Best Steam Mops for Hardwood Floors: Reviews & Buying Guide

Steam mops are an excellent cleaning solution for busy people. They can be used on almost any sealed hardwood floor material and offer a more thorough clean for hardwood flooring without the elbow grease or harsh chemicals required by manual cleaning

The problem is that not all steam mops for hardwood floors are created equal. Many of the less expensive brands (and a few of the expensive ones also!) simply don’t perform as well as a mop-and-bucket does.

So which brands are worth the money? We spent hours testing all of the models to bring you the best steam mop for wood floor reviews on the internet. We tested lots of models, while keeping in mind that people are on different budgets and have different needs.

We also compared the most important features, specifications and more in an easily digestible format so that you can quickly find the product that’s best for you.

So you’re probably wondering what’s the best hardwood steam mop on the market? Luckily our team has tested all the major brands including Shark, Bissell and Reliable, so your search ends here.

Best Steam Mops for Hardwood Floors (Updated)

Shark S5003D Genius Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner

Shark has definitely become one of the biggest names when it comes to steam mops. The company has shaken up the industry once again with the Shark S5003D Genius Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner. This product offers multiple settings and features to deal with any mess you can throw at it.

There are three settings available so you can choose your level of clean. Need some extra cleaning power? This mop has a Steam Blaster to blast away the greasiest and most stuck-on messes in your home. New water added to the mop gets hot in just 30 seconds, so you don’t have to wait when tackling your biggest messes.

The S5003D is a great steam mop for hardwood floors. It can also be used on other hard flooring using the power of steam to clean thoroughly. If used properly, you can eliminate 99.9% of common bacteria just using the power of steam.

The S5003D features a double-sided pad with Dirt Grip Pads. They maximize cleaning power and reduce the need for vigorously scrubbing your floors.

The dual-sided pads are absorbent and also dry fast. This allows you to use just one pad even if you have a big house. The product’s Direct Steam Channeling technology gives you a wide cleaning area with each swipe, allowing you to reduce your time spent cleaning your floors.

Once you finish you don’t have to worry about touching the pad. Touch-free technology allows you to remove the pad into your washing machine without needing to get your hands dirty. This is an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution to moving away from disposable pads.

Features & Considerations

There are a couple minor flaws to address when considering this product. It comes with a 350 ml water tank that is a bit smaller than the tanks found on other Shark products such as the S3501.

The mop does not have an on/off switch, so it needs to be unplugged when not in use, which could be an issue while cleaning large houses. The settings button to adjust the level of steam is also located at the bottom of the unit and not on the handle, which could be a minor inconvenience while mopping your floors.

Also, the water tank is fixed, so it cannot be removed to be refilled. This could be an issue for some people.

Weight: 5.78 pounds
Clean Settings: 3

Pros:

• Three steam settings for customized cleaning
• The no-touch pad removal gives you the convenience of disposable pads with the cost-efficiency of reusable pads.
• Cleaning pads are dual-sided and feature “dirt grips” for efficient and effective cleaning

Cons:

• It can be difficult to clean corners or hard-to-reach spots.
• The non-removable water tank can be inconvenient and time-consuming for larger jobs
• There is no power switch, so the mop must be unplugged frequently while in use.

Light ‘N’ Easy Multifunctional Steam Mop

The Light ‘N’ Easy Multifunctional Steam Mop performs five different functions just like it’s name suggests. In addition to being able to clean your hardwood floors using tap water, you can also use the tools and attachments that come with it to clean and sanitize your furniture, steam the wrinkles from your clothing, and clean your windows and mirrors without chemicals.

This product is extremely versatile, giving you multiple heads, a lift-off steamer, and a hose for cleaning your entire house. Like most steam mops, this model eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, enabling you to have a healthier home.

With this mop, you’ll have a choice of three different settings that will give you the cleaning power you need. In addition to being safe for use on hardwood flooring, it can also be used on other types of flooring.

One thing we like about Light ‘N’ Easy’s products is that they have been in the flooring industry for over 60 years. Along with this industry experience, you also have peace of mind because of the 1-year replacement warranty at no cost to you.

It’s also one of the lightest mops, making it easy to go from room to room or up and down the stairs. The ability to handle jobs beyond just hardwood floors is our favorite selling points for this model.

Features and Considerations

If you’re on the hunt for a multifunctional tool that goes beyond just hardwood floors, this could be the right one for you. It performs well when cleaning hardwood, windows and mirrors. It also performed well on clothing and sofas. However, it’s not ideal for grout.

