Still wondering why your floors feel dirty right after you’ve cleaned them? It might not be the tools, but the habits built up over time that are making your floors dirtier every day.

Professional cleaners say many of us are unintentionally making our floors worse through simple, everyday routines. From skipping entry mats to overusing products, these small missteps can add up to bigger messes.

Luckily, they're easy changes to make. Paired with one of the best vacuums for carpet or best vacuums hardwood floors, breaking these bad habits could mean a cleaner home with half the effort.

1. Wearing outdoor shoes indoors

According to Matthew Baratta, VP at Daimer Industries, one of the dirtiest habits is wearing outdoor shoes inside. ‘They bring in oil, bacteria, and grit that wears down floors fast – especially carpets and hardwood,’ he explains.

Veronica Smith from Dallas Maids notes it’s a cultural habit in many US homes, but that doesn’t make it floor-friendly. 'That does not mean it is optimal for our homes,' she emphasizes.

Skipping entrance mats doesn't help, either, and is one of many common home cleaning mistakes. Without a mat to trap moisture and dirt, you’re spreading debris across the house with every step. Veronica says a good mat at each doorway can trap up to 95% of mess – and even basic versions just need a quick shake or vacuum to stay effective.

If your floors are dirty soon after cleaning, it might be time to reassess your routine. Small mistakes such as not drying shoes or poor mat placement can keep floors looking tired. Hardwood is particularly vulnerable, and common habits that damage wood floors often come down to friction and grime from shoes.

2. Leaving spills to sit

That small splash of juice or water may not seem urgent, but letting spills dry can lead to sticky residues that attract even more dirt. ‘Sticky spots become magnets for dust,’ says Matthew, who recommends tackling them as soon as possible with a microfiber cloth or damp mop.

If you're often not able to mop the floors properly when spills occur, consider a steam mop that can clean your floor in seconds without the fuss of setting up a mop and bucket. The Black+Decker Steam Mop at Amazon is a personal favorite at Homes & Gardens across almost all floor types.

And if you’re dealing with frequent messes in high-traffic areas, consider keeping one of the best vacuum-mop combos handy. They're especially useful for households with kids or pets – the Dreame H14 Pro, a model I've tested myself and still use in my home, can banish stains, solids and liquids in seconds and leave the floors dry a moment later.

3. Letting pets track in dirt

Muddy paw prints can quickly undo your hard work and neglecting housekeeping tips for dog owners such as this will only result in more time spent cleaning in the long run.

‘Pets bring in moisture, dirt, and grit that causes wear – especially on hardwood,’ says Carlos Segundo of Traditional Hardwood Flooring. Wiping their paws before they re-enter the house is one of the easiest ways to reduce the mess.

Carlos suggests keeping a towel or pet-safe wipes by the door, and should be essential cleaning supplies for pet owners. More specifically, Veronica recommends Earth Rated wipes [at Amazon] for quick cleans that are safe on paws and won’t leave residues on floors.

Staying on top of pet hair makes a huge difference too – one of the best vacuums for pet hair will be more effective than a standard model at collecting embedded dander and debris.

4. Overusing cleaning products

More product doesn’t always mean cleaner floors. In fact, it often does the opposite. ‘Too much cleaner leaves behind residue, which traps dust and creates a sticky surface,’ says Veronica. Excessive water can seep into porous flooring such as hardwood, causing long-term damage.

It's not just an excess of water or cleaning solution that can cause problems, but the cleaner itself. We've written detailed guides on how to clean bathroom floors without harsh chemicals and common vinyl floor cleaning mistakes if you're unsure what cleaner is right for your home.

Plus, learn the best way to mop hardwood floors and how to clean tile floors with the right cleaners.

Cleaning carpets can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated appliance to make the job easier. I was stuck in a cycle of borrowing my mom’s bulky carpet cleaner as I didn't have space to store a bulky single-use tool.

When I discovered you can clean carpets with a steam mop, I knew it was the answer for my tired carpets and invested in a Black + Decker steam mop, available at Amazon. It was absolutely worth the spend.

