Scrubbing grubby floors can be tiring and hard on your knees/hips. But there’s a very effective alternative to the traditional mops. Steam mops are all the rage and help you let some steam off when the floors are dirty enough to look like abstract art. These electronic mops can clean all kinds of floors by creating steam out of water. But only some of them have the finesse to clean hardwood floors without damaging them. To save you the trouble, we found the 6 best steam mops for hardwood floors. These are designed with features that make them hardwood-friendly and prevent damage. They are spread across price brackets and feature sets. We have also written a complete guide about the best multi-purpose steam cleaners.
Table of Contents
Top 6 Best Steam Mop for Hardwood Floors in 2025
1. Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop (S3973D)
Price: $109.99
The Shark Lift-away Pro S3973D Steam Pocket mop is a novel device which draws from the popular lift-away feature of their vacuum cleaners. This is a convertible mop which breaks away into a handheld and offers unparalleled versatility. It also doubles as a garment steamer. It is backed by the quality build of a Shark. It’s a newer device and only time will speak of its longevity, but it clinches a well-deserved top place on the best steam mops for hardwood floors list.
Design
The Shark Lift-away Pro S3973D Steam Pocket mop is petite and lightweight in spite of its versatility. It weighs 4.8 pounds and stands 51.2 inches tall. This corded unit has a detachable cleaning head at the bottom. The main unit comprising of the water tank, the buttons and the power cord input can be removed from the body to be used as a handheld. It comes with a hose and other attachments.
The power cord of this steam mop runs 22 feet long. You get the main rectangular Intelli-mop head and a triangular scrubber head for floor cleaning. Both swivel to weave in and out of the furniture jungle easily.
Features
Like all the latest Shark wood floor steam cleaners, the Lift away Pro has Pocket mop pads. These pads cover both sides of the cleaning head so it can be flipped and used when one side gets dirty. This mop has gone one step further and created touch-free pad attach and release. So you don’t have to dirty your hands while or after cleaning to attach/release the mop pads. The rectangular mop head is best used for large open floor areas. The triangular head gets into the edges and cleans difficult places like bathroom tiles. The pads for both heads are high quality and washable. They pick up dirt much more efficiently than the older models.
This steam mop has a Steam Blaster option which produces targeted steam for a particularly obstinate spots. You need to simply flip the head and recline the handle for that. There are three steam settings on the main cleaner. The lowest setting is apt for the hardwood floors. It starts emitting steam in 30 seconds. The water tank of this steam mop has a capacity of 500mL. For easy filling, it comes with a flask. Shark recommends that you use distilled water in the tank. You can spray a cleaning solution directly on the floor and steam clean over it.
The main unit of this steam mop can be released from the body with the press of a button. This is used as a handheld unit and can be carried around for above-the-floor cleaning. It has a 3-feet hose to reach for the shelves and other areas. The accessories included with it are garment steamer with its bonnet and a small above-floor tool with pad. The garment steamer makes your clothes look crease-free like newly-bought ones. With the handheld, you have only 2 steam settings.
Pros:
- Converts to handheld
- Excellent collection of attachments
- Touch-free mop pad release
- Steam blaster spray
- Large water tank
- 3 steam settings
Cons:
- Water tank is not removable
2. BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop, Floor Steamer
Price: $92.69
The Bissell PowerFresh 1940 wood floor steam cleaner is a powerful unit in terms of cleaning up stubborn stains from the floors. It created just the breakthrough that finally makes steam mops more hassle-free than traditional mops. The features are all geared towards protecting the hardwood floors. It was a no-brainer to put it on the top of the best steam mop for hardwood floors.
Design
The Bissell PowerFresh 1940 steam mop is a slim and sturdy unit. At 8.3 pounds, it looks much like a stick vacuum but has the machinery for producing steam within seconds. The top has an ergonomic handle connected to a metal backbone. The lower half of the body houses the water tank and the steam settings. The bottom part is the cleaning head with detachable mop pads. The cleaning head swivels for easy maneuverability. It is also detachable but the PowerFresh 1940 doesn’t come with any attachments.
This steam mop is corded. It has a 23 feet long power cord so it doesn’t have to be in plugged very often. The cleaning head is low profile and the handle reclines pretty low. This allows it to get under the furniture and clean under it easily.
Features
The Bissell PowerFresh 1940 wood floor steam cleaner is a 1500W juggernaut. It heats up to maximum temperature in just 30 seconds. That’s pretty fast for a steam mop. This mop requires the fewest number of swipes to clean dried up dirt, of all the mops tested. The cleaning head has a replaceable mop pad. PowerFresh comes with two. Once is softer and the other is patterned to pick up larger dirt particles. Both are washable and machine-friendly. These pads can be bought separately at a nominal price. They fit like a glove and do not get disengaged while moping. They have two small pockets for fragrance-disks that come with the packs. This leaves a lingering scent on the floor after you clean it.
This steam mop has three steam settings: high, low and medium. This is controlled by a switch on the body which toggles through these settings. Contrary to popular belief, the steam can be turned off without unplugging this unit. Press this button the fourth time and it toggles to steam-off. There’s also a flip-down brush on the cleaning head which can be engaged when you want to clean particularly tenacious dirt. It is best used on tiles.
