To find the best upholstery steam cleaner, we tested a number of popular models that we found through extensive product research and used them to steam furniture, car interiors, throw pillows, and other household surfaces. We also put them through a stain test, evaluating how well each model removed six common household stains. Our top pick was the Kiato handheld steam cleaner thanks to its large amount of steam produced in such a lightweight unit.

In addition to cleaning upholstery, steam cleaners also function well for sanitizing sealed floors, windows, tile, and other indoor and outdoor applications. Read on to learn about the best upholstery steam cleaner for your home and how we tested each model.

1. BEST OVERALL: Kiato Handheld Steam Cleaner
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer
3. BEST FOR CAR UPHOLSTERY: Wagner 925E SteamMachine Elite Portable Steamer
4. BEST FOR VERSATILITY: Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Steam Mop
5. BEST CANISTER MODEL: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
7. BEST FOR SPOT CLEANING: Steamfast SF-210 Everyday Steam Cleaner
8. BEST ACCESSORIES: Costway Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner With Accessories

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The following products are some of the best on the market for steam-cleaning upholstered furniture. We tested each, evaluating them for their design, water-tank capacities, power options, accessories, and versatility. These steam cleaners can help keep upholstered furniture fresh and clean.

Best Overall

Kiato Handheld Steam Cleaner

See It

What We Like

• Emits large amounts of steam
• Lightweight and comfortable to use
• Push-down steam-release button automatically turns off
• Removed coffee and wine stains

What We Don’t Like

• Smaller water tank lasts only 8 minutes
• Holding the steam-release button is cumbersome for large jobs

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 450 milliliters (250 milliliters maximum load)
• Dimensions: 7.48 inches high by 5.03 inches wide by 9.84 inches deep
• Weight: 4.66 lbs

The Kiato handheld steam cleaner is a 10-in-1 tool designed to tackle hard and soft surfaces, including furniture, car interiors, tile, windows, and carpet. It features a lightweight design and a push-button steam release. It also comes with a 10-piece accessory kit that includes a fabric steamer and a microfiber sleeve to go on top.

This model heats up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. After filling the water tank and securing the lid, you can plug this steamer in and wait for the LED light to go off. The unit is then ready for use. Using the Kiato handheld steamer is as simple as pressing the button to release steam. It automatically turns off when you let go of the button. Although it has a 450-milliliter tank capacity, you will only want to add 250 milliliters at a time.

We were impressed by how much steam the Kiato steam cleaner emitted. We used it to steam a microfiber recliner, clean a mattress, and loosen mineral deposits inside a dishwasher. When we put it up against household stains, it performed well, removing the coffee, dirt, and wine stains. It removed about 70 percent of the tomato sauce and some of the chocolate. Like the rest of the models, it didn’t work on oil.

The Kiato handheld steam cleaner was among the easiest to use, and its small size makes storage simple. It never felt uncomfortable, even when we used it for 15 minutes straight. Since it emits so much steam, it’s ideal for blasting stuck-on debris off hard surfaces.

Get the Kiato upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer

See It

What We Like

• The fabric steamer attachment left furniture looking clean and refreshed
• 10 accessories add to the product’s suitability for many household chores
• Easy to empty after use, and its compact size makes it easy to store

What We Don’t Like

• Curved-front design; tips forward when holding it
• Wasn’t able to remove chocolate, tomato sauce, or dirt stains

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 6.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 8.5 inches high by 5 inches wide by 9.5 inches deep
• Weight: 4 lbs

The Bissell Steam Shot steam cleaner is an affordable handheld steam cleaner with 10 multisurface tools. The easy-to-attach accessories make it possible to refresh fabric, brush away grime from hard surfaces, clean windows, and scrub dirty grout. It kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs on hard surfaces.

The Bissell Steam Shot has only one steam setting, which makes it easy to use. Fill the tank with water, secure the lid, and plug it in. The heater warms in 30 seconds, and when the LED light turns off, the steamer is ready to use. It features a steam-release button that powers off when disengaged.

During testing, the Bissell Steam Shot worked well. It emitted enough steam to leave fabric looking refreshed and loosened dirt on hard surfaces for easy cleaning. The one thing we didn’t like was the curved-front design, which caused this model to lean forward slightly when holding it. It felt less stable than models without a curved design.

The Bissell Steam Shot removed wine and coffee stains during our testing. It only removed about 50 percent of the dirt, chocolate, and tomato sauce stains. While it works great for refreshing fabric and cleaning hard surfaces, it’s not our top pick for stain removal.

Get the Bissell Steam Shot upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon.

Best for Car Upholstery

Wagner 925E SteamMachine Elite Portable Steamer

See It

What We Like

• Performed the best in our stain test, removing dirt, coffee, wine, chocolate, and tomato sauce
• Long hose, wheeled design, and 20 attachments for easy and versatile use
• Canister features a built-in compartment for attachment storage, preventing items from getting lost
• Can use the trigger for steam release, or set it for continuous steam

What We Don’t Like

• Large tank capacity means a longer wait time for steam, taking up to 9 minutes
• We experienced some water spitting while steaming, causing excess moisture on the fabric

Product Specs 

• Type: Canister steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 40 ounces
• Dimensions: 23 inches high by 19.5 inches wide by 23 inches deep
• Weight: 8.31 lbs

The Wagner SteamMachine Elite steam cleaner features a canister design and 20 attachments. Its large 40-ounce water tank provides up to 40 minutes of continuous steam. This powerful steamer can tackle almost any job, from vehicle carpet and upholstery to dirty barbecue grills.

The 8-foot steam hose and wheeled design make this model easy to maneuver. The canister design also features attachment storage, which helps keep accessories from getting lost.

Getting started is as simple as installing an attachment, filling the water tank, securing the lid, and turning the machine on. After about 9 minutes, it produces large amounts of steam that you can control via a trigger. The trigger has two settings: press release or continuous steam.

The Wagner SteamMachine Elite was one of our favorite models due to its ease of use and efficacy. It performed the best in our stain test, breaking down the wine, coffee, and dirt. It also removed about 90 percent of the tomato sauce and chocolate stains.

This model contains a fabric steamer with a bonnet and a carpet glider. We used both to refresh the fabric interior of a truck. We also tested it on hard surfaces, including a toilet. The steam blasted stuck-on dirt from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Get the Wagner upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best for Versatility

Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Steam Mop

See It

What We Like

• Multipurpose cleaning tool; comes with 13 accessories and works on a variety of surfaces
• Kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria; great for homes with kids and pets
• Easy to switch from mopping to the handheld attachments for easy whole-house cleaning

What We Don’t Like

• Somewhat small tank capacity; needs refilling during larger cleaning jobs
• Handheld steamer spat water and didn’t remove stains as well as other models

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld steamer and floor mop
• Tank capacity: 13.5 ounces
• Dimensions: 44.7 inches high by 11.14 inches wide by 13.2 inches deep
• Weight: 10.6 pounds

This steam-cleaning unit from Bissell is designed with versatility in mind. In its fully assembled form, it functions as a heavy-duty floor mop. Alternatively, you can detach the canister and deploy it along with the extension hose and attachments to steam-clean upholstery, pet beds, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and a variety of other surfaces.

An included tool bag holds a set of 13 accessories for a broad array of cleaning applications. The included fabric-steamer attachment works especially well with the handheld portion of this steam cleaner for cleansing, deodorizing, and sanitizing upholstery.

Water in the 13.5-ounce tank heats up quickly, producing steam that kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. The 25-foot-long power cord facilitates steam cleaning of even the most hard-to-reach places.

For testing, we started by using this steam cleaner as a mop, and it worked well, leaving our floors clean and streak-free. Next, we tested the handheld canister on our stain board using the fabric steamer attachment and dabbing the stain with a microfiber cloth. It tackled the dirt, wine, and coffee stains but wasn’t a match for the chocolate or tomato sauce. The handheld steamer spat water more than other models, preventing the steam from being as powerful or continuous.

Even though this steam mop didn’t perform as well in our stain-removal tests, it did a good job overall. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a versatile steam mop with a lift-off canister. However, folks who want just an upholstery steamer might fare better with a different option.

Get the Bissell PowerFresh upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon, Target, Bissell, or Walmart.

Best Canister Model

McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

See It

What We Like

• Delivers up to 90 minutes of power, which is enough for most upholstery cleaning
• Variable steam-flow system with an easy-to-control knob; up to 58-psi steam pressure
• 20 accessories work on a variety of surfaces; great for tough stains or general cleaning
• Users can control steam via the trigger or lock it in place for continuous steam

What We Don’t Like

• Water takes time to heat up; can become frustrating when refilling during long cleaning jobs
• Using the steamer at its highest power results in a lot of moisture on upholstery

Product Specs 

• Type: Canister steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 48 ounces
• Dimensions: 10.5 inches high by 12.13 inches wide by 15.55 inches deep
• Weight: 10.78 pounds

Thanks to its canister design, this steamer houses a large-capacity water tank that delivers up to 90 minutes of continuous steam-cleaning power. The tank holds 48 ounces of regular tap water, and it heats to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit in under 12 minutes.

The on-demand variable steam-flow system allows users to dial in an exact steam flow from low pressure up to 58 pounds per square inch (psi). Accessing hard-to-reach spaces is easy thanks to an 18-foot power cord and a 7-foot steam hose.

With 20 included accessories, this unit can take on a multitude of house-cleaning tasks. In addition to refreshing upholstery, this steamer works on ceramic tile, sealed flooring, grout, and more.

The McCulloch blasted through dirt, coffee, and red wine stains during testing. It also did the best on oil, eliminating about 50 percent of the stain. Since this model doesn’t come with a dedicated fabric steamer attachment, we used the jet nozzle to steam the soiled areas and then dabbed them with a microfiber cloth. Doing so was effective, lifting dirt and leaving the fabric looking refreshed.

The McCulloch came with a bag for its attachments, which helped us keep everything together. Since the canister is on wheels, it was also easy for us to maneuver. We used the jet nozzle to spray around a sink faucet, and it loosened stuck-on dirt and some of the mineral deposits. This model came with many more attachments, including a mophead. It emitted a large amount of steam, making it ideal for household and heavy-duty jobs.

Get the McCulloch upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Heavy-Duty

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

See It

What We Like

• Compact and modern design stores easily in a small space
• Delivers an impressive 50 minutes of continuous steam for tackling large jobs
• Performed well in our stain test, removing dirt, wine, and coffee from microsuede
• Mop glides smoothly for easy and streak-free floor cleaning

What We Don’t Like

• Some water spits out before the steam, which can saturate upholstery

Product Specs 

• Type: Canister steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 54 ounces
• Dimensions: 9.5 inches high by 10.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches long
• Weight: 9 pounds

When it comes to taking on big cleaning jobs, this large-capacity steam cleaner should do the trick. Thanks to the portable cube-shaped unit that combines an impressive 54-ounce water tank, 16-foot-long power cord, and 6.5-foot-long steam hose, the Dupray steamer is capable of delivering 50 minutes of continuous steam with ample maneuverability to reach furniture and surfaces throughout the home. The wheels on this steam cleaner allow for smooth rolling from room to room, and a retractable handle makes carrying this 9-pound unit a breeze.

Water in the tank heats to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, producing steam that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens in upholstery, bedding, and other household surfaces.

When we unboxed the Dupray Neat steam cleaner, we were immediately impressed by the quality. The attachments felt well constructed and the fabric steamer’s microfiber bonnet was much thicker than those from other models. We also liked the unique modern aesthetic and the cord storage on the bottom of the cube.

When we put this model to the test, it blasted through dirt, coffee, and wine stains on our microsuede fabric. It did OK on the tomato sauce and chocolate stains, eliminating about 50 percent of the soiled area. We also tested the mop attachment, which glided smoothly across our hardwood floors, picking up dirt and leaving the floors streak-free.

Get the Dupray upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Spot Cleaning

Steamfast SF-210 Everyday Steam Cleaner

See It

What We Like

• Compact, lightweight unit is comfortable to use and ideal for cleaning tight spaces
• Includes 6 attachments that are easy to connect and can tackle most cleaning jobs
• Budget-friendly price point compared to similar options; a good beginner option

What We Don’t Like

• Runs for only 8 minutes; not suitable for extended use
• Was the only steamer unable to remove a dirt stain from our microsuede test fabric

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld steam cleaner
• Tank capacity: 6 ounces
• Dimensions: 8.25 inches high by 5.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches deep
• Weight: 2.6 pounds

When those everyday oops moments occur, this convenient steam cleaner makes short work of sanitizing household surfaces, including upholstery. The 6-ounce water tank heats up in just 3 minutes, producing 8 minutes of pressurized steam for removing dirt and grime.

Despite its small size—it weighs just 2.6 pounds—this handheld cleaner is surprisingly versatile. Use one of the six included attachments for cleaning upholstered furniture as well as a wide array of hard surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. A 12.5-foot-long power cord allows for easy maneuverability, while the 28-inch extension hose offers even greater capacity for reaching out-of-the-way surfaces and overlooked crevices.

While it performed the worst in our stain removal tests, this model is still handy for quick fabric refreshes and sanitizing hard surfaces. The Steamfast steam cleaner was able to remove wine, coffee, and tomato sauce from our test fabric but failed to remove dirt, chocolate, or oil.

This steamer is easy to use. It has only one setting, so after filling it with water, all we had to do was plug it in and wait for it to warm up. In addition to steaming upholstery, we used it to steam inside an oven, and it successfully loosened up most of the stuck-on food. The small size makes it easy to store—great for those short on space.

Get the Steamfast upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Accessories

Costway Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner With Accessories

See It

What We Like

• Multipurpose tool that comes with 18 cleaning accessories to tackle most jobs
• Unit has 2 large wheels and a 79-inch hose, making it easy to maneuver
• Includes an organized cable-management system to wind around neatly when not in use

What We Don’t Like

• Lower steam pressure may struggle with more stubborn stains
• No indicator light to signal when the steam is ready for use

Product Specs 

• Type: Canister steam cleaner and floor mop
• Tank capacity: 51 ounces
• Dimensions: 14 inches high by 17 inches wide by 11 inches deep
• Weight: 10.8 pounds

This multipurpose steam cleaner includes 18 attachments for taking on a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. When it comes to cleaning upholstery, the steam jet nozzle and nylon brushes are especially helpful. Functional accessories such as a mophead, brass utility brushes, a scrubbing pad, and a squeegee facilitate cleaning and sanitizing not only upholstery, but also sealed floors, bathroom tile, kitchen appliances, and children’s toys.

The 16-foot power cord and 79-inch steam hose, as well as the wheels, a rolling caster, and ergonomically designed curved handle, offer ample maneuverability for reaching numerous surfaces in the home. In addition to removing dirt, grime, spills, and messes, this steam cleaner sanitizes household surfaces. Unseen and undesirable intruders such as germs, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and bed bugs are no match for the 226 degree Fahrenheit pressurized steam.

The Costway steam cleaner holds 51 ounces of water in its tank, heating it to produce steam in under 10 minutes. It delivers 40 minutes of continuous steam-cleaning time.

Like the other canister models we tested, the Costway steam cleaner produced large amounts of steam and was better able to power through stains than handheld options. It eliminated dirt, coffee, and wine from our test fabric. While it didn’t completely eliminate tomato sauce or chocolate, it visibly reduced the stained areas.

This model comes with many useful accessories, including a mop and carpet glider. We used the carpet glider to refresh fabric seats and carpet in an old truck and tested the mop on tile floors. The attachments were easy to use, and the mop left the floor clean. We also tried out the trigger that locks in place for continuous steam.

Get the Costway upholstery steam cleaner at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners

We researched the best upholstery steam cleaners with high customer satisfaction in a variety of categories. After compiling our list, we tested each model. Our tests consisted of using each upholstery steam cleaner on furniture, mattresses, and car upholstery to evaluate the ease of use. We then put all models through a more extensive test, assessing how well they could remove six common stains: dirt, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, and chocolate sauce.

We assembled a test board consisting of foam, batting, and microsuede fabric attached to plywood. We added ⅛ teaspoon of each test substance to the board and allowed it to dry for an hour. We then used each steam cleaner to remove the stains. If the steam cleaner came with an upholstery steamer and microfiber bonnet, we used it for stain removal. For models that didn’t come with an upholstery steamer bonnet, we relied on the jet nozzle to steam the stain and then dabbed it with a microfiber cloth. These methods were equally effective.

No steam cleaner was able to remove the oil stain, but all had varying degrees of success with the other substances. The biggest factor in stain removal was the amount of steam the machine emitted.