Now, I breeze through carpet cleaning, and it takes me less than half an hour, plus I use it all over my home to deep clean. Here’s how I steam clean my carpets every spring and why expert cleaners agree this appliance is a brilliant investment.

Cleaning carpets with a steam mop

I use a Black + Decker steam cleaner all over my home and it's by far the most versatile and essential cleaning tool I have ever bought.

My Black + Decker Classic Steam Mop, available at The Home Depot, came with a carpet glide fitting (also available separately at Amazon) which means the microfiber pads skim over carpets with ease. This is a lot easier than steam cleaning carpets with bulky carpet machines which are often incredibly heavy and require a lot of setup, cleaning and maintenance.

To clean carpets with a steam mop, I start by vacuuming, before filling the reservoir with tap water. I then fit a fresh microfiber pad and the carpet glide attachment, and get to work, moving back and forth in slow, even lines to cover the entirety of my rugs or carpet.

Forrest Webber, cleaning expert and owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning explains, 'Steam mops can help kill bacteria, remove odors, and eliminate bacteria, dust mites, and allergens because of its sanitizing method. Because it kills bacteria, the odors caused by bacteria, pet accidents, and spills can be neutralized.'

All prices correct at time of publication.

It is worth mentioning, however, that, unlike dedicated carpet cleaners, steam mops do not suck out dirt from between the fibers.

Forrest continues, 'Because steam mops do not have suction, dirt cannot be extracted properly. It also means that while the heat may loosen dirt, it will not be removed altogether. So you'll want to vacuum afterward.'

Bryan Griffin, cleaning expert and founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services assures me that this is nothing to worry about, however, saying, 'Steam loosens up all that deep, stubborn dirt by bringing it up to the surface. Once you go over it with a steam mop, a quick vacuum session picks up everything much more effectively. It’s like prepping the battlefield before going in!'

Having one of the best vacuum cleaners for carpets certainly comes in clutch here. I cannot tell any difference in cleanliness after using a traditional carpet cleaner and my steam mop besides my energy levels. A steam mop is certainly less exhausting to move around, especially on stairs.

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Why I love using a steam cleaner on carpets

Cleaning carpets with a steam mop is by far one of my favorite ways to clean my home without harming the planet, as it only needs plain water. Given that you don't need harsh chemicals to clean well, this is a win in my books.

Traditional carpet cleaning machines might be able to penetrate older dirt and stains more easily with suction, but they often require commercial carpet cleaning solutions that can be full of chemicals that leave your floor coverings sticky if not properly rinsed away. I would rather go over the same spot with my steamer a few times instead, and make the most of this non-toxic home essential.

Not to mention that my steam cleaner has multiple uses. I use a steam cleaner to deep clean my entire kitchen and have even used a steam cleaner to get rid of a flea infestation. It is certainly a cleaning tool to buy well and buy once for continuous pay-off.

Meet the experts

FAQs

Why is my carpet still dirty after steam cleaning?

If your carpet still looks dirty after steam cleaning, it might be that dirt that was embedded in the fibers has now been brought to the top as the fibers dry and moisture evaporates. Steaming again to loosen grime and vacuuming with a beater brush will help to remove lingering residue.

Do carpets need to dry after steam cleaning?

Carpets will need to dry after cleaning with a steam mop, but it generally takes less time than cleaning with a carpet cleaning machine. To dry a carpet thoroughly after steaming, leave it uncovered, and open a nearby window or two to improve ventilation. Alternatively, use one of the best dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and reduce the risk of mold.

While I adore my steam cleaner, there are certainly some things you should never steam clean in your home. It is well worth brushing up on the dos and don'ts before you accidentally damage something expensive such as your best memory foam mattress.

Steam mops are one of the many relatively new inventions that make our home cleaning easier and more thorough. Unlike traditional mops that use soapy water that must be wrung out, a steam mop provides the cleaning power itself, using the high temperature of steam to clean our hard floors.

As well as the best cordless vacuums and the best vacuums for pet hair, a steam mop is essential for anybody who appreciates a deep clean. It doesn't hurt that they make deep cleaning a much more painless process, too.

