Best Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: TOP Products Roundup 2024
This guide can help you avoid that terrible prospect by introducing you to the best steam mop for laminate floors. A steam mop — when used correctly — can deep clean your laminate floors from the top lamination layer all the way down to the core.
Here is the best steam mop for laminate floors worth checking out in 2024!
The Best Laminate Floor Steam Cleaners in 2024 Review
Best Overall Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, 1940
Why is it better?
≫ Versatile performance
≫ Flexible steam control
≫ Flip-down scrubber
≫ Water tank has a decent size
Picture | Products | Rating/Shop | |
---|---|---|---|
Image | Products Best Overall Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, 1940 | Rating 95 | |
Easy to use 98% Maneuverability 97% Easy to clean 92% Durability 94% | |||
Image | Products Best Budget Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 96% Maneuverability 96% Easy to clean 93% Durability 91% | |||
Image | Products Best Professional Mop for Laminate Floors: Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, FH40160PC | Rating 93 | |
Easy to use 94% Maneuverability 95% Easy to clean 94% Durability 90% | |||
Image | Products Best Steam Mop for Laminate Floors and Pets: Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner, 1543A | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 94% Maneuverability 97% Easy to clean 96% Durability 90% | |||
Image | Products Best Lightweight Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 96% Maneuverability 93% Easy to clean 95% Durability 90% | |||
Image | Products Best All-in-One Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell Symphony Vacuum and Steam Mop, 1132A | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 97% Maneuverability 95% Easy to clean 92% Durability 93% | |||
Image | Products Best Cordless All-in-One Mop for Laminate Floors: Shark VM252 VACMOP Pro Cordless | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 98% Maneuverability 97% Easy to clean 93% Durability 88% | |||
Image | Products Best Maneuverable Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: OApier S8 Steam Mop | Rating 93 | |
Easy to use 94% Maneuverability 96% Easy to clean 90% Durability 92% | |||
Image | Products Best Corded Steam Mop for Laminate Floors for Large Spaces: OApier S15 Steam Cleaner | Rating 93 | |
Easy to use 95% Maneuverability 93% Easy to clean 94% Durability 88% | |||
Image | Products Best Detachable Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop, 1544A | Rating 94 | |
Easy to use 94% Maneuverability 97% Easy to clean 93% Durability 91% | |||
Image | Products Best Canister Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: POLTI Vaporetto Smart 100 Fill Steam Cleaner and Mop | Rating 95 | |
Easy to use 94% Maneuverability 93% Easy to clean 95% Durability 96% |
Best Overall Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, 1940
Pros:
≫ Versatile performance
≫ Flexible steam control
≫ Flip-down scrubber
≫ Water tank has a decent size
Cons:
≫ Doesn’t come with any accessory
If you’re looking for only the best steam mop that the market has to offer, the Bissell PowerFresh will suit you. There are many reasons why it is currently a top seller in the steam mop market segment.
First, it is highly versatile. The PowerFresh can be used on any kind of surface ranging from concrete, ceramic, and marble all the way to sealed hardwood and laminate floors. So, no matter the kind of surface you’re looking to clean, it’s very likely that the PowerFresh is up for the job.
Secondly, the Bissell PowerFresh has flexible steam control. A lot of steam mops out there only have a single, continuous steam mode. This is bad news for laminate floors, which can only tolerate the gentlest steam blasts. It is the reason why the Bissell PowerFresh — equipped with three different steam modes — is so loved among laminate floor owners.
The water for the steam function is drawn from a 16-ounce water tank. This size is pretty decent and will last through an entire cleaning session.
In addition to the steam, the Bissell PowerFresh comes with a flip-down scrubber brush. You can use it to take out stubborn debris or stains on your floor. The scrubber brush is gentle, so you don’t have to be afraid of it damaging your floor.
There’s not much to say accessory-wise… because the PowerFresh doesn’t come with any. The only thing you’ll find in the box is some Bissell fragrance pellets to give your floor a nicer scent as you mop.
Despite being the best-rated, the PowerFresh is fairly affordable, which adds to its allure even more.
