Everything you need to know about the best steam mops, including what to use and what not to use on wooden floors
Steam mops are becoming increasingly popular everywhere right now as they offer convenience and an easy cleaning alternative to lugging a bucket around with you. But do these bucketless mops really perform as well as they’re advertised to? Is every steam mop suitable for every surface? And, can this new-wave invention really replace the centuries-old mop and bucket classic? Let’s probe further to find out the facts.
How to decide which steam mop is best for you
With such a vast array of styles and brands on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. In order to determine which steam mop is best suited to your needs, you’ll need to ask yourself a couple of key questions:
- What surface will you regularly use your steam mop on? Wood, lino, tiles?
- What’s your budget?
There are several things that you’ll need to consider before deciding which steam mop is best for you. We’ll take you through all of the priority factors and make some researched suggestions to help you decide!
Best steam mops for...
Steam mops are designed differently for different surfaces, so let’s break these down into the top queried categories.
Hardwood floors
Steam mops can damage the surface of waxed timber. Some manufacturers of hardwood flooring express concerns that the steam is forced between the boards and cracks in the surface, which can cause them to expand. Problems such as buckling and cupping (raised board edges to you and me) and shortened life of protective finishes could occur over time. Always ensure you read your flooring manufacturer's warranty to see whether it states that steam mops should not be used.
Steam mopping hardwood floors does have its advantages, though. It can remove more than just surface dirt. Steaming can banish footprints, stains and even the most determined dirt from your floor. With the right product, you’ll brighten the finish of your wood floors and restore them to their original pristine condition, without the elbow grease.
After extensive research, we believe the best steam mop for hardwood floors is the O-Cedar Microfibre Steam Mop. It’s perfect for hardwood floors as it features a cushioned, microfibre pad and a triangular mop head. It also has an attachment for spot cleaning carpets – bonus. It’s sturdy in its build, offers a lengthy warranty and has fabulous versatility. It’s also lightweight and easy to use.
Pros include:
- It heats water from room temperature to steam in 20 seconds.
- It’s extremely lightweight at only 5 pounds, which means it can hold more water without being too heavy.
- Its tank holds 400ml of water and comes with a filling cup so you can measure out water beforehand.
- The triangular mop head fits into corners with ease and it can swivel 360 degrees, for maximum movability.
- Its special snap-on carpet attachment gives it runners like a sled, enabling the steam mop to glide along carpets.
- The pads are cushioned microfibre, which both protect and polish your hardwood floors.
- With its consistent steam production, the O-Cedar is tested to kill 99.9% of bacteria on contact without the addition of chemicals.
- There’s a simple on/off switch for steam.
- The steam level is adjustable so that you can get it to a level that suits your flooring. There are three settings, from low steam for a quick whip-round to full blast for removing stuck-on spots and grime. The adjuster allows you to switch settings on the go, so you won’t need to stop and start.
- It’s inexpensive but still comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Tile floors
When it comes to tiled flooring, not just any mop will do. Many of the steam mops on the market leave streaks, some of them simply don’t work and others aren’t up to the job of eradicating the dirt from the grouting between your tiles. It’s also worth pointing out that if you have deep grout, ensure not to inject too much steam as this can leave water at the bottom of the cracks and residual moisture can cause mold
After some more extensive research, we’ve concluded that the best steam mop on the market for tiled floors at present is the Black & Decker Smart Select Steam Mop. It comes highly recommended for its effectiveness on tough grime. It’s versatile and comes with a range of features to make cleaning all sealed floors a breeze. It also has a large tank to help you get it around your house without the need to stop and refill.
Pros include:
- Its pressurised steam makes it more efficient, saving both time and water.
- The extra-hot steam instantly kills any bacteria or mold on your flooring which is particularly handy on tile floors with deep grouting.
- The tank heats up quickly – in just 15 seconds – and the resulting steam is practically invincible when it comes to dirt.
- It has a large water tank with 450ml capacity, which enables you to get further through your house without the need to refill the tank.
- The microfibre pads are machine-washable and reusable.
- It has a swivel head making it great for getting around furniture and awkward areas with ease.
- For further peace of mind, the SmartSelect comes with a two-year warranty.
Laminate floors
Laminate flooring is fast increasing in its popularity throughout homes in Australia. Steam mops can save your back, and your knees, while keeping your laminate floors clean and sanitary. With the seemingly limitless options available on the market right now, knowing which mop is the best steam mop for laminate floors can be difficult to determine.
