as Ideal homeAs the cleaning editor and floorcare expert, I spend my days testing new and exciting home appliances. And while I appreciate how lucky my qualified testing team and I are, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Finally, we have strict rules to follow while testing Best steam cleaners and mops.
Over the past few years, we’ve taken dozens of steam cleaners and mops around our homes, testing everything from handheld models to dedicated steam mops. But we don’t just clean our houses, take a few pictures and give them a random star rating based on how we feel that day. We follow a ruthless testing process designed to give it the most accurate star rating.
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Our testing philosophy
Mu Ideal homeWe take our product testing extremely seriously. We lay out specific guidelines How we test Every appliance, whether it’s a coffee machine, a mattress or a vacuum cleaner. And we built our steam cleaner testing method around the assumption that we all want healthy, environmentally friendly ways to deep-clean our entire homes.
That’s why we constantly test the chemical-free cleaning power of steam cleaners and steam mops throughout the test period, using them in multiple areas of the home – and, ideally, if it’s a model that offers both mop and handheld cleaning.
(Image credit: Future)
During our in-depth review process, we specify certain criteria in our evaluation. This includes:
- Performance: Does a steam cleaner remove visible dirt, debris and stains from floors, tiles and other areas of the home?
- Ease of use: Does it require much setup and is it quick and easy for everyday cleaning?
- Care and Maintenance: How hard is it to clean, and how easy is it to store when not in use?
- Price: Is it a worthy investment and how does it compare to alternative models with similar features?
Our test criteria detailed
Below, I’ve shared some more details on real-time assessments the moment we land a new steam cleaner or steam mop for testing.
Unboxing and setup
First impressions count. So, as soon as a steam cleaner or mop box is delivered to our dedicated testing facility (i.e., our homes), we start asking ourselves the following questions:
(Image credit: Future)
- How heavy is the box and can it be easily carried by one person?
- Is the product packaged safely and in eco-friendly, recyclable materials?
- Are the setup instructions easy to follow and how long does it take for the steam cleaner to be ready for cleaning?
- Does it come with any additional equipment, or does it require a separate purchase?
- How heavy is a steam cleaner or steam mop? Does it feel light or clumsy?
- Does the cord length seem right and how big is the water tank?
performance
When the steam cleaner is all set up, we get straight to work and start testing its performance – ie how well it cleans, how easy it is to use and whether the tools increase its cleaning power. We give each steam cleaner the opportunity to clean different areas of the home depending on the needs of the tester and the type of steam cleaner.
This can include hard flooringCarpet (if there is a carpet glider), tile grout, taps and showerheads, ovens and even children’s pushchairs and high chairs. Ideally, we want to see a visible difference before and after use. At this point, we ask ourselves:
(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)
- How long does a steam cleaner take to heat up?
- How many mods does it have and are they effective?
- Does the area look visibly clean after cleaning?
- How many cleaning sessions are needed for a dirty area to look visibly clean?
- How long does it take to dry the floor after steam mopping?
Ease of use
We also pay attention to ease of use when testing steam cleaners, because we want anyone who buys a model to be able to use it and achieve the same results in their own home. And if a steam cleaner or steam mop offers strong performance but is difficult to use, we’ll mark it down. That’s why we also evaluate the following during the testing process:
(Image credit: Future plc/Lauren Bradbury)
- Flexibility: Is switching tools difficult?
- Heaviness: Is it easy to use around the house, or is it heavy and awkward?
- Exertion: How much physical effort and time is required to clean dirty areas?
- Time: How long can you clean the water tank before it needs refilling?
- Power Cord Length: How far can you clean before needing to unplug and replug?
Cleaning and maintenance
The best steam cleaners and mops should be easy to use and provide impressive results, but to score highly, they should also be easy to clean and maintain. Because of this, we also take the time to assess the steps required to keep it in full working order.
(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)
- We evaluate how easy it is to remove tools and clean dirty mop heads or attachments (if applicable).
- We note how easy or difficult it is to remove and refill the water tank.
- We consider how the steam cleaner and its accessories can be stored when not in use.
- We monitor the manufacturer’s instructions regarding future descaling.
Value for money
Although steam cleaners and mops are not the most expensive cleaning appliances out there, their prices vary, with some dedicated steam mops reaching up to £300. And while we always want you to invest in products that are worth their money, we also value the following:
(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Lawton)
- Does the product quality match the RRP?
- Do brands’ claims match cleaning performance?
- How does it compare to other models with similar features?
- Is it a tool you can use regularly to get the most out of your investment?
- Is there another tool or cleaning tool that will provide similar results?
How we arrive at our star ratings
After we’ve evaluated every aspect of the steam cleaner testing process above, each model has been reviewed Ideal home Will get a star rating out of 5. This gives readers a quick indication of the overall performance of a steam cleaner or steam mop and whether we think it’s worth it, earning 4 stars or more in our Ideal home approved the badge
A steam cleaner or mop that offers impressive, visible cleaning power, is easy to use, has durable build quality, is extremely good value for money and is impossible or very difficult to fault.
A well-rounded steam cleaner that delivers impressive cleaning results but there are a few points to consider before buying. This can be unreliable cleaning results, poor build quality or expensive RPP.
A steam cleaner and mop that we still recommend, but there are some more significant negatives that may put some people off. All of these will be clearly stated in the negative review, so you know what to expect.
Our expert test panel
Lorraine Bradbury
i am Lorraine, Ideal homeNo Floorcare Expert. I lead our steam cleaner and mop testing panel, and have been testing a wide range of floorcare and cleaning equipment for over three years. This includes numerous steam cleaners and mops, so I know what to look for when purchasing one of these chemical-free cleaning tools. When I’m not testing steam cleaners, you can usually find me testing them Best vacuum cleaners.
Jenny McFarlane
Jenny is the Senior Digital Editor at Ideal homeAnd has been testing devices for us since 2023. She lives in Northern Ireland with her husband and two daughters, so she’s always on the lookout for cleaning tools that can be used without any nasties or chemicals – including the best steam cleaners and mops!
Rebecca Lawton
Rebecca There is one Ideal homeof trusted freelance reviewers. As a busy mother of three, she is constantly on the lookout for natural cleaning products that will tackle the dirt and germs her kids leave behind. Because of this, it’s one of our go-tos for steam cleaner reviews.