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Best Budget Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner
Pros:
≫ Affordable
≫ Versatile performance
≫ Can clean with just tap water
≫ Has many kinds of accessories
Cons:
≫ Slightly small water tank
Although it is half the price of the Bissell PowerFresh, the PurSteam steam mop has many features and abilities to offer you.
First thing first, in terms of versatility, the PurSteam can hold up to the PowerFresh just fine. You can use this steam mop to clean tougher materials like concrete and marble to more sensitive ones like hardwood and laminate just fine.
The PurSteam also comes with three different steam modes. You can use it safely on laminate floors with the lowest steam mode. The gentler steam will ensure that the lamination won’t be damaged when you sweep over them.
Built inside of the PurSteam is a 11.5-ounce water tank. It is a lot smaller than the PowerFresh, so expect cleaning time to be shorter. Nevertheless, our research showed that most people can get through a full cleaning session with the PurSteam without needing to refill.
One of the most notable features of the PurSteam is that it can clean using just tap water. No need for extra chemicals. There won’t be a nice, flowery scent afterward but at least your floor will be spared from hazy chemical residues.
The PurSteam comes with a variety of accessories. First and most important one is the microfiber mopping pad. Without it, your steam mop won’t work properly. The pad can be replaced once it’s worn down. Replacement packs are fairly cheap, running around $19 for a pack of 8.
PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner
Other than the cloth, the PurSteam also comes with several tools. You have a window squeegee to, you guessed it, help you clean windows and glass surfaces. There’s a straight nozzle for you to focus the steam blast and remove stubborn debris or stain. You will also find a bent nozzle, which will help you take out dirt and debris in awkward corners. Lastly, there are several nylon brushes for dusting.
Overall, for a $60 steam mop, the PurSteam sure offers a lot. Like we said, if you’re looking for an affordable, best steam cleaner for laminate floors that carries a lot of value, it’s difficult to go wrong with this one.
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Best Professional Mop for Laminate Floors: Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, FH40160PC
Pros:
≫ Professional performance
≫ Dual washing & drying ability
≫ Has a high-performance mode
≫ Dual water tank design
Cons:
≫ Bulky and heavy
There aren’t many professional-grade laminate floor steam cleaners out there. Nevertheless, if you need maximum cleaning power, we recommend the Hoover FloorMate.
The secret behind its strong cleaning performance is the dual washing - drying ability. Basically, the machine will spritz cleaner onto the floor, scrub, then suck up the dirty water and dry your floor in just a single motion. Normally, after mopping, you will have to mop up the water yourself for a second time. The FloorMate is going to save you a lot of time as a result.
When you need extra cleaning power, the FloorMate comes with a feature called Clean Boost Control. It puts the machine into overdrive and uses extra detergent. You will find this mode extremely useful when you have to deal with stubborn stains and spots.
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, FH40160PC Via: Amazon
Another notable feature that the FloorMate carries are the SpinScrub brushes. Look inside of the FloorMate’s cleaning head and you will see a row of four circular brushes. When you turn on the floor cleaner, they will rotate.
Their rotation is counter to one another, meaning if one rotates clockwise, the next brush will rotate counter-clockwise and so on. Thanks to this special design, the brush can wash and scrub floor stains from all angles, resulting in a cleaner floor overall.
Though the brush is highly effective, it doesn’t mean that they’re abrasive. We have received reports of the FloorMate working well on sensitive floorings like hardwood and laminate. You have nothing to worry about on this front.
The FloorMate has a dual-tank design. One tank carries clean water, the other one houses dirty water. It’s a nice design that prevents you from accidentally lather dirty water all over your floor.
A sole complaint that we have about the Bissell FloorMate is its bulk and weight. Like we mentioned earlier, the machine has the size and weight of an upright vacuum. It’s 32.8 inches tall and weighs 13.8 pounds, so it’s neither compact nor lightweight. If you need the best electric mop for laminate floors that’s easy to store or maneuverable, you probably will have to look elsewhere.