We also evaluated any extra attachments, how easy it was to empty and store each model, and how effective the steamers were for other household surfaces. We assigned and tracked number values for easy comparison.

What to Consider When Choosing an Upholstery Steam Cleaner

Before purchasing an upholstery steam cleaner, it’s essential to consider what your needs are. Manufacturers offer a wide array of types, sizes, water-tank capacities, attachments, and accessories, each with their own benefits and optimal uses. Ahead, learn about the features that may influence your selection process as you search for the best upholstery steam cleaner to suit your purposes.

Type

Steam cleaners that work well for upholstery materials are versatile and capable of taking on many other cleaning tasks around the house. Depending on the type, steam cleaners tackle dirt, grime, and messes on both soft and hard surfaces, indoors and outdoors. Here’s an overview of the types of steam cleaners available on the market, along with information about how they function for cleaning upholstery.

• Handheld steam cleaners make upholstery cleaning easy as you simply hold the steamer units adjacent to the upholstered furniture and move them along the surface.
• Vacuum-type steam cleaners facilitate the cleaning of floors and carpets, but many of them feature reconfiguration capability, breaking down into handheld units that work well for upholstery. Users move the handheld units along the surface of upholstery fabric for cleaning.
• Vapor steam cleaners utilize steam from water heated to at least 240 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a low-moisture vapor that leaves minimal residual dampness. Vapor steam cleaners utilize higher temperatures than many other steam cleaners do.
• Cylinder steam cleaners (also known as canister steam cleaners) feature steam hoses attached to the rolling cylinders or canisters that hold large-capacity water tanks for extended steam-cleaning time. Attachments for the steam hoses facilitate upholstery cleaning as you move them along the surface.
• Garment steam cleaners feature handheld nozzles on the ends of steam hoses that attach to water tanks. The steam loosens and lifts dirt, deodorizes, and freshens upholstery fabrics on furniture as well as clothing.

Size and Weight

Consider how you plan on using your steam cleaner to determine the ideal size and weight. Larger and heavier models offer the capacity for heavy-duty cleaning and extensive cleaning sessions, while small and lightweight units offer the advantages of portability and convenience for quick cleanups.

For example, canister models are considerably larger and weigh more than handheld steam cleaners, but they offer the advantage of large-capacity water tanks that deliver continuous steam for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. On the other hand, a small handheld steamer weighs much less than a canister or vacuum type, but it holds less water and produces steam for only a few minutes before it requires refilling.

Corded vs. Cordless

Steam cleaners operate on corded electrical power from standard household outlets. After the electrical power source heats the water in the cleaner’s water tank to above 212 degrees Fahrenheit, creating steam, the pressurized steam is forced through a hose or a nozzle, delivering powerful cleaning action to household surfaces.

Some steam cleaners include extra-long power cords for enhanced maneuverability, allowing you to access hard-to-reach places throughout the home for cleaning and sanitizing. Since steam cleaners draw a large amount of electricity, there are currently no cordless options.

Power and Runtime

Battery runtime is associated with the volume of water held in the steam cleaners’ tanks. Larger water tanks in canister models may produce steam for up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. Alternatively, the small water tanks in lightweight, handheld steam cleaners produce enough steam for approximately 8 to 10 minutes of runtime. Of course, the tanks may be refilled as often as necessary for continuous cleaning.

Heating time is another feature to consider. Related to the volume capacity of the water tanks and the power of the heating elements, heating times vary from approximately 30 seconds to 12 minutes. A faster heating time means that the water converts to steam more quickly, allowing you to jump right into the task at hand.

Steam Settings

In the process of selecting the best steam cleaner for upholstery, shoppers may also want to consider their needs for a steamer that is capable of accomplishing other cleaning tasks. Many steam cleaners offer versatility via low-, medium-, and high-steam pressure settings. Users can adjust the settings to facilitate cleaning various surfaces and accomplishing either light freshening jobs or the tough removal of stuck-on dirt, grime, and stains.

Cleaning upholstery requires low to medium steam pressure, depending on the type of fabric and the degree of soil. Delicate upholstery fabric should be steam-cleaned on the lowest steam setting. Thicker, more durable fabric can tolerate a medium steam setting, especially if tough stains and stuck-on messes present cleaning challenges. Manufacturers of some steam cleaners recommend their use on leather upholstery, but you’ll want to check manufacturers’ information before using steam cleaners on leather furniture.

Alternatively, you can adjust the steam pressure settings to medium or high for cleaning hard surfaces. High-pressure steam works well on tile, grout, granite, stainless steel, and sealed flooring. Keep in mind that using a high-pressure setting will cause the steam to run out more quickly, resulting in the need to refill the water tank.

Tank Capacity

Every steam cleaner contains a water tank with a heating element that heats the water above 212 degrees Fahrenheit to produce steam. Handheld units include tanks that generally hold about 6 to 8 ounces of water for steam production. These are lightweight and easy to handle, but they produce steam for only about 8 to 10 minutes before the small water tanks run dry. Handheld steam cleaners are ideal for quick touch-ups and brief everyday cleaning chores.

On the other hand, users sometimes need to tackle cleaning jobs that require extended steam- producing runtimes. For these tasks, larger steam cleaners with increased water-tank capacities fill the bill.

Canister or cylinder steam cleaners feature larger water tanks that usually hold about 40 to 54 ounces of water. Heating the larger volumes of water to build up steam, these types of steam cleaners can deliver up to 90 minutes of continuous steam for extended cleaning sessions.

Maneuverability

When steam-cleaning upholstery, you’ll want to maneuver the steam-releasing units over and under the curved surfaces of furniture and into cracks and crevices. For this reason, steam cleaners with long power cords as well as extension hoses with easy-to-hold nozzles make the job easier. Maneuverability is a particularly valuable feature for reaching into a vehicle to clean car interiors, which are susceptible to accumulating dirt and debris.

Some steam cleaners offer power cords up to 18 feet long and steam hoses up to 8 feet long. With these features, you can direct the steam to hard-to-reach places for accurate targeting of dirt and grime.

A canister or a cylinder steam cleaner with a long extension hose allows you to reach into nooks and crannies. Alternatively, a lightweight handheld steamer with a long power cord provides up-close and targeted cleaning power.

Attachments

Many steam cleaners include attachments to facilitate cleaning a variety of objects and materials. Some common attachments include steam hoses, straight nozzles, angled nozzles, metal brushes, nylon brushes, window squeegees, mop pads, and scrapers.

For steam-cleaning upholstery, nylon brushes, steam hoses, and angled nozzles work particularly well, allowing you to maneuver the steam over, under, and around curved surfaces.

Shoppers looking for steam cleaners that can accomplish a range of cleaning jobs beyond sanitizing upholstery will want to take note of what attachments, if any, are included with each available steam cleaner.

FAQs

Q. What surfaces can a steam cleaner be used on?

Steam cleaners can be used on both hard and soft household surfaces, including upholstery, clothing, sealed flooring, ceramic tile, grout, stainless steel, and more.

Q. Do upholstery steam cleaners utilize chemicals?

No. The primary reason for using steam cleaners is that the cleaning action comes from pressurized steam created by heated water, which contains zero cleaning solutions or chemicals.

Q. Should hot or cold water be put in a steam cleaner?

Pour cold water into the tank of the steam cleaner. The heating element will heat the water to produce steam.

Q. Does steam-cleaning kill bugs?

Yes. Steam cleaning kills bed bugs on the surface of mattresses and bedding as well as those embedded ¾ inch deep into the fabric surfaces.

Q. How long should upholstery be steam-cleaned?

Hold the steamer nozzle on the upholstered surface to release the steam, but keep it moving. Don’t hold the nozzle in one place so long that the upholstery becomes damp.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has more than 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on a variety of popular home and finance websites. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

Additional research provided by Carol Benton.

The post We Tested the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners for Chemical-Free Sanitizing appeared first on Bob Vila.

How does a retractable hose reel work? A round housing unit holds a garden hose and a reel powered by a large spring. As you extend the hose from the unit, a spring attached to the reel begins to wind and tighten. When you’re finished using the hose and want to store it, simply tug the hose to release a locking mechanism and engage the spring-loaded reel, which automatically winds up the hose in about 20 seconds. 

Our top pick was the 130-foot retractable option from Giraffe Tools thanks to its lockable hose and 180-degree swivel. Find out how each product fared in our hands-on testing and which ones are our top picks for the best retractable garden hose reels in various categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
2. RUNNER-UP: Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel 
4. UPGRADE PICK: Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
5. BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
6. BEST FOR MEDIUM YARDS: Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
7. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
8. BEST SPIKE-MOUNTED: Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike 

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

These top picks represent some of the best retractable garden hose reels on the market today. They are easy to operate, with proven designs that will quickly retract a hose without tangling. We’ve included a selection of reels to accommodate various hose lengths, and we extensively tested each model for functionality and durability.

Best Overall

Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• 130-foot hose locks at any length, making it ideal for all yard sizes
• Auto-rewind system retracts the hose without any kinking or tangling
• Hose reel features a 180-degree swivel and is removable for storage

What We Don’t Like

• Loose rubber gaskets inside the hose’s couplings fell out upon unboxing

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 130 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Adjustable with 9 spray patterns

With its ample length and durable construction, this retractable garden hose reel from Giraffe Tools is a quality choice for just about any yard. It comes equipped with a 130-foot hose that locks at any length, allowing it to reach even the far corners of a lawn. The hose itself is made of an abrasion-resistant hybrid material that can handle pressures of up to 600 pounds per square inch (PSI)—nearly twice what most hoses can handle—without bursting. This is a key feature, given that the hoses in retractable reels generally aren’t replaceable. 

The Giraffe Tools retractable hose reel came with everything we needed to mount the bracket to our wooden post, and the process was simple, taking less than 10 minutes. The handy quick-release system made it easy to set the reel in the bracket and remove it for portability or storage. The hose pulled out smoothly, requiring little effort on our part. To retract the hose, we gave it a gentle tug, and the auto-rewind system kicked in, rolling it up without any kinking or tangling. 

We also appreciated the hose’s high-quality spray nozzle, which features nine unique spray patterns. We repeatedly dropped the hose on our concrete patio to test for durability, and there was no damage to the nozzle or couplings. The only malfunction we encountered was minor: The rubber gaskets in the hose’s couplings were loose, falling out as we unboxed the reel. It was easy to put them back in place, but potential buyers will want to keep this in mind.

Get the Giraffe Tools 130-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Runner-up

Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Easy-to-install mounting bracket; hose reel locks in place via a metal pin
• 100-foot hose length is ideal for yards and gardens of all sizes
• Durable 9-pattern spray nozzle is suitable for various applications

What We Don’t Like

• Retraction requires the gentlest of pulls; required several attempts after each use

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Length: 100 feet
• Size: ⅝-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

The Aquazilla retractable water hose reel was on par with our top pick, earning it the Runner-Up award. The hose features a ⅝-inch diameter and a 100-foot length, perfect for extended reach through the yard. The mounting bracket has a 180-degree swivel, and the hose locks at any length. 

Upon unboxing the Aquazilla retractable garden hose, we were impressed with the attractiveness of the design. A handle at the top of the reel made it easy for us to carry and then install the product. It took us a mere 5 minutes to install the mounting bracket on our wooden post; the reel hooked to the bracket via a removable metal pin. 

During testing, we could pull the hose smoothly from the reel, and it locked into place the second we stopped pulling. Our only issue was that retracting the hose required only the gentlest tug, which we never could seem to achieve on the first try. However, once the hose did retract, the hose guide prevented any kinking. The heavy-duty, pistol-grip spray nozzle resisted any cracking when we dropped it on our concrete patio. We also found the nozzle’s nine different spray patterns useful for many applications, including rinsing off our patio and watering flowers.

Get the Aquazilla retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Reasonably priced compared with retractable hose reels of a similar size
• Easiest to pull the hose of all the models we tested
• 100-foot hose length is suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic housing unit appears to be of lower quality than other top picks

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 3/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 100 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

This retractable garden hose reel from Eneacro offers several good features at a reasonable price. It automatically locks at any length and retracts slowly using an internal breaking mechanism. The hose’s 100-foot length makes it suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes. The reel includes a side mount and can rotate 180 degrees to reach all parts of a yard, and users can remove the reel from the bracket for easy winter storage. 

Upon unboxing, it was apparent why this garden hose reel was cheaper than other products on our list. The plastic housing unit was thinner, and the hose looked to be of lower quality. However, looks can be deceiving, as we were pleasantly surprised by this hose reel’s performance. 

We installed the mounting bracket by drilling four pilot holes and then screwing the bracket in place. We then attached the reel and began using the hose. This hose was the easiest to pull among all of our top picks. There was no resistance, and drawing out the entire hose length took zero force. When we had finished using it, the hose retracted smoothly. The hose also features a handy pistol-grip nozzle with nine spray patterns. While this model’s housing unit appears to be a lower quality than that of the other products, it’s still an ideal option for users who value ease of use—and at a lower price.

Get the Eneacro retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Features durable construction and an attractive modern design
• Hybrid polymer hose is thick, flexible, and resistant to kinking
• Simple installation and easy to remove from the mount for portability or storage

What We Don’t Like

• Inconsistent retraction; the hose sometimes rewinds to one side rather than evenly throughout the reel
• Doesn’t include a spray nozzle or screws for the mounting bracket

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs

• Length: 60 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Not included

For shoppers who want to invest in a higher-priced retractable hose reel, it’s best to choose a sturdy model designed for ease of use like this Macnaught hose reel that features heavy-duty construction and a high-quality hose. Although the 60-foot hose has a smaller ½-inch diameter, it’s made from a hybrid polymer material that doesn’t hold a coiled shape, making it easier to extend and less likely to kink. 

When we unboxed the hose reel, we were impressed with the material quality. The hose felt flexible but thick—definitely a grade above the other options. The housing unit featured durable plastic and a modern design. It included a metal bracket for installation; unfortunately, though, no screws were included. Luckily, we had some screws on hand and were able to mount the bracket to our post in just a few minutes.

Similar to other retractable garden hose reels, this model locks automatically and retracts with a gentle pull. However, the retraction was inconsistent during our testing. Sometimes the garden hose would retract in an even pattern, while other times it would all go to one side. In those instances, we’d have to unwind the hose and retract it again to straighten it out. An additional downside to this model is that it didn’t include a spray nozzle.

Get the Macnaught retractable garden hose reel at Amazon. 

Best for Small Yards

Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Includes hose guide for easy, even retraction within the reel
• Reel attaches to the mounting bracket via a removable metal pin
• Hose is easy to pull out, locks in place, and smoothly retracts

What We Don’t Like

• Hose features plastic couplings with snap-on connections, which may be less desirable 

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 50 feet
• Size: Unspecified
• Nozzle: Fire hose

The shorter 50-foot hose on this Gardena model is ideal for keeping flower beds and landscaping in smaller yards well irrigated. Similar to other hose reels, it mounts to a wall and swivels 180 degrees to access different parts of the yard. A bracket on the mount pairs with a standard padlock (not included) to prevent theft. Users can easily remove the reel from the mount for winter storage. 

We installed the bracket to our wooden post with four screws and then set the reel on top, locking it in with a metal pin. We then tested the hose, pulling it out and retracting it more than a dozen times. The hose extended and retracted smoothly and efficiently each time. This product includes a handy hose guide for installation on the corner of a house or building to prevent snags.

Rather than metal couplings like the other hose reels we tested, this product has plastic couplings with snap-on connections. The water source hook-up, however, has a standard threaded connection. Additionally, this hose reel has a basic fire-hose nozzle, which wasn’t our favorite, but it works well for watering plants.

Get the Gardena 50-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Best for Medium Yards

Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Attractive and high-quality housing unit made from reinforced propylene plastic
• Kink-proof hose retracts via a guide that keeps it tidy inside the housing unit
• 90-foot hose length and versatile spray nozzle are ideal for many applications

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t pull as smoothly as other tested products from this brand; requires force

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Length: 90 feet
• Size: ⅝-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

The Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel is an attractive option for midsize yards and gardens. The housing unit is durable, consisting of reinforced propylene plastic that won’t fade in the sun. The reel features a self-layering system that guides the hose into the unit smoothly and without any kinking. 

This model included everything we needed to mount it, including a propylene bracket and four screws with plastic anchors. After mounting, all we had to do was set the reel in place. We started our functionality testing by pulling the length of the hose out of the reel multiple times. We immediately noticed that this model required much more force to pull than the other Giraffe Tools models we tested.