We spoke to the experts to find out exactly how to best use a steam mop and to use one as efficiently as possible for quicker cleaning and cleaner floors.

How to clean floors efficiently with a steam mop

Matthew Baratta, VP of Operations at Daimer Industries, explains the benefits of using a steam mop:

'Steam cleaners are incredibly versatile and ideal for hard surfaces, including sealed floors, tile, and grout,' he explains. 'A steam mop prevents the need for harsh chemicals or detergents. The high steam temperature helps kill fungus, mold, bacteria, and other allergens, which is perfect for sanitizing your home quickly and effectively.'

So, read on for our 4 essential steps to cleaning your floors efficiently with a steam mop.

1. Clear the floor

Whatever your floor, whether it's tile or wood, kitchen or bathroom - the floor should be prepped before you get the mop out.

Vacuum or sweep (thoroughly) to 'ensure all loose dirt, dust and other grit have been removed,' says Ken Doty, COO and cleaning expert at The Maids.

'If your floors are already badly soiled, a deep clean is necessary prior to the steam mop as dirt will be smeared all over.' Using steam on dirty floors will transform the dirt into a wetter, muddier consistency - so it's best to avoid this by making sure your floor is as clean as possible.

2. Apply cleaning solution (optional)

Once all the dirt has been removed, 'apply a cleaning solution which can be a mix of cleaning degreaser and water,' says Mause Ramirez, owner of MCS Cleaning Services. Then, 'let it sit for 20-30 minutes to better effect.'

This step is optional. The combo of steam and high temperature is capable of dislodging tough dirt on the floor - one of the many reasons why steam mopping is as popular, easy and environmentally-friendly as it is. But letting a cleaning solution rest on your floors can provide a deeper clean as the steam and cleaner work together.

You can make your own cleaning solution using water and dish soap or a cleaning degreaser. Or, for more reliable results, you could go for a dedicated floor cleaner like the The Pink Stuff Miracle All Purpose Floor Cleaner at Amazon.

Make sure you never use a cleaning solution inside the actual steam mop. Any type of cleaning solution can damage the mop, defeating its point as a chemical-free cleaner. It's ok if it's already on the floor, but only ever use water when filling up the steam mop.

3. Steam mop the floors

'Once the floor is ready, have multiple pads at the ready. Frequently changing your pads during cleaning is important, as once a pad is dirty the effectiveness dramatically decreases,' Ken explains.

'Prep your steam mop by filling the tank with water, wait for the water to boil and plug in your mop,' he adds.

Now, when it comes to steam mopping, the technique is very similar to mopping floors the right way. You can make things easier for yourself by starting from the edges and moving towards the center in a figure-of-eight. It help to work in sections, too.

To prevent dirt build up, Ken suggests to 'keep your mop moving and don't stay in one spot too long.' It's also advisable due to the temperature of the steam to avoid any damage to your hard floors.

'Regular use of steam mops on wooden floors will cause the shine of the wood to go' Mause says, adding that he's learnt the hard way that steam mopping wooden floors too regularly can cause damage. This is especially true for untreated hardwood floors due to their porous nature (but don't worry, there are alternative ways to clean your hardwood floors).

You don't need to clean floors every day, once a week is enough.

4. Clean steam mop

Clean the steam mop after every time you've finished using it, and make sure you drain the water tank to prevent stagnant water or mildew buildup.

'To clean your steam mop, refer to the care instructions that come with your model, but a general best practice is to wash the pads by hand before throwing them in the wash. Most pads are machine washable, and can be easily hung to dry,' Ken explains.

A steam mop is one of the many important parts of our essential cleaning toolkit, thanks to how sparkling and gleaming they leave our floors and how easy they make cleaning if you wear shoes indoors.

These days, some of the best robot vacuums even utilize steam mopping, and can take the effort away from you.

Samsung has unveiled a new range of home appliances with AI built into them. The 'Bespoke AI' range is designed to learn patterns in user behavior to then automatically optimize its own performance while recommending improved settings.