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Best Steam Mop for Laminate Floors and Pets: Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner, 1543A
Pros:
≫ Designed for cleaning after pets
≫ Dual mop & vacuum function
≫ Hygienic dust cup design
≫ Has disposable mop pads
Cons:
≫ Only has a single steam mode
Adorable and comforting, yes, but nobody can really deny that pets are problematic to clean up after. Their fur goes everywhere and they regularly bring dirt into the house. If they’re not potty-trained properly, you’ll probably end up with a few urine or poo-poo stains here and there on the floor.
Fortunately, there are many pet-centric steam mops that you can choose. The Bissell Symphony 1543A is one of them.
The most distinctive function of the 1543A is the dual mop - vacuum function. You can use it to steam mop the floor normally with water. Then, whenever you need, just flick a switch and the 1543A will turn into a vacuum cleaner, sucking up all the dirty water and debris.
Like every bagless vacuum cleaner, the 1543A comes with a dust cup. While you’re running the machine as a vacuum cleaner, anything that it sucks up will end up there. When the cup is full, you can detach it from the vacuum and empty it. The cup is designed in such a way that your hands will never directly touch the dirty contents, which is very hygienic.
As for the mop function, the 1543A draws water from a small 12.8-ounce water tank. It holds just enough to fully clean out either a small or medium-sized space. For larger spaces, you may need to do a refill.
Unfortunately, the 1543A only has a single steam mode. So, you will have to be very careful while you’re using this steam mop on laminate floors. Move quickly and don’t let the steam blast a single spot on the wall for too long or the lamination could be ruined.
One thing that makes the 1543A stand out is the inclusion of disposable mop pads. These pads are one-time use and have to be discarded afterward. They’re great for cleaning after pet messes. For normal house cleaning, the machine also comes with standard reusable mopping pads.
Though it’s not included in the package, we highly recommend that you add the pet deodorizing scent discs into your purchase if you decide to get this model. The discs are highly effective at clearing up the bad smells from urine.
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Best Lightweight Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop
Pros:
≫ Affordable
≫ Lightweight and compact
≫ Has three steam settings
≫ Double-sided mopping pad
Cons:
≫ Water tank is a bit small
From the very first look, it’s obvious that the Shark S3501 was built with compactness and lightweight in mind. The design is sleek and slim, allowing it to fit into small corners and cramped spaces without issues. As for the weight, it’s only around 4 pounds.
Performance-wise, the Shark S3501 offers three different steam settings — dust, mop or scrub. You can quickly change the mode to suit the type of flooring that you’re about to clean. And, as always, because of this flexible control scheme, the Shark S3501 is safe to use on laminated floors.
It comes with a 12-ounce water tank. Thus, the S3501 will be adequate for a small or medium-sized room, but it won’t be if you have larger spaces to clean.
This best steam mop for laminate floors comes pre-packaged with some washable and reusable mopping pads. These mopping pads are special because they are double-sided. When one side gets dirty, you can just flip the pad around and use the other side to mop. It extends cleaning time since you don’t have to stop and change out the pad as often.
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Best All-in-One Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell Symphony Vacuum and Steam Mop, 1132A
Pros:
≫ Easy control
≫ Dual mop & vacuum function
≫ Controllable steam setting
≫ Has two kinds of mopping pads
Cons:
≫ Don’t come with many accessories
The 1132A model is the general-purpose version in the Bissell Symphony series compared to the 1543A, which is made for cleaning after pets. You can distinguish between the two by their coloring: the 1132A has blue parts while the 1543A is purple.
Just like all the other Bissell Symphony machines, the 1132A has dual mop - vacuum function. You can mop the floor with it and then vacuum at the same time.
Using the mop function, the 1132A takes water from out of a 12.8-ounce water tank. Then, the water is converted into heated steam. It is here that the 1132A differs from its pet-centric sibling, the 1543A, by having controllable steam settings.
Depending on the floor type, you can switch between a Low Steam mode and a High Steam mode. As expected, for a laminated floor, use the low one. High steam will destroy the lamination.
You will also find on the control a switch for the vacuum suction. If you want to vacuum and mop at the same time, you can do so with a flick of the finger.