The retraction on this hose worked as expected, rewinding smoothly and without kinks. We repeatedly dropped the nine-setting spray nozzle on the concrete patio to mimic the regular wear and tear the hose might experience. The couplings never warped, and the nozzle didn’t crack or show any signs of damage. Overall, this is a high-quality retractable garden hose reel, but it requires some upper body strength to extend the entire length of the hose.

Get the Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best for Large Yards

Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

See It

What We Like

• Extra-long hose length of 155 feet is ideal for large yards, gardens, and barns
• Durable, heavy-duty housing is made from reinforced and fade-resistant propylene
• Versatile spray nozzle with 9 spray patterns meets multiple needs

What We Don’t Like

• Long hose length makes reel heavier to carry and install
• Wider mounting bracket may limit installation options

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 155 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

With a whopping 155 feet of hose length, this Giraffe Tools option is one of the longest retractable garden hose reels on the market, making it ideal for yards that extend far from the spigot. The reel functions similarly to other retractable hose reels, locking automatically at any length and retracting with a simple tug. 

The mounting bracket was wider than others on our list, requiring a minimum of a 4-inch by 6-inch post on which to mount it. Alternatively, users can mount it directly to the side of a house or building. We installed the bracket on our wooden post, which took only a few minutes. We then set the reel in place and began using the hose. The reel weighs about 40 pounds, making it slightly more challenging to install.

We expected such a long hose to be more difficult to pull, but it wasn’t. It pulled smoothly from the reel, locking in place each time we stopped. It also retracted with a gentle tug, never kinking. The durable sprayer nozzle featured the same nine-setting pistol grip as on all the Giraffe Tools models we tested. We subjected the nozzle to many drops on our concrete patio, and it held up well. And we found the multiple sprayer settings useful for a variety of applications.

Get the Giraffe Tools 155-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Spike Mounted

Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike

See It

What We Like

• Easy-to-install metal ground spike eliminates the need for wall mounting
• Hose pulls out smoothly and retracts with a gentle tug
• 66-foot length suits small to medium yards and gardens

What We Don’t Like

• Includes a basic adjustable nozzle instead of a higher-quality spray nozzle
• Expensive for the quality and size of the hose reel

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 3.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Length: 66 feet
• Size: Unspecified
• Nozzle: Fire hose

Users who can’t or don’t want to wall-mount a hose reel can still enjoy the benefits of a retractable garden hose with the spike-mounted Gardena 66-foot hose reel. The housing unit is constructed with frostproof and UV-resistant material and features RollControl technology for safe retraction.

This hose reel came with everything we needed to install it. We mounted the stake by finding a suitable, utility-free area in our yard and then used the included metal rod to twist the stake into place. We couldn’t get the stake all the way into the ground, but we pushed it deep enough to support the hose reel. We then assembled the reel and placed it on the mount. 

The hose didn’t feel quite as durable as the other models we tested, but it extended and retracted smoothly with no tangling or kinking. The 66-foot length makes it best suited for small to medium yards. This model has a fire-hose adjustable nozzle, which didn’t have the quality of the nozzles on other top picks. However, it still held up to many drops on the concrete patio and worked well for watering plants. 

Get the Gardena 66-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

• Products tested: 8
• Hours spent testing: 6.5
• Tests performed: 5
• Average price: $180

Before starting our hands-on testing of the best retractable garden hose reels, we researched top consumer needs and considered more than 15 options with high user reviews. Then, we narrowed our list to eight models to test and spent a month installing and using each retractable hose reel.

First, we mounted each hose reel to a wooden post using the included bracket and screws, if applicable. To test for functionality, we extended the full length of the hose and then retracted it at least a dozen times, noting the overall ease or difficulty, the smoothness, and how well it retracted. We also dropped the hose couplings and any included nozzles on our concrete patio multiple times to mimic the natural wear and tear these parts may undergo. Finally, we kept all of our test results in a rubric, and—at the end of the testing period—used these results to rate each product and award it as the top pick in one of the categories.

What to Consider When Choosing a Retractable Garden Hose Reel 

Although knowing the length of the hose is key when you’re purchasing a retractable garden hose reel, there are other important factors to consider, such as the hose diameter, nozzle type, and mounting design. 

Length

“Hose length is definitely a top consideration,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “If you want to be able to extend your hose out to water the plants across your lawn without requiring a watering can to make up the difference, then make sure to measure the distance you need.”

Though other types of hose storage solutions may allow you to add length by attaching an additional hose, you won’t be able to add to or replace the hose that comes with a retractable reel. The best way to determine the length you’ll need is to measure from an outdoor spigot to the farthest point in the yard. Hose lengths for retractable garden hose reels typically range from about 50 to 150 feet. 

Mounting and Portability 

A retractable garden hose holder comes with a mounting kit for installation on the side of a house, shed, or even a fence or post. The mounting kit allows the reel to hinge left to right 180 degrees, making it easier to direct the hose toward a flower bed, driveway, or other location. 

Mounting the hose reel is necessary to provide a solid base while pulling the hose for retraction. A hose reel wall mount typically has a removable pin that allows the user to detach the entire device from the mount, which is convenient when storing the hose in a shed or garage for the winter. 

Hose Size

Hose sizes for retractable garden hoses vary from ⅜ of an inch in diameter up to ⅝ of an inch in diameter. A larger-diameter hose can carry more water and therefore produce a higher flow rate than a smaller-diameter hose. With this in mind, a ⅜-inch or ½-inch hose is best suited for watering plants, while a ⅝-inch hose is ideal for uses that demand higher water volume, such as running a sprinkler or washing a car. 

Nozzle Type

Some garden hose reels feature one of two types of nozzle: pistol grip or fire hose. Pistol-grip models fit ergonomically in the hand with a grip and trigger that allow the user to regulate the amount of output. The nozzle has a throttle tip for toggling between eight or nine spray patterns, including a stream, broad fan, and mist. 

Fire-hose nozzles are long and straight. The user can adjust the spray from a high-pressure stream to a broad fan by twisting the nozzle. Though a fire-hose nozzle doesn’t offer the same variety of spray patterns as a pistol-grip nozzle, it is usually made from all-metal parts and is typically more durable. 

Most nozzle types use standard fittings, so you can easily replace one later with an aftermarket nozzle, if necessary.

The Advantages of Owning a Retractable Garden Hose Reel

Although retractable reels are one of the more expensive storage solutions for garden hoses, there are several good reasons to invest in one. A retractable hose reel makes it easy to collect and store a garden hose that is up to 155 feet in length, eliminating the need to wrangle a hose manually. Garden hose reels also feature wall mounts, which can inconspicuously attach to a house or shed, unlike a hose reel cart that requires indoor storage. These reels detach easily from their mounts and double as a storage container for the hose during winter months. A retractable garden hose reel can:

• Eliminate the need to manually wind up a hose
• Store the hose in an out-of-the-way place
• Allow for convenient transport of the hose for winter storage

“With longer hoses, it’s definitely helpful to have a crank feature or a retractable design to bring the hose back into place. If you don’t need a long hose and/or don’t need to take it out very far, a retractable hose may be an unnecessary expense,” says Yamaguchi. With that in mind, if you have a small yard with low water needs, a quality expandable hose may be sufficient.

FAQs

If you’re wondering how to use your new retractable garden hose reel or want to know what to do if the hose becomes damaged, read on for answers to these frequently asked questions. 

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.

The post The Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels to Keep Hoses Contained, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

Gardeners can keep fronds lush and green by supplying a fertilizer with a healthy dose of nitrogen and potassium, and a low amount of phosphorus. Palm trees also benefit from micronutrients such as manganese, magnesium, and iron. Our favorite is the Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed thanks to its easy to use and long-lasting formula. There are many options to weed through, but we’ve done the work and found some of the best fertilizers for palm trees.

1. BEST OVERALL: Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food
3. BEST SPIKES: Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Container Spikes
4. BEST ORGANIC: Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Exotic Blend
5. BEST GRANULATED: Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food
6. BEST WATER-SOLUBLE: JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food 16-5-25
7. HONORABLE MENTION: Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

What is the best palm tree fertilizer? Let’s look at some of the best food for palm trees. When used as directed, these products will help palm trees thrive.

Best Overall

Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food

See It

What We Like

• Easy to apply
• Contains the proper micro- and macronutrients
• Reapply as little as every 3 months
• Works for container-grown and in-ground trees

What We Don’t Like

• Overuse can lead to plant burns

Gardeners looking for a product with the right blend of nutrients in an easy-to-use bottle will appreciate Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food. It provides an NPK of 8-2-12 with magnesium, manganese, and iron to support fronds so they won’t yellow or curl.

Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed comes in a convenient container with a spout. To use the product, shake it around the drip line of the palm tree, lightly work it into the soil, and then water. Gardeners can use this product every 3 months.

This fertilizer works for palms in the ground or container-grown varieties. The only downside is that it can potentially cause plant burns if overused.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 8-2-12
• Product size: 4.5 pounds

Get the Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed fertilizer for palm trees at Amazon, Lowe’s or Tractor Supply Co.

Best Bang for the Buck

Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food

See It

What We Like

• 1 bag provides 15 feedings
• Contains necessary nutrients for a healthy tree and fronds
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• Need to apply more frequently compared to other fertilizers

While moderately priced palm tree foods are abundant, Miracle-Gro’s Palm Tree Food is especially great for budget-conscious palm tree lovers. This fertilizer delivers approximately 15 feedings to a palm tree. Since it needs reapplication only every 6 weeks, one bag lasts a long time.

The Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food packs an NPK ratio of 8-4-8 and contains manganese, magnesium, and iron. It’s easy to use: Apply the fertilizer evenly to the soil under the palm’s branches, and lightly work it in the ground.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 8-4-8
• Product size: 20 pounds

Get the Miracle-Gro Tree Food fertilizer for palm trees at Lowe’s or Tractor Supply Co.

Best Spikes

Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Container Spikes

See It

What We Like

• Easy-to-use spikes
• Lasts for 2 months
• Eliminates mess and fertilizer runoff

What We Don’t Like

• Suitable only for container-grown palm trees

Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Spikes are hard to beat for gardeners with container-grown palm trees. They are easy to use, release nutrients slowly, and have an NPK ratio of 16-2-6.

To use Jobe’s plant food, insert the spikes in the palm tree’s pot between the tree trunk and the edge of the container. The number of spikes inserted depends on the container size, ranging from two to six. Replenish spikes every 2 months.

Jobe’s also makes a fertilizer spike for palm trees planted in the ground. These spikes have a slightly different NPK ratio, are larger, and should be used only twice per year.

Product Specs

• Type: Spikes
• NPK ratio: 16-2-6
• Product size: 30 spikes

Get the Jobe’s fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Best Organic

Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Exotic Blend

See It

What We Like

• Organic and non-GMO
• Contains microbes to improve soil health
• Gentle 5-4-6 formula won’t burn plants
• Easy to apply

What We Don’t Like

• May have a slightly unpleasant smell

Dr. Earth packs a great mix of nutrients and microbes for gardeners who are more interested in organic products. The formula features an NPK ratio of 5-4-6 with sulfur and magnesium. This fertilizer is ideal for palm trees, plumeria, hibiscus, and other tropical plants.

For planted palm trees, apply this fertilizer every 2 months—use ½ to ¾ cups of fertilizer for every foot of tree height. Mix the fertilizer into the ground under the tree’s drip line. Fertilize container-grown palms every 2 months by adding 2 tablespoons of fertilizer for every 6 inches of pot diameter.

Product Specs

• Type: Dry organic matter
• NPK ratio: 5-4-6
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Dr. Earth fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Best Granulated

Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food

See It

What We Like

• Organic fertilizer with environmentally friendly ingredients
• Gentle NPK won’t burn palm trees
• Easy to use for planted and container-grown palms
• Contains a mix of microorganisms for soil health

What We Don’t Like

• Large trees require a lot of fertilizer
• May have an unpleasant, organic smell

Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food provides the ideal NPK ratio and can boost soil health. This fertilizer contains Jobe’s Biozome, a unique blend of bacteria, fungi, and archaea, encouraging palm trees to absorb nutrients more quickly. It has an NPK ratio of 4-2-4.

To use this fertilizer, gardeners need to measure their palm tree’s longest frond. For example, a tree with a 2-foot frond will need 1 cup of fertilizer, while a tree with a 6-foot frond will need 11 cups of fertilizer. Gardeners should evenly work the correct amount into the soil under the tree’s canopy. This fertilizer also works for container-grown palm trees.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-2-4
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Jobe’s Organics fertilizer for palm trees at Amazon.

Best Water-Soluble

JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food 16-5-25

See It

What We Like

• Fast delivery of nutrients
• Easy-to-mix powder
• Contains macro- and micronutrients

What We Don’t Like

• Easy to overuse
• Needs to be reapplied every 7 to 10 days

JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food mixes with water and goes around the palm’s base to deliver nutrients quickly. The NPK of this fertilizer is 16-5-25. It also contains micronutrients such as magnesium and sulfur.

Gardeners can apply Jack’s Classic Palm Food every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. It’s ideal for the following palm varieties: Date, Royal, Queen, Majesty, Kentia, and Lady.

Since this fertilizer is highly concentrated, take care not to overuse it. Using too much product or applying it too often can cause adverse effects such as burnt or yellowing fronds.

Product Specs

• Type: Water-soluble
• NPK ratio: 16-5-25
• Product size: 1.5 pounds

Get JR Peters fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Honorable Mention

Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12

See It

What We Like

• Contains 7 beneficial micronutrients
• Lasts up to 4 months
• Works for landscaped and container-grown palms
• Simple application

What We Don’t Like

• Can get expensive for fertilizing large palm trees

Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12 is one of the best fertilizers for palm trees because it’s versatile and long lasting. This granular fertilizer is a slow-release formula, leaching nutrients into the soil for up to 4 months. It contains an NPK of 12-4-12 with seven added micronutrients, including manganese, magnesium, and iron.

Planted palms will need 1 cup of fertilizer per 3 feet of tree, not to exceed 3 cups. Spread the fertilizer across the soil at the tree’s drip line. Potted palms receive amounts based on container size, with doses ranging from a ½ teaspoon to ⅜ cup.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 12-4-12
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Carl Pool fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Our Verdict

The best fertilizer for palm trees provides the nutrients palms need but meets a gardener’s needs for cost, convenience, and personal preference. Our top pick for the best palm fertilizer is Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed fertilizer for palm trees. It’s easy to use; contains the ideal NPK ratio; and contains manganese, magnesium, and iron for healthy palm fronds. Our budget pick, Miracle-Gro Tree Food fertilizer for palm trees, provides one palm tree with an average of 15 feedings and needs to be reapplied only every 6 weeks.

How We Chose the Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees

Palm trees are finicky when they don’t receive proper nutrients, causing their fronds to yellow and curl. We considered their unique nutrient needs and looked for fertilizers with higher ratios of nitrogen and potassium rather than phosphorus. This balance of macronutrients helps a palm tree maintain lush green fronds and supports growth.

Once we found products with the proper macronutrient blend, we looked for micronutrient content, ease of use, and price. Next, we narrowed our choices by searching for the best palm tree food in several categories based on price and type of fertilizer. And since palms can grow in containers or in the ground, we looked for options that work in both scenarios.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Palm Trees
Palm trees require a unique blend of macronutrients and micronutrients to thrive. Gardeners can provide these nutrients through granular, water-soluble, or spike fertilizers. These fertilizers deliver nutrients to the soil, which palm trees can absorb through their root system. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best palm fertilizer.

Type

There are a few forms of palm tree fertilizer, with liquid, water-soluble, granular, and spike being the most common. The difference between them is how they’re applied and how long they work.

• Liquid: Liquid fertilizer comes premixed in concentrated or ready-to-pour containers. Users must dilute concentrated liquid fertilizer with water before adding it to the plant’s soil.
• Water-soluble: Water-soluble fertilizers are highly concentrated and come in a fine powder. The powder is added to water to dissolve before use.
• Granular: Granular fertilizers come in hard pellets that gardeners can work into the soil. Granular fertilizer is typically a slow-release type, providing nutrients to the plant for a longer time than liquid or water-soluble products do.
• Spikes: For gardeners who like to “set it and forget it,” spike fertilizer is the way to go. Place these fertilizer sticks in damp soil around the base of the tree to release nutrients slowly into the soil.

NPK Ratio

Like humans and animals, plants need proper nutrition, and each species has its own requirements. The three macronutrients plants need are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K), also known as NPK. Nitrogen helps plants and trees grow green, lush foliage. Phosphorus helps establish a root system and encourages bloom growth in flowering varieties, and potassium improves a plant’s overall health.

On a fertilizer package, these nutrients are listed similarly to this: 10-30-10. Each number represents how much of each nutrient the fertilizer contains, always in the same order (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). In this example, the fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 30 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.

