January 1, 2019January 1, 2019 Jamie Price

The Best Hardwood Floor Steamer / Cleaner 2019

steamers

Hardwood flooring is extremely popular among homeowners because of it’s durability and appealing looks. However, like any kind of flooring, hardwood is prone to accumulating dust, dirt & grime that a light hardwood broom or “Swiffer” isn’t going to clean.  This is where cleaning with a quality hardwood floor steamer does the best job. Hardwood floor steam cleaners are known to be environment-friendly since they generally don’t use any harsh chemicals in the cleaning process.  They use heated water to pull the dirt from your floors, leaving a beautiful shine that makes them look new again.

Before purchasing a steam cleaner, you should be familiar with the three types of steam cleaners on the market.  It is divided into mop, handheld and cylinder steamers. Handheld steam cleaner are very portable. You can store them easily and use it on small flooring areas. On the other hand, mops generally have long handles and usually upright. These are utilized in cleaning larger floors. Lastly is the cylinder type. In fact, this is the heaviest among the three.  It carries more water, which is why you don’t need to refill them every now and then. Through the combination of hose attachments and nozzle, you may use it as often as you want in cleaning different surfaces such as hardwood & even tile flooring.

Best Hardwood Floor Steamer Comparison Table

• A good steamer for hardwood must be safe on the wood surface
• Steam cleaners with replaceable pads are a preferred option
• Find a steamer with multiple levels steam & heat controls
• Steamer / vacuum combos are a bonus but carry a higher price tag

Rating	Brand	Model	Details	Weight	Website
1	Bissell	Symphony	11'' cleaning path Easy touch controls 4 micro fiber pads No chemicals High & low steam control	10.1 lbs	See Price
2	Shark	Genius	3 steam settings Touch Free Technology Dual sided dirt grip pads Lightweight	5.7 lbs	See Price
3	Hoover	FloorMate FH40010B	SpinScrub Brushes Dual Tank Technology Simple Mode Selection 1 Gallon clean water	16 lbs	See Price
4	Euro-Pro Shark	S3501N	12.5'' cleaning path 180-degree swivel 2-cup water capacity 30' power cord	5.4 lbs	See Price
5	SteamFast	SF-275	1500-watt cleaner 48-ounce water tank 45 minutes of steam 17 accessories	16 lbs	See Price

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Which Hardwood Flooring Steamer Is Right For Your Home?

There’s a lot of different styles and options available, but the following are among my top steamer recommendations:

#1 Bissell Symphony Steam Mop / Vacuum

If you’re looking for a professional grade floor steamer that not only sanitizes your floors without chemicals, but also vacuums debris at the same time, the Bissell Symphony steam mop/vacuum is the perfect model for you. The easy touch digital controls make switching between vacuum and steam functions a breeze and like the Shark Genius model above, this Bissell has a quick release feature for the mop head, so you never have to touch dirty mop pads again.  Perfect for small or large hard surface areas, the Bissell Symphony is an amazing steam cleaner that will have you enjoying your barefoot ready floors again.

 

Here are some great features of the Bissell Symphony Steam Mop 1132A:

• High & Low Steam Control
• Adjustable Handle
• Steam mop + cyclonic vacuum
• 2 year limited warranty
• Easy touch controls
• 4 microfiber mop pads
• No chemicals
• Quick release mop pad tray
• 99.9% germ elimination
• 11″ path width

This device also cleans very nicely ceramic tile and bamboo floor. If floors are heavily soiled, there may be some streaking, but go over them again and they’re sure to come out shiny. This steam mop is a real money saver.

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about this Bissell Steam Cleaner:

Nothing would clean your floor better than good old Cinderella-style scrubbing. But considering that I have around 1800 square feet of hard flooring, 3 kids, and four dogs – my knees just can’t take that kind of action cleaning something that is just going to be puked on, spilled on, or smeared with banana in a matter of minutes. I have some experience with all the other leading brands of hard floor cleaners, and this one is really the simplest to use and completes a decent enough job that it’s a regular in my household cleaning routine.

