat-up Time (secs) | Cord length (m) | Overall Rating (1 to 10) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vax S86-SF-C | Vax S86-SF-C | Water tank 260 ml Detergent tank 200 ml | 12 | 30 | 8 |  (9 / 10) | ||
 | Vax S86-SF-CC | None | 260 | 15 | 20 | 7 |  (8.6 / 10) | ||
 | Morphy Richards 9 in 1 | None | 400 | 14 | 30 | 5 |  (8.2 / 10) | ||
 | Vax S7 | Vax S7 | 400 | 12 | 20 | 7 | (9 / 10) | ||
 | Dirt Devil 11 in 1 | None | 330 | 15 | 30 | 5 |  (8 / 10) | ||
 | Vax S86-SF-P | Vax S86-SF-P | 800 | 25 | 15 | 9 | (9 / 10) | ||
 | Morphy Richards 720515 | None | 270 | 10 | 30 | 5 | (9 / 10) | ||
 | Vax S2S-1 hard Floor Pro | Vax S2S | 500 | 10 | 60 | 8 |  (8.8 / 10) | ||
 | Vax S88-W1M-B | None | 280 | 10 | 30 | 6 |  (8.4 / 10) | ||
 | Russell Hobbs RHDSM2001 | None | 600 | 15 | 15 | 8 |  (7.8 / 10) |
Steam Mop Reviews
These reviews can be found in the Directory of Steam Mops which has reviews on all the popular steam mops and cleaners.
Steam Cleaner Reviews
These reviews can be found in the Directory of Steam Cleaners which has reviews on all the popular steam mops and cleaners.
In Conclusion
I hope you find this site useful in choosing the best steam mop or cleaner for your needs. by Richard Floyd. If you are looking for a new vacuum. please check out my Vacuum Cleaner Reviews site.
Different Types of Steam Mops and Cleaners
There are three types of steam cleaners – steam mops, handheld steam cleaners and cylinder steam cleaners
Handheld Steam Mops
These are the cheapest with prices ranging from £20 to £100
Steam Mops
These are the cheapest with prices ranging from £30 to £100
Cylinder Steam Cleaner
These are the cheapest with prices ranging from £70 to £400
What do the different types of steam cleaner do
The Steam mops are designed for steaming hardwood floors they are able to lift the dirt more effectively than just using a mop and bucket. In addition because of the high temperature of the steam they are able to kill bacteria.
There are two kinds of steam mop, those with one-sided cleaning and those that are two-sided – you can just flip the mop head over and clean with the other side of the cloth
Handheld steam cleaners are most useful at cleaning small surface areas
Cylinder steam cleaners, come with a wide range of attachments and are suitable for both cleaning floors and other surfaces. They can perform the functions of both a steam mop and a handheld steam cleaner.
What you need to Consider When Purchasing a Steam Mop or Cleaner
First decide what you want from a steam mop, do you want a 2 in 1 mop which is a steam mop and a handheld cleaner. Alternatively do you want only a steam mop or handheld steamer. Finally do you want to buy a Cylinder steam cleaner.
You then need to consider several factors.
Weight – Some steam mops have large water tanks. This can make them heavy to use especially when the tank is full up. But a large tank also means that you have to stop and refill it less frequently particularly on larger
Type of Mop Head – Some steam mops have a swivelling mop head which makes it much easier to clean around furniture. Also how the mop cloth is attached and what it is made of.
Attachments – What attachments do you want with your steam mop. There are a variety of attachments that can be used not for just cleaning floor such as window cleaning. also some brands of steam mop can be converted into a hand held steamer
Indicator Lights – Check to see if the model has indicator lights to confirm when the water has reached the correct temperature, most of them do. Also check to see if there is an indicator light to check when the water has nearly run out, most of them do not. Some steamers have adjustable settings according to how much steam is required
Frequency of Use – How often do you intend to use the mop if you intend to use the mop frequently a more heavy duty mop is best. But if you intend to use the mop infrequently a cheaper model is all you need.
Consider a Multi-tasked – Before using a steam cleaner you need to sweep the floor clean of debris. Some steamer have a dual function and will sweep an then steam clean
Long Cord – A long cord means that you are able to clean more without having to unplug and plug back in or use an extension
Flexible Cleaners – Some models are able to lay flat to allow you to use under furniture.
Mop Stand – This is useful to allow the steam mop to heat and cool down without damaging your floor.
Stand-Up Mop – Look for a mop that stands up on its own so it does not tip over on its own.
Benefits of Steam Mops
Portable steam cleaners have a long list of cleaning advantages, but the short and simple list amounts to three key points: they are easy to use, clean effectively, and are environmentally friendly.
Typically, when you go to clean the hard surfaces around your house you need something to carry all of your supplies in-cleaning rags, paper towels, and a variety of cleaning solutions. When you have a portable steam cleaner you simply fill up the machine with some water, wait a few minutes for it to heat up, grab a clean cloth, and get to work. The machines come with a variety of different nozzles, for instance, a squeegee for mirrors, hoses, detail brushes, etc. After you pick the tool for the job ahead of you and start running the machine along the surfaces you want clean, you then wipe down the surface with your cloth to dry it off or pick up any debris left over and you’re done.
It may seem like hot water could not really get your whole house clean, but the truth is that this is a very effective cleaning method. It works for your bathroom surfaces, cleaning off appliances, your kitchen surfaces, and if you are not opposed to bending over you can use it for your hard floors as well. If you are tall, or hate bending over, a steam mop may be preferable for your floors.