The best food for palm trees is a fertilizer that has a low middle, or phosphorus, number. In addition, the best fertilizer for palms will contain potassium levels equal to or greater than its nitrogen levels. Palm trees also benefit from micronutrients such as magnesium, manganese, and iron.

Organic vs. Inorganic

Aside from the form of fertilizer, gardeners can choose between organic and inorganic products. Though both can deliver the same or similar nutrients to a palm, they have distinctive differences.

Organic fertilizers contain natural ingredients such as minerals from plants, rocks, and animals. These fertilizers are easy for a plant to use and can deliver microorganisms to improve soil quality over time. Most organic fertilizers are nontoxic, making them a top pick for gardeners who have kids and pets.

Inorganic (synthetic, man-made) fertilizers also contain some natural ingredients, such as minerals, that are combined with chemicals to create a highly concentrated product. Because of this process, inorganic fertilizers are less expensive and deliver nutrients quickly. However, they do not last long in the soil or improve its health. They also add to pollution of water bodies and are not as eco-friendly as organic fertilizers, so the best palm tree fertilizer option might depend on personal preference.

Tips for Fertilizing Palm Trees

Though palm trees are a relatively low-maintenance plant, they require ample sunlight, water, and the right fertilizer. Palm trees can be planted in the ground or grown in containers. Gardeners who live in areas with colder winters can choose hardy palms that can handle temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit or keep their palms in pots, bringing them inside during the winter.

To get the most benefit out of palm tree fertilizer, follow these tips:

• For outdoor palms, fertilize only during the growing season, which is March through October
• Stop fertilizing 2 months before your area’s average frost date
• To prevent potassium deficiencies that can cause fronds to turn yellow, use a fertilizer with potassium equal to or higher than nitrogen.

For indoor palm trees, use a potting soil developed for palms, place your plant in bright light, and water when the soil is dry. After about a month of having the palm indoors, fertilize it following the directions on the product package.

FAQs

Palm trees can be grown anywhere—the key is to pick a suitable variety based on the climate. For example, gardeners who live in areas with cold winters can choose hardy palms, while those who live in warmer regions can grow most types of palm trees. Here are some common palm tree fertilizer questions and their answers to help palm tree growers.

Q. Do palm plants require fertilizers?

Palm trees require fertilizer to keep their fronds from curling and turning yellow. These plants need a low amount of phosphorus compared to the amounts needed for nitrogen and potassium.

Q. Can I use homemade fertilizer for a palm tree?

Many homemade palm tree fertilizer recipes incorporate ingredients such as bone meal, kelp, bat guano, and eggshells. Making your own plant food can provide necessary nutrients if it is customized to a palm tree’s needs.

Q. What kind of fertilizer should I use for palm trees?

Use a fertilizer with low phosphorus and a potassium level equal to or higher than the nitrogen level. Gardeners can choose between granular fertilizer, spikes, and water-soluble powders. If possible, select a fertilizer that also has the key micronutrients of magnesium, manganese, and iron.

Q. How much fertilizer do palm trees need?

The amount of fertilizer a palm needs depends on the tree’s size and the fertilizer type. Slow-release fertilizers can last up to 4 months between applications.

Q. Are coffee grounds good for palm trees?

Coffee grounds increase the soil’s acidity level, which may be beneficial for palms that prefer a higher acidity. However, some palms do better in pH-neutral soil.

Q. Will vinegar kill palm trees?

Vinegar can kill palm trees when repeatedly applied to the root system. Some gardeners use vinegar as a nontoxic way to kill unwanted trees.

The post The Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees appeared first on Bob Vila.

After testing, our top pick was the two-pack of Flanagan 5-Blade Fireplace Fans. These two fans quickly spun into action as our stove heated up, providing enough airflow to disperse hot air across the room.

We also enlisted the help of a wood stove and chimney expert, Tim Smith, owner of Albany, New York-based Actual Chimney Specialists. Read on to learn which of the best wood stove fans may be right for your home.

1. BEST OVERALL: Flanagan 5-Blade Fireplace Fans
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. RUNNER UP: Voda 4-Blade Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Tomersun 3-Blade Heat-Powered Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST COMPACT: Galafire 4-Blade Heat-Powered Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. MOST VERSATILE: Cwlakon Mounting Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. HONORABLE MENTION: Hanaoyo 6-Blade Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review 
7. ALSO CONSIDER: Tsendi 4-Blade Silent Operation Wood Stove Fan
   ↓ Jump to Review 

Wood Stove Fans Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The products below were tested on a freestanding wood stove and rated based on their performance, durability, and value. Read on to learn how each model fared in our tests and find one right for you.

Best Overall

Flanagan 5-Blade Fireplace Fans

See It

What We Like

• Includes two 5-blade fans
• Ideal for medium to large rooms
• Attractive price point
• Comes with a stove thermometer

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for built-in fireplaces

Specs 

• Blades: 5
• Operating temperature: 185 to 662 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): 164 to 194

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5

Since wood stove fans are small, they don’t produce a ton of airflow. Utilizing two fans, one on each side of the stove, is a more efficient way to disperse heat, which is why our top pick is this affordably priced pack of two fans from Flanagan. 

These heat-powered fans have five blades that begin spinning when surface temperatures reach around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The blades spin faster as the stove heats up, with an operating range from 185 to 662 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures exceed 482 degrees Fahrenheit (the ideal operating temperature), the fan’s base will lift, protecting the motor from heat damage. 

The Flanagan fans are smaller than some of the other models we tested, but their five blades spun fast, producing the most airflow. We placed one on each side of our wood stove and could feel a warm breeze when standing in front of them. We also appreciated that this two-pack included a wood stove thermometer, which allowed us to easily monitor our stove’s surface temperatures. 

What our tester says: “The Flanagan wood stove fans were quick to power up, and their blades spun quickly, helping to move the heat from the top of the wood stove throughout the room. They did a better job of producing airflow than even the most expensive wood stove fan I tested.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Flanagan wood stove fan at Amazon.

Runner up

Voda 4 Blades Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Available in two finishes
• Quick to power on
• Thermal safety feature protects the fan’s motor

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t deliver enough airflow for large spaces

Specs 

• Blades: 4
• Operating temperature: 185 to 660 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): 240

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5

Powered entirely by heat, Voda’s four-bladed stove fan is durable and operates silently, making it one of the best ways to circulate air around the wood stove. It kicks on at temperatures as low as 185 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand temperatures as high as 660 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Voda comes in black and gold finishes to complement different stoves and surroundings. We tested the black version, which was attractive and felt quality-built. 

We used a stove thermometer during testing, and the Voda’s blades powered on when our stovetop’s temperature hit the low 100s Fahrenheit. The blades spun quicker as the stove heated up. This fan didn’t produce a lot of airflow, but enough that we could feel it from a few feet away. While it can help distribute air in rooms of all sizes, it’s best equipped to help warm a small room.

Get the Voda wood stove fan at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Tomersun 3 Blades Heat-Powered Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Budget-friendly price point
• Whisper-quiet noise level
• Compact design fits on smaller wood stoves

What We Don’t Like

• Produces limited airflow

Specs 

• Blades: 3
• Operating temperature: 176 to 653 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): 170

Our Ratings: Performance 3.7/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

With this pick, Tomersun offers an economical way to add a fan to a wood stove. As with other pricier stove fans, this one features whisper-quiet operation and is made from durable anodized aluminum. Its construction looked and felt similar to the other all-aluminum fans we tested, but at a lower cost.

The Tomersun has a built-in safety device that automatically elevates the front of the fan to protect the motor from damage if temperatures exceed 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Its operating range is 176 to 653 degrees Fahrenheit, although the blades began to spin when our stove’s surface temperature reached a little over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Tomersun stove fan produces an airflow of between 150 and 170 CFM, which is adequate for circulating air through small spaces. Like the other fans we tested, we didn’t feel the airflow more than a few feet away from the fan. However, this choice is a good value for those looking for a wood-burning stove fan for a small space.

What our tester says: “I appreciate this fan’s durable construction and attractive price point. It would be ideal for circulating airflow in a small space.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Tomersun wood stove fan at Amazon.

More Great Options

The following wood stove fans have garnered hundreds (or thousands) of positive user reviews. Their standout features and high customer satisfaction ratings have earned them a spot on our list.

Best Compact

Galafire 4-Blade Heat-Powered Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Compact size is ideal for smaller wood stoves 
• Starts working at a low temperature 
• Features an efficient four-blade design 

What We Don’t Like

• May not deliver adequate airflow

Specs 

• Blades: 4
• Operating temperature: 122 to 662 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): 126

This small wood stove fan measures just over 7 inches tall, an ideal choice for more compact wood stoves. Its four-blade design makes it capable of pushing a lot of air. It also starts operating at the low temperature of just 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will start circulating air as the stove is just heating up. The Galafire also comes with a thermometer to help monitor the temperature of the wood stove.

Get the Galafire wood stove fan at Amazon.

Most Versatile

Cwlakon Mounting Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Attaches to some portable gas-powered space heaters 
• Compact size is ideal for small wood stoves
• Suitable for outdoor use

What We Don’t Like

• Smaller size means less airflow produced

Specs 

• Blades: 4
• Operating temperature: Max of 644 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): N/A

This versatile four-bladed fan can be used for more than just a wood stove. That’s because it comes equipped with a slot on its base that allows users to secure it to the top of some space heaters. With its durable anodized aluminum construction, it’s also tough enough to survive outdoors, and it can endure being lugged around. Since it’s more compact than most wood stove fans, it’s easy to take on the road for camping trips or for use with a smaller wood stove. 

Get the Cwlakon wood stove fan at Amazon.

Honorable Mention

Hanaoyo 6-Blade Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Features 6 fan blades
• Includes a magnetic stove thermometer
• Quiet operation

What We Don’t Like

• Some user complain about lack of air movement

Specs 

• Blades: 6
• Operating temperature: 131 to 653 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): N/A

This heat-powered stove fan kicks on when temperatures reach as low as 131 degrees Fahrenheit and continues to operate at temperatures as high as 653 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s made from lightweight anodized aluminum and features six blades for maximum airflow.

The Hanaoyo stove fan has built-in thermal protection. If the stove’s surface gets too hot, the base will lift, protecting the fan’s motor. It also comes with a magnetic wood stove thermometer. While many users praise this fan for circulating warm air from their stove, some complain that it’s not powerful enough for large spaces.

Get the Hanaoyo wood stove fan at Amazon.

Also Consider

Tsendi 4 Blades Silent Operation Wood Stove Fan

See It

What We Like

• Good build quality with an affordable price tag
• Begins working at a low temperature
• Features lightweight anodized aluminum blades

What We Don’t Like

• Only produces enough airflow to fill smaller rooms

Specs 

• Blades: 4
• Operating temperature: 122 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Cubic feet per minute (CFM): N/A

This wood stove fan is solidly built and produces good airflow, helping to distribute heat from a wood stove or pellet stove throughout the surrounding room. It’s made from durable anodized aluminum and has a low starting temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, so it starts blowing air through the room while the stove is still heating up. Affordably priced, the Tsendi also comes with a stove thermometer that monitors the stove’s temperature. 

Get the Tsendi wood stove fan at Amazon.

ALSO TESTED

We also tested the Ecofan UltrAir Nickel Blade Wood Stove Fan. Unfortunately, even though this stove fan was the most expensive and aesthetically pleasing, its two-blade design produced noticeably less circulation than fans with four or five blades. We couldn’t feel any circulation from this fan unless we stood directly in front of it.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Wood Stove Fans

When selecting the best wood stove fans, we considered several factors. Since these fans are exposed to intense heat, we chose models made from durable, heat-resistant materials such as anodized aluminum. Other important features we looked for were safety mechanisms that protect the fan’s motor in case the stove exceeds the fan’s heat rating. Aesthetics were also a factor, given that wood or pellet stove fans are typically clearly visible. 

We tested four fans, letting them run on our wood stove for 3 weeks. We evaluated how well each fan could move air through the room from short and long distances. To verify that they worked within their operating temperature range, we monitored our stovetop’s temperature using a wood stove thermometer. We also inspected the construction and let the fans run non-stop for several days to evaluate durability. We used a standardized rubric to award each fan ratings based on performance, durability, and value and tallied those scores at the end of testing to determine which fans were the best.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Stove Fan

While performing research, we asked chimney expert Tim Smith of Actual Chimney Specialists a variety of questions to find out what factors are most important when shopping for one of these wood stove accessories. If you’re heating with a wood stove, here’s what you need to know about wood stove fans.

Blades

The number and design of the blades impact how well a wood-burning stove fan can distribute air throughout the room. Typically, fans with four blades do a better job of circulating air than fans with two or three blades.

But while fans with more blades are tempting, Smith points out that fans made with fewer blades and lightweight materials will last longer and spring faster. “A lightweight material such as aluminum would be best so the fan blades will spin quickly without too much stress on the motor,” he says. 

The blade design can also play a factor in how effectively the fan moves air. Some wood stove fans utilize curved or angled fan blades to blow air more efficiently.

CFM Rating 

A fan’s CFM rating measures how much air a fan can move per minute. This measurement is important because it indicates how well the wood stove fan can blow air through a room. That being said, while many manufacturers list the CFM ratings of their wood stove fans, they’re not always accurate. Most wood stove fan CFM ratings hover around 130 CFM, which is about enough to circulate warm air through about 400 square feet of space. Also, keep in mind that since wood stove fans have motors that use the stove’s heat for power, the speed will partially depend on the temperature of the stove. 

Operating Temperature

Smith says that when selecting a fan, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature range of the unit, including the minimum temperature that is required to start its motor and the maximum temperature it can endure without suffering damage. 

“Wood stove fans that are specific to the appliance usually have a temperature switch or a snap disk that senses a specific temperature before it will send power to the fan,” Smith says. “The temperature [the fan starts at] is usually between 180 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit.”

As the temperature of the stove increases, the fan will continue to speed up until it hits an optimal temperature, which is usually between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Most wood stove fans have safety features that will raise the base of the fan off of the stove when the wood stove’s temperature exceeds 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This is done to prevent a fan’s motor from overheating. 

Since wood stove fans require a minimum level of heat to power on, they won’t work on electric fireplace heaters or standard built-in fireplaces.

Noise

Since wood stove fan motors are powered solely by heat from the stove, they tend to operate very quietly. Expect a wood stove fan to operate at decibel levels between 25 and 30, which is about the same noise level as a whisper. A fan’s build quality can also affect its noise level. Poorly-made wood stove fans may have loose parts that create rattling or clicking noises while the fan is operating. 

Materials 

Wood stove fans are usually made from anodized aluminum that can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. While virtually all wood stove fans are made from this material, more durably-built models use heavier-gauge aluminum than cheaper alternatives. 

The Advantages of Using a Wood Stove Fan

A good thermal fan for wood stove use can improve its ability to distribute heat, making it more efficient at heating a home. 

“The advantage of adding a wood stove fan is you will push more heat quicker and be able to heat a larger area in a much more efficient manner,” Smith says.

And since these fans use a motor powered by the heat of the stove, they don’t require electricity to function. Unlike fireplace insert blowers and other types of fans, wood stove fans make very little noise, so they don’t detract from the rustic appeal of a wood stove. 

• Improves stove efficiency by helping to distribute warm air
• Doesn’t require any electricity or a battery to operate
• Operates very quietly

Safety Tips for Using Wood Stove Fans

While a heat fan for wood stovetops can help make a stove more efficient, it can also be a safety hazard. First, when positioning the fan on the stove, make sure it has enough clearance to accommodate the spinning blades. Wood stove fans can exceed 600 degrees Fahrenheit. And because the spinning fan blades are exposed on most models, they can cause injury to anyone who comes into contact with them. As such, it’s important to keep children and pets away from the fan. To reposition the fan during use, be wary of the blade and wear a stove glove to avoid getting burned. Also, use the handle on the top of the fan to move it. 

• Make sure there is enough space around the fan to accommodate the blades
• Keep children and pets away from the fan
• Use an oven mitt and grab the fan’s handle to reposition it while it is in use

FAQs 

Still have questions about how wood stove fans work and whether they’re right for your home? Read on for answers to some of the most common queries about these devices, including how long they last and where to position the fan on the stove.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton is a Bob Vila writer specializing in home-related topics. She has a wood stove in her garage, and a wood-burning fireplace insert in her home.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick

The post This Simple Product Can Increase Your Wood Stove’s Efficiency appeared first on Bob Vila.