The line-up includes large appliances like fridges/freezers and washing machines, as well as cleaning tools like a cordless stick vacuum and a robot. 

At the Samsung Home Launch Event, the Jet Bot Combo caught a particular amount of attention thanks to a few surprising features we wouldn't normally expect from a robot vacuum cleaner.

What is the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo?

The Jet Bot Combo looks and sounds like an impressive robot. It's effectively a vacuum that can also mop and steam-clean floors by itself. Steam sterilization is a feature rarely found across robot vacuums, so it will no doubt be a big advancement for automated home cleaning.

Thanks to its AI capabilities, the Jet Bot Combo can drop the mops in the cleaning station while it vacuums the house and then mop only the non-carpet or rug areas when it's done. If it detects a tough stain, Samsung claims it can go back to the station, attach the mops, heat them with high-temperature steam and water, and then tackle the mess.

Like most robot vacs, it empties by itself into the cleaning station. But where the Jet Bot Combo stands out is in its ability to be self-sufficient for up to 2 months with two tanks for water: one for clean water and one for dirty water.

This'll likely be a savior for large, busy households that often see messes and spills, where frequently picking up the vacuum and mop isn't always an option.

This AI robot vacuum can interact with your family

But the Jet Bot Combo can do more than cleaning. Unlike any other robot vacuum, it has a camera for home monitoring, and you can record messages for remote communication with people at home. 

At the event, the Samsung product trainers explained that you can use this function to ensure your kids get out of bed when you're not in. You can remotely send the robot to specific rooms in the house, where it will relay whatever messages you've pre-recorded for them. 

The Jet Bot Combo also has audio and motion detection so that you know, in real-time, whether the kids really did get up. You could also use this feature to check on elderly family members or even for home security, but any remote viewing in a break-in would likely be limited from a robot vacuum cleaner.

While Samsung's announcements showcase impressive developments in combining AI with home tech, they do raise the question of whether some of these features are necessary. A robot that can tell a family member to wake up relies on the robot first of all being upstairs, and once you consider the speed at which robot vacuums travel, it could easily be achieved with a text or phone call. And with a phone call you can at least say more than pre-recorded messages. 

Audio and motion detection could become helpful in certain scenarios but, considering how much this will have contributed to the overall cost, it largely seems like a feature that'll be under-utilized most of the time.

That said, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo's cleaning power sounds like it could be one of the best we've seen in a robot vacuum so far. We'll test it once it's available to see for ourselves.

Once released, the Jet Bot Combo could potentially be one of the best robot vacuums available. AI is becoming more commonly seen in our appliances, and hopefully, it'll make our home maintenance even easier as time goes on. 

Floor cleaning can be a hassle that requires multiple tools for each surface and area, especially if you have a lot of foot traffic. If you’re someone who has as much hair as my fiancée and I do, it’s safe to say that my carpets and floors are in need of some TLC when it comes to deep cleaning.

I’ve lived in my place for four years and have worked from home for most of it, yet my cleaning routine has largely relied on a broom and regular vacuum cleaner, so an all-in-one multi-surface cleaner was a welcome and necessary change.

Enter the Bissell CrossWave Hydrosteam, a multi-surface cleaner designed with pet owners in mind. It’s ideal for cleaning up stains and messes more deeply than a vacuum alone since it steams and mops at once.

Bissell CrossWave Hydrosteam Specifications

Unboxing and setting up the Bissell CrossWave Hydrosteam

The CrossWave Hydrosteam was packaged in a cardboard box with some protective cardboard components around the body, handle, trial formulas, and clean-out and storage tray. The CrossWave Hydrosteam has the shape of a typical vacuum with a handle and body, though it has two different tanks: a clean tank for cleaning solutions, and a dirty water and debris tank that needs to be washed out after each use.

It also comes with a multi-surface brush roll as well as a clean-out and storage tray, which easily stores the components when the vacuum isn’t in use. The package also comes with an 8-ounce cleaning formula for hard and non-porous floors and carpets as well as a clean-out formula, though you’ll need to buy a full-size bottle after a few uses. The body and wand instantly clicked together and since this isn’t a chargeable carpet cleaner, I just had to plug it in when I was ready to clean.