Accessories include a microfiber soft pad and a microfiber scrubby pad. We recommend using the soft pad for laminate floors. When you encounter difficult stains or stuck-on debris, change it out with the scrubby pad. The rough texture will make stubborn stains easier to dislodge.
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Best Cordless All-in-One Mop for Laminate Floors: Shark VM252 VACMOP Pro Cordless
Pros:
≫ Portable cordless design
≫ Decent performance
≫ Has disposable mopping pad
≫ Has a large water tank for its size
Cons:
≫ Battery life is a bit too short
Just like the Hoover FloorMate FH40160PC, the Shark VACMOP VM252 is a machine that combines the function of a vacuum cleaner and a mop. The thing that sets the VM252 apart from the Hoover FloorMate is the fact that it is cordless.
Instead of having to lead a power cord around, this cleaner comes with a Li-ion battery. So long as the battery still holds a charge, you can bring the Shark VACMOP anywhere and clean anytime you want. Its excellent mobility and versatility are one of the reasons why it’s so highly-rated.
However, not everything about it is perfect. We found the battery to be rather small. It’s only capable of running the VACMOP for around 10-15 minutes. Recharging time is also slow. From 0%, the machine takes around 3 hours to top out again. Be careful while you’re using and keep a close eye on the battery level.
In terms of performance, the VACMOP does the job quite well. It produces enough suction to take out large debris in vacuum mode. The cleaning head has a special “Lock Away” design that basically serves as the machine’s dirt cup. The box can be removed and emptied once you have finished your cleaning session.
The mopping function uses a disposable mopping pad. You can track it across the floor and get it dirty. Then, just remove it and throw it away. It is a lot more hygienic and fuss-free this way although you will have to buy replacement pads from time to time.
Shark VM252 VACMOP Pro Cordless Via: Amazon
There are no reports of it damaging laminate floors, so you can vacuum and mop with the VACMOP without worrying too much.
The water tank is 12-ounce, pretty big for a steam mop of this size. Unfortunately, with the battery life being only 10-15 minutes, we don’t think you’re going to run through everything on just one charge. But even with this limitation, the Shark VACMOP VM252 is still one of the best steam mops for laminate floors out there.
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Best Maneuverable Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: OApier S8 Steam Mop
Pros:
≫ Highly versatile and flexible
≫ Special square-shaped cleaning head
≫ Fast heating time
Cons:
≫ Has only one steam mode
≫ Small water tank
The OApier S8 stands out from the rest of the competition by having a special cleaning head design.
It has a square swivel mop head that is capable of rotating 360-degree. As a result, you will be able to maneuver the OApier S8 into small corners, room edges, and cramped spaces with ease. The cleaning head can also be tilted to access spaces with low clearances, such as the tiny spaces underneath furniture.
However, while it is very flexible in terms of maneuverability, this steamer for laminate floors’ performance leaves much to be desired. Specifically, the S8 only has one single steam mode. According to the pamphlet, the steam can reach a temperature of 212°F, which is a concern for sensitive floorings like laminate.
Luckily, there have been many owners of laminate floors chiming in saying that the S8 works well with theirs.
Still, if you decide to pick the OApier S8 as your new steam mop, we recommend testing it first. Use the S8 on a small, hidden section of the floor first to see how it handles. If your floor stays clean and undamaged after being cleansed by the hot steam, then you can safely steam mop the rest of the floor without worry.
The time it takes for the OApier S8 to turn water inside of its small 8-ounce tank into steam is very fast. You only need to wait for about 20 seconds after you press the power button to begin cleaning.
Accessories are a bit lackluster. You get one washable microfiber pad and a measuring cup for pitching water into the tank.
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Best Corded Steam Mop for Laminate Floors for Large Spaces: OApier S15 Steam Cleaner
Pros:
≫ Has long power cord
≫ Sleek, lightweight, and maneuverable
≫ Controllable steam setting
≫ Decent water tank size
≫ Comes with many accessories
Cons:
≫ Pricey
If you have a big home or space, you won’t just need a powerful, best steam mop for laminate floors, you will also need one with long range. The OApier S15 is going to be our recommendation.