One space-saving solution, The LG WashTower offers powerful cleaning performance while only taking up half the floor space as traditional sets. It’s also equipped with built-in intelligent sensors. Simply add a load of laundry, and it will detect the fabric type and load size, automatically selecting the appropriate wash and dry cycles. 

A Full Size Washer and Dryer with a Convenient, Space-Saving Design

Many stacked washer and dryer combos free up valuable floor space but still cannot quite tackle large loads, making laundry day a drawn-out event. The LG WashTower improves upon the design with its ultra-large capacity 4.5-cubic-foot washer and 7.4-cubic-foot dryer. 

At 27 inches wide, 74 ⅜ inches high, and 30 ⅜ inches deep, this single vertical unit fits spaces where usually only a washer would stand. Now, you can fit laundry just about anywhere, from a mudroom to the bedroom closet—not just the basement. Alternatively, the stacked design leaves more room for upgrades in your dedicated laundry room, like installing a cabinet and counter, a utility sink, or a laundry hamper system. Wherever you place it, the LG WashTower is ready to be on display: It’s available in two colors (white or graphite steel) and features scratch-resistant tempered glass doors accented with a rose gold–colored trim. Rather than being an eyesore, it suits many decor styles. 

A bonus to the stacked design: The WashTower also features an easy-to-access, sleek LED display control center in the middle of the tower, so there’s no reaching or straining to start a load of laundry.

Advanced Cleaning Performance (And a Cycle that Removes Allergens)

When choosing a washing machine, cleanliness should always be a top priority. After all, what’s the point of selecting a sleek or space-saving option if the washer and dryer fail to deliver fresh, clean clothes? Fortunately, LG offers many advanced cleaning options. One of our favorites, the Allergeine cycle, utilizes steam to remove over 95 percent of common household allergens, including pet dander, dust, and pollen—ideal for seasonal allergy sufferers. For fast cleaning, the LG is equipped with TurboWash® 360, which harnesses five powerful jets to clean large loads of laundry in less than 30 minutes. Yet another standout, TurboSteam® technology can refresh household items like pillows or toys without running a full wash and dry cycle.

Built-In Intelligence Takes the Guesswork Out of Laundry

Whether you like to manually select your wash and dry cycle or appreciate AI technology that can choose for you, the LG WashTower has you covered. When you add laundry to the washer, the built-in sensors detect the fabric type and load size, selecting the appropriate wash cycle for your garments. Through Smart Pairing, the dryer can then set the best drying cycle based on the washer’s settings, keeping your fabric in optimal shape. You’ll no longer have to worry about the mildewy smells that come with underdrying or the damage from overdrying fibers.

While smart technology takes the guesswork out of everyday laundry, there may still be times when you’d like to choose a specific cycle. And luckily, that’s always an option! You can select one of six washer programs from the control center, including bedding, delicates, downloaded, heavy duty, normal, or speed wash. There are also six dryer settings, including bedding, delicates, downloaded, heavy duty, normal, or small load, as well as five manual dry times ranging from 20 to 60 minutes. 

Maintenance Reminders Ensure a Long-Lasting Washer and Dryer

When connected with LG’s ThinQ app, the WashTower can start and stop via remote control or voice command (compatible with Google or Amazon assistants). You can even send specialized cycles to your washer or dryer, if you wish, and monitor your laundry progress on your phone. Better yet, the app’s ThinQ Care feature will alert you when maintenance tasks arise, like when your dryer ducts need to be cleaned. It will also send you early diagnosis alerts should an issue arise, ensuring a long-lasting and well-performing unit. Now that’s smart!

The post Washer-Dryer Combo Design Leaps Forward in LG’s Newest High-Tech Space-Saver appeared first on Bob Vila.

Ace Hardware currently has the Blackstone Iron Forged 2 Burner Outdoor Griddle for $249.99 (a $100 savings). This price is the lowest I’ve found on this particular model at any retailer. They also have other Blackstone griddles on sale (check out our top recommendations in our Best Blackstone Griddle guide), plus a range of cooking accessories like basting bottles and a Blackstone griddle tool set, making now the perfect time to buy.

The Blackstone isn’t the only sale I’m excited about, though. There are also steep discounts on numerous power tools from top-rated brands. And if you find a non-sale item you can’t live without, the upcoming Ace Rewards Day on November 28th can earn you 15% off any regularly priced item with the code NOV28.

Read on for the best Ace Hardware Cyber Monday deals that are too good to miss!

Our Absolute Favorite Cyber Monday Ace Hardware Deals

Free Tools: Buy a Craftsman V20 2 Ah Starter Kit for $129 and Get Two Craftsman Bare Tools FREE

If you buy the Craftsman V20 2 Ah Lithium-Ion Starter Kit 3 pc, which comes with a charger and two rechargeable Craftsman batteries, you’ll receive two free bare tools. There are 14 Craftsman bare tools to choose from, including but not limited to a brushed circular saw, jig saw, portable wet/dry vacuum, and cordless router.

Get the Craftsman V20 2 Ah Starter Kit and Two Free Craftsman Bare Tools for $129 (Save up to $198)

Save $70: DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Brushed 2 Tool Compact Drill and Impact Driver Kit

Get the highly rated Dewalt impact driver and drill kit for only $129, a savings of $70. The kit includes the impact driver, drill, carrying case, two batteries, a battery charger, and a 15-piece rapid load drilling and driving set.

Get the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Brushed 2 Tool Compact Drill and Impact Driver Kit for $129 (Save $70)

Save $409: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. 18 V Battery Chainsaw/Leaf Blower Combo Kit

After testing the top battery chainsaws, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-inch was one of our favorites. Now you can get it with the M18 Fuel blower for 48% off—that’s like getting the leaf blower for free! 

Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. 18 V Battery Chainsaw/Leaf Blower Combo Kit for $449 (Save $407)

Save $70: Craftsman 5 Drawer Tool Center

Save 32% on the Craftsman 5-drawer tool center, constructed of high-quality steel with a 300-pound load rating. This deal is one of Ace Hardware’s top sellers, so act fast before supplies run out.

Get the Craftsman 5 Drawer Tool Center for $149 (Save $70)

Save $200: Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill with WiFi

Wood pellet grills utilize wood pellets rather than charcoal or propane for cooking, and Traeger is among the most popular brands of these outdoor cookers. Right now, you can score significant savings on Traeger grills, including the Pro 575, which is equipped with WiFi, allowing you to control the grill’s temperature from your phone.

Get the Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill with WiFi for $599 (Save $200.95)

Other Ace Hardware Cyber Monday Deals We Love

Ace Hardware is also offering discounts on big brands, including 15% off of all Yeti products, plus savings on Christmas trees, smart home products, snow blowers, Solo stoves Stoves, and Ego outdoor power equipment. Below are a few more stand-out deals that may help you cross a couple of names off your Christmas shopping list.

• YETI Roadie 60 qt Roller Cooler for $425 (save $75)
• STIHL SEA 20 Cordless Hand Vacuum Kit for $99.99 (save $60)
• Milwaukee Phillips/Slotted Screwdriver Set for $19.99 (save $23)

The post I Can’t Pass Up This Cyber Monday Deal at Ace Hardware appeared first on Bob Vila.

Black Friday Deals on Great Electric Mops

Electric mops take the backbreaking work out of washing the floor, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to these house-cleaning helpers. That’s why we tested several of the most popular electric mops. We steamed, scrubbed, and suctioned our way across more than 1,500 square feet of hardwood, ceramic tile, and linoleum floors to find the best. We compared features, accessories, and, most importantly, cleaning ability. Top of our list is the Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop, which is very easy to use and maneuver, and is suitable for most types of hard floors. Here’s a look at our full lineup of the best electric mops by type and category.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ogori Cordless Electric Spin Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST STEAM MOP: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST ROBOT MOP: iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST VACUUM/MOP COMBO: Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST ATTACHMENTS: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner & Electric Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST CORDLESS: Vmai Cordless Electric Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST FOR HARDWOODS: Tineco Floor One S5 Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review
9. BEST FOR TILE: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review

How We Tested the Best Electric Mops

To compile our list, we started by researching more than 20 popular electric mops. Rather than focusing on only one type, we included a balance of steam, spin, robo, and vacuum/mop combos. We considered in-demand features like ease of use, floor-type compatibility, accessories, and corded versus cordless options before narrowing our list to the mops above that we then tested.

First we assembled the mops, noting how easy this process was. We then used the mops for regular cleanings, allowing our floors to accumulate dirt and dust for several days beforehand. To see how well each mop could tackle stuck-on messes, we mopped various dried-on substances, including mud, pasta sauce, ketchup, and apple juice.

We also assessed maneuverability—including whether they fit under cabinet overhangs—storage, and, in the cases of cordless mops, battery life.

Our Top Picks

We put each of the best electric mops through a series of tests and rated them using a rubric. Below is an honest evaluation of each mop, with pros and cons to consider before buying.

Best Overall

Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Maneuverability 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Spin
• Corded: Yes
• Weight: 9.5 pounds

What We Like

• Glides over the floor, requiring little force
• Mop pads slightly extend past the mophead, cleaning along baseboards and cabinet edges
• Compatible with all sealed hard surfaces; comes with regular cleaning pads and scrubby pads
• On-demand spray button allows you to control how much cleaning solution hits the floor

What We Don’t Like

• Mophead is too thick to fit under low-to-the-ground furniture

The Bissell SpinWave Pet hard floor spin mop is compatible with all sealed hard floors, including vinyl, linoleum, hardwoods, tile, and laminate. This corded model features two discs that simultaneously spin, a 28-ounce water tank, and an on-demand spray button. The mop comes with two soft-touch cleaning pads for regular mopping and two scrubby pads for stuck-on messes.

During testing, we loved how effortless it was to maneuver this mop—it glided over the floor, making it enjoyable and easy to use. The on-demand spray button allowed us to control the amount of cleaning solution, and the mophead was slim enough to fit under most cabinet overhangs. Since the mop pads slightly extend from the side, they cleaned along cabinet edges and baseboards.

We used the included Bissell multisurface cleaning solution, and it dried streak-free on our floors. After use, we emptied the water tank and threw the cleaning pads in the washing machine. Both steps were simple, and the mop pads held up great, even after several washes. This mop was so easy and effective that it was hard for us to find a con. If we had to pick one, it’s that the mophead might be too thick to fit under low-to-the-ground furniture.

Get the Bissell SpinWave electric mop at Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck

Ogori Cordless Electric Spin Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Spin 
• Corded: No
• Weight: 2.5 pounds

What We Like

• Up to 50 minutes of runtime for cleaning large areas
• Comes with 2 sets of pads: one for regular cleaning and the other for sticky messes
• Slim mophead fits under small cabinet overhangs and low furniture

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t have a water tank; must use a spray-on or squirt-on cleaner

The Ogori cordless electric spin mop is a lightweight option best for those who prefer to use their own bottle of cleaner and spray or squirt it directly on the floor. It features two rotating discs and comes with two sets of cleaning pads—the green pair is a soft-touch pad for gentle cleaning, and the white pair is suitable for sticky messes. 

The Ogori mop is rechargeable with up to 50 minutes of runtime. It doesn’t feature a water tank or on-demand spray. Instead, it dry mops and is compatible with any spray-on mopping solution, making it ideal for moisture-sensitive floors.

During testing, our favorite features were the slim mophead and 90-degree swivel handle. This mop can fit under low-to-the-ground furniture, making it easy to clean often-missed grime. We used it to reach under deep cabinet overhangs and were amazed at how much left-behind dirt it picked up. We also appreciated how lightweight this mop is—at only 2.5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest on our list and easy to carry up and down a flight of stairs.

Get the Ogori electric mop at Amazon.

Best Steam Mop

Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam
• Corded: Yes
• Weight: 6.2 pounds

What We Like

• Features 3 steam settings users can adjust based on floor and mess type
• Compatible with scent discs for those who want a fresh smell
• Easy to maneuver around toilets, furniture, baseboards, and under overhangs
• Cleans and sanitizes, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of germs

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for moisture- or heat-sensitive floor types like laminate and unsealed stone

The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop powers through dirt and stuck-on grime, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of germs using only water. It features three steam levels—low, medium, and high—making it suitable for multiple types of sealed hard floor surfaces. This model comes with a soft microfiber pad, a scrubby microfiber pad, two scent discs, and a carpet glider.

During testing, this was one of our favorite mops and earned the top spot in our Best Steam Mops guide. It produces powerful steam, taking only 30 seconds to warm up. We used the low setting to mop hardwood floors and powered up to the medium and high settings to cut through buildup on tile. After mopping, our floors were streak-free and noticeably cleaner. 

This mop was easy to maneuver, and the low-profile head did a great job cleaning around toilets, baseboards, and underneath furniture. Since first testing this mop, we’ve washed the microfiber pads several times, and they’ve held up well. 

The Bissell steam mop ranks high for its cleaning ability and maneuverability, but it’s not suitable for all floor types. Those who need an electric mop for laminate, luxury vinyl plank, or unsealed stone may want to skip steam mops as their use can lead to warping, dulling of the sealer, or etching.

Get the Bissell PowerFresh electric mop at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.

Best Robot Mop

iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 3.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Robot
• Corded: No
• Weight: 4.85 pounds

What We Like

• Creates a map of the home, allowing you to assign rooms to be cleaned
• Works with reusable or disposable wet mop pads and dry sweeping pads
• Can team up with select Roomba models to vacuum and mop in sequence

What We Don’t Like

• Initial mapping process can be time-consuming, particularly for closed floor plans
• Doesn’t vacuum (only dry sweeps the floor), so users must manually vacuum before mopping
• Ideal for light mopping; spot-cleaning may be required for built-up grime and dried-on spills

While robot mops don’t have the cleaning capabilities of manual mops, they can take care of regular household dust and dirt, keeping floors cleaner longer. Best of all, the iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 is programmable. It will learn the house layout, and you can designate “clean zones” and “keep-out zones.”

The Braava Jet M6 is compatible with iRobot Home App (available through Apple or Google Play), Alexa, Google, and Siri and will clean specific rooms with a voice command. It also suggests personalized cleaning schedules by room. This model doesn’t have the advanced navigation to avoid small obstacles like cords or pet waste, but it can clean under and around furniture.

We tested this robot mop on a main floor that contains five separate rooms (not open concept) with hardwood floors. We unpackaged the machine, charged it, downloaded the app, and followed the prompts. Getting set up was simple, so we put the robot mop to the test, instructing it to map our floors while dry sweeping. Unfortunately, it took more than four attempts and over 2.5 hours to get the mop to create a complete map.

With the layout mapped, we wet mopped and were impressed by the thoroughness. The Braava Jet took its time, going back and forth over each pass until it had cleaned all of the rooms. It picked up regular household dirt, as evidenced by the dirty mop pad. Unfortunately, it didn’t completely clean the dried-on pasta sauce, leaving us to spot-clean once it finished.

The Braava Jet is a good companion to Roomba vacuums and a decent choice for those wanting to experience hands-off cleaning. However, there are much less expensive electric mops that do a better job of cleaning the floor.

Get the iRobot electric mop at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or iRobot.

Bet Vacuum/mop Combo

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Vacuum/mop combo
• Corded: Yes
• Weight: 12.5 pounds

What We Like

• Features 3 settings, including HydroSteam mode, Hard Floor mode, and Area Rug mode
• The vacuum suction deep-cleans the floor, picking up debris that other mops miss
• Mophead features LED headlights to illuminate pet hair and debris
• On-demand cleaning solution trigger allows you to control the level of moisture on the floor

What We Don’t Like

• When the roller bar is dirty, the HydroSteam mode blasts dirt back onto the floor
• Must run the clean-out cycle and hand-wash removable pieces after each use

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is an all-in-one vacuum that provides you with the option to wash the floors with a regular cleaning solution or steam, depending on the setting. It features an on-demand cleaning-solution trigger and two separate tanks for clean and dirty water. It also comes with an 8-ounce bottle of Hard Floor Sanitize Formula, an 8-ounce bottle of Pet Multi-Surface Formula, a bottle of Fresh-Start Clean Out Formula, and two filters.

The three settings on this mop include HydroSteam mode, Hard Floor mode, and Area Rug mode. To test the mop, we filled the water tank and added some of the multisurface formula. We cleaned our floors with the Hard Floor mode, switching to HydroSteam for stuck-on messes. We also tested the Area Rug setting, which switches to vacuum only. The vacuum worked well also, providing enough suction to remove dirt and debris from the rug.

During our first tests, we mopped regular dirt buildup in two rooms. When we emptied the dirty water tank, we were impressed with how well this mop cleaned—the dirty water was almost black and the strainer was loaded with debris. We then tried out the HydroSteam feature on sticky messes. While it did clean them, we discovered that the steam mode would blast dirt back on the floor if the roller bar was dirty. After steaming, we had to reclean the area with the Hard Floor setting.

