This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
Until recently, I’ve just used my Swiffer WetJet to clean up spills. Old faithful, that Swiffer. But I always felt like it was doing the most basic surface cleaning, not actually deep cleaning my floors (is it just me?). When I really thought about it, that led to an “ick” factor that I haven’t been able to shake since. Especially since we wear shoes in the house!
I started researching steam mops just to see what was out there and found a lot on Amazon in a similar price range, but couldn’t really find a great comparison on which was best. (You know I love a good product test — see nugget ice makers, knife sharpeners, can openers and hair towel wraps!) So I wanted to take you along for a little product test as I find out which one of these mops can handle the heat (and the mess and the dirt and the grime).
Important disclaimer: Please check with your flooring manufacturer before using a steam mop on your floors. Some types of floors are better suited to steam mops than others!
To make my test more “scientific” (I use that term loosely), I decided to mop up blue crayon, pink soda, chocolate syrup, and some mud. The test was on our Stuga engineered wood flooring in the office, and I went across each substance a max of five times (up and back counts as one) to see if it would get the messes out. I also looked at other details, from how hard it was to fill the reservoirs, to how they handled, to how loud they were. I even washed the mop heads with OxiClean to see how hard they were to get “clean” again. Spoiler: Let’s just say that the differences there were staggering!
Without further ado, here is my roundup of the best steam mops!
Hats off to the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop for the most efficient clean! I could tell the steam was really powerful on this one, and it truly did get every mess up (at a great price point). But don’t shy away from the runner-up, the Shark S7001 Rotating Steam Mop. It’s like a personal Zamboni for your kitchen and so much fun to use. Hope this helps you in your quest to have a cleaner home!
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
SHop all
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Julia’s picture with the Pursteam 10 in 1 looks different than the model in the Amazon link. Did you test the one in the link or photo. Ready to buy…just want to make sure I get the right one. Thank you!!
We tested the 10-in-1 from PurSteam. The photos are updated!
Found the answer below. Thank you anyway!
I’ve been seeing steam cleaners on tictok and have been wondering about whether I should get one, because I feel the same way about my swiffer/bona – they only get things a surface level clean. Thanks for sharing this info!
I wonder if this can be used on hard wood floors.
I love this post so much!! But! We have 3/4 solid hardwood white oak floors. I would love to know if any of these are recommended for solid hardwood?
Hardwoods are sometimes more delicate. Definitely check with your flooring manufacturer and test an inconspicuous area before using!
Would you test cordless vacuums? I like to use one to get the dog hair off the floor quickly. I had one but it just broke so now I’m shopping again. I would ideally like one that you switch on so that you don’t have to hold down the button to keep it on. Any suggestions or recommendations would be so helpful!
Hi. I searched but can’t seem to find what would you used for your gorgeous floors. The front entry does not look like it so the Stuga Faye. Thank you!
We went with 5¾-inch engineered white oak floor. Here are all the details about it! https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/all-the-inspiration-and-thought-process-for-choosing-a-stain-for-the-white-oak-floors-in-our-nc-home/
Quick question: one your number 1 steam mop, the picture is for another item in the same Amazon listing for $69.99. Just want to make sure I’m ordering the right one:)
You can toggle to the one we tested — listing should show PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop and it’s $79.99 right now.
Great info! I’ve been looking at these. Would you use them on your traditional hardwoods? (Not engineered.) Wondering about wood expansion with the steam.
I use them sparingly on my hardwoods when I really need to get something out. I love how they make my tile floors shine! Make sure to check with your flooring manufacturer for best results.
The professional who refinished our floors said never steam them, no water, ever.