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#2 Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System

The Shark Genius Steam Pocket mop is one of the latest, next generation solid surface steam mops on the market that’s great for nearly all solid surfaces that may need cleaning in your home.  What I really like about this particular steam cleaner is that it’s packed with some nifty features.  The dirt grip pads really grab stuck on dirt and grime on hardwood floors and tile.  The touch free technology feature let’s you release the dirty pad from the mop without having to physically touch the pad.  Simply press the release button and the pad falls away so you can insert a new one.  No more getting your hands dirty trying to replace that scummy mop pad.  LOVE THIS!.  The dual sided dirt grip pads are washable, so you can use them over and over again.

The direct steam channeling system puts the steam right on the stains, making it super easy to pull them up without having to scrub back and forth.  There are three steam settings as well, which let you dial in the amount of steam you want to use for the surface you’re cleaning.

The great part about using steam to sanitize your floors is that it can remove up to 99% of bacteria and it won’t leave any residual chemicals behind.

The steamer works with ease, it glides on the hard floor with ease and with little effort. The micro pad is probably the reason for this. The adjustable handle helps in area where space is limited and the mop going side to side instead of forward and backward motions can be used.

Here are some great features of the Shark Genius Steam Mop:

• Clean and sanitize* sealed hard floors with washable, dual-sided Dirt Grip pads
• Touch-Free Technology: never touch a dirty pad again
• Steam Blaster attacks tough, greasy, stuck-on messes
• 3-setting Intelligent Steam Control lets you customize the amount of steam for each cleaning task

In case of  kids, and animals at home dropping food and then eating it off the floor,  there’s no worry about chemicals with this cleaner. The pads are super easy to clean and reuse.

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Shark Genius Steam Mop:

I’ve been absolutely delighted with how well the mop has worked. We have kitchen tile that is moderately textured and this mop cleaned the low areas much better than wet mopping did. Also, I also love the touch free feature so I don’t have to touch the nasty pads with my hands.  (Roamingator)

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#3 Hoover FloorMate SpinScrub Floor Steam Cleaner

The fingertip trigger control allows for choosing where, when, and how much cleaning solution to apply, and the dual tank design separates the cleaning solution and pick-up so you never put dirty water back on your floor. The interchangeable Spinscrub brushes allow you to use the appropriate brush system for your regular bare floors and a stiffer type brush for floors with grout. The 15″ removable nozzle lets you finish the job quickly and clean up easily. The handle folds down for easy storage. Comes with 8oz Floor to Floor Cleaner and 8oz Grout Cleaner.

These steam cleaners are available on Amazon at over 25% off retail price!

This is a great machine. Saves so much time and back bending. With the Floormate, the dirty water is sucked up into the machine rather than being deposited into the grout lines.

Here are some great features of the FloorMate SpinScrub Floor Steam Cleaner

• All-in-one cleaning system vacuums, washes, and dries hard-floor surfaces
• 15-inch-wide cleaning path; EZ Select dial; fingertip trigger control
• Interchangeable SpinScrub and grout brushes; separate tanks for clean and dirty water
• Fold-down handle; 8-ounce grout cleaner and 8-ounce floor-to-floor cleaner included
• Measures approximately 20 by 15-1/2 by 45 inches; 1-year warranty

The controls are logical and everything is easy to get at. The FloorMate is very easy to assemble. It comes with solution for wood floors and tile.

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about this Hardwood Floor Steam Cleaner:

Now, it’s not a heavy duty commercial machine but well-made and perfect for the floors. The machine is easy to fill and empty. You go back and forth like a carpet vacuum cleaner, spraying enough cleaner, scrubbing it and then you slowly pass over the area several times so the vacuum sucks up as much dirty solution as you can. (David A.)

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#4 Euro-Pro Shark S3501N Deluxe Steam Pocket Mop

A powerful weapon against ground-in dirt, dust, and dried spills, it also kills harmful germs including e-coli, then leaves the floor virtually dry behind it. 2 Interchangeable mop heads are included, the standard and triangle heads. Also included, the carpet glider to refresh and deodorize area rugs and carpeting and 5 patented two-sided steam pockets. Additional features include an extra-large 15-ounce water tank, a long 30-foot power cord, and a deodorizing carpet glider. This may be perhaps the best floor steam cleaner available.