Another potential con of the CrossWave HydroSteam is the clean-out process—the mop must be cleaned every time it’s used. We did this by emptying the dirty water tank; running the clean-out cycle on the mop; and then hand-washing the roller bar, filter, and dirty water tank. While the process wasn’t complicated, this mop isn’t a good choice for those who don’t want to clean their mop every time they clean their floors.

Get the Bissell CrossWave electric mop at Amazon, Best Buy, or Bissell.

Best Attachments

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner & Electric Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5;Maneuverability 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam
• Corded: Yes
• Weight: 4.81 pounds

What We Like

• Emits large amounts of steam even on the lowest setting
• Cleans regular dirt and blasts through stuck-on grime, leaving floors deep cleaned
• Includes a detachable handheld steamer and several attachments for whole-house cleaning
• Works with water only—no need to purchase cleaning solutions

What We Don’t Like

• Short cord length doesn’t reach across long rooms, so users must switch outlets
• Large amounts of steam make it unsuitable for heat- or moisture-sensitive flooring 

For those who want a mop that does more than clean the floors, the PurSteam 10-in-1 steam cleaner and electric mop is a top choice. It boasts three levels of steam; a detachable handheld unit; and multiple attachments, including a straight nozzle, bent nozzle, window squeegee, and nylon brushes.

During testing, we were impressed by the amount of steam the PurSteam mop put off. It’s easy to maneuver and left our floors looking deep cleaned.The slim head fit under cabinet overhangs and was able to clean around the toilet and up against baseboards. We mopped on the lowest steam setting and then switched to a higher setting to blast through stuck-on messes—the mop had no problem removing dried-on pasta sauce and apple juice from the floor.

To test the handheld unit, we used the nozzle attachments to dislodge dirt from baseboards and remove built-up gunk in the dishwasher and oven. We also used the double-brush attachment to clean our grout. Since this model lacked an extension hose for the handheld unit, it was awkward to maneuver when tackling large jobs like floor grout, but it did a great job, bringing dingy grout back to a light gray color. Overall, we liked the handheld unit best for smaller jobs like blasting dirt and mineral deposits off of faucets and for cleaning showers.

The biggest con to this model is the shorter 15.9-foot cord. When mopping long, narrow rooms, we had to pause and switch outlets. Another downside is that this mop emits large amounts of steam, so it might not be suitable for heat- or moisture-sensitive flooring.

Get the PurSteam electric mop at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Cordless

Vmai Cordless Electric Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Spin
• Corded: No
• Weight: 5.6 pounds

What We Like

• Up to 60 minutes of battery time—long enough to clean most homes
• It passed our cleaning tests, removing regular dirt and dried-on messes
• Features LED headlights to illuminate pet hair and dust particles
• Safe for all sealed hard-floor surfaces, including laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and more

What We Don’t Like

• Filling the water tank is difficult due to the long, skinny opening
• Awkward power button placement leads to accidentally turning the mop off while in use

Corded mops can be inconvenient when you’re going from room to room or need to clean a quick spill. The Vmai cordless electric mop saves you from that hassle with a battery that lasts up to 60 minutes, covering 2,150 square feet. It features an on-demand spray trigger, a 300-milliliter water tank, and two sets of mopping pads.

When we first got this mop, it was in a small package, which had us doubting its size. After the easy assembly, it looked as pictured online, so we put it to the test. We started by filling the water tank and then attaching the pink mop pads to clean our hardwood, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl plank floors. We made it through about 1,000 square feet of floor without the battery dying. 

This Vmai cordless electric mop did a good job—it picked up regular household dirt and powered through caked-on mud and dried pasta sauce. Since it’s cord-free, it was easy to take up and down the stairs to clean quick messes; we even used it to mop hardwood stairs.

Despite being an efficient-cleaning mop, the Vmai cordless electric model has two design flaws. First, the hole to fill the water tank is a long, narrow oval. We found it impossible to fill the tank without dumping water on the mophead or the floor—even when we used the included measuring cup. Second, the power button is located on the top handle. and while mopping, we accidentally powered off the mop several times. Overall though, this is a good cordless electric mop.

Get the Vmai electric mop at Amazon.

Best For Hardwoods

Tineco Floor One S5 Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 3.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Vacuum/mop combo
• Corded: No
• Weight: 17.37 pounds

What We Like

• Self-propelled design and swivel steering make it easy to mop, even for long periods
• The roller brush self-cleans, preventing dirt from making its way back onto the floor
• Cordless model with a 35-minute runtime and a convenient docking station
• Compatible with the Tineco app that alerts users to maintenance issues

What We Like

• When the battery dies, it takes up to 4 hours to completely recharge

The Tineco Floor One S5 is a wet/dry vac featuring iLoop Smart Sensor Technology that detects dirt levels and auto adjusts the suction, water flow, and brush speed. It mops and vacuums simultaneously, and since the dirty water tank has a debris filter, it’s easy to dump its contents into the trash before emptying the soiled water.

This mop is cordless, with a 35-minute runtime. We tested it on a 1,700-square-foot home, and the battery life was more than enough to vacuum and mop the entire house. The auto-sense feature worked as described, with the brush speeding up when it sensed large messes and slowing back down for regular dirt levels. After cleaning, we dumped out the water tank and were amazed at how dark the water was. Our floors looked clean, and when we walked on them barefoot, we could feel the difference.

Other features we appreciated included the large water tank that allowed us to mop our entire upstairs without stopping to refill it and the self-cleaning brush. This mop is also compatible with the Tineco app, which alerts you when it’s time to run the self-clean feature. 

Overall, this mop was efficient and a great choice for cleaning hardwood floors. The potential downsides are the need to recharge the mop, which can be a hassle if it dies in the middle of the job, and the price. This mop is one of the more expensive options on our list.

Get the Tineco electric mop at Amazon.

Best For Tile

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Maneuverability 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam
• Corded: Yes
• Weight: 9 pounds

What We Like

• Kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs using only steam
• Comes with 17 accessories suitable for cleaning and sanitizing floors, upholstery, grout, and more
• Modern design features wheels and a handle, making it easy to maneuver

What We Don’t Like

• Steam is not suitable for all floor types; follow your floor manufacturer’s recommendations

Steam mops, like the Dupray Neat steam cleaner, clean and sanitize, making them a great choice for durable tile like ceramic and porcelain. This mop features a modern, square design with a handle on top and wheels at the bottom for easy maneuverability. It comes with 17 accessories, including nylon grout brushes, a floor tool, a steam lancer, and microfiber mop pads. Best of all, it kills up to 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria using only water.

We tested the Dupray Neat steam cleaner on ceramic bathroom tile. Before getting started, we vacuumed our floor, filled up the water tank, and allowed the steam mop to heat up. Once the steam indicator light came on, we mopped the floors. The Dupray features a trigger we could use for on-demand steam or it can be locked in place for a continuous blast. Even though our floors looked clean to the eye, this mop picked up a large amount of dirt, as witnessed by the soiled mop pads. 

We used the other attachments to steam around the toilet, scrub the grout, clean the inside of the shower, and disinfect the sink. Those who want to kill germs as they clean will appreciate the versatility of this mop. 

We also tested this model on our hardwood and linoleum floors. Thanks to its high-temperature steam, it cleaned both floor types quickly, lifting regular dirt and stuck-on grime. The biggest con to this mop is that it may not be safe for all surfaces. Though this steamer can be used on sealed hardwood, sealed laminate, glazed ceramic, marble, tile, stained concrete, linoleum, granite, and vinyl, Dupray cautions users to check manufacturer recommendations before steam-cleaning.

Get the Dupray electric mop at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Mop

The type of floors in your home is one of the most important factors when choosing an electric mop. Electric mops work via steam, a spray-on cleaning solution, suction, or by dry mopping. Not all methods are suitable for all floors. Other considerations include corded versus cordless power, attachments, and water-tank capacity. Shoppers with multiple levels in their homes will also want to consider weight—the lighter the mop, the easier it is to carry up and down the stairs.

Floor Type

Electric mops that use water or a mild cleaning solution are suitable for all types of floors. Steam mops, on the other hand, can cause issues in heat- and moisture-sensitive flooring like laminate, unsealed natural stone, and luxury vinyl plank. Those who want to protect their flooring while getting the best clean will want to refer to their floor manufacturer’s recommendations.

A good option for homes with multiple types of floors are spin mops or vacuum/mop combos with on-demand spray. The on-demand spray allows you to control the amount of cleaning solution that hits the floor.

More durable options, like ceramic and porcelain tile, often benefit from steam, which can loosen stuck-on grime and sanitize. 

Corded vs. Cordless

Cordless mops eliminate the hassle of dragging a cord over the floor but pose the risk of running out of power in the middle of a mopping session. Another benefit is quick cleanups—they’re easy to grab and use for spot-cleaning. Some cordless electric mops can last as long as 60 minutes, but most have shorter runtimes. 

Corded mops have their benefits, too. They often have more power than battery-powered options and can run anywhere there’s an electrical outlet. When choosing a corded electric mop, consider cord length. Those who live in homes with long, narrow rooms will want to purchase a mop that will easily reach across those large areas, helping them avoid stopping and switching outlets.

Water Tank Capacity

The water tank capacity of an electric mop indicates how much water or cleaning solution it will hold. The bigger the water tank, the longer the mop will run without needing a refill. Those with a large home will want a mop with a bigger tank, ideally something that holds 15 or more ounces of water or cleaning solution. Those who don’t have a big area to mop or don’t mind refilling can get by with a smaller tank.

Aside from tank capacity, also pay attention to the refill method. Mops with a removable water tank and screw-off cap are easiest to refill, while those with built-in tanks can be more difficult, especially if the fill hole is small.

Additional Features

Many electric mops come with additional features. For example, vacuum/mop combos sweep and mop simultaneously, while steam mops often include attachments for cleaning areas other than the floor.

Another type of mop that offers additional features is a robot mop. Some are capable of working in conjunction with robot vacuums, can map the entire house, create cleaning schedules, and avoid obstacles.Those who prefer a mop without all the bells and whistles will appreciate spin mops. They do one job: clean the floor. 

Additional features to consider on all mops include washable or disposable mop pads, docking stations for cordless models, and self-cleaning cycles.

FAQs

Switching from a standard mop to an electric mop for floor cleaning is an easy transition. Electric mops do most of the hard work, making mopping less of a chore. The best electric mops vary in price and features, with options available for different budget levels and floor types. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked electric mop questions below.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

Additional research and testing by Anne Holub.

The post The Best Electric Mops of 2025, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Bob Vila.

Black Friday Deals Happening Now!

A vacuum, mop, or broom works just fine for daily cleaning and upkeep, but handheld steam cleaners are more effective when removing unsightly stains, stubborn dirt, and grime. These portable cleaning powerhouses rely on high-heat vapor from boiling water to loosen and lift ground-in messes, kill germs, and sanitize surfaces. While a handheld steamer isn’t ideal for large jobs, it can work wonders on everything from upholstery to carpets, bathroom tiles to laminate floors, and even clothing and curtains.

To see which of today’s most popular handheld steam cleaners has the most cleaning power, we put 10 models through an extensive series of tests. We also reached out to an environmental toxicity expert to get their insights on using steam for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Based on their opinions and our hands-on tests, we chose the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner as our favorite. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and it proved effective on a variety of hard and soft surfaces.

Read on to learn more about this machine and the rest of the best handheld steam cleaners that made our list of top picks. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review 
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Phueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST FOR CLOTHES: PerfectDay Portable Handheld Garment Steamer
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST FOR CARPET: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST FOR UPHOLSTERY: Steamfast SF-370 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST MOP: Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review

Our Top Picks

The best handheld steam cleaners are lightweight, provide adequate steam, and offer a variety of attachments. They also do a great job deep cleaning floors and removing light stains from fabrics. We tested nine models; here are the ones that made the cut.

Best Overall

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4.25/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 9 pounds
• Surfaces: Floors, upholstery, grout, tile, appliances, car interiors, furniture, mattresses, bathrooms
• Attachments: 17 pieces

What We Like

• Cleans quicker than most other models
• 17-piece accessory set helps clean the whole house 
• Extension wand is great for showers and curtains
• Offers both on-demand and continuous steam 

What We Don’t Like

• At 9 pounds, it’s on the heavier side
• Loud when using concentrated steam

Most handheld steam mops have a relatively small tank capacity that restricts their cleaning time to 10 or 20 minutes. But since the Dupray Neat steam cleaner separates the cleaning head from the tank, it can hold 54 ounces of water and steam for up to 50 minutes. Its extensive accessory set includes multipurpose nylon heads, a brass grout brush, floor and window tools, a steam lance, a triangle tool, microfiber cloths, and cleaning pads. It also has a 16-foot cord, extension wands, and 6 feet 6 inches of hose for excellent freedom of movement and easy cleaning in hard-to-reach places.

The Dupray Neat steam cleaner passed our hard-surface tests with flying colors. It put out more steam than any other model and was more efficient thanks to its 275-degree Fahrenheit temperature. We used it to clean our dingy grout, dislodge mineral deposits in our shower and around our sink, degrease our oven, and clean our floors. During soft-surface testing, it lifted light stains off upholstery and removed wrinkles from clothing. Like the rest of the models, however, it couldn’t remove dark or oil-based stains. 

While this model is a deep-cleaning powerhouse, it does have a couple of cons. First, it sometimes spits out water after first being powered on. To combat this, we squeezed the trigger a few times before using it on upholstery so we didn’t oversaturate our fabric. Second, at 9 pounds, it’s heavier than other handheld options—though we had no problems maneuvering it around the house.

Read our full review: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

What our tester says: “We love how slim the mophead is; it fit under all our furniture and cabinets for a comprehensive deep cleaning.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dupray handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Dupray.

Best Bang for the Buck

Phueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, fabric, upholstery, grout, car interiors, furniture, windows
• Attachments: 12 pieces

What We Like

• Produces enough pressurized steam for 8 to 12 minutes of cleaning
• 12-piece accessory kit can tackle tons of tasks
• Cap can’t be opened if steam inside is too hot

What We Don’t Like

• No steam trigger lock for continuous output 

Light and compact, the Phueut pressurized handheld steam cleaner was one of our favorite compact models. It was easy to operate, and the quality of its 12 attachments felt on par with well-known brands. The high-pressure steam it produces can reach a temperature of up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to kill germs and bacteria. 

That high-temperature steam also helped it dislodge dirt more quickly than some of the other steamers on our list. Once we powered it on, it was ready to clear in under 5 minutes, and its tank capacity of almost 12 ounces provides 8 to 12 minutes of cleaning time. We used it to release wrinkles from clothes, spot treat upholstery stains, and break down mineral deposits and grease. Between tasks, we locked down the safety cap to prevent accidental scalding.

One frustration point we had with this model was its short 9.8-foot power cord. Switching outlets when using a steamer is not ideal, and we had to since this unit can’t reach far. We also didn’t love that its on-demand trigger has no locking mechanism for continuous steam blasts. Considering how well this model cleaned, we wish we could’ve locked the steam into place during more time-consuming jobs.

Get the Phueut handheld steam cleaner at Amazon.

Best for Clothes

PerfectDay Portable Handheld Garment Steamer

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 3/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 1 pound
• Surfaces: Fabric
• Attachments: 1 piece

What We Like

• Compact and portable for home or travel
• Shuts off if low on water or too hot
• Solidly constructed and easy to use, clean, and maintain

What We Don’t Like

• Only suited for clothing and fabric

At just 1 pound, this small steam cleaner is perfect for at-home use or taking on a trip. Its generous steam flow and ample heat effectively pull wrinkles out of all fabric types. Since this model is intended for garments, we tested it on wrinkly clothing items and stains. It removed wrinkles from clothing well, but the small water tank capacity only allowed us to steam three women’s size M shirts or two size XXL men’s shirts before needing a refill. After testing for wrinkle release, we attempted stain removal using our test jeans. The steamer helped loosen dirt, coffee, and red wine but was no match for dark or oil-based stains.

This compact handheld unit features a 100-milliliter water tank that provides continuous steam for up to 10 minutes. It comes with a fabric-brush attachment for cleaning dirt off garments and smoothing wrinkles. Another great feature is the auto shutoff, which powers down the steamer if it gets too hot or the water levels are too low. 

What our tester says: “The PerfectDay portable steam cleaner is small, lightweight, and user-friendly. It can replace a clothing iron and is easy to store. The downside is that it’s for garments only and doesn’t offer the versatility of the other steam cleaners.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the PerfectDay handheld steam cleaner at Amazon.