Is it easy to use the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam?

I followed the lines on the water tank to add the right ratio of water and cleaning solution depending on if I was cleaning a small area (under 350 square feet) or large area (up to 700 square feet). The water tank had a small opening so I had some minor spills, so it may help to use a funnel and pour slowly.

There are 3 different modes that show up on the foot display: area rug mode, SteamWash Mode, and Hard Floor Mode, and the Mode button on the handle toggles between them. Admittedly, the icon for each mode wasn’t intuitive at first, so I relied on the user manual until I memorized each one. It’s also worth noting that the mode and clean-out cycle buttons looked similar to the untrained eye, so I recommend reading through the user guide before your first use.

The CrossWave Hydrosteam is relatively light and has an integrated carrying handle and tray, making it easy to move around and store when you’re done. It also has a headlight that’s helpful for dark corners and bathrooms.

Is the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam good on carpet?

Once I turned on the SteamWash mode, I followed the instructions to wait 30 seconds for the CrossWave Hydrosteam to warm up, which is denoted by the steam ready light on the foot of the vacuum, and hold the solution spray trigger under the handle for 10 seconds to wet the brush roll. Then, I just had to recline to get the brush roll spinning. This trigger dispenses the formula and steam in SteamWash mode, which I kept it on while going across my carpet. To dry the floor after, I let go of the solution trigger and went over the same areas.

I didn’t realize how much of the difference the CrossWave Hydrosteam made until I saw the dirty water tank after use, which was full of hair, dust, and dirt that my vacuum hadn’t picked up right before. I was conscious of the cord length since I was worried that the vacuum would unplug during my cleaning session, though it stayed in the entire time. I did have to move the cord out of my way as I went back over areas to suck up excess water, which is to be expected.

Is the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam good on hard floors?

The CrossWave Hydrosteam needs a mix of water and Bissell's hard floor sanitize solution, which is designed to clean and sanitize non-porous surfaces. When setting it up, I used the trigger to dispense the solution for 10 seconds to wet the brush roll, and then kept my finger on the trigger while going over my floors. I let them dry for 5 minutes and then released the trigger so I could go over the same areas and pick up excess water.

I appreciated the headlight for cleaning dark corners, and the cleaning solution didn’t leave any streaks. There was some stickier debris on my floors that didn’t budge with the CrossWave Hydrosteam, though I wasn’t necessarily surprised by that.

Cleaning the Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam

The water tank was easy to remove with the click of a button while holding the handle on the water tank. From there, all that’s left is to disassemble the filter and strainer stem, rinse them off, and lay them out to dry for 24 hours. I did struggle the first time to put the tank back together the first time, but I got used to it afterward since the components click together fairly easily.

After the floors are clean, it’s time to clean the vacuum by emptying, rinsing, and wiping down the clean tank that stores cleaning solution as well as the dirty water and debris tank, which has a pet and human hair strainer to separate larger debris from dirty water. I really appreciated the pet hair strainer because I could throw out all the solid debris and rinse the rest off. I also took out the brush roll to dry, though I often had to rip long hair that wrapped around it during the cleaning process.

After each use, it’s recommended to run a Clean-Out Cycle, which uses the FreshStart cleaning solution in the water tank, and remove the brush roll to dry. Full disclosure - this is pretty tedious, since you’re repeating many of the same steps that you've already performed to clean your floor, but it also helps protect the longevity of the CrossWave Hydrosteam. From there, you just need to open the removable brush window and leave the brush roll to dry.

How does the CrossWave Hydrosteam rate online?

The CrossWave HydroSteam is relatively new to the market but is receiving primarily 4 and 5-star reviews on Amazon on Bissell’s site for its ability to steam and mop at the same time, and it’s a clear favorite among pet owners. The main critique was that some customers with large homes had to refill the water tank multiple times, which can be a hassle. However, most customers overwhelming preferred the CrossWave to mopping and appreciated the all-in-one design.

How does the CrossWave Hydrosteam compare to other vacuums?