These steam cleaners are available on Amazon at over 42% off retail price!

Pros; good size water tank, long cord, two sided mop head, price , extendable handle for different heights, no chemicals when cleaning, weight
Cons – if you extend handle all the way it is a bit flimsy so if you are 5’8″ or taller you will want to watch this.

Here are some great features of the Euro-Pro Shark Steam Mop:

• Lightweight steam mop cleans and sanitizes all sealed hard-floor surfaces
• Ready in 30 seconds; releases steam with push-forward motion of mopping; leaves floors virtually dry
• Includes 2 interchangeable mop heads and 4 washable microfiber cleaning pads
• Carpet glider attachment also included
• Measures 7 inches by 13 inches by 51-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty

This Shark Steam Mop is a lot better than the first model made by shark. After cleaning, there is no film left behind. For the price this mop does its job easily and effectively while not breaking the bank. It’s certainly a choice to consider for your household and your home.

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about Shark Steam Mop:

The steam evaporates leaving no streaks behind. I use no chemicals and leave no chemical residue behind–very important to me as I have 4 very young children, including a crawler. A lot of thought was put into this item With the x-long cord, I only have to plug it in once so I don’t have to lug the transformer all over my house. (G&B Mom)

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#5 SteamFast SF-275 Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner

It offers a new way of paying due respect to your floors, fabrics, and more. It is a compact steam cleaner that also converts from upright floor steam-mop to a handheld steam cleaner, fabric steamer and window/mirror squeegee very quickly.

Pros; especially suitable for cleaning kitchen and bathroom floors, highest level of operation is pretty powerful and effective, cleans tiles perfectly, by removing the long handle it functions great as a handheld steamer

Cons – the pads that come with it are thin, but old thick towels will work great and help to get into the grout lines. The cord’s holder on the handle should hold cord in place very well, so that the cord would much harder come out and get in your way.

Here are some great features of this multi-purpose and hand held steamer:

• Lightweight, and easy to use, portable
• Cleans with steam and sanitize floors effectively and quickly
• Works great with tile, marble, ceramic, vinyl, and sealed hardwood
• Water tank is continuous-fill. No need to put power off – just refill and keep the steam flowing
• 30 seconds needed for the unit to heat up
• 3 basic modes of operation – convert quickly from steam mop to fabric steamer, to a handheld steam cleaner and window squeegee
• You can adjusts steam for a variety of floor surfaces – from marble to hardwood , and more
• It works as natural as possible and disinfects without harsh chemicals
• Allows hands-free and continuous steam – no need for manual triggering in order to pump, or pressing button

I use the machine on low and still wipe up excess moisture with a towel at times, but all in all, this mop does a really good job without costing a fortune. The fact that it converts to a hand-held steamer and a clothing steamer makes it an even better buy. It would be a good thing if this cleaner came with a glide attachment to make it easy to use on carpeting; some steam mops do.

Here’s what another owner had to say about SteamFast Steam Cleaner:

My sister-in-law recommended Haan, but I leaned towards Steamfast. I took the plunge and ordered it. Like some of the other people stated, we had some problems getting the handle to extend but my husband finally used his pipe wrench and got it loosened up enough to extend the handle to full length. I then used it for cleaning the kitchen floor and it ended up looking and feeling nice and clean. Had no problem with using and to storing it afterward. I even found the hissing sound of the steam somehow relaxing.

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Things tο Consider When Buying  A Steam Cleaner

Whеn іt comes tο cleaning, one οf thе mοѕt effective machines tο consider іѕ a steam cleaner. Hοwеνеr, one misconception many users fall prey tο іѕ thаt аnу steam cleaner wіƖƖ ensure a thorough cleaning job. Thіѕ isn’t completely trυе – whіƖе steam cleaners themselves аrе ехсеƖƖеnt cleaning tools, thеу come іn many different models wіth a range οf different features. Sοmе machines mіɡht nοt bе thе best option fοr сеrtаіn surfaces. It’s best tο know a ƖіttƖе bit аbουt thеѕе machines before deciding οn one fοr уουr cleaning project.