The best part about the S15 is its long power cord. At 30 feet, you can easily clean large spaces without having to rely on an extension cord. Even in the case that your space is too big for the 30-foot cord or there’s no convenient outlet around, plug it in an extension cord and you’re in business!
This steam mop comes with an “intelligent steam control” system. You can use the control buttons to set the steam mode you would like to use. More sensitive floorings like laminated floors will benefit from the lowest steam mode. Meanwhile, when you change to tougher ones like concrete floors, you can throttle up the steam accordingly.
Even though the S15 is designed for mopping large spaces, the water tank that it comes with is quite small. According to the manual, the tank only has a volume of 10 ounces. You may have to refill it quite often as a result. This is one of the very few cons that the S15 has.
The design of the OApier S15 is slim, so you can maneuver it into tight spaces quite easily. Exactly like how it looks, the S15 is lightweight, too. It weighs 6.6 pounds in total. The lightweight combined with the ergonomic handle reduces fatigue.
Notably, this steam mop has a detachable steamer. You can use it to clean spots that cannot be accessed by the S15 when it’s still in its stick form. For example, bookshelves or the top of kitchen cabinets.
Because the S15 is OApier’s most premium steam mop, it comes with many different accessories inside the box. You get three microfiber pads, a flat-head cleaning tool, a flexible hose, a jet nozzle, and two round brushes. Each tool will enhance your cleaning ability, allow you to sanitize different types of surfaces and stains.
Though it is a bit expensive, the S15 steam mop from OApier is a good choice if you need a great long range steam mop for your home.
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Best Detachable Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop, 1544A
Pros:
≫ Can be converted into a handheld steamer
≫ Controllable steam setting
≫ Decent performance
≫ Has many accessories
Cons:
≫ Maintenance could be difficult with so many parts
The Bissell PowerFresh 1544A is very similar to the OApier S15 in design. It has a detachable steamer, which allows you to clean on the go without the full weight of the steam mop bogging you down.
The PowerFresh 1544A is like a convertible vacuum cleaner. With the touch of a button, you can remove a canister from the mop’s frame. Inside this canister is everything that the mop needs to function: the water tank, electric components, control system, and so on. Plug in the steam hose and you’re ready to go!
There’s more to this convertible design than just cleaning hard-to-access spaces. The 1544A is a pet-centric steam mop. So, the detachable steamer is useful for cleaning messes both on the floor and above it. If your pets run around on the stairs and mess it up, using the detached steamer is a lot easier than carrying around the full-size mop.
Like other PowerFresh steam mops, the steam setting is completely controllable. You have a Low and High steam mode, which you can select from the control panel. As always, for laminated floors, we recommend using the Low mode.
The accessories that the 1544A come with also reflect the focus on pet messes of this steam mop. You get 13 different tools in total. Here is a list:
- • Grout tool: can help you clean up the grout of the floor
- • Bristle scrub brushes: can be used to clean bathroom sinks and other kitchen surfaces like the interior of microwave and ovens. Come in multiple pieces and sizes
- • Extension hose: extends the reach of the steam mop, giving you the ability to clean farther into hard-to-access spaces
- • Window squeegee tool: for cleaning glass surfaces like windows, glass doors, and glass tables
- • Fabric steamer: made for cleaning upholstery and fabric
- • Flat scraping tool: useful for cleaning after pets. Help removing stuck-on debris and stains from areas around the food and water bowls
- • Angle tool: good for cleaning pet toys, carriers, and beds
They come in a small, convenient tool bag for easier transportation and storage. Aside from the 13 tools, you also get a few microfiber mopping pads, a water measuring cup, odor-eliminating fragrance discs, and a microfiber towel.
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Best Canister Steam Mop for Laminate Floors: POLTI Vaporetto Smart 100 Fill Steam Cleaner and Mop
Pros:
≫ Powerful performance
≫ Multiple steam mode
≫ Massive water tank size
≫ Can clean continuously without pausing for refill
≫ Comes with many accessories
Cons:
≫ Pricey
≫ Heating time is a bit long
Steam mops come in many shapes and sizes. So far, the steam mops that we have looked through have forms similar to standard vacuum cleaners. There are bulky, full-size models and there are steam mops with more slender, lightweight forms similar to stick vacuums.