If a cordless steam cleaner is higher on your list, the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max may be a better fit, which has a 30-minute runtime and keeps the features you may love in the CrossWave Hydrosteam, like self-cleaning features and design that helps you reach every corner. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum has more suction power if you’re focused on vacuuming power alone. If you’re looking for a lighter steam mop that’s still easy to use, check out the Black + Decker 7-in-1 steam mop.

CrossWave Hydrosteam: Final Thoughts

If your home has carpet and hard floors, you’ll appreciate the all-in-one nature of the CrossWave Hydrosteam, especially if you like to steam your floors. It vacuums and mops all at once while still being easy to clean, even if your home has a lot of debris and hair. I’d appreciate a cordless version, though it’s not a dealbreaker because it has a 25 foot cord that can get you pretty far. Ultimately, this all-in-one powerhouse is hard to beat and would be a welcome addition to your cleaning routine.

Cleaning your surfaces has never been easier with these convenient and chemical-free steam mops and mopping alternatives. It's one of our favorite ways to clean and sanitize our homes.

Long gone are the days of mopping on your hands and knees, and rightfully so. Cleaning your floors with a mop and bucket isn’t only time-consuming, it can also be unsanitary. Thankfully, there are great alternatives: steam cleaning and powerful mop substitutes. Using ultra-high heat, steam mops lift tough grime without the use of chemicals – perfect for households with children and pets.

If you prefer a mop that doesn’t require preheating, we’ve also included two equally impressive steam mop alternatives. With thoughtfully designed mop heads that attract dirt (and no rinsing required), these gadgets offer a far less labor-intensive option than traditional mopping. While sparkling floors are the ultimate goal, we’ve taken other factors into consideration. Are the floors left wet and streaky? Can the steam mop tackle set-in stains?

After reading hundreds of reviews, and testing steam mops and cleaners of all shapes and styles, we’re ready to share our results. Below you’ll find our list of the five best steam cleaners, picked just for you.

Top off your cleaning routine with the very best cordless vacuums for one supremely clean home.

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The after-Christmas sales are mean a few deals dropping on these handy appliances. Here's the best we've seen so far:

Best steam cleaners and steam mops

Not only does this Black+Decker steam mop tackle floors and most surfaces, it also preheats within seconds. Wondering why it’s called the “7-in-1” mop? Equipped with a team of practical accessories, it can do a lot more than leave your floors sparkling.

Other notable uses of this Black+Decker steam mop include cleaning grout, steaming kitchen cabinets and cleaning small spaces such as faucets. Built-up mildew in the shower disappears in seconds, no bleach necessary. Sanitizing dirty spaces has never been easier, or faster. Also included in the accessory pack is a fabric steamer. We tested this ourselves, and can confirm that it releases wrinkles in no time. Did we mention this steam mop transforms into a handheld device? Perfect for countertops and stairs, this compact attachment is easy to remove and just as tough on dirt.

Thanks to its myriad of uses, this Black+Decker steam cleaner easily takes home first place for 'Best Overall'.

This self-cleaning Bissell CrossWave model is top-rated, and for good reason. With cordless capabilities and an impressive battery life, it cleans exceptionally well. Built with Bissell’s 'Two Tank Technology,' the CrossWave separates dirty water from clean, eliminating concern for cross-contamination. Not only does this model mop floors, it’s also suitable for area rugs. While several competitors struggled to reach corners and tight spaces, the Bissell’s high-strength vacuum cleaned every crevice. Noted in countless reviews, this is a great option for pet owners, as it effectively picks up pet hair and dander. The brush's unique material prevents hair from getting tangled, helping maintain the integrity of the mop and vacuum.

Floors dry almost instantly with the ultra-absorbent brush roll, preventing any annoying streaks. For quick cleanups, you can conveniently run the vacuum without using the mopping feature. When it’s time to put the Bissell away, the self-cleaning cycle assures your appliance is ready for the next clean by separating dirt and debris to an easily removable tank.

