Laminate floors are quite popular in residential and commercial properties. They’re strong, beautiful, and less expensive than wooden flooring. But when it comes to cleaning such floors, though there are different methods available, there are a few challenges faced quite often.
Laminate flooring loses luster with traditional cleaning methods. Dust is its enemy methods like vacuuming or sweeping can cause damage to it. According to experts, steam mopping is the best way to clean and disinfect laminate floors and enhance their looks.
In this guide, we’re going to cover the basics of best steam mops for laminate floors. We’ll apprise you of the types and features of such mops and also review the top 10 products in this category. So if you’re planning to buy a steam mop for the laminate floor in your home or office, this post is a must-read for you.
Let’s start by understanding what a Steam Mop is
A steam mop is a cleaning device that uses a combination of steam and mopping to clean carpets and floors. The steam that emanates from such a mop helps loosen the dirt and the micro-fiber pad’s mopping action traps it. Unlike regular mops, this one doesn’t use any cleaning solution or chemicals to clean the floors. Steam is all that it needs to perform impeccable cleaning and also kill germs and microbes. Typically, such a mop has a small water tank fitted inside which produces dry steam.
The mop works by heating the water in the reservoir up to 120°C. The steam is then delivered to the laminate flooring through one of the jets located underneath its cleaning pad. The steam moistens the microfiber pad located beneath and helps the device to draw off the dirt from the floor. Unlike regular mops, it doesn’t leave any chemical residue behind and cleans the dirt effectively. These steam cleaning devices can kill 99% of dust mites and bacteria. They can clean and disinfect floors, remove stains, and restore shine.
Types of Steam Mops
These steam-based cleaners can be categorized by their mop design and water tank configuration.
Mop Shape/Design
- Rectangular mop
The shape of the mop is an important factor in this steam cleaner. A rectangular mop allows you to clean a larger surface at one go as it covers more area in comparison to other mop shapes and designs. Thus, it helps you finish the cleaning tasks faster.
- Triangular mop
A steam cleaner with a triangular mop allows you to clean corners more easily. Its shape allows you to reach and clean corners thereby giving you a satisfying cleaning experience. Since such a mop is smaller in size as compared to rectangular shape, you can use it to clean tight spaces or corners of the house without moving equipment or furniture
Water Tank Configuration
- In-built water tank
Most steam cleaning devices come with an in-built water tank. Since they generate dry vapor steam, very little water is used in one cleaning session. The water tank comes with a level indicator which can be used to check whether more water needs to be added.
- Separate water tank
Some professional-grade steam cleaners come with a design where the mop is attached to a separate water tank. Such heavy-duty cleaners can run for 50 minutes or more without the need to refill the tank. If you have a large home, you might benefit from such cleaners as they will allow you to clean all floors at one go without refilling.
Steam mop with a detachable hand unit
This is a new type/design of steam cleaner. It features a detachable hand unit that allows you to remove the mop and use it as a steam cleaner to clean surfaces other than floors.
What Things To Look For When Buying a High Quality Steam Mop for Laminate Floors?
Though a few basic elements may be obvious, quite a few things should be considered before you buy a steam mop for laminate floors.
- Dimensions
The size and weight are two important factors that need your attention when buying such a mop. If the steam cleaner is bulky and large, you won’t be able to maneuver it easily making effective cleaning a distant dream. When looking at the dimensions, make sure you can push or pull it easily across the rooms. If you aren’t comfortable pushing it, you won’t enjoy using it either. The dimensions of the steam cleaner are also important from the storage perspective. Your house or the storage room should have adequate space to store it when not in use.
- Tank Capacity
Though steam cleaners use less water, the tank capacity is an important factor. If the water tank is too small, you’ll be required to refill the tank after every hour of cleaning which can be quite inconvenient. Steam cleaners with a larger reservoir can run for longer hours without the need for frequent refilling.
- Pressure and Temperature
The temperature of the dry steam is an important factor. To kill germs and dust mites it should be in the range of 180°F or more. Steam cleaners with high steam temperature and pressure are more effective in cleaning. 
