as Ideal homeNo Floorcare Editor, I am very fortunate to be able to test and use the latest floorcare innovations in my home. And while some don’t cut the mustard, there are many that impress me so much that they become an integral part of my own cleaning routine—and my steam mop and vacuum mop have done just that.
In fact, I have Best steam cleaners And Vacuum mops Thank you for the countless compliments I received on my squeaky-clean, sparkling floors. I use both devices weekly, using their floor-cleaning power to take on all the rigors. flooring In my home – from the laminate in my living areas to the tiles in my kitchen and bathroom.
But I appreciate that floorcare appliances aren’t cheap, and if you only have the budget for one new addition to your cleaning cupboard, you may be wondering which is better – a steam mop or a vacuum mop? Below, I go over everything you need to know about them, and which one I’d choose if I could only have one.
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Shark Steam and Scrub Automatic Steam Mop with Steam Blaster
Crowned ‘Best for Hard Floors’ in my steam cleaner guide, this model comes with rotating mop pads that help the steam work harder. It also comes with a steamblaster setting for stubborn areas.
BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge
The ‘best overall’ vacuum mop I’ve tested is this Bissell model. It tackles hard flooring with ease, and even comes with a suction-only mode for rugs and a pet-friendly cleaning solution. Also, a 30-minute run time.
Steam Mop vs Vacuum Mop: What’s the Difference?
At their core, both steam mops and vacuum mops will clean your floors, but how they do so is very different. This means that they not only suit different people, but can also be used for different cleaning tasks.
As the name suggests, a steam mop is a floor care appliance that it sometimes looks like Traditional broomBut includes steam to direct high pressure and high temperature to your floor. This allows for chemical-free sanitization, as steam mopping can kill bacteria, germs and allergies.
(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)
On the other hand, a vacuum mop combines the cleaning power of a mop. Best vacuum cleaners. This allows it to pick up dry and wet debris, negating the need to use a mop and vacuum cleaner separately. They usually have rotating rollers and clean and dirty water tanks, which can then be emptied and refilled as needed.
I use both in my home for different cleaning tasks, and I wouldn’t be without them. That’s why, if I could, I’d choose both in the steam mop vs vacuum mop debate. But both have their advantages and disadvantages, so they may not suit everyone.
Steam Mop vs Vacuum Mop: Which is Easier to Use?
Personally, I want to spend as little time as possible cleaning my house, which is why I always favor appliances that can work quickly, efficiently and without too much fuss. And since I’ve spent hundreds of hours using both of these devices, I can confidently say that vacuum mops are easier to use. Actually, I think that’s one of the reasons Vacuum mops are seriously worth it.
While they do a lot more than a regular vacuum, they are used in a very similar way. You just need to push it back and forth across your flooring, and it works its magic to suck up dry debris and mop the floor together with clean water. Because they are traditionally cordless (eg The best cordless vacuum cleaners), no need to unplug and replug either.
Many vacuum mops also come with a self-cleaning cycle that requires very little maintenance from you. All you need to do is keep the clean water tank full and empty the dirty water tank after each use. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the debris tray and wipe it down with a cloth every once in a while.
(Image credit: Future plc/Lauren Bradbury)
Of course, you’re limited by the runtime of a vacuum mop (usually between 20 and 50 minutes), but the same goes for steam mops. That’s because steam cleaners typically run for about 30 minutes before the tank needs to be refilled, and they’ll need a few minutes to warm up again. So, a little wait is required for both the devices.
Unlike vacuum mops, steam mops are also usually corded. This means you’ll need to unplug it as you move around your home, which will disrupt the steam mop’s temperature and require a bit more patience on your part. If you want to Use a steam cleaner on the carpet – As well as hard flooring – you’ll also need to buy one with carpet gliders, as there are certain ones Things that can damage a steam mop If you are not careful.
However, one thing I love about steam mops is that the high temperature allows for quick drying. This means you can get back on your floor almost instantly, whereas vacuum mops usually require a few more minutes.
Steam Mop vs Vacuum Mop: Which is More Effective?