The POLTI Vaporetto is different from all of them. It comes in a wheeled canister.
There are plenty of benefits to this unique design.
First, the steam mop can be heavy without tiring the user out. The canister sits on the floor for the most part and unless you have to walk up and down the stairs, you never have to carry it. Because of this, even though the steam mop itself weighs over 18 pounds, it’s not a big problem.
Secondly, the Vaporetto has a massive water tank. Capable of holding 67.6 fluid ounces of water, the size of its water tank dwarfs all other steam mops on this list by several times. It is perfect for cleaning large spaces as a result.
Now that we’ve talked about the design, let’s get down to performance.
The Vaporetto has strong overall steam mopping performance. It has the adjustable steam power system to thank for that. On top of the canister, you will find an adjustment knob that you can turn to flexibly change the steam power.
POLTI Vaporetto Smart 100 Fill Steam Cleaner and Mop Via: Amazon
There are three modes in total:
- • Gentle steam: for cleaning upholstery, fabric, and watering plants
- • Normal steam: for carpets, rugs, and sensitive floors (we recommend cleaning laminate floors with this mode)
- • Strong steam: for especially tough stains and hard surfaces
After plugging it in and filling the tank with water, the boiler will take around 2 minutes to heat everything up. When it’s ready, the status light on the canister will blink, telling you it’s ready to be used.
POLTI also advertises the Vaporetto as having a “No Pause” design.
Basically, it can work forever as long as you supply it with water. If you burn through the 67.6-ounce water reservoir, you can flip up the tank’s cover, and pour water directly in like you’re refilling gas. You can continue mopping afterward immediately.
Do be careful when you do this, though. Add a little bit of water into the tank first, then gradually add more. The boiler will be very hot, so if you pour too much water all at once, the water will turn immediately into steam and blast back at you.
As the POLTI Vaporetto is a premium product, it comes with a lot of different accessories.
According to the manual, there are 17 different accessories that come inside the box. It includes standard essentials like the charger, carrying strap, spare gaskets, funnel for filling the tank, and more. You will also get special tools like different brushes, hoses, mopping pads.
Before you worry, there is an accessory storage rack at the back of the canister. There’s no need to find space in your house to store them.
The only issue we got with the Vaporetto is its price. It is the costliest steam mop on this list. Nonetheless, the features and values it provides are well worth the investment if you got the budget for it.
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The best steam mop for laminate floors Via: Amazon
Before we begin, we have a disclaimer. While the following best laminate floor cleaner machines have been reported to work perfectly on laminated floors, not every floor is made the same. The quality and type of lamination could be different.
So, before you use any of these steam mops on your floor, make a test run on a small, hidden patch of the floor first. Only use the steam mop on the rest of the floor once you have verified that the steam mop doesn’t damage the lamination.
Laminate Floor Steam Cleaner Buying Guide: Things to Know Before You Buy
If this is your first time buying a laminate floor steam cleaner, we highly recommend that you read this buying guide section first. This part will tell you the basics about steam cleaners. Then, we’ll show you a few important things that you should watch out for while you’re shopping.
Follow this guide and you’ll find yourself an excellent laminate floor steam cleaner in no time!
Different Types of Steam Cleaners
There are three types of steam cleaners in total. Each will have its own advantages and disadvantages, and some will be better at a certain job than others. Understanding their differences can help you find the right one that suits your needs.
Full-Size Steam Mop
A full-size steam mop has the same shape and size as a stick vacuum. It’s designed for cleaning floors, so it is designed to be as lightweight and maneuverable as possible. That way, you can push it around the floor for longer without feeling fatigued.
A full size steam mop Via: Amazon
The steamer will have a small water tank located either near the handle or on the body. Drawn and boiled up, the water turns into steam, which will sterilize your floor as you mop. The steam will do more than a good enough job at killing germs and bacteria. You don’t need to use extra detergent or cleaner.