This model has a 20 feet long power cord which is about standard when compared to others. It also has a water tank with a 340ml capacity. This will last for approximately 20 to 25 minutes on the lowest setting and about 10 to 15 on the highest setting. The water tank can also be detached. This is convenient for refilling and takes about 30 seconds to heat.

The biggest issue reported with this model has to do with the quality of the cleaning pad. Only one is provided, and it is thin. This means it may rip easily or fold under while in use. However, since this product is affordable it overcomes this minor issue to prove that it’s a strong competitor on the market.

Weight: 6.3 pounds
Clean Settings: 3

Pros:

• offers five different functions
• The mop comes with multiple settings for customized cleaning
• The company backs the product with a guarantee

Cons:

• The cleaning pads are thin and can roll up after heavy usage.
• The thinner pads can rip more easily than thicker pads found on other mops

Bissell Symphony 1543A Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner

This product is great for pet owners. Instead of sweeping, vacuuming and mopping, you can do it all with one tool by using this product.

this product is great for pet owners. Instead of sweeping, vacuuming and mopping, you can do everything at once with this product.

Our favorite thing about this mop is that there are multiple pads available for different tasks. For example, if your pet makes a mess, you can use Disposable pads and then just throw them in the garbage after.

Related: Bissell spinwave review

If you’re doing everyday cleaning then you can use reusable or washable pads. Or tougher cleaning jobs, a microfiber scrubbing pad can be used and is included with the purchase.

You can use Bissell’s odor eliminating scent discs with the steam mop to remove pet smells. If you need more freshening power, you can use Bissell scent Waters as well. We should note that these items are sold separately.

This model also has a dirt tank with the vacuum portion. It is completely separate from the water tank so you don’t have to worry about moisture or mess is happening. Bissel’s hand-free emptying system also ensures that you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

Related: Bissell 1806 vs 1940 Ultimate Showdown

Features and considerations

this Steam Mop comes equipped with everything that you will need to start cleaning your house. This includes 1 reusable scrubbing pad, one reusable pad, 4 disposable cloths.

A 25 ft long power cord with this model makes it easy to get around your house without having to constantly switch Outlets. The design of this Steam Mop is a little bit bulky though, so it might be an inconvenience in houses that have stairs.

If you’re looking strictly for a steam mop, it might be better to get a different model because this model is made for people that want a steam mop with a vacuuming feature.

Weight: 9.74 pounds
Clean Settings: 2

Pros:

• Has reusable and disposable cleaning pads
• tank emptying system allows you to keep your hands clean
• provides a Steam Mop as well as vacuum for cleaning up pet hair

Cons:

• Odor removers are sold separately
• must hold down a trigger to activate the steaming

Shark S1000A Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner

This product is lightweight and durable, as well as small and compact. Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean that it can’t handle the hardest cleaning jobs.

It’s pretty easy to use, and when you’re done you can store it easily due to the compact design. It comes with two reusable mop pads, as well as a removable tank which can be easily refilled.

This product doesn’t have a lot of the features that more expensive models do, but it’s still able to perform almost as well as they are. The steam that this product produces is hot enough to kill over 99% of household bacteria.

Is Steam Mop is easy to put together and can be used after just a few minutes. cleaning large spaces is no problem, due to the large mop head that makes it easy to cover large areas. You can also use it on different types of flooring in your home.

Features and considerations

it comes with an 18-foot power cord. this is a bit shorter than most steam mops which could be an issue if you have a large house. It does weigh 4.6 lb, so moving it around the house won’t be much of an issue.

Adding new water to the Steam Mop is easy with the removable water tank. It also heats up in less than 30 seconds.

Overall this Steam Mop is a good choice for anyone that wants something basic at a good price point. It features good cleaning power and is quite lightweight.

Weight: 4.6 pounds
Clean Settings: 1

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Compact and easy to store
• A removable water tank that’s easy to fill

Cons:

• Lacks features and attachments that other models have

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

This Steam Mop offers three different levels for cleaning, removing even the toughest stains is no problem, thanks to the flip-down easy scrubber combined with high heat. This is a versatile Steam Mop that can be used on all types of flooring, especially hardwood flooring. It features a detachable carpet glider as well for cleaning carpet.

It also has a pivoting head which makes it easy to maneuver around the house. Washable cleaning pads make it easy to clean as well.

Related: Bissell crosswave review

This Steam Mop comes with fragrance discs that bring even more power to your cleaning routine. This Steam Mop is quite easy to assemble as well as refill. The wide head of this mop doesn’t fit into a lot of tight spaces, however, it does a great job overall.

Features and considerations

Although this model weighs in at just six pounds, it’s still tough enough to handle a lot of cleaning jobs. 2 cleaning pads are included which do a great job at scrubbing stubborn stains. These pads can roll up though, which makes it a bit inconvenient.

