The Best Steam Mops of 2026

• Cord length: Not applicable (cordless, with up to 75-minute battery life)
• Weight: 9.48 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 1 liter clean water reservoir; .72 liter dirty water tank

It's fitting that the only steam mop powerful enough to dethrone Tineco's Floor One S7 as our top pick is another Tineco model, the mid-2025 release Floor One S9 Artist Steam Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner. After all, Tineco makes some of the best vacuums and floor cleaners on the market today, and we are always game to try them out.

We honored this S9 Artist Steam a CES Award back in January because it was that good on the show floor. So, when we brought it into a home environment this summer to test ourselves, we poured out some cereal milk, chocolate syrup, spaghetti sauce, and (yuck!) dog puke to see how it handled. Our floors have never been cleaner.

The S9 Artist Steam features four modes: Auto, Max, Steam, and Suction. The first two are self-explanatory—basically, a wet mopping paired with vacuum suction at regular and then boosted levels. The cordless floor cleaner performed well in those situations and was able to clean chunky gunk, including dog vomit, applesauce, and Cheerios in milk. However, it really shines when you employ the Steam mode, which takes about 60 seconds to heat and then generates consistent steam (at 284°F) to help remove stuck-on and formerly wet, now dried grime from your hardwoods and tiles. We used Steam mode on old food residue near the dog's bowl and crusted over sugar water that had dried beneath the kitchen island, and it removed it with no problem.

From a user perspective, the S9 Artist Steam self-propels quite quickly as you clean, which eases muscle and back strain, but can also surprise you if you're not ready for it. It maneuvers well, allowing it to slide under furniture and reach into corners, and shines an LED light ahead of it so that you can see dirt more clearly—and you really can. Lastly, Tineco's trademark light status on the handle's display screen and the unit itself moves from red (still dirty) to blue (clean!) as you go, based on the status of your floors.

Our favorite part of the whole experience using the S9 Artist Steam, though, is its dock station, where it not only charges its battery but also self-cleans its roller, a heated washing and drying process Tineco calls "FlashDry." Once you're done mopping and vacuuming your floors, you plop the unit back onto its dock and press the button on the top of the handle. FlashDry takes approximately 5 minutes to cycle through and indicates when it is complete, prompting you to empty the dirty water tank. Our only complaint is that it's noisy—about 80 dBa—not ideal if you're chatting in the area or watching TV.

Lastly, every mode on the S9 Artist Steam uses water, including the Suction mode. With its steam mode, it heats to steam clean and sanitize, and you should not—and don't need to—use any cleaning solution with the S9 Artist Steam.

• Cord length: Not applicable (cordless, with up to 40-minute battery life)
• Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 27-ounce clean water reservoir; 24-ounce dirty water tank

About two years older than its upgrade model (the Tineco Floor One S9 Artist Steam), the Tineco Floor One S7 Steam spent those years as Reviewed's best overall steam mop. While its MSRP is more expensive than many on the market, now is the time to get it for a serious discount.

Unlike other steam mops in this guide, the Floor One S7 is cordless, allowing you to clean wherever messes occur. A 3-in-1 cleaner, the S7 vacuums, mops, and steams in one step. It uses superheated water to clean hard surface floors—it’s designed to heat tap water to 284°F—and then suctions up the dirty water, placing it in a tank located on the front of the vacuum.

The S7 is easy to use. Power and function buttons are located on the handle, and a large digital display indicates battery life and cleaning mode. You have auto mode, which applies the appropriate amount of clean water and suction power; steam; and Boost Steam for tougher stains and messes.

One of the things we like about the S7 is its self-cleaning system. You won’t have to touch any filthy mop heads with the S7 because dirty water is removed from the soft roller as you clean. The roller head is also cleaned while the S7 charges in its storage station. This device requires some maintenance. Tineco recommends cleaning the S7 after each use. It comes with a small brush to clean the debris channel, a dirty water container, and a filter. The roller head can be rinsed under running water.

The S7 Steam is not as powerful as the S9 Artist Steam; its battery life is significantly shorter, and its water tank capacity is slightly smaller. Also, it lacks an anti-tangle design and the FlashDry self-cleaning technology. However, when it comes to mopping and suction, it works wonderfully, and you're still getting an excellent steam mop at a discount of anywhere from 30% to 50%. There's huge value here.

Read our full Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review; it's a slightly different version of the S7 Steam, we include in this guide.

• Cord length: 25 feet
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 18.9 Fluid Ounces

The PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop is a corded cleaner designed for sealed hard floors, such as tile, ceramic, and hardwood. It heats up in about 30 seconds and uses steam to sanitize surfaces, eliminating up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria without the need for cleaning chemicals.

A flip-down scrubber provides extra cleaning power for grout and stuck-on messes, and a built-in tray holds scent discs for those who prefer a light fragrance while cleaning. The mop head swivels easily, allowing for better access to corners and edges. Most users describe it as lightweight and easy to maneuver, though the tank size may require refilling during larger cleaning sessions. It’s best suited for routine maintenance rather than heavy-duty scrubbing, offering a balance of convenience and reliability at a modest price point.