Best for Carpet

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 4.85 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, fabric, grout, carpet, clothing, windows, mirrors, stainless steel
• Attachments: 10 pieces

What We Like

• Slim enough to fit around toilets, baseboards, and furniture
• Cleans multiple surfaces, including upholstery and carpet
• Super lightweight and maneuverable
• Water tank can be refilled while steaming

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t have an extension hose 

Gone are the days of renting a heavy carpet cleaner—this lightweight steam mop from PurSteam sanitizes deep into the fibers of carpets and area rugs. With a reservoir of 11.5 ounces, it provides up to 25 minutes of steam on the lowest setting. It works with tap water, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals. 

When we tested this mop, we were immediately impressed by how quickly it warmed up and how much steam it put out. It removed light staining on the carpet and upholstery, leaving the fabric refreshed without leaving residue behind. The jet nozzle worked to steam our carpet for sanitization purposes, and the round nylon brush was suitable as a spot cleaner. We also tested it on hard surfaces, like grout, sinks, and an oven. The handheld unit was awkward to maneuver when tackling large jobs since it lacks an extension hose, but it still cleaned well. 

We also used the mop, and it was one of our favorite features. Since it delivered such a high amount of steam, it cleaned quickly. We do wish the 15.9-foot cord was just a little longer, as it didn’t reach all the way across some of our test rooms.

Get the PurSteam handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or PurSteam.

Best for Upholstery

Steamfast SF-370 Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.75/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 8.42 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, upholstery, grout, tile, cars, appliances, carpet, windows, grills
• Attachments: 15 pieces

What We Like

• Offers steam on demand and continuous steam
• Integrated power cord wrap is great for storage
• Handle makes it easier to carry from room to room

What We Don’t Like

• No onboard accessories storage

The Steamfast SF-370 steam cleaner features a variety of useful accessories, but its wide mophead attachments and corner scrub tools make it an ideal option handheld furniture steam cleaner for upholstery. It was one of the most powerful steam cleaners we tested, and its steam-on-demand trigger and continuous steam locking switch made it easy to control and direct the steam, especially when paired with the steam jet nozzle. This attachment allowed us to aim the steam onto stubborn stains on mattresses and fabric-covered chairs. It even helped to break up old gum residue on an area rug. Unfortunately, it didn’t allow us to adjust the steam’s intensity.

Still, with its 48-ounce water tank that makes up to 45 minutes of continuous steam, we had plenty of time to move between cleaning tasks. The corded upholstery steam cleaner maneuvered smoothly as we went, and we appreciated that the integrated carrying handle made it easier to bring the unit up and down the stairs. Though it stores away easily because of its low profile, this model does not have any onboard accessory storage.

Get the Steamfast steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Mop

Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.25/5; Value 3.5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 6.125 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, fabric, upholstery, grout, appliances, showers, sinks, bathrooms, toys
• Attachments: 7 pieces

What We Like

• Converts from a handheld steamer to a stick mop
• Attachments insert into the handheld unit or onto the extension wand
• Can clean most materials and surfaces

What We Don’t Like

• No extension hose means some jobs are a bit awkward

This cleaner from Bissell is part handheld steamer and part stick mop. Not only is it great for scrubbing hardwood, laminate, tile, and other hard floor surfaces, it’s also a useful hand steamer for cleaning furniture, curtains, clothes, and other fabrics. Itsonboard cleaning kit includes three round scrubbing brushes, a flat scraper, a flat surface tool, a bristle scrub brush, a grout tool, and an angle tool. The attachments can hook directly to the handheld unit or the same extension tube as the mophead, helping you reach ceiling fans, molding, and windows. A bonus garment steamer makes this unit a complete in-home cleaning system.

During testing, we used the steamer to release wrinkles from clothing and spot treat light stains on carpet, microsuede, and jeans. We moved to the bathroom and switched to the steam grout cleaner brush, and it easily dislodged the dirt in our grout lines. We appreciated that the attachments could hook to the extension tube, allowing us to clean high shower grout without straining our arms or neck. The handheld unit also performed well on grease and mineral buildup. 

There were a few things about this Bissell that weren’t ideal, however. There’s no hose for the attachments, and we found our hands and arms got tired holding the full weight of the machine during larger jobs. Second, the handheld unit attaches to the top of the mop, so it feels heavy compared to other options. 

Get the Bissell PowerFresh handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.

Best Heavy-Duty

McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Weight: 10.78 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, concrete, appliances, grills, decks
• Attachments: 20 pieces

What We Like

• Wheeled base, extension hose, and long power cord make it easy to maneuver
• Performed the best in our soft-surface test
• 20 versatile accessories for indoor and outdoor cleaning

What We Don’t Like

• May be too heavy for going up and down stairs
• Doesn’t include a dedicated upholstery attachment

The McCulloch MC1375 is a canister steam cleaner with handheld and mop attachments. It boasts a 48-ounce water tank and can last produce steam for up to 90 minutes. It features an on-demand trigger that locks in place for continuous steam, which is important when tackling large jobs on indoor and outdoor surfaces, including floors, bathrooms, concrete, grills, and kitchen. It features a wheeled bottom, an 18-foot power cord, and a long extension hose, making it easy to maneuver. It also comes with integrated cord storage and a bag for its 20 accessories.

The McCulloch MC1375 performed the best of all the machines during our soft-surface tests. It removed dirt, wine, and coffee on all surfaces. While it didn’t completely remove oil, chocolate sauce, or tomato sauce, it eliminated or lightened these stains better than any other unit. Its accessories proved useful in deep cleaning hard surfaces, and it was able to blast through grease on the oven, remove mineral deposits around a sink, and break down dirt and grime on our floors.

At over 10 pounds, it’s the heaviest handheld vapor steam cleaner on our list and not a good option for those cleaning multiple stories. It also doesn’t include a dedicated upholstery attachment, although the jet nozzle worked well for spot treating stains and releasing wrinkles from clothes. It’s best suited for those who’ve previously used steam cleaners and are looking for a multipurpose steam cleaner with heavy-duty attachments.

Get the McCulloch handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, McCulloch, or Kohl’s.

ALSO TESTED

We also tested the Comforday pressurized handheld steam cleaner and the Light ‘n’ Easy multifunctional steam mop, but neither passed testing. 

• Within 5 minutes of testing the Comforday Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner, the metal tip blew out of the long spray nozzle. The steamer also featured a safety lock on the trigger, which felt cumbersome to hold down. 
• The Light ‘n’ Easy Multifunctional Steam Mop worked well as a mop, but the detachable handheld unit only came with a jet nozzle, a fabric tool, and an extension hose. The fabric attachment released wrinkles well, but the machine simply didn’t provide as much cleaning versatility as other models.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Handheld Steam Cleaners

Before testing, we researched the best handheld steam cleaners and selected popular models that fit a range of needs. We included options that are budget-friendly, convert to a mop, have a large water tank capacity, and come with multiple attachments.

We chose ten of the best steam cleaners and put them through hard- and soft-surface tests. For our soft-surface tests, we used an upholstery board with tan microsuede fabric, a white shag carpet scrap, and a pair of light-wash jeans. We stained each surface with dirt, coffee, red wine, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, and chocolate sauce. We then used each steamer on the stains. The results were consistent across the board: All steamers removed most of the dirt, coffee, and red wine on all surfaces, but none of the portable steam cleaners could completely remove the oil, tomato sauce, or chocolate sauce. 

For our hard-surface tests, we used each handheld steam cleaner (except for the clothing-only model) to dislodge grease in an oven, remove mineral buildup in a dishwasher, clean dirty bathroom grout, and loosen dried food off the floor. We evaluated how well each model cleaned various household surfaces and scored them with a rubric.

What to Consider When Choosing a Handheld Steam Cleaner

The best handheld steam cleaner doesn’t just remove stains, dirt, and grime. It also needs to suit your budget, arm strength, and even patience. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking to buy a handheld steam cleaner.

Intended Use

Many manufacturers list the types of tasks their handheld steam cleaners can tackle, but be aware that some models specifically meant for garments, for example, shouldn’t be used on a carpet. Knowing a steam cleaner’s intended use can help you narrow down the options that best meet your cleaning needs.

Handheld steam cleaners are typically portable, even when the water tank is full. Even most large handheld models usually don’t run for more than an hour, which means they work well on emergency spills, small stains, pet accidents, and other light-duty jobs.

Cord Length

Since steam cleaners draw large amounts of electricity, there aren’t any cordless options. Instead, keep cord length in mind: The longer the cord and extension hose, the more reach a handheld steamer for cleaning will have. The best handheld steam cleaners provide plenty of length so you don’t have to unplug mid-clean. 

Size and Weight

When selecting the right handheld steam cleaner, size and weight are key since you’ll be holding and lifting the steamer during operation. If the reservoir is large, the high volume of water can make a handheld cleaner heavier, making it more difficult to use after a few minutes. You’ll likely want to look for models with ergonomic handles and easy-to-reach buttons or switches.

Accessories are equally important and should be substantial enough to reach the areas that need deep cleaning yet small enough to store compactly when the handheld steamer isn’t in use.

Power and Steam Settings

Just as some vacuums have more suction than others, some handheld steamers have more forceful steam pressure than others. Applying higher pressure can be a lazy trick for better cleaning, but it could also damage certain surfaces, especially if the user is careless. 

As a general rule, perform a small spot test before cleaning a specific item or area, and use only as much pressure as needed to do the job. On an upholstered sofa, for example, select a small area on the back, spot cleaning it using different power settings to determine the one that cleans best without causing damage.

Some steamers have one setting only, so the only way to change the pressure is to hold the steamer closer or farther away from the object. Other models have two or three modes to accommodate different tasks. 

Tank Capacity

If the tank capacity is 6 to 8 ounces, the steamer will be much lighter and easier to lift but will run out of steam rather quickly, often in just a few minutes. A larger tank capacity means longer cleaning power, but it makes the unit much heavier. 

Ideal tank capacity varies by task. A smaller tank can handle simple spot cleaning, but a larger one is necessary to clean, say, a set of shower doors. Again, larger tank capacity makes a steam cleaner heavier, so you’ll want to determine how much weight you can comfortably hold throughout a chore. 

Comfort

Ergonomic handles with padding and easy-to-reach controls allow you to use a handheld steam cleaner without straining your fingers. Also, a lighter handheld pressurized steam cleaner will be much more comfortable than a heavier model. As previously discussed, weight depends on tank size—the larger the tank capacity, the heavier the handheld steam cleaner will be when it’s full.

If cleaning floors is a primary use, you’ll want to consider a handheld model with longer attachments or a detachable wand to help alleviate back strain. Those that double as steam mops offer similar benefits.

Additional Features

Steam cleaners often come with a wide variety of attachments as a standard part of the purchase. A good handheld steam cleaner typically includes a few brushes, a window squeegee, angled and bendable nozzles for cleaning in deeper or hard-to-reach areas, carpet or mop steaming heads, and a longer attachment for reaching places like the top of ceiling fan blades. 

If those aren’t enough, look for optional attachments, like detailing nozzles for cleaning the upholstery in a vehicle or stiff brushes for cleaning grout or kitchen grills. Extensions can turn some into lightweight, full-size steam mops.

FAQs

This guide has an ample amount of information for shoppers looking to make an informed purchase. Those needing more information on steam cleaner uses may want to read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about handheld steam cleaners.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on a variety of popular home and finance websites. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks.

Additional research provided by Shannon Lee and Bob Beacham.

The post This Handheld Steam Cleaner Makes Cleaning Multiple Surfaces Fast and Easy appeared first on Bob Vila.

For maximum effectiveness, many hardwood floor cleaners offer vacuum-suction action to remove dust, dirt, and debris from floors and allow users to mop wood floors, clean sticky messes, and produce a shine. 

Aaron Christensen, vice president of growth at the nationwide house-cleaning service platform Homeaglow, recommends that shoppers look for vacuum/mop combos with gentle roller heads. He also advises, “If you’re using mops on hardwood floors, it’s more about control of liquid.” Models that use low amounts of moisture or have on-demand cleaning solutions are ideal.

In order to achieve our mission to find the most efficient method for cleaning hardwoods, we researched 16 popular floor cleaning models and tested the top 10. Our favorite, the Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop, cleans gently and thoroughly and with minimal effort on the user’s part.

Ahead, learn about the optional features and attributes that are offered with some of the best hardwood floor cleaner machines.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. UPGRADE PICK: Bissell CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Shark S7001 Steam & Scrub Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST ROBOTIC: iRobot Wi-Fi–Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST FOR PETS: Bissell 2306A CrossWave Pet Pro Wet/Dry Vac
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST CORDLESS: Tineco Floor One S3 Smart Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST MULTISURFACE: Bissell 1785A CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vac
   ↓ Jump to Review

Our Top Picks

Our top picks for the best hardwood floor cleaning machines are high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. We picked a variety of mops and vacuums to suit individual needs, and we put each model through extensive testing. The recommendations consist of both corded and cordless options for wet/dry mopping and vacuuming, as well as a vacuum-only model. A robotic wet/dry floor cleaning machine is included, demonstrating how technology facilitates convenient automated cleaning. 

Best Overall

Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Spin Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Spin mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded 
• Weight: 9.5 pounds
  

What We Like

• On-demand spray system for greater cleaning control
• Includes 2 bottles of multisurface cleaning solution
• Swivel steering system makes this spin mop easy to use
  

What We Don’t Like

• At 9.5 pounds, this model is heavy
• May not be capable of pulling grout stains

Bissell’s corded SpinWave electric floor mop features two spinning mopheads that perform a scrubbing action to keep sealed hardwood floors and tile floors in spotless condition. It safely brings out an attractive shine on hard floors as the spinning pads scrub away soils and spills. 

Bissell’s on-demand spray system gives users precise control over the quantity of cleaning solution released onto the floor. The included multisurface floor cleaning formula provides sanitizing action with the help of two included soft-touch pads and two included scrubby pads. 

The Bissell SpinWave gently scrubbed dirt from our floor and buffed it to a shine. The spinning action helped self-propel it, and it took little effort on our part to control the mop. We easily maneuvered it around obstacles, and thanks to the protruding mop pads and slim head, it was able to clean up against baseboards and the edge of cabinets. The on-demand spray was ideal for our hardwoods, allowing us to damp mop and increase moisture for stuck-on messes.

The SpinWave performed well on our stain tests, removing the pasta sauce and soft drink in only a couple of passes. We’ve used the SpinWave dozens of times, and the mop pads have held up well after several washes. It’s a gentle mop suitable for all floor types, including moisture-sensitive flooring like hardwoods and laminate.

Get the Bissell SpinWave floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Bang For The Buck

Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded 
• Weight: 6.2 pounds 

What We Like

• No cleaning solution is required
• Eliminates 99 percent of germs and bacteria
• Water heats up quickly for steam-cleaning
• Easy to maneuver

What We Don’t Like

• No cleaning attachments are included

Combine the money-saving value of a modestly priced floor cleaning machine with the environmentally friendly option of using steam power to lift away dirt and messes. The PowerFresh steam mop from Bissell does not require a cleaning solution, so there are no chemicals involved in the cleaning process. As a bonus feature, the steam eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria found on floor surfaces.

After unboxing the Bissell PowerFresh, we assembled it, which took less than a minute. We filled the 16-ounce-capacity tank and plugged the model in. It heated up in about 30 seconds, allowing us to choose one of the steam settings, which included low, medium, and high. For regular cleaning of our hardwood floors, we chose the low setting. It emitted plenty of steam to tackle everyday messes, the slim swivel head fit under cabinet edges and furniture, and it maneuvered well around toilets.

Wanting to see how well the Bissell steam mop could handle messes, we trickled marinara sauce and a soft drink on our hardwoods, giving the substances several hours to dry. Then we plugged in the PowerFresh and put it on the high setting. In only a few passes, the steam broke down the mess, and the microfiber pad absorbed it, leaving our floors clean.

Those looking for a steam mop can’t go wrong with the PowerFresh. It’s easy to maneuver, cleans well even on its lowest setting, and has a slim head that fits around and under obstacles. It also comes with a washable microfiber soft pad, washable microfiber scrubby pad, two spring breeze fragrance discs, and carpet glider. 

Get the Bissell PowerFresh hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.