However, the device should allow the user to control the steam output through a dial or switch. It’s important because not all surfaces can bear high temperatures and pressure. By moderating the steam output for softer surfaces, you can effectively clean them without causing damage.
- Noise Levels
Just like vacuum cleaners, steam mops also produce some noise when they generate steam. Some models are extremely noisy. If you’re concerned about noise, check the decibel level in the product specifications or ask the manufacturer.
- Accessories
Most steam cleaners come with a mop head with a microfiber. However, it’s only useful to clean soft surfaces. Some popular mop cleaners come with a variety of attachments and accessories like crevice brush, carpet glide-on, and different types of brushes to clean different surfaces.
- Heating time
The heating time is an important aspect that determines how quickly you can use the device after plugging it in. If it’s high (a few minutes for example), you’ll have to wait longer before you can use it. The heating time depends on the capacity of the water reservoir and the power of the heater. The shorter the heating time, the faster you can complete the cleaning. Most steam cleaners get ready in a few seconds; 30 sec or less.
Top 10 Best Steam Mop for Laminate Floors Reviews
1. Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner
Shark Steam S3501 is a popular steam cleaner from the Shark brand of cleaners. The company is owned by SharkNinja Operating LLC, a leader in cleaning solutions and small household appliances. They’ve has carved a niche market share by offering highly-functional and innovative products.
Design & Size
The pocket mop has several features that help it stand out in the competition. It has an upright design with a large reservoir. The unit comes with a long power cord that gives you freedom from frequent plugging and unplugging of the device from the power socket. Measuring well over 51 inches in length, the product weighs around 4.87 pounds. It comes with a whopping 20 feet long power cord that allows you to move freely in the house to clean different rooms. It also comes with a quick-release swivel cord wrap that allows you to wind and store the cable when not in use.
Functionality
The steam mop gets ready in a few seconds. The burst of hot steam from the device kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs on the floor and delivers a clean and sanitized laminate floor within minutes. The steam can remove grime, dirt, and mess that’s stuck on the floor within minutes and with much more convenience. The hot vapors are released automatically when you move the mop forward. The head of the mop is rectangular in shape and it can clean large surface areas in one go. Larger surface coverage means faster cleaning.
Additional Features
The mop is two-sided which basically means you can flip it over to use both sides for cleaning before finally putting it in for a machine wash. The microfiber pads have good gripping power that gets scrubs off the dirt after it’s loosened by steam.
Pros
- The smooth swiveling head makes it easy to use
- Takes only 30 seconds to get ready
- Comes with two machine washable microfiber pads
Cons
- The handle is flimsy
- Does not come with steam settings like its higher-end versions
2. Bissell PowerFresh 2075A Steam Mop
Bissell Inc. is a reputed American homecare company. It’s a 140-year old family-owned business that manufactures vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning equipment. They have a presence in all major continents and regions including North America, South America, the Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa/Middle East.
Design & Size
The Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop is a sturdy yet light-weight device. It has an upright design that allows you to clean floors without bending. The steam cleaner can be detached and used as an independent unit to clean and disinfect countertops, stovetops, microwaves, and other surfaces. The device is ideal to clean various surfaces like hardwood, marble, linoleum, granite, and ceramic. It measures 14 x 9.5 x 46.5 inches and weighs around 6 pounds. The water tank is located at the top making refills easy. The mop comes with two pads, one of which features hard bristles which can help scrub stubborn dirt from the floor without much effort. Most accessories can fit into the unit when not in use.
Functionality
The device features steam-on-demand functionality that allows you to save electricity and water too. It can mop clean textured wooden floors and tiles and get rid of dirt without leaving a water residue. The device can get rid of the dried mess on your floors and also clean the grouting easily. The mop head is light and sturdy, easy to assemble, and easy to maneuver. It comes with two operation settings that allow you to control the steam output. The steam cleaner also features a pause button that stops the activation of the steam from the device. It takes around 30 seconds to heat the water and 30 more seconds to generate steam.