We’d recommend the Bissell Select Steam Mop. It features a triangular mop head that is easy to manoeuvre around and under furniture to eradicate unwanted dirt, dust and grime from your home. It’s also lightweight, and very easy to use.
The pros include:
- The model is lightweight, which makes it easy to move, carry and store.
- The triangular mop head allows quick, effortless cleaning under furniture, around corners and even in those pesky hard-to-reach areas.
- There is no need for chemicals, just clean water.
- It’s quick to heat up too; within 30 seconds you’ll be off.
- Two reusable microfibre mop pads are included with each mop; one is designed for everyday cleaning and the other for heavy duty, stubborn stains.
Out there
We’ve taken you through the best steam mops for different flooring, so now let’s look into which is the best steam mop – ever. Versatility is key because to be the best it will need to perform, and perform well, on any surface.
After some very thorough research, we’ve concluded that the Bissell PowerFresh Lift Off Steam Mop takes the cake. This steam mop is able to banish just about any stain with minimal passes as it produces just the right amount of hot steam. Competing units produce too much moisture and leave an abundance of water in their wake. Others produce too little steam and require physical force to remove the stains. The PowerFresh model produces just the right amount, every time, and powers through even the toughest stuck-on stain. It is also incredibly easy to assemble and use.
Pros include:
- It eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria using only water and the washable pad for a natural non-chemical clean.
- Fragrance discs can be used in conjunction with the mop to leave a refreshing scent as you clean.
- The flip-down EasyScrubber on the back of the mop head makes removing tough, sticky messes even easier.
- It has a low profile swivel head to get to hard-to-reach areas like corners and crevices effortlessly, for a thorough clean.
- It has Easy Touch digital controls which allow you to manage and adjust the steam output using the three-step (HI/MED/LO) Digital Touch Control panel.
- It has accessories galore including two washable and reusable microfibre pads, water cup, carpet glider, fragrance discs, extension hose, window squeegee, flat surface tool, brass bristle brush, fabric steam tool, multi-purpose brush, kitchen brushes, angled connector, grout brush and a flat scraping tool.
- This product also comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty which protects you against manufacturer faults.
Additional features worth looking out for when choosing your steam mop
If you’re looking to add a steam mop to your home, then it would be worth watching out for some of the handy features outlined below.
- Power cord
Make sure that this is long enough to suit your space.
- Water tank
Check whether the water tank can be refilled while cleaning, because if you have to let it cool down before you refill it, it’s hardly time-efficient.
- Cleaning pads
Cleaning pad are most commonly microfibre, as they catch and remove the dirt. Some models come with more than one pad which is great for changing during an extensive spring clean, or beneficial if one is in the wash when you need to steam clean.
- Carpet glider
The carpet glider is an attachment that allows you to use the mop on carpet. This is great for refreshing carpet and spot cleaning.
- Pad rest
Pad rests are handy for sitting the mop on if you need to take a quick break during cleaning. It allows the mop to sit in one place for a while without the risk of it damaging the floor.
- A telescopic wand
A telescopic wand allows you to adjust the wand to suit your height and reduces the need to bend your back.
- Accessories
Tools such as a jet nozzle or brush can be handy for cleaning grout, shower cubicles and other areas, extending the versatility of your steam cleaner.
- Steam-ready indicator
It's useful to have a feature that indicates when the steam generator has heated up and is ready for use.
- Heat-up time
Pay attention to the advertised heat-up time as this can range from 20 seconds to several minutes.
Are steam mops worth it?
Steam mops are less bulky than the household classic mop and bucket. They’re easier to store, clean more intensely and efficiently, and all of this with minimal or little effort, and best of all – zero chemicals. In conclusion, we’d definitely say so.