Whаt Iѕ A Steam Cleaner?

First οf аƖƖ, іt’s іmрοrtаnt tο understand whаt mаkеѕ steam cleaners different frοm οthеr cleaning machines. Steam cleaners υѕе thе power οf high temperatures аnԁ super-heated steam іn order tο lift οff tough deposits аnԁ stains frοm surfaces. Unlike pressure washers, whісh υѕе high pressure tο blast dirt οff thе surfaces, steam cleaners remove dirt bу dissolving thеm, mаkіnɡ tough sedimentation аnԁ stains much easier tο remove. Hοwеνеr, ѕіnсе very high temperatures аrе used, thеѕе steam cleaners аrе nοt recommended fοr cleaning surfaces Ɩіkе soft plastic οr аnу οthеr surface thаt сουƖԁ bе ԁаmаɡеԁ bу high heat.

Thе super-heated steam used іn thеѕе machines іѕ аƖѕο known аѕ dry vapor. Thіѕ іѕ very effective іn removing a range οf deposits Ɩіkе dirt, food residues, oil οr grime deposits. Thеѕе machines аrе аƖѕο a ɡrеаt tool fοr spot-cleaning carpets οr upholstery. Sіnсе thе high temperatures аnԁ dry vapor аrе such powerful cleaning tools, steam cleaners аrе аƖѕο effective ways tο sanitize аnԁ disinfect surfaces. Depending οn уουr cleaning needs, thеrе іѕ a range οf different steam cleaning units tο сhοοѕе frοm.

Bіɡ οr Small

Steam cleaners саn bе used fοr domestic, commercial, аnԁ industrial applications. Industrial steam cleaners need tο reach temperatures οf up tο 360°F аnԁ pressure levels οf up tο 150 psi. Thеѕе аrе thе ideal pressure аnԁ temperature levels fοr rugged cleaning jobs. Apart frοm thаt, commercial steam cleaners ѕhουƖԁ bе versatile аnԁ flexible enough tο deal wіth different consumer needs. Fοr instance, thеѕе machines ѕhουƖԁ bе equipped tο allow continuous υѕе through direct water feed οr a refill chamber.

Whеn opting fοr vapor steam cleaners, іt’s іmрοrtаnt tο look fοr units thаt hаνе specialized technologies thаt wіƖƖ protect thе boiler frοm calcium аnԁ scale build up. Yου shouldn’t hаνе tο υѕе harmful chemicals tο ɡеt rid οf thеѕе kinds οf build-up, ѕіnсе thеу саn weaken аnԁ corrode thе components οf thе machine.

Thеѕе machines generally don’t require thе υѕе οf cleaning agents bυt іf уου ԁο сhοοѕе tο υѕе one, mаkе sure уου opt fοr green chemicals, whісh won’t harm thе environment. Hοwеνеr, іt’s best tο ɡο fοr units thаt hаνе technology whісh саn kіƖƖ mοѕt bacteria аnԁ molds. It’s аƖѕο a ɡοοԁ іԁеа tο opt fοr machines thаt саn filter out allergens аnԁ οthеr elements frοm thе water.

Given thе many different kinds οf steam cleaners thаt аrе out thеrе, іt’s best tο know whісh machine wіƖƖ best suit уουr individual cleaning needs.

Other good steamer options:

• Shark Light & EasyTM Steam Mop (S3101)

If you want something light to use, then Shark Light & EasyTM Steam Mop (S3101) is the perfect steam cleaner you are looking for. This is not just an ordinary steam cleaner since it doesn’t need any kind of bucket or mop. Plus, you are rest assured that it will virtually leave your hardwood floor dry.  Read Details & Reviews

• Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop, WH20200

What makes it different? The answer is simple.  It uses Hoover Disinfectant Solution so it can kill right away bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, which can cause health problems in your family.  It has also this so-called two tank system which allows cleaning through steam alone or disinfectant solution by means of pressing a button. Its tank can be also removed which makes filling as well as cleaning much easier than you could imagine. Read Details & Reviews

Steam Cleaning Other Surfaces

So, you finally decided to buy a steam vacuum cleaner, but you’re not sure which one is the best? To tell you honestly, there is not one single best choice, because your needs are different. That’s why on this page I’ve given you multiple choices based on my research, experience, and everything is based on your specific needs.

