Photography: Armelle Habib | Stylist: Heather Nette King
If you have tiles or hardwood floors throughout your home and you’re sick of lugging around a bucket and mop whenever it’s time to do your cleaning chores on Sunday, then investing in a handy steam mop might be worth considering. With mopping being one of the most hated chores of all (this is completely factual, of course), we will do anything to find a way to turn this chore into something, dare we say, enjoyable.
So, if you enjoy sparkling clean floors – minus the elbow grease – you’re at the right place. Below, we dissect everything you need to know about this handy cleaning device as well as the best models to shop in Australia.
How does a steam mop work?
A steam mop works by using heat to produce steam – which is then applied to the surface you want to clean. Steam works great to loosen dirt, grime and stains while also eliminating bacteria and germs due to high heat.
A steam mop generally consists of a water reservoir, a heating element to produce the steam and a mop head that will distribute the steam to the floor you are cleaning. Most steam mops feature a reusable microfibre pad that will absorb dirt and moisture from the floor as you clean.
Are steam mops really effective?
The main advantage of using a steam mop to clean your floors is that you do not need to add harsh cleaning chemicals to remove bacteria or germs. The high heat from the steam itself works to sanitise the surface. Therefore, it’s a great option for the eco-conscious or those sensitive to traditional cleaning solutions’ smells.
However, it is important to note that steam mops are not suitable for all surface types. We recommend staying away from steam mops if you want to clean delicate floor types, such as unsealed hardwood floors or waxed wooden floors. As with any cleaning device, check with the manufacturer to ensure the steam mop is suitable for your home.
The best steam mops in Australia 2023
01
Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe, The Good Guys
$269
Use the natural power of steam to clean and sanitise your hard floors easily with the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe steam mop. Plus, with its SpotBoost brush, scrubbing away tough or sticky spills is a non-issue. Choose between low or high steam settings to suit your cleaning needs.
02
Bissell Select Steam Mop, The Good Guys
$138
Lightweight and easy-to-use, the Bissell Select steam mop features a triangular steam mop head that gets into hard-to-reach areas without a fuss. Plus, it comes equipped with two microfibre mop pads – one for everyday cleaning and one scrubby pad for tougher messes.
03
Shark steam mop, The Good Guys
$99
Clean hardwood, marble, tile, and stone with this steam mop by Shark. Using water alone to sanitise 99.9 per cent of bacteria, no harsh chemicals will be needed to keep your floors sparkling clean. Plus, Shark’s unique Dirt Grip cleaning pads are reusable and machine washable so maintenance is a breeze.
04
Euroflex Vapour-M2R floor steam cleaner, The Good Guys
$349
The Euroflex Vapour steam cleaner has a built-in pressurised steam generator that produces superheated steam to clean hard floors. The Ultra Dry Steam technology removes dirt faster while also leaving the floor dryer than other steam mops.
05
Black & Decker 1600W 2-in-1 steam mop with Delta head, Appliances Online
$239
This steam mop from Black & Decker comes with a detachable handheld multi-purpose steam cleaner so you can clean other surfaces within your home too. Ready to use in less than 20 seconds, this steam mop delivers a continuous flow of steam for a deep clean every time.
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