The beauty of both steam mops and vacuum mops is that they are both effective – my own Ideal home– Approved testing and everyday use has proven that in spades. But is one more effective than the other? Well, yes.
A vacuum mop can come in handy when the kids spill their porridge on the floor, your dog’s muddy paws look a little worse for wear on your hard flooring, and you don’t want to mop and vacuum separately. However, most vacuum mops cannot be used on carpets, and they usually only deal with surface-level dirt.
(Image credit: Future plc/Lauren Bradbury)
On the other hand, steam cleaners deal with visible dirt And Invisible dirt and bacteria that cannot be seen by the naked eye. This means you can use it Steam mop to get rid of dust mites And kill any nasty things that might be lingering on your floor without you realizing it.
The steam used in these steam mops penetrates deep into fabric fibers and even into tile gaps and grout, so you can feel confident that every inch of your floor is being cleaned. Also, if you choose a steam cleaner that comes with a mopping attachment, you can also Use it to clean many other areas of your homeSo it really is a worthwhile investment that will pay off.
Of course, one caveat is that you’ll still need to vacuum before using a steam cleaner, as it can’t handle larger debris that needs to be vacuumed up. But in terms of effectiveness in the steam mop vs vacuum mop debate, the steam mop is my winner.
Steam Mop vs Vacuum Mop: Which is More Affordable?
When adding any appliance to your home, cost should always be a factor. And there is no denying that there is a huge price difference between steam mops and vacuum mops.
It’s the cheapest steam mop we’ve tested Lakeland 2-in-1 Steam MopWhich retails for just £69.99 and impressed our reviewer during testing. On the other hand, it’s the most expensive model we’ve tested Shark Steam and Scrub Automatic Steam Mop with Steam BlasterAvailable for £160. However, it is very rare to find one over £200.
You can also make this cost cheaper by weighing Steam mop vs steam cleaner Discussion But while steam mops are generally more affordable than steam cleaners with mopping attachments, you can get more use out of them. In my eyes, it’s worth paying a little extra.
(Image credit: Future plc/Lauren Bradbury)
Vacuum mops, on the other hand, tend to be very expensive—with the cheapest models we’ve tested so far, Beldre All-in-One Multi-Surface Floor CleanerComing in at around £200. is the most expensive Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and MopWhich retails for just under £400.
So, if price is your main factor in the steam mop vs vacuum mop debate, the steam mop is definitely your more affordable option.
Verdict: Which one should you buy?
I actually use both my steam mop and vacuum mop At least Once a week, and both have earned permanent spots in my cleaning closet. Because of this, I think there’s an argument for having both, as you can use your steam mop to keep the floor bacteria-free, while using your vacuum mop for a quick clean when needed.
But what if I’m stranded on a desert island and I can only take one of them with me? I think I’d have to opt for a steam mop – although I can’t imagine it would get much use on a desert island.
(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)
Nothing really compares to the cleaning power of a steam mop, when you can buy a vacuum cleaner and mop separately without needing a vacuum mop (although it’s very convenient). Because of this, steam is the winner in this steam mop vs vacuum mop debate.
However, it’s worth noting that you don’t have to choose, as there are some devices that mix the two – including Shark Steam Pickup 3-1 Steam Mop (£200 at Argos). This device works as a vacuum mop but also uses steam, so it merges the best features of both into one handy device.
Wax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C
Crowned the ‘best overall’ steam cleaner we’ve ever tested, this is a great all-rounder. It’s a steam mop with a collection of onboard tools, so you can turn it into a handheld and use it around the house.
Shark Hydrovac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK
This vacuum mop is very easy to use and still delivers impressive results. It’s lightweight, maneuverable and even comes with two cleaning modes to ensure you’re always using the right setting for your cleaning tasks.
Kärcher SC 1 Multi and Up Extra
Versatile and lightweight, this steam cleaner can be used as a steam mop or handheld. It heats up quickly and comes with lots of accessories to help you clean small areas of your home.
Which one will you be snapping up for sparkling floors? If you choose a steam mop, be warned that there are A type of flooring that you should do Never Steam clean.