Now, depending on what type of surface you’re wanting to steam clean, you will may want to consider a few different types of steam cleaners.

Below you’ll be able to find my top picks for carpets, tile floors and pet stains, since these are the most common problems that people look for when they decide to buy a steam vac. Also, I’ve given you my best overall choice, since this vacuum is definitely the best, but comes at a hefty price.

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Top Rated Carpet Steam Cleaners:

 

#1 Bissell Big Green Clean Machine Carpet Cleaner

If you are not afraid to spend money on a quality steam vacuum cleaner, and you absolutely want professional, top notch performance, you really shouldn’t even think twice about buying the Big Green Clean Machine from Bissell.

This is probably one of the best steam vacuum cleaners that I’ve ever seen. One of the consumers reported that she was able to revive her 15 year old carpet to its original color by using this machine.

Right from the beginning you will see that the power cord is very long. If you’re not using a professional grade steamer, you’ll be disappointed at how short the power cords on those models actually are. With the Big Green Machine, you won’t have to worry about plugging and unplugging constantly.

Let’s talk about the tank. You know, one of the things that also bothers me about standard models is the fact that the solution tank is pretty small, which means you’ll have to waste time refilling them quite often. Fortunately, the tank on this baby is so huge that it will last for a long, long time. You might think that spending 2 capfuls is actually huge, but you’ll soon see that they really do last.

How about cleaning? Well, there is really no match for this machine currently on the market. Some of my customers told me that this model removed the stains that all the previous cleanings with other products combined.

There is one con though. The machine is quite heavy. So, if you are an old lady, or you prefer mobility over performance, I would think twice before buying it. However, when it comes to raw power and performance, this is definitely the best steam vacuum cleaner on the market today.

I’ve found a video on YouTube that demonstrates its performance against the Rug Doctor, which is also a popular machine in this category. Check it out below, and see for yourself. And no, this is not fake

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#2 Hoover SteamVac Carpet Cleaner

If you can’t afford to buy the Big Green Machine, or you simply want a more mobile version (where, of course, some of the performance is sacrificed), you’ll find out soon that the Hoover SteamVac Carpet cleaner is an excellent all-around choice as well.

One of the thing you’ll notice immediately is that the cost is 2 times less than the Big Green Vacuum. This means that, if you don’t need professional performance, and you need something which is worthwhile, SteamVac Carpet will be a good choice for you.

Now, let’s talk about the assembly. I’ve seen a lot of people actually having problems operating this model. The way to get rid of this problem is to read the manual, because it is very useful, and it will make operating this baby a breeze. I don’t usually condone reading the manuals, because honestly, most of them suck, but Hoover manuals are actually useful, which is a huge plus.

The drying function is simply phenomenal on this model. If you are using it on old carpets that haven’t been washed and cleaned for years, you might have to clean them twice, but you are definitely going to dry them up very fast, because the suction is incredible for a consumer model.

Now, there are some problems with SteamVac Carpet for sure. First of all , the water container is not very large, which means that you’ll quickly fill it up with dirty water. Also, some people might not like the fact that it is made of plastic.

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Best Steam Vacuum For Tile Floors

 

 Hoover MaxExtract All-Terrain Carpet Cleaner F7452900PC

This is the best tile floor steam vacuum on the market currently. Packed with a powerful 12 amp motor, working on 120 volts and having a Dual-V technology (which ensures that the suction will be equally spread throughout the nozzle), you simply can’t beat it in this category.

Also, if you want to save some money on cleaner solutions, you’ll be happy to find out that this model uses a lot less than all the comparable Bissell models out there.

Cleaning the kitchen will be a breeze, and you won’t feel any puddling whatsoever if you stick to this advice: just when you are about to finish the pulling maneuver, release the trigger. You’ll never have to deal with puddling again.