The water tank on this model holds 473 mL of water. this means you can easily clean multiple rooms in your house without needing to refill. The 23 ft power cord has a heating element that heats up the water in just 30 seconds.

This is a mid-range Steam Mop for hardwood floors. It might not have quite as many features as more expensive models, but it should be enough to satisfy the average person.

Weight: 6 pounds
Clean Settings: 3

Pros:

• Multiple levels of cleaning
• Comes with a carpet glider
• Can use it with fragrance discs

Cons:

• The cap for the water tank and break easily

O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop

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This is an affordable Steam Mop for hardwood floors. People who are on a budget but also want added features will like this model. It has a small compact design while being budget-friendly in price.

Our favorite feature of this steam mop is the head. The design makes it easy to maneuver into corners and clean those hard-to-reach places. There are also different setting so you can choose your level of cleaning.

This mop heats up at just 20 seconds. This is a lot faster than other models on the market. It weighs in at around 7 lb, which is a bit heavier than other models.

Steam Mop can be used on all types of flooring size and is especially good for hardwood. A carpet glider is included which will help to freshen up your carpets and kill bacteria hiding in them.

This mop comes with two reusable mop pads that can be used 25 times each. This is a cost efficient and eco-friendly way to help keep your home looking clean.

Weight: 7.3 pounds
Clean Settings: Variable

suited for:

Anyone that wants a steam mop with features, but without a high price.

Pros:

• Heats up pretty fast
• the mop head is good for fitting in hard-to-reach places
• comes with a carpet glider for maintaining your carpets

Cons:

• The pad doesn’t make full contact with the floor
• the water tank is positioned high up which might make it difficult to maneuver

Are steam mops okay for hardwood floors?

Yes, steam mops are designed to clean hardwood flooring. it’s best to use low Steam for your hardwood floors.

How to choose the best hardwood floor steam mop

It’s no secret that hardwood flooring can be expensive to refinish. Because of this, you want to get a quality product see that the job is done properly.

Choosing the wrong steam mop could mean a lot of unnecessary repairs. Here’s what you need to know in order to get a quality product.

Available settings

In order to have control over your cleaning the settings are crucial. If you want to steam mop your floors regularly, it’s good to have a model that has a low setting.

It’s also mandatory that you’re able to stop steam production when you need to. You want to be able to turn the Steam Mop off quickly so that you don’t risk hurting your hardwood floor.

Weight

Steam mops are known to be heavier than traditional mops. This means you’ll potentially need to carry them around your house if you have a lot of stairs. If you know that you’ll be transporting your Steam Mop all around the house then it’s crucial to get a model that you’re able to carry easily.

Mop pad type and quality

Although some species of wood such as Maple and Oak are known to be quite strong, it doesn’t mean that you want a rock mop add scratching up your hardwood floor.

what you want is a mop pad that is soft and non-abrasive, this will stop your floor from being scuffed or scratched. Also, the mop pad should not wear out after just a couple uses. You don’t want to be constantly replacing the mop pad. you also want to pay attention to the shape of the mop pad, as this will determine if you can clean certain areas such as corners.

Tank capacity

Tank capacity basically means the amount of water that the tank will hold before needing to be refilled. Although it might be tempting to buy a steam mop with a huge tank, the extra water could make it quite a bit heavier to carry around. Therefore, you want to buy a mop that has a tank capacity suitable for your cleaning.

Power

The power of a steam mop is measured in watts. A higher wattage usually means that Steam has a higher pressure and temperature.

Water vaporizes at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Steam can definitely reach higher temperatures than this though. Most bacteria will die at over 176 degrees Fahrenheit, this means that any steam mop bad features temperature is higher than this will be easier to kill all the bacteria in the area.

Warmup time

You also want to consider how long it takes for the Steam Mop to warm up. If the tank is average size then a 30-second warm-up time is good. You don’t want to steam mop that takes too long to get hot or it can become frustrating.

Maneuverability

When it comes to maneuverability, there are a few things you want to consider. Having a flexible mop head or a stiff mop head can be good in certain situations. If you have a lot of obstacles in your house then having a flexible mop head can be quite handy.

You also want to consider how easy it is for people to use. Having to press down a switch while you’re steaming can be a bit annoying for some people.

Also, you want a cord that is an appropriate length for your home. If you have a big house and having a long cord can allow you to clean multiple rooms before needing to switch Outlets.

Conclusion

Choosing the best steam mop for hardwood flooring can be difficult with so many different choices out there. We hope that our guide helped you to find the product that’s right for you.

Related Guides:

• Steam mops for tile floors
• Steam mops for laminate floors