This is the most popular type of steam mop and can be found for relatively cheap. It is easy to use, too.
However, it also has a few notable drawbacks. Because of its shape, a full-size steam mop isn’t the best for cleaning high-up places like countertops or shelves.
Additionally, if you have carpeting around the house, you will need to use special attachments. Else, the steam will ruin the carpet pile.
Handheld Steam Cleaner
Mobility is the name of the game for this type of steam mop. It typically comes in the form of a small, portable canister that you can easily carry around the house. Thanks to its size, it’s easy to work with and simple to store once you’re finished.
Handheld Steam Cleaner
A handheld steam cleaner is great for spot-cleaning and for tidying up small spaces.
Unfortunately, it sacrifices a lot of its cleaning performance for portability. So, you may have to look elsewhere if you need a steam cleaner for big cleaning jobs.
Canister Steam Cleaner
If you have ever used a canister vacuum before, this is exactly that. But instead of sucking things up, a canister steam cleaner blasts out steam and mops the floor for you.
Canister Steam Cleaner Via: Amazon
All of the heavy components (the water tank, the boiler, and so on) are stored inside of a canister with wheels at the bottom. You can tug the canister behind you as you go through the house. The canister is quite heavy and bulky. Fortunately, since it’s on wheels and you only need to tug it along with you as you work, the weight shouldn’t be a problem.
A canister steam cleaner will come with a large water tank, so it is a great choice for big cleaning tasks. It will also come with a variety of different attachments and tools, making it extremely versatile.
The downside is that a canister steam cleaner is often very expensive. Nevertheless, if you need a serious steam cleaner for your home, all that extra investment is going to be worth it.
Things to Consider While Shopping for a New Laminate Floor Steam Cleaner
Not all steam cleaners are created equal. Here are a few factors that you need to take into consideration before you pull the trigger and buy a new steam cleaner.
Steam Level
Laminate floors, like we said earlier, are very sensitive. When subjected to a steam blast that’s too hot or too strong, the lamination layer of the floor could be damaged. Because of this, it is very important for a laminate floor steam cleaner to have a steam level control system.
Most models with this function will offer you a Low mode and a High mode. Always use the lowest steam setting to clean laminate floors. The low mode will produce steam that’s gentler and will protect your floor from being damaged.
If your model doesn’t have one, make sure that the default steam level is gentle enough for use on your floor. You can ask the seller and read reviews.
If you already purchased it, you can test it yourself. Pick a small, hidden spot on the floor and give it a round with the steam cleaner. If the lamination is fine afterward, you can clean the rest of the floor with the machine. Else, return it.
Water Tank Size
The size of the water tank decides how long your cleaning session is going to be. Bigger tanks will give you more cleaning time before you have to refill it and vice versa. Do note, though, that a steam cleaner with a larger water tank will take longer to heat up.
A canister steam cleaner will have the biggest water tank out of the three types, while a handheld will have the smallest.
Size and Weight
Steam cleaners come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights. Consider the dimensions and weight of the steam cleaner carefully before you buy.
If you don’t like to handle heavy tools, tire easily, or have medical issues that prevent you from using heavy tools for a long time (arthritis, for example), pick lighter models. On the other hand, if you don’t mind using heavy tools, go for the bigger ones.
Note that the lighter a steam cleaner is, the less powerful the performance tends to be. Consider the upsides and downsides carefully before you put in your order.
Accessories
Accessories — despite the name — are incredibly important. They can help you clean a wider variety of surfaces and areas in your house. Most steam cleaners will come with a basic bundle of tools. It’s a good idea to check the description of the steam cleaner to see what this bundle entails.
The steam cleaner accessories
If you don’t have the tool that you need for your home, you can often buy extra tools on the manufacturer’s storefront. Plan the purchases in advance so that when the steam cleaner arrives at your house, the extra accessories are there and you can jump right into cleaning!