• Cord length: 28 feet
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 12.8 ounces

PurSteam makes the best steam iron we’ve ever tested, so it seems logical that its steam mop should work well, too. With over 30,000 5-star Amazon ratings, people who have purchased this affordable multifunction steamer appear to be pleased with its performance.

The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop features a mop head that swivels, so it’s easy to clean around furniture. While it has the longest cord among the steam mops we’ve evaluated, it has the smallest water tank. Like the Shark Lift-Away Pro, the PurSteam can be removed from its cradle and used as a handheld cleaner. It comes with multiple brushes, including one designed for grout, a steamer for clothes and upholstery, an angled nozzle, a scraping tool, a squeegee for glass, and a carpet glider.

Be aware of the following points before purchasing this steamer: Unlike some of the other steam mops we’ve evaluated, the PurSteam features a radial knob for adjusting the steam level. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s not as easy to use as preset steam levels.

Additionally, reviewers expressed concerns about durability, with some noting that the product stopped steaming and failed to heat up properly. Because it has a smaller water reservoir, others said the tank emptied quickly. Overall, though, the reviews were positive, with many commenting that they liked its versatility.

• Cord length: 26 feet
• Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 12.8 Fluid Ounces

The Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop is a 10-in-1 cleaning system designed for homes with multiple floor types. It uses only steam, allowing you to clean and sanitize without the need for chemicals. A water control dial lets you adjust the steam output, and the SteamStream function helps concentrate heat on stubborn messes.

The unit can also be detached and used as a handheld steamer for cleaning counters, grout, and other surfaces above the floor. The included attachments expand its versatility for jobs around kitchens and bathrooms. Compatible with most sealed hard floors, the mop is intended for use on tile, hardwood, laminate, and stone.

Users report that it heats up quickly and produces a steady stream of steam, although it can feel heavy during extended use. For those who want a single tool to handle both floors and detailed cleaning tasks, the Hoover Steam Complete Pet is a well-rounded option.

Other Steam Mops We Evaluated

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam 35151

• Cord length: 25 feet
• Weight: 12.5 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 28 Fluid Ounces

The CrossWave HydroSteam Plus combines a vacuum, mop, and steamer in one appliance. It’s designed for hard floors and area rugs, using HydroSteam Technology to loosen and remove stuck-on residue. The vacuum collects debris while steam sanitizes surfaces, making it a strong option for cleaning sealed hardwood, tile, laminate, and similar materials.

A self-cleaning cycle keeps the brush and internal parts clear after each use. The included bundle adds extra formulas, a second brush roll, and a filter. Controls are located on the handle for quick mode switching, and the 25-foot cord provides good range for medium to large spaces.

While the unit is heavier than a standard mop, it significantly reduces cleaning time by combining three steps into one. For busy households that want deep cleaning without multiple tools, the CrossWave HydroSteam Plus is an efficient all-in-one option.

Pros

• A mop and vacuum in one

• Works well on pet stains

• Doesn’t leave behind sticky residue

Cons

• Pieces need 24 hours to dry out

• Only sanitizes hard surfaces

$299.99 from Home Depot

$349.99 from Amazon

Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop (S3973D)

• Cord length: 22.4 feet
• Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 16.9 ounces

The Shark Lift-Away Pro’s two-in-one design allows you to detach the steamer from the stick, enabling deep cleaning of hard-to-reach spots and surfaces above the floor. It features three steamer levels: Dust for light cleaning and delicate surfaces, Mop for everyday cleaning and small messes, and Scrub for tackling heavy dirt and sanitizing floors. To handle tougher grime, you can use Steam Blaster for an extra burst of steam.

Shark is known for including helpful cleaning accessories, and the Lift-Away Pro comes with some useful tools as well. In addition to the steamer mop, you get a triangular scrubber head for hard-to-reach areas. Remove the steamer from its cradle to transform the Shark into a handheld steam cleaner. A garment attachment is designed to remove wrinkles from clothes. Connect the 3-foot accessory hose to use a pocket tool for corners, edges, and uneven surfaces, including walls.

One feature we like about this steam mop is that you can release the machine-washable mop pad from the swivel head after cleaning without having to touch it. Most reviewers appreciate how easy the Lift-Away Pro is to use, although some shoppers are underwhelmed by the results they achieve with steam mops in general.

Pros

• Detaches from stick for handheld use

• Machine-washable Dirt Grip pads

• 16.9-ounce water tank

Cons

• Other options may work better for tile

Bissell Powerfresh Lift-Off Pet 1544A

• Cord length: 25 feet
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 13.5 ounces

If you’re concerned about using harsh chemicals to clean around your pet or children but still want to ensure your home is spotless, the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop is a reliable option.

With this 2-in-1 steam mop, you can use it to clean more than just your tile, vinyl, and wood flooring. The mop head has a flip-down scrubber to handle tough messes on the floor, but with the accessories, you can tackle everything from pet sleeping spots and wrinkled clothes to windows and tile grout.

In addition to a window squeegee, grout brush, and fabric steamer, the Powerfresh includes a flat surface tool with a microfiber pad for countertops and other smaller areas, brushes for cleaning around sinks and appliances, a flat tool for scraping away food and stuck-on messes, and an angled head for accessing crevices.

