Hardwood flooring is really popular among homeowners since it is extremely durable and it provides an elegant, classy feeling to any home. 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. Steam cleaners are known to be environment-friendly since it is not using any kind of chemicals. 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.
Here’s a quick steamer comparison table I made to help you see the side by side features.
| Brand | Model | Details | Rating | Weight | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro-Pro Shark | S3501N | 12.5'' cleaning path 180-degree swivel 2-cup water capacity 30' power cord | 5 Stars | 5.4 lbs | See Price |
| HAAN | SI-70 | Made in USA Removable handheld steamer Swivel head Easy-fill removable water tank | 4.5 Stars | 5.2 lbs | See Price |
| Bissell | 1867-7 | Upright electric mop 360-degree swivel 2 Microfiber mop pads Easy fill tank | 4.5 Stars | 8.6 lbs | See Price |
| Hoover | FloorMate FH40010B | SpinScrub Brushes Dual Tank Technology Simple Mode Selection 1 Gallon clean water | 4.0 Stars | 16 lbs | See Price |
| SteamFast | SF-275 | 1500-watt cleaner 48-ounce water tank 45 minutes of steam 17 accessories | 4.0 Stars | 16 lbs | See Price |
Things tο Consider Abουt Steam Cleaners
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.
Which Floor Steamer Is Right For Your Hardwood?
There’s a lot of different styles and options available, but the following are among my top steamer recommendations:
#1 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)
#2 HAAN SI-70 Multi Purpose Floor Steamer
The ultra-microfiber material used by Haan is 5-10 times thinner than common microfiber, providing for a significantly higher thread count in the same surface area. The thinner and higher the thread count, the greater the absorption–and the less time you’ll spend cleaning. For sanitizing carpets, upholstered furniture and bedding, the Deluxe Sanitizing Tray clips onto the FS-20. To kill bacteria, germs and dust mites, simply glide the sanitizer across the surface.
These steam cleaners are available on Amazon at over 19% off retail price!
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 Haan Steam Mop:
- Chemical-free steam cleaner for all sealed hard-floor surfaces–uses regular tap water
- Plus version comes with sanitizing tray attachment for refreshing carpeted areas
- Heats up in less than 3 minutes; produces up to 20 minutes of steam per refill
- Includes 2 super-absorbent, multilayer Ultra-Microfiber cleaning pads that are washable and reusable
- Measures 50-1/2 by 11-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches (HxWxD) fully extended and weighs 3.15 pounds; backed by 1-year warrant
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 Haan 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’ve discovered the sanitizing tray works wonderfully to clean the carpet after our long-hair cat throws up a hairball. (Roamingator)
#3 Bissell Steam Mop Hard-Floor Cleaner 1867-7
Powered by a tank of tap water, the environmentally friendly mop shoots steam out of its 10-1/2-inch floor nozzle when you pull the handle trigger.
This hard floor cleaner has a water purification system which helps remove severe minerals and ions from tap water. This helps in eliminating hard water spots so that everything can be spotless clean.
Pros; very solid and strong built compared with other steam cleaners, lightweight enough but sturdy, the micro fiber pads are washable, no waste of hot water and energy, removes dirt, salsa, blood, hairspray, hair gel, makeup, dry ketchup, dried up soda, dog saliva and whatever else was on the floor, especially successful at cleaning linoleum flooring and bathroom tile floor.
Cons; not too often, but the water tank can loosen up sometimes. Push the water tank back down into the filter – problem solved, it would be nice if another filter was added in with the purchase
Here are some great features of the Bissell 1867-7 Floor Steamer:
- Water purification system which helps in leaving floors clean, dry, spotless
- Upright electric mop cleans hard-floor surfaces using steam only
- Harsh minerals and ions from tap water removed
- Steam-on-demand trigger
- Steam is ready in 30 seconds
- Germs and bacteria impacted by the cleaning of this cleaner
- Removable water tank with high-capacity, easy to fill
- Swivel head easily maneuvered
- Strain reliever handle
- No chemicals 100%
- With Bissell steam mop you receive 2 re-usable Microfiber pads
- Ecologically-friendly
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.
#4 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.)
#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.
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
These are just few of the 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