Additional Features
The steam cleaner comes with several additional accessories that include a detailed nozzle, round and crevice brushes, and a scraper tool. The grout tool can be attached to clean grime and dirt from the grout. The bristle scrub brush is ideal to clean kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Pros
- Strong body
- Good storage
- Long cable
Cons
- Limited accessories
- Can’t stand on its own
Check Our Top Picks Of Other Mops:-
Best Steam Mop for Tile Floors and Grout Reviews
Best Steam Mop For Vinyl Floors Reviews
Best Mop for Vinyl Floors Reviews
3. LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Multi-Functional Steam Mop
Light ‘N’ Easy is a leading home cleaning manufacturer. It’s known for innovative home cleaning solutions that make housework interesting for people. The company studies the living needs of the people and develops home cleaning tools with a convenient and faster design.
Design & Size
The upright steam cleaner is mainly built of plastic, but still, it’s tough and light-weight. It features a 20-meter long cord that allows you to reach most rooms in your house without detaching it from the power source. The device comes with a collapsible handle and can stand in an upright position without additional support. It measures 46.4 x 11.8 x 6.8 inches and weighs around 6.3 pounds.
Functionality
True to its name, this multi-functional steam mop can operate in five different ways. You can use it as a steam mop, a glass cleaner, a garment steamer, a carpet cleaner, and a counter cleaner. Its operation is pretty basic – fill the attached reservoir with water and switch on the machine. Once functional, it generates continuous steam that allows you to clean surfaces much quicker. It also comes with different steam settings like Low, Medium, and High that are useful to clean and disinfect various kinds of surfaces without inflicting any damage. The device delivers 212° F hot steam that can effectively remove sticky mess and stains from most surfaces.
Additional Features
Besides different steam settings, the device comes with a smart sensor on the handle. This feature is useful when you’re using it as a handheld steam cleaner. The sensor detects the presence of your fingers and starts delivering steam. When it doesn’t detect your fingers on the sensor, it stops the steaming process. Another smart feature of this device is the Smart Switch. When standing in an upright position, this switch prevents the release of any steam. Just tilt the device to start active steaming.
Pros
- Compact and light-weight
- Smart sensor and smart switch
- Long power cord
Cons
- Small water tank capacity
- Long cool-off time
4. O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop
O-Cedar is a leading home and cleaning solutions manufacturer. The company has been designing solutions for more than a century. It offers a wide range of home cleaning products that make it easier for people to maintain a neat and comfortable living space.
Design & Size
This steam mop is a light-weight and compact appliance. It’s simple to use and easy to operate. It has a triangular-shaped mop head that glides and heads in the corners of your house easily. The device measures 53 x 12 x 8.75 inches and weighs around 5 pounds. The tank capacity is 400 ml. It comes with a snap-on carpet glider that allows you to clean carpets more easily. The combination of the triangular head and the swivel mechanism also allows you to clean under furniture without moving it.
Functionality
The device comes with adjustable steam settings that allow you to clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces. It’s an ideal equipment to clean sealed hard surfaces including laminate, wood, vinyl, wood, and tiles. The steam cleaner is fitted with a 1550W heater which heats the water in 20 seconds. This is an important feature if you need a cleaner that allows you to finish the job quickly. The steam action kills around 99.9% of bacteria and slow mopping action gives cleaner results. When set to the low steam settings, the unit produces 14 gms of steam per minute and 23 gms of steam per minute at a high steam setting.
Additional Features
The steam cleaner comes with two microfiber pads that are washable up to 25 times before they need to be replaced. The low steam setting is ideal to clean laminate and wooden floors. The high steam settings are ideal to clean marble, tiles, or similar resistant floors.
Pros
- The triangular head glides easily and allows you to clean the narrow edges of your home.
- Lightweight; weighs only 5 lbs.
- Adjustable heat and steam settings
Cons
- Tank level is not easy to read
- Normal cord length
5. Comfyer Vapor Steam Mop
Comfyer is a dedicated organization manufacturing products to simplify and improve our daily needs. Their innovative equipment range is well designed by taking care of every detail. Effective performance and easy operations are the key features offered. The products are made out of the best quality materials to provide the customers a seamless experience. This steam mop is a verified product of the organization.