Grab a bargain with one of these discount codes:
Zapals
10% off orders over $50
Register or log in to get 10% off orders over $50 at Zapals. Excluding promotional items. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Zanui
$25 off when you spend $400
Save $25 when you spend minimum of $400 at Zanui by using this code. Excluding items on sale and shipping charges. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Pottery Barn
20% off entire purchase
Get 20% off entire purchase at Pottery Barn by using this code. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Gilt
30% off Dyson appliances
Save 30% on Dyson appliances including tower fan, vacuum cleaner, air multiplier and much more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Real Smart
$20 off air conditioners
Enjoy $20 off air conditioners at Real Smart. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
CrazySales.com.au
$5 off shipping
Enjoy $5 off shipping at CrazySales. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Gilt
50% off Villeroy and Boch appliances and cookware
Enjoy 50% off Villeroy and Boch appliances and cookware at Gilt. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Target Australia
20% off Russel Hobbs small electric appliances
Excludes electric blankets. No rainchecks. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Target Australia
20% off Sunbeam appliances
Excludes electric blankets. No rainchecks. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Myer
Receive $30 of when you spend $100+
Use the coupon code and receive $30 off when you spend $100+ at MYER. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Myer
20% off selected outdoor entertaining
Get up to 20% off selected outdoor entertaining at MYER. T&C's apply
Last verified
Deal expires
Mydeal.com.au
Up to 84% off indoor lightning sale
Enjoy up to 84% off floor lamp, chandelier, pendant light and much more at MyDeal.com.au. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Zanui
Up to 40% off baby and kids' rugs & furniture
Enjoy up to 40% off cots, mattresses, change tables and much more at Zanui. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
The Good Guys
10% off selected Nespresso coffee machines
Buy Nespresso coffee machine at The Good Guys with 10% off. Valid on selected machines only. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
House
FREE ice cream bowl attachment with any KitchenAid stand mixer purchase
Receive a bonus KitchenAid ice cream bowl attachment (valued at $199) at House. Available online only. Not valid on click & collect offers. While stocks last. Excludes KSM170 stand mixer & mini stand mixer.
Last verified
Deal expires
Betta home living
Up to $150 cash back
Receive up to $150 cash back when you purchase a selected TCL UHD TV's at Betta Home Living.
Last verified
Deal expires
Betta home living
Up to $400 off select split system air conditioners
Get up to $400 off select split system air conditioners at Betta home living. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Williams-Sonoma
$200 off KitchenAid stand mixers
Get $200 off KitchenAid stand mixers at Williams-Sonoma. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Country Road & Trenery Outlet
Up to 70% off Outlet original prices
Enjoy up to 70% off clothing, shoes & accessories at Coutry Road Outlet. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
IWOOT
£20 off when you spend £100
Spend £100 and get £20 off your total order at IWOOT by using this code. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
The Hut
FREE standard delivery with £50+ spend
Get a FREE standard delivery within Australia when you spend over £50 at The Hut. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Rosegal
Up to $18 off all orders over $20
Any order enjoy $2 off $20, $4 off $40,$7.2 off $60, $9.6 off $80, $12 off $100, $14.4 off $120 and $18 off $150 at Rosegal. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Shop Zero
$30 off when you spend over $250
Enjoy $30 off when you spend over $250 at Shop Zero. T&Cs apply
Last verified
My Generator
FREE fridge frame on Evakool Platinum fridge order
Get a FREE fridge frame on Evakool Platinum fridge order at My Generator. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
My Generator
FREE fridge mounting kit with purchase of Bushman Upright fridge
Enjoy FREE fridge mounting kit with purchase of Bushman Upright fridge at My Generator. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
CrazySales.com.au
Clearance sale now from $2.99
Shop clearance sale now from $2.99 at Crazy Sales. Includes pet supplies, sports & fitness, home & garden and much more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Sunnylife
FREE delivery when you spend over $100
Get your orders delivered for FREE when you spend over $100. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Debenhams
FREE standard delivery when you spend over $100
Get your orders delivered for FREE when you spend over $100. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Icon By Design
20% off store-wide
Enjoy 20% off any order store-wide at Icon By Design. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
House
Up to 40% off Ambrocia Festive Medley Christmas Decorations
Offer includes Christmas dining, table decorations, Christmas cooking, Christmas baking, ornaments & baubles, garlands, wreaths & trees, Christmas lights, stocking stuffers.
Last verified
Sheridan
FREE shipping & returns for members
Sign in or Sign Up as a Member to receive FREE shipping & returns (exclusions apply). If you have previously registered in store please create your secure online account using the same email address. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kogan
Lowest price ever Sale
Enjoy and shop the hottest deals on massive clearance sale from Kogan. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Zapals
FREE worldwide delivery for orders weighing less than 100g
Enjoy FREE worldwide delivery on orders weighing less than 100g. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kitchen Warehouse
Free shipping over $100
Receive free shipping over $100 with the code at Kitchen Warehouse. Conditions Apply
Last verified
Renovator Store
Save at Renovator Store today!
T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal expires
Target Australia
FREE Click and Collect on orders over $20
Excludes large items and physical gift cards. Some products do not qualify for click and collect.