As mentioned above, you do not need any cleaning solutions for portable steam cleaners. This means that you both save money over time, but that you also are not pouring those chemicals down the drain-which makes this an environmentally friendly cleaning option. Chemical free cleaning has its own set of advantages, as if being budget and environmentally friendly were not enough, you also do not have to worry about harsh chemicals ruining your surfaces, this cleaning method is gentle on your nice hard wood floors or granite counters while still getting your home clean.
Portable steam cleaners have a long list of advantages, but most importantly, these appliances are simple to use, work well, and are chemical free which saves you money over time, helps the environment, and is gentle on your home.
Steam Mops versus Mop and Bucket
Traditional mop cleaning uses hot water, detergent and a bucket. Originally you would buy a bucket with a section in it which enables you to wring out the mop.
More recently you are able to get many different versions of cleaning mops. These include flat and sponge type mops. These have their own system to squeeze out the mop. Which means they are quicker to use, so saving washing and drying time. Ordinary mops are cheaper than steam mops but do not forget you will need a bucket scrubbing brushes, detergents and other cleaners.
Reasons to continue using Floor Mops
Customers give several reasons for continuing to use the traditional mop or spray mop. The first is the type of flooring they have is not suitable and the second is that steam mopping is more expensive. There are some floor types such as Pergo floors where the manufacturer does not recommend steam mop cleaning. As for expense once you have brought the steam mop they are cheaper to use as you only use water no need for the expense of detergents and cleaners.
Advantages of Steam Mops
Steam mop cleaning has developed as it is quicker and because customers have less time to spend on household chores.
Steam mopping is easier and takes less effort than traditional mopping of floors. The steam mop gets the job done faster than using a mop and bucket. With the steam mop there is a continuous cleaning process. There is no continued wringing out of the mop.
It takes a lot less effort cleaning the floor with a steam mop. It is like pushing a light vacuum around your floor. There is no need to insert pressure in the steam cleaner or try to scrub the floor with it. Unlike your regular mop where you have to insert continued pressure using both hands for the mop to remove dirt and stains. It is also more work to wring out the mop continuously. You can not sanitize the floors with a standard mop unless you use detergents or chemicals.
Steam has the advantage over ordinary cleaning with the mop is that as steam reaches higher temperatures than hot or boiling water it can kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria and germs. Steam cleaning is more eco friendly as you are using steam only and not harmful chemicals and detergents. It is also cheaper as you are no longer having to pay for detergent and other cleaning materials. In addition there is no harmful residue from chemicals left on the floor, especially where there are children or pets living in the household.
The drying time for floors is quicker with steam mops than with ordinary mopping. You only need the steam mop to clean with. There is no need for several items including mop,bucket and cleaning materials. You can use some steam mop for other purposes. Such as refreshing your carpets. If they are a multi-purpose cleaner it can be used to clean many more surfaces. With a steam mop there is no need to scrub stains and dirt to remove them.
Finally Steam Mops or Mop and Bucket
Can steam mops replace the traditional mop and bucket approach to cleaning floors. The answer as you can see from the information on this website is yes they can. They are capable of removing most stains from tiles and vinyl floor covering. Because of the high temperatures steam is capable of achieving it can kill germs and bacteria. Although to effectively sanitise the floors you need to hover the steam mop over the floor for up to 15 seconds depending on the manufacturers instructions. The traditional mop and bucket is incapable of doing reaching these temperatures.
I think that the advantages of steam mop cleaning outweigh that of using an ordinary mop. But if you like you can retain the traditional mop and use that when necessary.
In some ways it may be best to retain a regular mop as well as investing in a steam mop. If you have a quick messy spill to clean up it is easier to get the mop and bucket out rather than using steam mops.
Carpet Cleaning with a Steam Mop
You probably know that you can use a steam mop to clean hard surfaces like tiles and vinyl floor surfaces. Did you know that you could use a steam mop to clean and refresh your carpets? The power of high temperature steam can loosen the toughest to remove ground in dirt.
There are several advantages to using steam mops as opposed to conventional carpet cleaners to clean your carpet.
- Cleaning with steam, you do not have to use the cleaning solutions and chemicals used with carpet cleaners. This is useful if you have children and pets playing on the carpet.
- Steam mops are light and easy to carry. Carpet cleaners are heavy and take time to set up.
- Cleaning with steam can sanitize your carpets. It can kill off most bacteria and prevent the growth of moulds. It will also kill off any dust mites in the carpet.
- They are particularly useful to clean stair carpets, as they are light to use. Use an extension cord if necessary to reach the full length of the stairs.
- Because the steam mop uses steam to clean it does not leave the carpet as wet as carpet cleaners do.
- They cannot deep clean like a carpet cleaner. However, the steam mop can be particularly useful to clean your carpet spills and stains. This means that you will not have to use your carpet cleaner so frequently.
Make sure you regularly vacuum your carpet to prevent dust and dirt building accumulating. It is always best to clean stains and spills as soon after they have occurred. The steam mop is also useful to use to clean spills of food and stains.
To remove any mud and dirt from the carpet do the following instructions. First, just lightly brush the carpet with a stiff bristle brush. Then vacuum up any loose dirt. You can then either use the steam mop directly or first dampen the stain using cloth and soap solution. Do not use bleach or strong soap solution on your carpet as this can damage or fade the carpet fibres. When you have finished with the steam mop, the steam will have left loose dirt. Vacuum this up with a vacuum cleaner. Because the steam mop uses water, the carpets may be a little damp. It is best to leave the carpet for a couple of hours to allow it to fully dry.
Most steam mops come with a special attachment called a carpet glider, which you can use to clean your carpet. The mop base slots on top of the guider and to clean the carpet you just glide it over the carpet. The steam mop does not come in to direct contact with the carpet so preventing damage to the carpet fibres from the steam.
You can use most steam mops to clean your carpets. One steam mop I would recommend is the Vax S7 Steam Mop.
