Steam mops are becoming more and more popular for their ease of use and the fact that they are a much greener and healthier way of cleaning most flooring types.
Nobody likes to smell the harsh chemicals from cleaning with a bucket and mop.
With so many steam mop models to choose from, how are you going to know which is the best steam mop for your needs? We recommend reading our list of steam mop reviews below.
Steam Mop Reviews.
The Haan Si 70 is our number one choice because it is very easy to transform into a small handheld unit to clean hard to reach places such as bathtubs, counters, walls, stoves etc.
The Si 70 also comes with a 25 foot cord and a swivel head for those hard to reach places. You can use the Haan Si 70 on any sealed hard floor surface and it comes with a carpet glide attachment to sanitize and deodorize your carpets, mattresses, couches, pillows and rugs.
But most of all, we recommend this steam mop because of the overwhelmingly positive reviews it receives from users who are absolutely in love with the product.
2. Hoover WH200 Twin Tank Steam Mop
The Hoover Twin Tank Steam Mop has many of the same features as the Haan SI 70 such as an extra long cord (30ft), swivel head and carpet glider attachment.
The Hoover does not have the handheld feature so it can only be used on floors.
What makes the Hoover different though is the fact that it has 2 tanks. One for Steam and the other for their Steam Plus cleaning solution which is bio degradable and non toxic.
You can switch between using just steam from the one tank or steam and cleaning solution together with a push of a button.
Hoover claims that steam alone does not kill all the harmful bacteria on floors and that the steam combined with their cleaning solution kills all bacteria including salmonella, swine flu, influenza and ecoli.
Whether steam alone is enough to kill all harmful bacteria or not is up for debate but from our research we found that a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit is needed to kill bacteria and that all of the top 3 models reaches that temperature..
All in all the Hoover is a great steam mop with thousands of raving reviews and the price is good as well.
3. Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop
The Bissell is the number one best seller on Amazon and has over 3000 mostly 5 star reviews. That alone should be enough to convince anyone to buy it.
This steam mop features a convenient scrubber that flips down to easily get into the grout, crevices and other messy parts of your floors.
Another feature that we really like is the ability to set the amount of steam needed for easy, medium and really messy cleaning jobs. The cord is 23 feet long and the tank is easily removable for quick refills.
The price for the Bissell is also very reasonable at around $90.
Steam Mops Offer a Chemical Free Way to Clean
In recent years more people are turning to steam cleaning as a way to keep their homes clean than any other method, and with good reason. A steam mop offers you a much faster way to clean the floors in your home than a mop or a scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water.
More importantly, steam mops can clean your floors far more effectively without the need for nasty, caustic chemicals and soaps.
How Steam Mops Work
Steam mops may be one of the simplest cleaning tools next to a mop you will ever use. All it really takes for a steam mop to operate is the ability to turn hot water into steam. This steam is then fed through the head unit into a cloth pad that is then used to clean your floors.
This “live” steam can be used to remove stains you may not have otherwise been able to remove without any need for hard scrubbing. But more importantly, steam has the ability to thoroughly sanitize your floors by killing a wide range of bacteria that can pose a health hazard to your family. In doing this, a steam mop can help to keep the air in your home cleaner as well.
Superior Versatility
The early models, and more than a few still on the market today, were strictly designed to be used on hard floor surfaces such as tile, linoleum, and wood laminates, among a growing list. With a little research on steam mop reviews you will find that many of the newest models come with a range of attachments designed to let you clean counter tops, tile grout, and many other places where dirt and grime hide and can be stubborn to reach and remove.
Haan SI70 Steam Mop
While these models may be more expensive, they are more than well worth the extra expense. Take a good look at the size of the mop head as it needs to fit in with your needs. If you should end up buying a unit with a head that is too small, it can take far too long to get the job done.
On the other hand, if the head is too big, it may not let you get into smaller areas and corners. This means you will end up leaving a mess behind, defeating the purpose of buying a steam mop in the first place.
How Easy Is Your New Steam Mop to Use
The average steam mop is actually incredibly easy to use. There are only two steps to using a steam mop. You simply fill the reservoir with water and then turn the power switch on. The only thing left to do is wait for the mop to start producing steam.
The good news is that the best steam mops are fully self-sufficient and overall they are lighter than a standard mop as you don’t have carry a bucket of soapy water with you everywhere. At the same time you do not have to work as hard as the mop will glide across the floor, cleaning as it goes.
You will never have to “scrub” as you do with a traditional mop, and you can get the job done in far less time.
Features to Look for in the Best Steam Mop for your needs.
There are a number of features to look for in a steam mop to ensure you get the most value for your money. Among these are:
Water Reservoir Capacity: Choose a steam mop with a water reservoir that is large enough to fit your needs. Some have tanks that can hold enough water to last for up to 45 minutes, others are so small that they only last 10 minutes.
Those with smaller tanks are typically best used for small spills, those with larger tanks are ideal for whole floors or bigger spills. The Hoover Twin Tank Steam mop has a double tank and would be perfect for bigger floor areas.
Steam Controls: Many models have nothing more than a simple on/off switch, these models may not be your best choice. Others offer controls that let you choose the amount of steam generated.
This makes them more useful for a wider range of chores, and these may make a better choice for those looking for a multipurpose steam mop. It is best to read all the steam mop reviews on top of this page for information regarding steam controls
Water Level Indicator: Many models now feature a low water level indicator. While not necessary, this is a great feature that lets you see when you are getting low on water in time to add more before you run out.
Power Switch: While you may not believe it, many low end models do not have a power switch. You turn these models on and off by plugging them in and unplugging them. A much better option is those with a built in power switch.
Fixed or Swivel Head: If all you have to clean is a straight, flat, smooth floor, a steam mop with a fixed head may be the perfect choice. However, if your floors are like most and have corners or items you need to maneuver around, choose one with a swivel head for optimum performance.
A Built-In Vacuum Cleaner: Today you can find a few models that feature a built-in vacuum cleaner. While this is not a necessary addition, you may find it useful in certain circumstances. Beware however, as this can be a costly addition.
Hand Held Options: Some of the more expensive models offer you the option of a detachable steam wand or generator that lets you clean counter tops, walls, and many other hard to reach areas.
The Power Cord: Consider how far you will be working from the nearest power outlet when looking at steam mops. Power cords can range from 16 to 30 feet in length, choose the longest one you can to ensure maximum range without having to change outlets.
While cost should not be the only thing you look at when considering which of the many steam mops on the market to buy, it will definitely factor heavily in your decision. A high price does not always indicate you are getting the most for your money, careful research by the way of reading steam mop reviews will help you make the right choice.
In order to determine which of the various steam mops on the market are the best, Kitchen Chatters takes a good look at a range of professional tests. These reports are prepared by a range of experts who have conducted side-by-side testing to determine issues such as steam generation, range, and level of cleaning.
They also let us tell you which ones are the best steam mops and gives you more information regarding how to choose the right steam mop for your specific needs. Our editorial staff than looks at a range of real customer steam mop reviews to see what they have to say about the different brands and models.
This helps us to prepare the best recommendations. Finally we work hard to verify that each model tested is still in production and can be found anywhere in the country.
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