That dirty kitchen floor looks better after you sweep it … but how much grime (and germs) still remain? Let’s just say it’s more than we like to think about. That’s one reason steam mops seem so tempting: The idea of a steamy hot wash for the dirtiest floors in the house, in a convenient package. But do they, as promised, deliver cleaner floors in less time? We decided to find out.
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Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop $89.99
This mop came with two pads, one for everyday use and one for heavier scrubbing. The pads slip on and off easily. It has three heat settings, depending on floor type. A nice feature is a scrubbing brush at the back of the unit. It worked great on caked-on spills and on floor crevices. The mop stands up on its own. The water tank is a bit tricky to remove and distilled water is recommended, meaning you have to remember to have it on hand. Tank capacity: 15 ounces. Cord length: 23 feet.
Electrolux Precision Steam $149.99
This machine had the longest cord, at 30 feet. Velcro on the machine and pads made pads easy to put on and take off. The water tank was easy to remove; distilled water is recommended. There are three variable steam settings, for wood, vinyl and tile floors. For dried-on spills it includes a “clean burst” button which gives a boost of steam, which worked fairly well. Mop stands on its own. Tank capacity: 17 ounces.
Shark Steam and Spray Mop $189.70
This steam mop includes a compartment for a spray floor cleaner that can be used in combination or separately. The combination cleaned well, even for heavily soiled floors; however, I found the floor cleaner bottle seemed to leak sometimes. The mop and pads both have Velcro, making them easy to put on and take off. It has three heat settings, one to use with the cleaner, then a mop and scrub setting for the steamer. The water tank is built-in. A cup is included in order to pour in distilled water. Mop head is narrow enough to get behind the toilet. It doesn’t stand on its own, so you have to lean it against a wall when not holding it. Tank Capacity: 450 mL (15.2 ounces). Cord length: 25 feet.
Sienna Aqua Fusion Steam Mop $99.99
The Sienna’s water tank stands out: It has a built-in water filter, so you can use regular tap water, it is easy to remove and fill, and has the largest capacity. This mop head is rounded which prevents you from getting into tight corners. Velcro on the pad and machine makes it easy to attach, but there’s no tag to pull when removing the pad. There is only one steam setting, and the button must be held to create steam. That allows for the mop to quickly be turned on and off, but it can lead to thumb fatigue when constantly depressed. It’s very slim, it stands on its own, and the handle folds down to reduce storage space. Includes a glider attachment for refreshing carpets. Tank capacity: 18.9 ounces. Cord length 16.4 feet.