Steam mop buying guide

Efficient cleaning

Comprising a water tank equipped with electric elements, steam mops can be used to heat water to over 100°C. The pressure and flow rate of this high-temperature steam means this household steam cleaner is able perform a number of deep cleaning tasks.

Here are just a few examples:

• maintaining windows or sanitary units;

• removing stains from carpets or upholstery fabrics;

• removing grease from tiled surfaces, cleaning floor coverings:

• removing limescale.

All this is done without chemicals while eliminating 99% of bacteria and allergens.

Cleaning different surfaces

Your choice of steam mop depends primarily on your needs. If you plan to use it to clean and maintain a large house, for example, you should look for a model that can be moved around freely.

If your steam mop will be used on a range of different surfaces (carpet, tiles, lino, etc.), you will have to consider a variety of accessories (squeegee, brush, glove, etc.). Furthermore, you'll have to think about any additional options, such as a detachable central unit to create a handheld cleaner.

There are many criteria for selecting the right steam mop.

Pressure and flow rate

The pressure rating of a steam mop (indicated in bars) is the force with which the steam is projected. This pressure rating will affect the power and cleaning speed of the model, and generally ranges from 2.5 to 6 bars.

The flow rate of a steam mop (indicated in grams per minute) is the amount of steam projected. The higher the flow rate, the more efficient the machine. Better still, some steam mop models allow you to adjust the flow rate to suit the type of the surfaces you want to clean (since some delicate surfaces require a lower flow rate).

Power rating and heat-up time

The power rating of a steam mop motor (indicated in watts) will determine how long it takes for the water in the tank to turn into steam. This power rating ranges from 1,000 to 1,600 W, providing a heat-up time of between 15 seconds and 3 minutes.

Battery life

The operating time of a steam mop depends on its battery and the capacity of its tank. The ampere hours (Ah) determine how long it can be used for: the higher this value, the longer the steam mop will last. The water tank capacity matters to a lesser extent as filling up the tank takes just a couple of minutes.

Corded or cordless steam mop

Corded: the operating range of steam mops depends on the length of their cord, which is generally between 4 and 9 metres. Cordless: the operating range of the steam mop is unlimited, but the amount of time it can be used for depends on its battery.

Tank capacity of steam mops

The tank capacity of steam mops also contributes to how long the device can be used for. This varies considerably depending on the equipment: an average capacity of 0.25 ml to 700 ml means the mop can be used for approximately 15 to 35 minutes before the tank needs refilling.

Steam mop ergonomics and weight

The handle has an effect on the ergonomics of the steam mop. Handles are normally rounded for a better grip.

The weight of your steam mop will determine how easy it is to use. This weight ranges on average from1.5 to 5 kg. The heavier the device, the more difficult it will be to operate.

Versatility and cleaning accessories

The amount of tasks your steam mop can handle will depend on the accessories supplied with the model. The simplest models are only sold with a microfibre pad (also called a cover, wipe or cloth), which is essential to avoid damaging fragile floors such as parquet flooring.

Other steam mop models offer a wide range of attachments that allow you to clean a large number of different surfaces, such as:

• a glass squeegee, ideal for cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors;

• a carpet adapter to clean carpets and even rugs with ease;

• a large, round brush for thoroughly cleaning tiled surfaces;

• a small brush attachment;

• a barbecue and grill brush;

• an oven brush;

• a head for reaching into small spaces; 

• a cover specially designed for clothing and fabric;

• a detachable silicone glove for hand cleaning.

Additional options and features

The importance of various options and features depends on your needs. These extras include:

• a detachable tank that simplifies steam mop fill-ups;

• a detachable central unit (complete with tank) to transform the steam mop into a handheld cleaner;

• an anti-limescale filter that allows you to use tap water without any risk of limescale deposits which could prevent steam from passing through;

• a pedal on the cleaning head for projecting a powerful steam jet to deal with stubborn stains;

• scented discs to leave behind a pleasant smell.

Availability of accessories and warranty

Before purchasing, check the availability of any accessories you may want to replace or add to your steam mop.

The warranty should generally last 1 to 2 years, and acts as a good indicator of the quality of the device.