Nothing is worse than streaky floors, which is why this Hoover FloorMate left us super impressed with this steam mop's ability to wash and dry floors, while separating the dirty water from the clean. So often, floors are left cloudy and dull, but not this time. Particularly noteworthy was the shine the FloorMate Deluxe steam mop left without any use of polish.

If time is limited, the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe is a solid choice. Equipped with a large mop head, this steam mop covers a large area quickly and efficiently. The dual water tanks do a brilliant job separating the dirty water from clean, and are notably easier to remove and clean than alternatives.

Hoover’s distinctive SpinScrub technology was designed to rotate, gently cleaning stuck on messes. Unfortunately, gentle may be the key word there. A recurring complaint amongst reviewers is weak scrubbing power. If pre-treating isn’t an option, it may be best to opt for an alternative for heavy messes. As a reminder, the Hoover FloorMate is intended for use only on sealed floor surfaces.

The McCulloch MC1275 comes in hot. Heating to 200°F (a whopping 80°F above most other steam mops), the MC1275 effectively sanitizes all surfaces, from hardwood floors to barbecue grills. Equipped with 18 accessories, this McCulloch steam cleaner was built to tackle tough jobs. The long list of cleaning capabilities includes: sealed floors, granite, grout, grills, car interior and exterior.

Weighing in under 10 pounds, the McCulloch steam cleaner is lightweight and portable, too. Concerned about reach? Don’t be. The power cord measures nearly 16 feet, allowing you to keep cleaning without worrying about finding a new outlet. Because the cords are not removable, this McCulloch steam mop does require slightly more storage space than upright appliances.

We’re confident Shark named this the 'Pocket Mop' thanks to its impressively lightweight and portable design. Ready to plug in and go, we found this Shark Genius Steam Mop pretty much self-explanatory. After testing a handful of times, it’s safe to say sometimes simplicity reigns supreme.

Although simple, she’s mighty. With three steam settings, the Pocket Mop is perfect for everyday use, or large clean-ups. One particularly useful feature is Sharks’ trademarked Steam Blaster technology. Stuck on grime stands no chance against the concentrated blast of steam, designed to lift even the toughest of messes. After just one pass of the steam mop, no evidence remained of the muddy footprints in the laundry room. Made with ultra-absorbent fibers, the mop pads did a great job picking up dust in addition to mopping.

Included with the Shark Genius Pocket Mop are two machine washable mop heads, and a triangle scrubber head perfect for corners. Both are easily removed with the touch of a button, minimizing contact with the dirty pads. Boasting a slim and sleek design, you can clean your whole house without breaking your back.

How to choose the best steam cleaner or mop for your needs 

Steam mops come in varying styles and sizes, with a wide array of uses. Depending on how often and where you’ll be using your new appliance, we recommend taking the following into consideration:

Cord length: How large is your space you’ll be cleaning? There is a big difference between 16’ and cordless. If you’re planning on cleaning your entire home, we recommend going cordless to avoid interruption. Searching for outlets can be a time-consuming task, but cordless options are usually more costly.

Water tank: If you’re cleaning a large space, this determines how often you’ll have to replace the water. If you have a large home, you will undoubtedly find a larger water tank is better suited for your needs. Living in a studio apartment? This shouldn’t be much of a concern.

Weight: The weight of a mop is especially important if you’ll be lugging it upstairs or around your home. There are many lightweight options, such as the Shark Pocket Mop, which are great for those who prefer portability.

Attachments: Mops such as the McCulloch MC1275 come standard with an array of attachments. Many of the mops above include add-ons designed to tackle virtually anything, ranging from cleaning BBQ grills to steaming clothes. If you’re looking for an all-purpose cleaner, this is the way to go. If, however, you prefer simplicity, don’t fret. There are loads of options prepared to clean just as thoroughly.

A few tips for steam cleaning

• It’s always a great idea to vacuum prior to mopping
• Never leave a steam mop unattended, this can lead to permanent damage on surfaces
• Assure floors are dry as excess water can cause swelling, particularly in laminate
• Do not use high heat and water on unsealed surfaces
• Using a steam mop improperly can cause discoloration and warping