Design & Size
The multi-purpose steam cleaner weighs 3.96 pounds and its light weight makes it portable and flexible for household use. It has a 180-degree flexible mopping head with 26 feet long inbuilt power cord which makes cleaning convenient in a hard-to-reach area. It comes with the retractable pole which helps in adjusting its length. The wire clamp attached to the pole is an additional feature, useful in managing the cord.
Functionality
The steam cleaner is beautifully designed and easy to use. It promises to eliminate 99.9% of allergens, dust, and stains on your floor. The power start feature makes steam in 15 seconds to dry any traces of water left on the surface. It comes with three cleaning modes – Dust, Mop and Scrub – which make it flexible for intense cleaning. It works best on sealed surfaces like ceramic, vinyl, laminate etc. One can also use it as a steamer for wrinkled shirts, pants, suits, clothing, and fabrics. It has a 400ml water tank providing 30 minutes of runtime. The accessories consist of three washable microfiber pads.
Additional Features
Flexible ball head design makes the product completely hassle free. It has an Intelligent Steam Control system which stops releasing the steam at a 70 to 90 degree angle from the floor.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Has a safety lock for additional safety
- High pressure steamer provides effective cleaning
Cons
- The water tank is small and cannot store the promised amount of water
- It isn’t cordless which makes it difficult to reach at every corner
- It can cause scalding, if tipped more than 45°.
6. BISSELL Symphony Vac Steam Mop
The well-known company, BISSELL Homecare Inc., has been running the cleaning industry with their premium products since 1876. It’s among the leading industries in the household sector. Among its high quality products is this 2-in-1 vacuum and steam mop which delivers premium quality laminate floor cleaning without hassle.
Design & Size
This 2-in-1 vacuum and steam mop has a sleek design and weighs 9.74 pounds with a 25 feet long cord which makes it easy to handle while cleaning. It allows you to vacuum up dirt and steam the surface at the same time. The width of the cleaning path is 11 inches which helps in covering a large area while vacuuming or steaming the surface. Along with this it has a 12.8 ounce tank capacity which helps in using the steam feature for longer time.
Functionality
With a 2-year warranty, the vacuum cum steamer is a high-power machine. It comes with a dry tank technology which helps in keeping out moisture from the dirt tank while cleaning. It has a fully digital control system with three modes. Along with this it has a detachable mop pad tray, making it easier to switch your mops while cleaning. The powerful cyclonic vacuum helps in cleaning dirt and debris and keeping the surface neat and tidy. The 5 way adjustable hand simplifies the process of cleaning.
Additional Features
The cleaner has a carpet glider attachment that allows you to lightly vacuum and refresh your carpets. It also has a quick-release mop pad tray with 4 mop pads. Along with these features you get eight packs of spring breeze freshening discs which you can insert in your mop pad for fresh scent while steam cleaning.
Pros
- High power cyclonic vacuum
- Digital control system
- Cleans across all kinds of sealed floors
- Comes with a dry tank technology
- Can vacuum and steam at the same time.
Cons
- It has no easy scrubber feature.
- Takes around 30 seconds to warm up the heater.
- It is corded.
- Has a low water capacity.
7. PurSteam World’s Best Steam Mop Cleaner
PurSteam is one of the leading companies which make pet friendly multi-purpose steamers. They are a renowned group with guaranteed high-quality products and services. It offers significant design and unique features in the product which makes it competitive and effective for the market.
Design & Size
The 10-in-1 steam mop comes with loads of features. The 2.2 pound lightweight product is highly portable and easy to use. It has a built-in handheld steamer which can be used for cleaning curtains or other fabrics. It provides a window squeegee if effective for cleaning windows or any glass surface. The steam cleaner has a 340 ml capacity tank which delivers a steaming capacity of 20-25 minutes at the lowest setting.
Functionality
The steamer comes with many features which make it a compact and multi-use product. It can clean a variety of surfaces like floors, mirror or glass, garments, tiles, hardwood and much more. It’s a hassle-free device providing child and pet safety guarantee. You just have to install the attachment you need and leave the rest to the appliance. It becomes cost effective as it only uses tap water for steaming therefore you don’t need to spend on expensive detergents. The high-quality spares of the product make it convenient and durable. As far as the cleaning aspect is concerned, it takes around 30 seconds to heat up and has 3 adjustable modes to cater the needs of the customers. Once you select the mode you’re ready to go.