Conclusion
The best steam mop for laminate floors can be pretty difficult to find, considering how sensitive this kind of flooring is. Pick the wrong type and you would have an expensive repair bill on hand.
These 11 models are our top picks that are guaranteed to work for most laminate floors. Our Editor’s Pick, the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940, has the best balance between performance, design, and pricing. We think most people will love this model.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- 01. Is a Steam Mop Safe for Laminate Floors?
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Although this is one of the most popular questions that we were asked, if you already got this far into the article, you probably already know the answer. Yes, as long as you select the right kind of steam mop and you use it properly, a steam mop is safe for use.
No matter how good the lamination on your floor is, moisture of any kind is bad for it. That’s why you can’t use the traditional mopping method on the laminate floor. All that excess water, if left to dry naturally, will damage the floorboards.
That’s where the best steam mop for laminate floors comes in. Because of the heat, a steam mop can give your floor a brief wash and then dry everything out in around 20-30 seconds. Because the exposure time is so short, your floors are safe.
There’s one caveat: you will need to have proper cleaning techniques. Else, your steam mop — even if it truly works on your floor — will ruin the lamination.
If you’re wondering how to clean laminate floors with a steam mop, we have a few pieces of advice here for you to get started.
First, even before you begin to steam mop, sweep and vacuum the floor carefully. The steam mop isn’t meant to pick up debris. When the mop runs over debris of any kind, it’s going to track the debris piece across the floor, leaving unsightly scratches behind.
Second, you have to always use the lowest steam setting. The lamination is sensitive to heat as it is. If the steam is too hot, the lamination will warp.
Third, while you’re cleaning, move quickly. Don’t stay in one place for too long. Imagine it like ironing your clothes, if you leave the iron on top of your shirt for too long, it’s going to burn a hole through the fabric. Same thing applies in this case, except the steam mop is going to burn a hole through your floor, instead.
Last but not least, don’t steam mop often. Your steam mop isn’t meant to be used frequently. Only take it out when you think that your laminated floors have become dull and need to be sanitized.
- 02. What Is the Best Thing to Use to Wash Laminate Floors?
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For general cleaning, all you need is water. This also applies if you use a steam mop. A little bit of steam and the lamination will shine.
Alternatively, you can use floor cleaners that are rated specifically for use on laminate floors. Read the label carefully before you use it.
Never use wax or polish on your laminated floors. The lamination layer itself is already engineered to give your floor a nice shine. You don’t have to apply anything else and all you have to do is to clean them carefully. Wax and polish will dull the shine of the lamination.
Don’t use multi-surface cleaners on your laminate floors, either. This type of cleaner will also dull the shine of the lamination.
- 03. Does a Steam Mop Sanitize Floors?
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Definitely. In fact, it is one of the greatest selling points of the best floor steamer for laminate.
The steam flowing from a steam mop will often reach a temperature around 212°F. At this temperature, bacteria will be wiped out in an instance. Therefore, if you’re afraid that your floor is dirty and you would like a deep clean, the steam mop can do it for you.
- 04. How Do You Clean Laminate Wood Floors Naturally?
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If you don’t want to use any kind of chemical cleaner, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean laminate floors.
The first step involves sweeping and vacuuming the floor carefully to remove any debris. If any debris got stuck under your mop, your floor is going to be scratched.
Once this step is finished, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda onto the floor. Next, mix up a cleaning solution in a bucket. In one gallon of hot water, add a cup of distilled white vinegar and a few droplets of gentle dish soap. Mix carefully.
Dampen a microfiber mopping pad with the solution. Press the mop against the baking soda on the ground and track them across the floor. When the baking soda dissolves, add more.
When you have gone through the entire house, mop for a second time with clean water to remove excess baking soda and soap residues. Then, use towels to carefully dry out the lamination. Make sure that no moisture is left on the floor after you’re done.
- 05. Can I Put Vinegar in My Steam Mop?
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Adding a bit of vinegar into your steam mop shouldn’t pose any problem. However, you should still check the user manual carefully to see if the manufacturer has anything to say about it or not. If they specifically tell you not to add chemicals into the water tank, then don’t.