How We Tested the Steam Mops

We purchased and tested over a dozen steam mops, steam cleaners, and upholstery cleaners in The Lab to find the best products available. We also tested several steam mops at home to see how they stood up against long-forgotten couch cushion stains and everyday wear and tear. Any additional picks were thoroughly vetted and researched based on our testing categories.

During lab testing, we timed the setup of each mop and made note of how long it took to prepare the product for use. Then, we evaluated each model’s effectiveness on a stained tile surface. We noted how many passes it took to clean up a stain and worked with the steam mop’s various features and attachments. After that, we rated its versatility, usability, and portability.

At home, testers evaluated additional steam mops on the same attributes after tasking them with real-world situations, like neglected bathroom floors. We boiled down all of our testing insights and research to determine the steam mops we believe are the very best.

What to Look for in a Steam Mop

Reservoir capacity

The reservoir capacity is a top thing you want to consider when shopping for a steam mop, because how big or small it is determines how much you can clean at one time. Consider what areas you’ll be cleaning regularly. If you have a larger home, choose a mop with a capacity of around 16 ounces, so you can tackle a lot at one time. If you have a smaller home or are looking for a model that’s portable and lightweight, a larger reservoir may mean a more cumbersome and heavy appliance (though not always). If you have a big area to clean, you’ll spend less time refilling the tank. On the flip side, if you’re only cleaning a medium-sized bathroom or a small apartment, a small reservoir should suffice. Most residential steam mops have a 12- to-15-ounce water tank capacity.

“If you’re going to invest in a steam cleaner, do the research and select a model you can actually use and maintain properly,” says Homer. “Beyond the maintenance, look for models with the most versatile attachments, largest tank, and highest wattage heater you can afford, as these key features will really determine how much usage you can truly get out of the machine.”

Steam output

Do you have kids or pets who leave tough stains behind or floors that might need a more delicate cleaning approach? If so, look for a model with an adjustable steam output so you can crank up (or down) the heat when you need to. This will give you greater control for a more personalized clean. Steam controls vary among different models. Some mops come with specific presets, while others have an adjustable knob for even greater flexibility.

When steam-cleaning your floors for the first time, always start on the lowest setting and work your way up to a higher level, if needed. Homer warns even simple residential steam cleaners can cause damage to your skin or your floors, so always follow the instructions when operating your device.

Accessories

A basic steam mop is great for occasional cleaning jobs, but some options come with extra tools that make it easier to reach certain areas of your home. “If you have lots of nooks and crannies, be sure to opt for a steam mop with the proper attachments, and if you need to clean large spaces often, get one with a large water tank,” says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids & A Mop. “It never hurts to find a steam mop with a built-in water heater to streamline the cleaning process,” as well.

Popular extras include grout tools, scrub brushes, squeegee tools, and even fabric steamers. Models with special nozzles for windows, blinds, countertops, and car upholstery are typically more expensive than your basic steam mop but are also more versatile and could potentially replace some of your other cleaning tools.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Anne Fritz, a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience covering home topics. It was then updated by Erin Johnson, a commerce editor at The Spruce who focuses on appliances, cleaning, and organization. Erin has hands-on experience developing and leading tests in The Lab. You can also find her work on Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and Southern Living.

For this roundup, Erin sorted through testing data from The Lab, as well as at-home testing reports from our real-world product testers. She also considered each steam mop’s ease of use, steam output, capacity, additional features, practicality, and customer reviews. Additional insight was provided by two of The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board members: Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer at MaidPro, and Katie Berry, an internationally recognized home-cleaning expert and the author of 30 Days to a Clean and Organized House. Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids & A Mop, offered additional insight into what to look for when purchasing a steam mop, and helpful features to keep in mind.

What Is Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce. we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.

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