Additional Features
The steamer provides a 2-year risk free, complete replacement policy. Multiple accessories make the product effective for different types of surfaces. The cost-effective feature is extended as the product uses tap water for steaming thus you can save big bucks on detergent.
Pros
- It is lightweight and easy to carry
- Uses tap water only for steaming
- Has variety of attachments for different surfaces
- Guaranteed child and pet safety.
Cons
- The microfiber pads are only available on Amazon so there’s no other way you can get them.
- It’s not wireless
8. SKG 1500W Steam Mop
This steam mop is a multifunctional cleaning machine manufactured by the SKG Electric Group Company Limited under the brand name SKG. The organization offers a wide range of cleaning products which are versatile and reliable. Their main aim is to deliver innovative and easy to use products and to bring a change in the household cleaning sector.
Design & Size
This device is beautifully designed and is available in white and black colors. It weighs 8.3 pounds and can be carried along efficiently. The water tank capacity of the product is 15.2 ounces. Along with this it has a 180° swivel triangular mop head which makes the task of maneuvering easy for smaller areas.
Functionality
This equipment is safe to use, and its convenient size makes it easy to handle. It comes with an easy to push digital control and motor control system which enables the machine to shut down automatically when in adverse conditions such as overheating or unstable power supply. It requires a mere 30 seconds of heating time after this the user can adjust the steam control settings as per the surface need. It has a 25 feet long cord and comes with multiple accessorize for different surfaces. In addition, a featherweight strap helps in carrying the device without getting tired. It’s advised, though, to vacuum the surface before using the steam mop to enhance the durability of its microfiber pads.
Additional Features
The steam mop is electrically corded with a voltage up to 120 Volts. It can remove tough spots as well. You just have to leave it on the dirty spot for 8 to 10 seconds and the surface would be tidy as never before. The heat from the device can reach up to 212° F and this is effective for carpets as it gives them a deep refreshing clean while removing all the dirt.
Pros
- Lightweight device with a strap for ease while using
- Does not require battery usage
- Large water tank
Cons
- The water tank isn’t detachable
- Not safe around children and pets
- Can’t be used on unsealed or wooden floors
9. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Dupray is a well-established USA based company which offers high-quality steam cleaners. It’s known as the North American leader for specialized steam cleaning devices. The company’s fast growth is accredited to the premium quality of their products.
Design & Size
The powerful steam cleaner is a compact, lightweight and portable device weighing only 9 pounds. It has a 16 feet long power cord which enables it to cover longer distances while cleaning. The hose pipe used for carrying fluids is 6 feet long and the boilers capacity is 54 ounces.
Functionality
The device weighs around 9 pounds and has smooth wheels attached to its which make the task of carrying it around hassle free. It takes approximately 7 minutes to heat up and there you are, ready to go! It has a large boiler that gives you up to 50 minutes of continuous steam time. Along with the device you get an 18 piece cleaning kit which you can install while using it on different surfaces. The steam pressure is up to 50 PSI and the device has a low moisture heating system which can go up to 275° F. The high temperature kills almost 99.9% of bacteria and germs. It also has a built-in funnel which makes pouring the liquid easier and the handle is retractable. The best thing about this steamer is that it only uses tap water, which makes it budget friendly at the same time.
Additional Features
The portable steam cleaner is ETL approved for USA and CANADA. It has a steam lock feature for continuous steam cleaning, so you don’t have to fidget with the controls again and again. The power cord is wrapped which makes it safer for use and increases its life. Apart from these you can use a towel or any cloth in place of the cleaning pads.
Pros
- Can be used on all surfaces
- Cord is wrapped which makes it safer for use
- Regular Cloth can be used in place of cleaning pads
- Large boiler capacity
Cons
- It isn’t wireless
- Takes seven minutes to heat up
- You get two year warranty only on the boiler
10. McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
The renowned company McCulloch is known for its contribution in the household sector. Right from mowing to trimming and cleaning, it’s a one stop solution enterprise to all your basic necessities. If you have any plans in mind to purchase a high-quality steam cleaner, you should check out this brand’s equipment.