This steam mop is easy to use—plug it in after filling the 13.5-ounce water reservoir. (The power cord is 25 feet long so that you can clean large areas.) Turn it on and select one of the two steam settings—low or high. A light on the device indicates when it’s ready to use. According to reviews, it effectively removes smudges and stains from surfaces, particularly tile floors. It also got high marks for its versatility, but there were some concerns about durability.

Pros

• Detaches for handheld use

• Versatile

• Easy to use

Cons

• Questionable durability

• Heavy

$153.99 from Amazon

$144.00 from Walmart

avoid

Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop

• Cord length: 20 feet
• Weight: 4.87 pounds
• Water tank capacity: 15.2 ounces

The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is popular on Amazon, with 40,000 5-star ratings, but we tested this steam mop and wouldn’t recommend it. While it is the least expensive model that we evaluated, our review found the negatives don’t make it worth buying.

Although it heats up quickly, this steam mop requires extra effort to clean, and once you’re done, you have to touch the dirty mop head to remove it. Yuck! There are better options out there that don’t break the bank.

Pros

• Ready to use in 30 seconds

• Comfortable design

Cons

• Water tank can be a hassle to refill

• Hard to clean with

$78.99 from Amazon

What to Consider Before Buying a Steam Mop

Steam mops can be a great way to clean hard-surfaced floors without chemicals. Fill the device with distilled water, plug it in, and wait until it begins to steam. (Manufacturers suggest distilled water instead of tap water because it will extend the life of the steam mop.) When shopping for the best steam mop, several key factors should be taken into consideration.

Cord Length

Cord length isn’t something that should be ignored when shopping for a steam mop—a short cord can be a real hassle. A long cord means you’ll be able to clean a larger area with your steam mop without hunting for an additional outlet. If you do have a steam mop with a short cord and decide to use an extension cord, take care. Since you’re cleaning with water, be cautious to minimize the risk of shock. (As a precaution, you should also fill up the water tank before plugging in a steam mop.)

Weight

When considering the weight of a steam mop, assess your specific needs to determine the most suitable option for your requirements. If you plan on transporting it from floor to floor, a heavy steam mop could become cumbersome. Conversely, if you are looking for a heavy-duty cleaner with multiple uses, a light steam mop may not be powerful enough. Most of the steam mops we evaluated were about 5 pounds, with the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop the lightest, coming in at 4.4 pounds.

Tank Capacity

Tank capacity is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a steam mop. A tank that's too small won’t have enough steam to tackle your cleaning task. Too large, and the steam mop may be too heavy to maneuver easily. Consider how you plan to use the steam mop and the area where you intend to use it. If you have a smaller space, consider a steam mop with a smaller capacity to reduce costs. Most of the steam mops we evaluated had a tank capacity ranging from 12 to 16 ounces. Online reviewers complained about smaller tanks because they had to be refilled frequently.

Accessories

Some steam mops may only include a mop head, which can be great for cleaning different types of floors. However, additional attachments will increase versatility. If the main mop head isn’t designed to deal with edges and corners, look for a crevice device.

Be cautious when cleaning with any tool that relies on steam. It’s easy to burn yourself with steam, and the risk goes up when you’re cleaning with handheld tools.

FAQ: Steam Mops

Is Steaming Floors Better Than Mopping?

Regular mops use chemicals to clean floors. A steam mop heats water, creating steam to clean floors. Both will clean your floors, but people with children or pets may be concerned about harsh chemicals remaining on their floors.

Also, these cleaning agents often come with strong scents, which can be bothersome to those who are sensitive to smells.

Steam power is effective for cleaning, but it also poses its own dangers. It’s quite easy to burn yourself with steam. Also, some steam mops require the cleaners to be depressurized before they can be emptied.

How Do Steam Mops Work?

First, vacuum or sweep your floor before using a steam mop. Then, attach a mopping pad to it. Once you do so, check to see if your tank is filled with water before plugging it into the wall to ensure you don’t get shocked.

Turn on your mop and wait for the water to reach the desired steam level. To release steam, some models require you to press the steam button to eject steam. With others, you may need to pump the mop handle back and forth to eject steam.

Do Steam Mops Really Sanitize?

You can sanitize using a steam mop, but you'll need to follow the manufacturer's directions and leave it over an area for longer than usual.

Steam mops are primarily designed to clean by the CDC definition, which includes removing most of the dirt and germs from a surface.

Sanitizing is a step up from cleaning in terms of germ removal. It is especially important in food preparation areas or if someone in your household is sick. However, cleaning is good enough for the majority of homes and surfaces.

Read More About Floor Cleaning on Reviewed

At Reviewed, we hate messes, and we're passionate about finding the best ways to get rid of them. We also know a thing or two about cleaning, from showers cleaners to washing machines. We've been testing vacuums and floor cleaners for years.

All of this knowledge helped us choose the best steam mops. While we didn’t personally test all the steam mops we recommend, we have experience with others and know what features are important to look for when selecting the best steam mops.