Unfortunately some of my family members are allergic to dust. This is why we have wood and ceramic floors as apposed to carpeted floors. I am currently on my third steam mop and although none of them are perfect, they where all much better than the mop I used before.
What is the Best Steam Mop on the Market?
by JaneG
A steam mop is the best way to clean wood and tile floors. In this article I will review the best steam mop on the market.
Major factors to consider when selecting a steam mop
Just because a mop is right for me, it doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you.
- Disinfecting: Some of the steam mops use a mix of disinfectant and water to clean with. This does the best job at killing bacteria. If you have small children that play on the floor or you just don't want to expose your family to harsh chemicals. Your best bet is to get a steam mop with a 1,200 Watt or more powerful engine. The weaker steam mops don't heat the water enough to kill bacteria quickly. So then you have to hold the mop head on a spot for a while to disinfect it.
- Tank size: Tank size is a trade-off. The larger the tank the heavier the steam mop. However with a small tank you have to refill it more frequently. I prefer the smaller tanks, I don't like being all sweaty after using a steam mop.
- Cord length: If you have a medium or large area to clean you need to look for a longer cord. Having to move the plug is a waste of time. Some steam mops handle management of the power cord better than other models. It helps if the cord doesn't get in your way.
- Hole configuration: Some steam mops have one big hole on the bottom of the head. Others have many small holes. The ones with many holes don't seem to make the floor as wet. That means it takes less time for it to dry.
- Get used to it: In my experience it takes time to get comfortable with a steam mop. You might not love it at first, but once you get used to it, you won't ever look back.
- Buy 2 extra covers: If you have a medium to large size area to clean, the 2 covers that come with most steam mops won't be enough. It's worth it to buy 2 extra microfiber covers.
 | Haan MF2P 2-Ultra Microfiber Cleaning Pads, Pink Haan MF2P 2 Pink Ultra Microfiber Cleaning Pads Patented super absorbent multilayer, ultramicrofiber pads that are designed to reduce friction and dry the floor instantly. ... Only $18.97 |
 | HAAN SI-40 Swivel Head Floor Steamer The HAAN Agile is named for its swivel-head design and low-profile head, which allows easy maneuverability around furniture, cupboards, toilets and anything else that might be i... Only $139.99 |
 Best steam mop on the market |
Haan Slim & Light
The Slim & Light is a mid power, high quality steam mop. It is a 1,200 Watt unit, the bigger mops on the market are 1,500 Watts. However it only takes 3 minutes to heat the water. The heating time on other mops generally varies between 1 and 15 minutes. It might not sound like a major factor, but since it's every time you use it, it starts to make a difference. The water gets heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to kill just about all the bacteria on your floor. The Haan has a 13.5 ounce tank and you can clean for 15 to 20 minutes on one tank.
I use tap water in my Haan, but some women do use distilled water. They think it will last longer if you don't use tap water.
I have a lot of furniture under which I have to clean. The Haan gets very low on the ground so I can clean most of the floor without moving anything.
The mop has a hook and pivoting power-cord holder, this helps you manage the cord during use and makes it easier to store the unit. I hate it when you are trying to clean and the cord gets in the way.
The mop has 17 holes on the head. It distributes the steam well and the floor dries almost instantly.
The biggest issue I have with the Haan is that the power-cord is only 19.5 foot long. It would make life easier if they went with a longer cord.
Haan video review
Which brand of steam mop would you recommend
 | Dirt Devil PD20000B Easy Steam Deluxe 1500-Watt Steam Mop with Bonus Pads The Dirt Devil Easy Steam Deluxe Steam Mop features a continuous steam generating system that provides steam cleaning through the entire pad surface. Continuous steam means ... Only $199.95 |
 Best budget steam mop on the market |
Dirt Devil steam mop
The Dirt Devil sells for around 50% of the price of the Haan. So there is no way that it is as good. But if you are on a tight budget it's definitely worth considering.
The steam mop's best feature is it's pivoting V-shaped head. It works very well when you have to clean a lot of corners and work around furniture.
With the larger 1,500 Watt heating system, it only takes the Dirt Devil 30 seconds to heat the water and you are ready to go. That's much faster than the Haan's 3 minutes. The trade-off is that it's much heavier at 8 lbs.
The power cord is 18 foot, so again a short power cord.
The Dirt Devil doesn't have a removable water tank, like the Haan. You use a funnel and cup that comes with the unit. It's fairly easy to refill.
The biggest con with the Dirt Devil is that it feels cheaper when I use it, especially the around the handle.
The Dirt Devil isn't perfect, but considering the price it is very good value for your money.
I hop you enjoyed reading: What is the best steam mop on the market?
 Steam cleaning a corner |
Updated: 04/20/2012, JaneG
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What do you think about these steam mops
Thanks for this review. We all have more and more allergies and cleaning with right machinery can be of great help.
I noticed you use tap water instead of distilled water. I am not familiar with this particular steam mop but in general distilled water do less harm (no limescale) and steam mop should really last longer, with less defects and (!) with better energy efficiency (this means you save on bills).
There is one simple trick for all who want to use distilled water but not want to pay for it: use the condensed water from your dryer (if you don't have one, maybe your neighbor have). This water should be useful for ironing or watering your potted plants too.