The 8 Best Steam Cleaners for Floors, Grout, and Everyday Household Messes

If you want a classic steam mop that can tackle stubborn dirt and grime, the Shark Steam & Scrub with Steam Blaster technology is it. It’s lightweight and easy to store, and the dual scrubbing pads help propel the machine across the floor, so it is easy for most folks to manage.

During testing, I appreciated the details that helped make steam cleaning easier. The water tank is detachable and easy to fill. The scrubbing pads are machine washable, and the Shark comes with an extra set, so you can keep using the machine even when one set is in the wash. It also heats up very quickly (about 30 seconds) — there was practically no lag time between when I plugged it in and when I could start using it.

The rotating pads do an excellent job of lifting stubborn dirt and grime. It also helped clean the white grout on my bathroom tile. The three steam levels let you customize the Shark’s steam output according to the mess you’re tackling.

While the rounded pads get right up to your baseboards, the shape isn’t great in corners. This is also a pure steam mop — no vacuuming capabilities here. But it’s easy to handle and store and will leave your floors almost ridiculously clean. I’ll be reaching for it regularly.

The FEPPO 2-in-1 Steam Mop & Handheld Cleaner is a solid budget-friendly option for small spaces, allowing you to switch from a steam mop to a handheld multitool for more detailed cleaning. It’s lightweight and has simple controls and a multitude of attachments for specialized jobs like cleaning windowsills and stovetops. The included mop pads are washable, and the 13-oz water tank provides enough steam for around 30 minutes of deep cleaning.

Tester Ashley Ziegler notes that while it doesn’t feel as sturdy as some higher-end models and takes a couple of minutes to heat up, it’s quite effective. “I love that it can convert into different tools,” says Ziegler. “I also like that it doesn't require cleaning solution, which helps minimize the use of chemicals in my bathrooms a bit. This is good for someone looking for a budget-friendly steam mop or a multitool for additional cleaning.”

Sometimes the simplest option is the best, and the BISSELL PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop is dependable, heats up quickly, and has a swiveled head to reach tricky corners. The 23-foot cord gives you plenty of room to move around, and the 16-oz detachable tank requires less frequent refilling. It comes with two washable microfiber mop heads, a carpet glider, and fragrance disks.

For people with kids and pets, this is a reliable machine when sweeping or vacuuming don’t feel like enough. Tester Natasha Caleel found it ideal for minimally soiled floors. “The head swivels easily around corners and tight areas but was slightly hard to push around on hardwood floors,” she says. “It was very effective for getting dirt off the floor and disinfecting them with steam, so we didn't have to use chemicals on our hardwood.”

If you prefer to vacuum and steam clean at the same time, or if the idea of cleaning a wet, dirty roller makes you cringe, the Roborock Steam F25 Ultra Wet & Dry Vacuum offers a more high-tech solution. It has a sponge mode for liquid spills and uses steam or hot water for stubborn messes. It adjusts automatically to the mess it’s tackling. Even better, there are no cords to wrestle with (you charge it on the included charging station), and it self-cleans and dries the roller after use.

Tester Raki Swanson was impressed with the F25 Ultra's ability to tackle hard-to-reach spots. “This product is very lightweight, and it moves really well,” Swanson says. “It swivels easily and gets pretty low to the ground, almost flat, to get under all areas if needed.”

The self-drying function is a bit loud, and Swanson wished that the vacuum came with attachments. Still, she says, “It truly cuts down cleaning time. You don't need to vacuum or sweep first and then clean the floors — it does it all in one.”

For advanced features and extra cleaning power, you may want to consider the Tineco FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam. It has a vacuum function, propels itself forward, adjusts to messes, and has a voice assistant. But what sets it apart is its impressive battery life: On a full charge, it can steam clean up to 75 minutes. This makes it ideal if you clean large spaces regularly. The self-cleaning feature is another smart design touch that will definitely appeal if you prefer a more hands-off approach.

The self-propelling capability appeals to Swanson. “It takes minimal effort to move this machine forward. It almost lies flat when underneath a table, and it turns easily around corners,” she says. Swanson also likes that the S9 Artist Steam doesn’t require a cleaning solution — it uses only water — and that the brush head didn’t overly saturate her floors, allowing them to dry quickly. While she found the drying function loud, this tool is a solid choice if you prefer a wet-dry vac with a little extra power.

If you’re constantly battling small spills and sticky spots, the Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Hard Floor Cleaner offers a quick cleaning solution. It heats up in just 30 seconds, and you can toggle between three steam modes depending on how deeply you want to clean. It vacuums up debris and separates wet and dry debris for easier disposal. Like most steam cleaners, there is no cleaning solution to measure — you just use water.

Tester Riley Blanton tried the Steam Pickup under the toughest of conditions — a household with small children — and it was more than up for the challenge. It tackled “food spills, toddler pee, stickiness from dirt and craft supplies,” all in just one or two passes, she says.

You have to clean the brush roller after each use and empty both debris bins (especially the wet debris) regularly to avoid buildup and odors. “I wish it was cordless.” Blanton says.

Not all steam cleaners come with useful attachments that let you blast grime from grooves and corners. If you like more versatility from your cleaning tools, the BISSELL PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop is worth a look. It converts from a mop to a handheld device, and the multiple attachments let you tackle grout and kitchen appliances. You can even steam wrinkles out of your clothes. It weighs just a hair over 6 pounds and comes with a wall mount, so it is easy to pick up and tuck away.

Tester Sophia DeVito appreciates the array of attachments. “I love that I'm able to use this as a handheld device and clean areas like my dishwasher, washing machine, and sinks.” Her only complaint is that you have to hold down a button continuously to produce steam, which can be tough on your hands. Still, its versatility makes it a keeper. “My mom already wants to take it to clean some things in her house,” DeVito says.

I had to include the Dupray after hearing a friend go on about how amazing it is for the past two years. Unlike the steam mops on this list, the Dupray Neat is a canister-style cleaner designed for upholstery, grout, and other detailed cleaning tasks. It stands out for its high-temperature steam and impressive roster of attachments (this model has 17, but you can get a set with as many as 40). This model produces steam up to 275 degrees F, and the canister is easy to carry, fill, and store. In addition to traditional steam mop attachments, the Dupray has tools for cleaning windows, appliances, and even mattresses and pet beds.

My friend uses his Dupray “at least every week,” he says. It’s replaced his mop, and he’s used it on his windows, fridge, oven, sink — the list goes on. He advises using distilled water, since there is no way to open up the tank to descale it. (Most manufacturers advise descaling, regardless of the make and model.)