One of the main aspects to look for in a vacuum cleaner is the ease of use. Today, not many people are actually willing to put the effort into learning, because it is simply not practical, and wastes your precious time. I’m happy to say that the Hoover MaxExctract All-Terrain does a terrific job when it comes to ease of use. And most importantly, it cleans very well.

The main drawback is definitely the noise. Even if you use it in large tile areas, the noise will still be very harsh for your ears. Also, I don’t like the fact that you won’t be able to get it close to the wall edges. Yes, you do get the attachment for that, but it’s not very convenient to plug it in and out all the time.

To conclude this review, I think that this is a very solid choice if your home has a lot of tile and hardwood surfaces. You also get a special brush for those.

Check out the video below, but don’t buy it from Wal-Mart because it is more expensive than if you buy it on Amazon.

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Top Choice Steam Vacuum For Pet Stains:

 Hoover SteamVac Pet Complete Carpet Cleaner

I have to say from the get-go that I like the rotating brush system a lot. However, I have to say that up until now, I wasn’t able to find a suitable steam solution for pet stains. Why? Well, simply because you need something very mobile, and this is as close as it gets when it comes to steamer mobility.

The cleaning surge is great for pet stains, especially the pet urine. You know how annoying it can be when your pet drops the urine all over your house. I have a small Labrador in my house, and sometimes I really get angry at him when he pees on my carpet. Luckily, if you have a model like SteamVac Pet, you won’t be annoyed by that, because you just turn it on and remove the stain quickly. If you try to do it manually, now that will be a problem.

The setup is very easy if you read the instructions, which is basically the case with all Hoover models. The machine is also very strong and the spin brushes seem to do a wonderful job because they are able to loosen up the dirt, which is crucial with pet stains. Your carpets will last longer, because the brushes are able to pull even the sturdiest stains and dirt out. Finally, the suction is good enough to pull everything in.

Now, the problem with this model becomes evident if you stop using it for a few minutes. The water is simply leaking out. If you stop for a phone call, make sure you take something with you to clean the puddle around the machine.

Also, it is not very mobile. This is generally a problem with steam vacs, and that’s why I’d like to propose an alternative. Read below.

Try This Alternative Portable Spot Cleaner from BISSELL:

BISSELL Spot Clean Pro Portable Deep Cleaner

The BISSELL Spot Clean Pro is simply amazing when it comes to cleaning pet spots. You can clean the spots from every surface imaginable: upholstery, stairs and carpets. You also get a 2 year limited warranty.

Now, the best thing about it is definitely mobility. Since your pets are very mobile, it is very hard to pull the steam vacuum machines all around your house, right? This is especially hard if you are a women in your forties. That’s why you need something lightweight with a lot of power. There is no better machine than this one when it comes to these two characteristics.

Let’s talk about mobility. First of all, you’ll find out that it doesn’t require assembly at all, which is a huge plus. It adds to the whole mobility thing. It’s also lightweight and there is a neat carry handle on top of the machine. The power cord is 22 feet, which is incredible. I love it when designers actually think about the user and his needs.

It’s also generally very easy to use, I have to say. The water-solution formula is as easy as it gets, and the manual is very helpful and precise. There are the 2 attachments that are included in the package, but if you need more, there are plenty of options on Amazon.

Now, what about the cons you ask? Well, the suction, although strong, could be a bit stronger. Maybe this is just my personal feeling, but I do feel that it could use a bit more power. Also, the machine is pretty hard to clean and you will definitely need to learn how to use spraying for optimal use.

All-in-all, this is definitely my choice when it comes to pet stains. It is mobile, the suction is good, and it is easy to use. Highly recommended!

 

These are just few of the different styles of steam cleaners I like and that have really good reviews.  No matter what you have chosen, make sure that it suits the flooring you have in your home. Always check with your flooring manufacturer to make sure you purchase a hardwood steamer that won’t damage the type of finish on your floor.

Picking the best mop that’s right for you by clicking this site: Choosing the Best Mop for Hardwood Floors