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Cord length: 26 feet
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Weight: 6.8 pounds
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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
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.