The water in the water tank lasts about 20 minutes on the low setting and 15 minutes on high steam. Since the heat-up time is short, we don’t mind refilling at this frequency. The water tank is easy to refill and replace in its position. One of the greatest strength of this Bissell steam mop is that doesn’t leave much residual moisture in its wake. The amount of moisture on the floor dries up quickly, making it the perfect fit for hardwood floor. Bissell recommends using distilled water for the tank and warns against using any chemicals in the tank. The steam cleans effectively. But if you want touse a chemical solution, spray it on the floor before moping.
Pros:
- Powerful heating in 30 seconds
- Swivel steering
- 3 steam settings and off
- 23 feet power cord
- 2 replaceable mop pads with fragrance pockets
- No trigger for steam action
Cons:
- None
3. Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System (S5003D)
Price: $109.99
The Shark S5003D Genius Steam Pocket Mop is a similar to Shark Lift-Away Pro except for the Lift-away feature. If you don’t require a handheld steamer and related accessories but love the other facilities of the Pro, the S5003D is a perfect fit for you. It is more affordable too. You get the intelligent steam settings for wood floors and the touch-free mop pad release. This all-round cleaner takes away a top place on the best steam mop for hardwood floors list.
Design
The Shark S5003D Genius Steam Pocket Mop is a lightweight and compact unit for all its abilities. The build speaks of high quality. It’s primarily plastic with a metal backbone. This helps it curb the weight to only 6 pounds. The body swivels relative to the cleaning head for better maneuverability. The cleaning head is removable for maintenance. The water tank is up front and transparent, so you can monitor the water level visually.
The power cord of this steam mop runs 22.4 feet long. The mop itself has a length of 47.1 inches.
Features
The Shark S5003D Genius Steam Pocket Mop has a Genius Mop head same as the Pro. The name is apt because this head has the unique ability to open up, sit on the Pocket mop pads and then fold. This automatically prepares the mop head for steam cleaning without you having to attach the mop pad manually. The pad can be detached the same way, limiting your exposure to the dirt. The cleaning action is powerful and the pads collect dirt effectively. They have zigzag strips of gripping material that hold on to the dirt and remove it from the floor. They are machine-washable.
This wood floor steam cleaner has three steam settings. The lowest setting is the most suitable for hardwood floors. It also has a Steam Blaster facility. You simply need to flip the head of the mop and recline the handle. It will eject a blast of steam over a particularly obstinate stain. The advantage of the pocket mop pad design is that the cleaning head can clean with both sides.
This Shark steam mop comes with a water flask that helps easily pour water into the reservoir. The water tank is sufficiently large. The steam flow is regulated such that it doesn’t leave much residual moisture behind. This mop doesn’t streak the wooden floors. You must use distilled water for cleaning. But you can spray a cleaning solution beforehand on the floor and then pass the steam mop over it.
Pros:
- Flipping, swiveling cleaning head
- Steam Blaster
- Touch-free mop pad change
- Large water tank
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Water tank is not removable
4. PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop
Price: $89.99
The PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop offers a powerful and natural way to clean your home—completely chemical-free. Designed with safety and convenience in mind, this steam mop is ideal for families with children and pets. It uses the natural power of heated steam to sanitize and refresh a wide variety of surfaces, making everyday cleaning both easier and more eco-friendly.
Design
Crafted for ease of use, the steam mop features a lightweight, ergonomic design with a swivel mop head that effortlessly navigates around and under furniture. The collapsible handle allows for compact storage, and washable microfiber pads add to the convenience. Its sleek form also houses a detachable handheld unit, providing the flexibility to clean both horizontal and vertical surfaces with the same device.
Features
The PurSteam 10-in-1 heats up in just 30 seconds, letting you quickly get to work on hardwood, tile, laminate, and even carpets using the included carpet glider. It functions as a floor steamer, grout cleaner, and even a fabric and upholstery steamer. The detachable handheld steamer is perfect for clothes, curtains, and sofas—simply hang your garments and steam away wrinkles with ease. The unit comes with a complete set of accessories, including small and large brushes, an angled nozzle for stove tops and tight spaces, grout brushes for sanded and non-sanded lines, a scraper tool, steam jet nozzle, squeegee, carpet glider, and multiple microfiber cleaning cloths. A measuring cup and funnel are also included for easy water filling.
Pros:
- All-in-One Cleaning Tool
- Chemical-Free Cleaning
- Lightweight & Easy to Maneuver
- Handheld Steamer Included
- Eco-Friendly
Cons:
- Small Water Tank
5. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit
Price: $189.98
If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your home without relying on chemicals, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a solid option. It’s powerful enough to handle tough messes but still safe for households with kids and pets. From dirty tile and grimy grout to greasy kitchen appliances and car interiors, this machine can take on just about anything.