Design & Size
This is a heavy-duty steam cleaner weighing 12 pounds. It has 15 feet long cord with caster wheels attached at the base which help in providing mobility to the machine. The cleaner can hold up to 48 ounces of water which enables the user to have 45 minutes of approximate runtime. It has a powerful jet nozzle which focuses on the flow of steam released.
Functionality
The steam cleaner provides 1500 watts of steam power and doesn’t require any kind of chemicals. It’s easy to use and can run on plain tap water. It takes around 8 minutes to heat up, after which a “steam ready” light is indicated; this is your cue to start using it. It comes with a steam control switch which can be used for adjusting the amount of steam released. The product can be used for removing grease or grime from any surface and it promises to kill up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. It consists of a large compartment which can hold the 18 accessories provided with it. Along with these features the large water tank helps in continuous steaming for 30 to 45 minutes.
Additional Features
It can be heated up to 200° F just by using plain tap water. It’s a heavy-duty machine especially designed keeping in mind the requirements in a garage workshop so it’s very easy for it to complete the daily household chores. It’s a compact and portable device with wheels attached to its base for ease in mobility.
Pros
- High power steam cleaning
- Large water tank
- Comes with a safety Lock
- Storage compartment for accessories
Cons
- Limited warranty of 1-year
- The machine is made as per U.S. voltage standards and can cause issues elsewhere
- Takes a longer time to heat up
- It isn’t wireless
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dry Vapor Steam?
Dry vapor steam is similar to traditional steam used for cleaning with the difference that it uses a very less quantity of water for cleaning purposes. The steam cleaner heats a small amount of water to 240° F or above to produce dry vapor steam.
Though such steam has adequate moisture, it doesn’t leave any dampness after the cleaning. The vapor system is designed to produce thousands of gallons of live dry steam using only 1.5 quarts of water. The steam generated by the cleaning device is hot enough to kill germs and bacteria on the floor. It can emulsify most surface contaminants including grease and oil.
Can people with chemical sensitivities use these cleaning devices?
Yes, the steam cleaner is a safe cleaning device for everyone, even people with chemical sensitivities. It doesn’t use any chemicals or detergents to clean the floor. Hence, the probability of chemical reactions with additives in laminate flooring is eliminated. The device just uses tap water to clean the flooring. It can get rid of chemical or detergent remnants on the surface left by traditional cleaning methods.
How much pressure does the cleaning device produce?
Though the steam is pushed through jets, it has low pressure. The steam cleaner produces around 50 to 60 PSI pressure that’s safe for laminates or other types of flooring. The low-pressure makes it a reliable cleaning system while also ensuring that the cleaning process is done without creating a mess. It works by concentrating steam jets on a small surface. Once the steam is exposed to the environment, the heat dissipates quickly as vapor expands into the atmosphere. The system is designed to work on the principle of “surface contact” that safely cleans off the dirt.
How does the system help with dust mites and flea allergies?
Most pest control and cleaning methods use chemicals to kill the germs and get rid of allergens. Steam cleaners use only water for the purpose. Dust mites and fleas that live on your clothes, upholstery, or carpets need to be washed in detergent solution and water at 130°C or above. Naturally, you can’t follow the same method to clean floors or laminate surfaces. The steam cleaner uses just water to create steam that can kill all kinds of germs on the floor. It generates steam having temperatures above 180° F which can kill dust mites and fleas almost instantly. Thus, it gives you freedom from allergies without the use of strong chemicals.
Conclusion
Steam cleaning has become a convenient and preferred way of cleaning due to its environmentally friendly characteristics. The devices which facilitate such cleaning are popular due to their versatility and chemical-free cleaning abilities. They lift dirt and grease from your floors and keep your floors sanitized and germ-free. They are way better than regular mops as there’s no wringing or carrying a bucket around. Steam mops do a commendable cleaning job that’s good for your family’s health and environment. They also have a low cost of operation as all you need is tap water and no expensive chemicals or detergents.