Last verified
eBay
Myer Click and collect
Myer now offer click and collect. Shop online for all your favourites, and collect the items in store for free.
Last verified
eBay
Sign up to the newsletter
Sign up to the Good Guys newsletter to be the first to hear about any sale events or discounts.
Last verified
David Jones
$12 for National Express Delivery
Order by 4pm Monday-Friday for next business day delivery in National Metropolitan areas. Regional areas will take longer. Conditions apply.
Last verified
David Jones
$15 for same day delivery within Sydney
Same day delivery is only available within the Sydney Metropolitan area. For weekdays, order by 1pm for delivery by 6pm or you can still order by 4pm for delivery between 6pm-9pm. While for Saturdays, order by 1pm for delivery by 6pm. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Zanui
FREE shipping on 3,000+ items
Available on selected items to selected areas only. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
David Jones
Extra 10% off sale: Exclusive card member offer
Save an additional 10% on sale when you sign in and use your card. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
eBay
Up to 76% off Daily deals
Grab a bargain from eBay's deals section with up to 76% off. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
eBay
Up to 30% off The Good Guys Store
Enjoy up to 30% off kitchen & home appliances from The Goods Guys on eBay. Use eBay discounts and Paypal to pay for it. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Myer
Up to 70% off clearance items
Enjoy up to 70% off the original price of selected clothing, footwear and homewares at Myer. Includes Cooper St, Miss Shop, Ben Sherman and much more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Mydeal.com.au
FREE shipping on selected items
Get your orders shipped for FREE. Valid on selected items only. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Mydeal.com.au
$10 off your order when you sign-up
Subscribe to MyDeal's newsletter and get $10 off on orders over $150. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Catch
FREE shipping when you join the Catch community
Join Club Catch and enjoy unlimited FREE standard shipping on eligible products, access to exclusive deals and dedicated customer service, and flash sales and sneak peek events.
Last verified
Mydeal.com.au
Up to 80% off sale
Get up to 80% off 100s of items of furniture, sports equipment and homewares at Mydeal. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Myer
FREE 6 months interest on orders over $250: Myer Credit Card
Get 6 months interest FREE when you spend $250 or more in a single transaction with the Myer Credit Card. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Sony
Sign up & get FREE shipping on all orders
Sign up as a member and receive FREE shipping on all orders at Sony. Valid for all Sony members only. Some orders may be charged a small delivery fee as part of the convenience of getting your order delivered to your doorstep. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Catch
Up to 82% off Today's Catch deals
Enjoy up to 82% off Today's deals of beauty, clothing, accessories, home appliances, sports, gadgets and much more at Catch. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Marks and Spencer
FREE express shipping on orders over $200
Get FREE express shipping when you spend over $200 at Marks & Spencer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
The Hut
15% discount for UNiDAYS student
Students get 15% off from The Hut. Simply register or login with UNiDAYS and enter your code at shopping basket. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kitchen Style
Up to 50% off over 200 sale items
Enjoy up to 50% off over 200 sale items at Kitchen Style. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Castlery
Up to 20% off sale
Save up to 20% on furnitures, accessories and lightning from Castlery. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kitchen Style
Subscribe and get $5 off
Subscribe to Kitchen Style's newsletter and get a $5 coupon. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Castlery
$50 off your first order
Sign up and be an insider. Receive all Castlery latest deals, events and get a free $50 off. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kitchen Style
FREE delivery on orders over $150
Get FREE delivery on orders over $150 at Kitchen Style. Conditions apply.
Last verified
Newegg
FREE shipping within Australia
Enjoy FREE shipping within Australia when you shop at Newegg. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Sunnylife
10% off sitewide with Student Beans
Unlock 10% student discount at Sunnylife with Student Beans ID. Use Sunnylife student discount code at the checkout to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
House
Maxwell & Williams Mansion white wine glass 240ml set of 6 + FREE MW red wine glass set of 6
Get FREE MW Red Wine Glass Set of 6 when you purchase the Maxwell & Williams Mansion White Wine Glass 240ml Set of 6.
Last verified
Simply Wholesale
FREE Australia shipping with any order
Receive a FREE shipping Australia wide when you order at Simply Wholesale. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Luxo Living
FREE transit insurance and same day delivery
Enjoy FREE transit insurance and same day delivery of your order within Sydney and Melbourne at Luxo Living. Conditions apply.
Last verified