Design
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner has a compact, boxy design that’s easy to move around, even in tighter spaces. It’s surprisingly lightweight for how powerful it is, and it doesn’t take up much room when stored. The built-in handle and smooth-rolling wheels help when you need to clean multiple rooms in one go. The large tank gives you about 50 minutes of steam per fill, so you won’t have to stop and refill it too often.
Features
One of the standout features is the superheated steam it produces. It breaks down grease, grime, and stuck-on dirt with no chemical cleaners required. You’ll get a full 17-piece kit with it, including different brushes and attachments to clean everything from floors and tiles to furniture and car seats. The steam cleaner works on a wide variety of surfaces and is especially handy in bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also backed by a 2-year limited warranty, which is a nice bonus.
✅ Pros:
- Cleans well without using any chemicals
- Great variety of attachments for different cleaning tasks
- Large tank allows for long cleaning sessions
- Easy to store and move around
- Safe for homes with kids and pets
- Comes with a 2-year limited warranty
❌ Cons:
- No steam lock—have to keep holding the button
- Takes a few minutes to heat up at first
6. DEVOAC VM6 Scrubbing Steam Mop with Rotating Mop Pads
Price: $99.99
Keeping your floors clean doesn’t have to be a chore—especially when you have a powerful steam mop like the DEVOAC VM6 Scrubbing Steam Mop. Designed to tackle both everyday messes and tougher stuck-on stains, this mop combines the deep-cleaning power of steam with fast-rotating mop pads for impressive results. Whether you’re cleaning laminate, sealed hardwood, marble, or tile, the VM6 offers a safe, chemical-free way to make your floors look like new.
One of the standout features of this steam mop is its 10-in-1 versatility, meaning it’s more than just a floor cleaner. It comes with a complete set of attachments that let you clean grout, corners, windows, baseboards, and more. From your kitchen and bathroom to your living room and beyond, the VM6 gives you the tools to do it all—without switching between different machines or cleaning products.
Design
Built with user convenience in mind, the DEVOAC VM6 features a lightweight body that’s easy to carry and glide across various surfaces. The swivel mop head makes it simple to maneuver around table legs, chair corners, and tight spaces. When you’re cleaning around furniture or baseboards, you’ll appreciate how easily it pivots without needing to stop and reposition the entire unit.
The mop includes a removable water tank that’s easy to fill at any faucet—no need for a funnel or measuring cup. One-touch steam control lets you switch between modes without stopping your cleaning session. When you’re done, the washable mop pads can be thrown into the washing machine, making cleanup just as simple as the cleaning itself.
Features
At the heart of the VM6 is its impressive steam technology, delivering a controlled blast of hot steam that breaks down grease, grime, and bacteria without using any harsh chemicals. It offers three steam settings so you can match the output to the job at hand:
- Low steam for light cleanups and quick touch-ups
- Medium steam for routine daily cleaning
- High steam for tough messes like dried food, muddy footprints, or sticky residue
What really sets the VM6 apart is its rotating mop pads, which scrub your floors at over 230 revolutions per minute. That’s up to five times more effective than standard steam mops. Whether you’re removing coffee spills or bathroom buildup, the combination of steam and scrubbing power helps restore your floors’ natural shine.
It’s not just for floors, either. The 10-in-1 accessory kit includes multiple brushes, a curved nozzle, a scraper head, and a window scraper—perfect for hard-to-reach spots, narrow gaps, and even cleaning windows or shower glass.
What’s in the Box
- 1 DEVOAC VM6 Scrubbing Steam Mop
- 2 Washable Rotating Mop Pads
- 1 Curved Nozzle
- 1 Crevice Brush
- 1 Small Round Brush
- 1 Big Round Brush
- 1 Scraper Head
- 1 Window Scraper
- 1-Year Warranty
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable with a swivel head
- Easy-to-fill water tank (no measuring required)
- Chemical-free cleaning—safe for kids and pets
- Washable mop pads save money over time
- 12-month warranty for added peace of mind
❌ Cons:
- Not suitable for unsealed or delicate floors
- Corded design may limit reach in larger areas
Which is the best steam mops for hardwood floors?
We checked out a whole range of steam mops to select the best ones for hardwood floors. They were selected based on:
Performance: We focused on the overall performance. This includes the number of passes required to take out usual stains. We also checked if the cleaning performance was satisfactory with a steam setting that’s safe for the floors. We tested how well the mop cleaned and buffed the floor.
Heating: We checked the heating temperature of the best steam mops for hardwood floors. We also looked at the heating time to reach optimal temperature to see it wasn’t very high. Otherwise you will have to wait long intervals between refilling the water tank and using the mop again.
Usability: The one great advantage of steam mops over traditional mops isusability. So we ensured that these best steam mops for hardwood floors play this strength. We checked that the tank capacity was sufficient and didn’t warrant multiple trips to the sink. Swiveling head, long power cord, handles that fold flat got brownie points.
Maintenance: The overall maintenance of best steam mops for hardwood floors distinguish them from the others. The ability to change the mop pad easily and hygienically is much appreciated. We also checked that the units are free-standing.
Budget: We tried to pick the best steam mops for hardwood floors across a large price range. They were compared based on the value they bring for money rather than absolute prices.