Shark S5003D Genius Steam Mop for $109: This steam mop has three heat levels and detachable mop pads. It also has a blast button for an extra burst of steam as needed. The coolest part is that you can flip the mop head over when one side of the pad is soiled, so you can mop even longer (or simply have a longer break between machine-washing them). There’s even a mop head detach button, so you can pop it right in the washing machine without touching it.
Kärcher Steam Cleaner for $208: This is similar to the Turonic steamer, but it has a much longer hose so you can clean hard-to-reach areas like ceilings or tall mirrors. It also has a wider mopping path. It only comes with one microfiber cover, and some accessories are separate purchases. But we like that it has built-in storage for its accessories as well as an included descaling cartridge.
Dreame H14 Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum for $480: This combination vacuum and steam mop automatically detects dirt levels and adjusts the flow of cleaning solution and suction to help you out on tough spots. It’s self-propelled both forward and backward, and it even has a lie-flat mode so you can clean under couches or along baseboards more easily. It also has self-cleaning for when you’re done mopping. There’s a companion app, too, which requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. This is a very close alternative to the Tineco S7.
FAQs
What Should You Look for in a Steam Mop?
Steam mops should primarily be used on hard, sealed surfaces such as linoleum, wood, tile, marble, and stone. You can perform a patch test to ensure compatibility, which is particularly important for laminate floors, LVP, and engineered hardwood since the steam and moisture can warp the boards. (Your flooring manufacturer likely has guidance around this as well.)
If you don’t want to pre-sweep your floors, look for a model that has suction built in. If you want easier storage, look for a model that includes a stand. Make sure you pay careful attention to the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule. Usually, you can go six months between brush roll replacements, but if you’re cleaning very dirty areas very often, you might need to replace parts sooner. Also take careful note on whether or not you’re meant to use distilled water—the models I’ve tried have said that tap water is OK.
Are Steam Mops Worth It?
In a nutshell, steam mops make mopping easier. The steam helps bust through grime so you don’t need to use as much elbow grease to achieve the same result, and your mopping routine will also likely take less time than it does with a manual mop. I especially noticed a difference while cleaning high-traffic areas or really dirty messes (like muddy footprints). I also like that there’s no film on my floors after using one.
Some people with scent sensitivities or allergies like steam mops because you can achieve clean floors without the use of chemicals or additional ingredients—steam mops only require water. Finally, steam can sanitize as it cleans. At its base form, like with boiling water, steam is around 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Most bacteria and viruses die at around 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so steam can kill them off. The key word here is “can.” If your floor is cold, the surface might not reach hot enough temperatures; different viruses require different lengths of steam exposure in order to be eradicated. The most surefire way to sanitize your floor is to use a disinfectant. You shouldn’t buy a steam mop solely for this potential benefit, but it is one that some people find appealing.
How Did I Test?
I conducted a Honey Test, wherein I put two tablespoons of honey down on my kitchen tile and let it harden for about 15 minutes. I then tested to see how long it took to mop it up with each candidate, and how many passes back and forth it took. Additionally, I only used these mops to clean my 250-square foot porcelain tile kitchen floors during my three-month testing period. I also used them on other hard flooring in my home, like the ceramic tile in my entryway and the polyurethane-finished oak hardwood floors in my living room.
I looked for ease of use, features that worked as advertised, maneuverability, and most importantly, cleaning power. I waited until my floors were noticeably dirty before using the mops so I could accurately assess their power on high-traffic areas, such as near my kitchen sink and garbage cans. Next up I’ll be testing steam mops from Bissell, Black + Decker, PurSteam, and Swiffer.
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Source: Wired.
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