Upgrade Pick

Bissell CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Wet/dry vacuum 
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Weight: 11.5 pounds
  

What We Like

• Long 30-minute runtime allows
• Suitable for hard surface floors and carpets
• A dual-tank system separates clean and dirty water
• Self-cleaning cycle
  

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive price point
• Hair balls sometimes form in the roller brush

Forget the hassle of manipulating a power cord while cleaning floors. The rechargeable 36-volt lithium-ion battery in this wet/dry vacuum from Bissell delivers 30 minutes of cordless cleaning power. As an added bonus, it provides efficient performance on both carpet and wood floors. Laminate flooring, rubber mats, tile floors, rugs, and linoleum also benefit from the cleaning power of this cordless hard floor cleaner. 

We used the Bissell CrossWave in a 1,000-square-foot apartment. We filled up the clean water tank, added the cleaning solution, and powered on our machine. With the push of a button, we could switch from vacuuming area rugs to cleaning hardwoods. The CrossWave was easy to maneuver, and the 30-minute battery life lasted long enough to clean the entire home.

With the pull of a trigger on the back of the handle, we could release the cleaning solution, letting us customize the amount. The on-demand solution was also helpful when we needed to clean up messes, like pasta sauce that splashed on the floor the day prior. We were impressed by this machine’s suction power. Many vacuums we’ve tried in the past scattered kitty litter across our floor, but the Crosswave suctioned up every little particle.

Once we finished cleaning, we emptied out the dirty water tank and returned the CrossWave to its three-in-one docking station. The docking station can store the machine, recharge the battery, and run the self-cleaning cycle, all at the same time. 

Get the Bissell 2554A hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, Target, or Bissell.

Best Lightweight

Shark S7001 Steam & Scrub Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded
• Weight: 7.8 pounds

What We Like

• Produces steam and spinning action
• 3 settings allow users to adjust the level of steam
• Does not need cleaning solution

What We Don’t Like

• Steam-cleaning is not suitable for all hardwood floors
• Mop pads feel rough after machine washing

The Shark Steam & Scrub mop combines the dirt-lifting power of steam with the scrubbing power of a spin mop for a squeaky-clean floor. The mop features three settings, including light, normal, and deep, and produces steam within 60 seconds. It comes with two sets of Dirt Grip soft scrub pads and a filling flask.

After receiving the Shark Steam & Scrub, we used the flask to fill the water tank and powered it on. The mop pads started spinning, and steam emitted from around the pads after about a minute. The mop was easy to maneuver, thanks to the swivel steering and the spinning motion that helped self-propel it. 

The steam and spinning combo turned out to be an absolute powerhouse, and the cleaning ability of this mop was unrivaled. We used it to power through our test substances of dried pasta sauce and a soft drink, and it only took a couple of passes to clear each. 

The mophead was slim enough to fit under cabinet overhangs and low-to-the-ground furniture. Since the mop pads extended on each side, we could clean along baseboards and other obstacles. We also used the mop on our ceramic tile, and it picked up all the dirt, leaving the floors clean and sanitized. 

Once the mop pads were sufficiently dirty, we threw them in the washer and dryer. We liked that they’re machine washable, but they did come out feeling a bit rough after going through the wash. 

Get the Shark S7001 hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Best Robotic

iRobot Wi-Fi–Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Effectiveness 3.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 3/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Robotic 
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Weight: 4.85 pounds
  

What We Like

• Includes both mopping and dry-sweeping pads 
• Can clean pet waste, mud, or spills as well as everyday messes
• Smart mapping and Roomba app control
  

What We Don’t Like

• Requires vacuuming before use
• Took several attempts to map our closed-concept layout
• More suitable for recent messes

While this one isn’t exactly a Roomba, it’s certainly in the family. Meant for use on wood, tile, or stone floors, the M6 is perfect for cleaning spills, pet waste, and other messes. Similar to iRobot’s vacuums, this automated M6 mop features smart mapping and coordinated app control. Users can pair the app to voice-control devices to direct the bot quickly to clean up specified areas. Sensors allow it to navigate obstacles easily and avoid stairs. 

For a true hands-off cleaning experience, this bot can connect to select Roomba models to trigger mopping automatically after a vacuum cycle. It comes with dry-sweeping as well as wet-mopping pads. The robot will automatically adjust its cleaning cycles to whichever type of pad is attached. 

We tested the M6 over a period of several weeks, allowing it to mop regular messes and attempt to clean dried-on food. But first, we had to set it up. After receiving and charging this robot mop, we downloaded the app and allowed the Braava to map our floor. Unfortunately, it took four attempts to get the Braava to make it into every room, which could be due to the closed-concept 5-room layout of our first floor. 

Once we succeeded with mapping, we used the wet-mop mode to clean our hardwoods. The Jet M6 was thorough and tackled regular dirt build-up like a pro. Unfortunately, it didn’t have enough scrubbing power to remove the dried marinara sauce and soft drink. Instead, we had to scrub them by hand afterward.

The M6 is a good choice for those who have a compatible Roomba model and are looking for an everyday cleaner. Spot-cleaning bigger messes, however, may still be required.

Get the iRobot hardwood floor cleaner machine at Best Buy, The Home Depot, Target, or iRobot.

Best For Pets

Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro Wet/Dry Vac

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5;Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded
• Weight: 11.5 pounds 

What We Like

• Includes a tangle-free brush roll
• Dual-tank system for clean and dirty water
• Suitable for many hard surface floors and area rugs 

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive price point

For those with small homes or limited storage space, owning multiple floor cleaners for different surface types may not be an option. That’s where the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro vacuum cleaner comes in. It functions as both a mop and vacuum and is suitable for tile, sealed wood, laminate, linoleum, and vinyl flooring as well as area rugs and more. Like other models in the Bissell CrossWave line, this one features two tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate. 

What sets this model apart, however, is that it’s designed specifically for pet owners. It comes with a tangle-free brush roll, which is perfect for picking up long pet hairs, as well as a pet hair strainer and a multisurface formula that masks pet odors. 

We used this machine to wash our floors and remove pet hair. It was able to pick up a lot of hair, and thanks to the multisurface formula, it also helped eliminate odors. When it was time to empty the dirty water tank, the pet hair strainer helped keep the larger debris and hair from mixing in with the water. We could dump the larger debris in the trash and the dirty water in the toilet or sink. 

Get the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Target.

Best Cordless

Tineco Floor One S3 Smart Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5;Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 3/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless 
• Weight: 17.64 pounds 

What We Like

• Automatically adjusts suction power and water flow 
• Features a self-cleaning cycle 
• Quiet operation

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive price point
• Must manually rinse the brush roll after running the self-clean cycle

Cordless models ultimately make cleaning the floors in smaller spaces quicker and easier. The Tineco Floor One S3 is one of the best options on the market because it’s lightweight, powerful, and functions as both a mop and vacuum. It detects messes and automatically adjusts suction power and water flow accordingly. 

It’s capable of running for up to 35 minutes at a time on a single charge and features a self-cleaning cycle that flushes out dirt, hair, and debris after each use. Despite its powerful functionality, this model operates quietly, allowing users to clean while other members of the household are working or sleeping. It’s suitable for cleaning sealed hard floors.

The suction on the Tineco was adequate to clean large debris like bits of cereal and small dust particles. We used it in auto mode, and its suction increased and decreased depending on the level of dirt it was cleaning. The Tineco was very easy to maneuver, and its head was slim enough to fit under all of the low furniture in our house. 

After cleaning, we placed this wet/dry vac back on its charger, and the voice assistant instructed us to empty the dirty water tank and run the self-clean cycle. We followed the prompts and then manually rinsed the dirty water tank and brush roll, leaving the brush roll to air-dry for 24 hours.

Get the Tineco hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Tineco.

Best Multisurface

Bissell CrossWave Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vac

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5;Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Wet/dry vacuum and mop
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded 
• Weight: 11.5 pounds
  

What We Like

• Includes a multisurface brush roll 
• Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver
• Suitable for a variety of surfaces
• Capable of vacuuming and mopping various floors simultaneously

What We Don’t Like

• Lengthy manual cleaning process
• Large debris not filtered from dirty water

Vacuum and wash sealed wood floors in one easy step with this dual-action wet/dry vacuum mop from Bissell. There’s no need to vacuum floors before wet mopping. Instead, this machine does both at the same time. It safely and effectively cleans sealed wood floors as well as laminate, rubber floor mats, linoleum, tile, and area rugs.

This Bissell CrossWave features a dual-tank system that keeps the cleaning solution separate from the dirty water to ensure optimal efficiency. We appreciated this during testing, as it makes cleaning the machine much easier. The clean water tank also featured lines indicating how much water and concentrate to add, which took the guesswork out of filling it.

We tested the CrossWave on hardwood floors, allowing it to clean everyday dirt from a family of five. When we powered it on, the brush roll began to spin, and the machine started suctioning. We used the trigger to release the cleaning solution, which let us control how wet our floors got. This feature allowed us to increase the moisture when dealing with sticky messes.

This CrossWave did an excellent job cleaning a dried soft drink and pasta sauce from our hardwoods. It only took a couple of passes on each item before they were completely gone. We also spilled a bowl of cereal (milk and all) on the floor, and the CrossWave had no problem clearing it from the floor.

Our least favorite thing was the clean-out process. After emptying the dirty water tank (which doesn’t filter out the large particles from the water) and running the cleaning cycle, we had to manually rinse the brush roll and filter and then leave them out to dry before reassembling. While the process wasn’t difficult, having to clean out a floor cleaning machine after each use is a bit of an inconvenience, especially if used daily.

Get the Bissell CrossWave Multi-Surface hardwood floor cleaner machine at Amazon or Target.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines

Hardwood floor cleaning machines are able to get out tough stuck-on grime, grout haze, and dirt, and some models can even kill 99 percent of bacteria and germs. To narrow down the top hardwood floor cleaner machines on the market, we searched for functionality, ease of use, and versatility for a variety of cleaning tasks. 

We tested a combination of 10 wet/dry mop and vacuums, steam floor cleaners, robotic vacuums, spin vacuums, and classic vacuums. The wet/dry mops and vacuums were convenient for all-in-one cleaning, while the steam mops, spin mops, and regular vacuums tackled task-specific mopping or vacuuming. 

We wanted to see how well each machine could perform, so we put them through a series of tests. We rated vacuum-and-mop combos on how well they could suction wet and dry messes and remove dried-on food. We used steam mops, spin mops, and robotic mops to clean our floors from regular dirt, dried-on marinara sauce, and sticky dried-on Pepsi. To test vacuums, we suctioned up everyday dirt and littered our floors with rice, flour, and M&Ms to test cleaning power. 

We kept track of the results in a rubric, rating each hardwood floor cleaner machine on a scale of 1 to 4 based on ease of use, efficiency, assembly, and ability to clear stuck-on messes. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machine

Manufacturers offer an abundance of viable options for machines that preserve and clean hardwood floors. Some models provide wet-mopping as well as vacuum-suctioning actions to produce spotless results. Others use only dry-suction vacuuming. Some utilize rotating mopheads that perform a scrubbing action.

Robot floor-cleaning machines offer cutting-edge technology to automate household chores and allow users to clean their floors remotely. According to Angela Brown, host of the Ask a House Cleaner show, “When selecting an electric mop, it’s a good idea to try it out in-store if possible or read user reviews to gauge how easy it is to use and whether it meets your specific needs. Ultimately, prioritize safety and comfort to make the cleaning process more manageable.”

Read on for information regarding the various types, sizes, weights, power sources, and cleaning functions of high-quality hardwood floor cleaner machines available on today’s market.

Type

Hardwood floors exude a feeling of natural warmth in a home. Diverse types of hardwood floor cleaner machines function in various ways to keep floors clean and lustrous. Here is an overview of several types.

• Standard vacuums employ suction to lift soil and debris from floor surfaces, but they do not use water or cleaning solutions.
• Wet/dry vacuums dispense cleaning solution dissolved in water followed by suctioning action to lift the soil and the dirty water from the floor.
• Robotic vacuums and mops move automatically throughout the home, performing both wet-mopping actions and vacuuming in response to remote controls, apps, or voice commands.
• Steam mops contain heating elements that heat water to produce pressurized steam, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions or chemicals.
• Spin mops dispense cleaning solution onto floors and scrub the surface with rotating pads on dual spinning mopheads.

Corded vs. Cordless

Although most hardwood floor cleaner machines operate on corded electricity from household outlets, the cordless models offer convenience and easy maneuvering. Cordless machines operate on power from rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Robotic floor cleaner machines and some cordless upright models include recharging docks for storing the units and recharging the batteries.

Many corded hardwood floor cleaner machines feature cords from 20 to 25 feet long. The long cords allow users to navigate around furniture and access hard-to-reach corners.

Both types of floor cleaners perform well and display specific advantages. Corded models provide greater suction power; cordless ones tend to be lighter in weight and are more portable. Users of corded machines never need to worry about recharging times and runtimes; a cordless unit can reach places far from any power outlet. 

Power and Runtime 

The power that runs corded floor cleaner machines derives from regular 110-volt household electricity. Cordless machines typically run on lithium-ion batteries, and they include specialized recharging docks designed to recharge them safely without mishap. 

Runtimes for fully charged batteries vary from one machine to another. Typically, a 36-volt lithium-ion battery produces 30 minutes of runtime for an upright floor cleaner machine. Alternatively, a 2,600-milliampere-hour lithium-ion battery in a robotic floor cleaner machine usually delivers 120 minutes of runtime.

Lithium-ion batteries are environmentally safe, and they are quick to recharge. However, deterioration over time results in a quicker discharge of power, causing decreased runtime.

Cleaning Settings 

Many of the floor cleaner machines that work well for hardwood floors also function on carpets and rugs. Users can adjust the settings for carpeted or hardwood surfaces.

Brush rollers perform a vital role in cleaning carpets, but they may scratch hardwood flooring. With diverse surfaces in mind, engineers design switching systems to activate or deactivate the rotating brushes. With the flip of a switch, users can change from the hard-floor setting to the carpet setting, activating the brushes for carpet and rugs and then retracting them when moving to hardwood floors. 

A steam cleaner employs steam from heated water to provide natural cleaning with zero chemicals from cleaning solutions. This type of floor cleaner machine offers low, medium, and high settings to regulate the amount of steam pressure released onto the floor surface. 

Mop/Brush Head

The effectiveness of many hardwood floor cleaner machines derives from their ability to perform a wet-mopping function while simultaneously removing the dirty water (along with soil and debris) via a vacuum-suctioning action. 

For the wet-mopping portion of the job, floor cleaner machines include mopheads with removable pads. Some mop pads are smooth and soft, while others provide texture for scrubbing action. The disposable pads can be replaced when they become fully saturated with dirt and debris.

As an alternative to mop pads, some machines feature nylon and microfiber brushes for the wet-mopping function. Users will want to avoid using metal brush heads on wood floors as they may scratch the surface. 

For a scrubbing action, some machines offer dual spinning mopheads with pads. Due to their rapid rotations, the mopheads scrub hardwood floors, removing sticky messes and leaving behind a shiny surface appearance.

Tank Capacity 

Hardwood floor cleaner machines that perform wet-mopping functions include water tanks. Liquid cleaning solution mixed with water goes into the clean-water tank. The machines dispense the clean water onto the floor and, in most cases, suction it up with the vacuuming function. 

The used, dirty water is funneled into a separate tank to keep it from contaminating the clean water. Users must empty the dirty-water tank when it becomes full. Water tanks in wet-mopping machines typically hold up to 28 ounces of water.

Some machines utilize disposable mop pads to absorb the dirty water instead. Other machines forgo water altogether, spraying undiluted liquid cleaning solution onto the floor and absorbing it in the mop pads. Standard vacuum cleaners rely on air filters for trapping dirt and debris rather than water tanks or pads.

Weight and Maneuverability

Lightweight hardwood floor cleaning machines offer convenience, portability, and easy maneuvering. Typically, cordless machines weigh less than corded ones. In a survey of available options, corded electric hardwood floor cleaner machines range in weight from about 9 to 14 pounds while cordless models weigh from about 5 to 11.5 pounds.

In addition to the lighter weight, floor cleaner machines powered by rechargeable batteries offer enhanced maneuverability because they don’t have cords. Many users prefer to eliminate the hassle of tethering to an electrical outlet and manipulating a cord while cleaning. However, some corded machines provide increased maneuverability by offering long cords of 20 to 25 feet, allowing users to reach areas far away from electrical outlets.

Several available hardwood floor cleaner machines feature swivel steering systems. This feature facilitates maneuvering the machines around and under furniture, reaching into corners and along baseboards for thorough cleaning results.

Accessories/Attachments

An essential shopping consideration involves the number and types of accessories and attachments included with various hardwood floor cleaner machines. These add-ons contribute to the functionality and versatility of the machines.

Some models include liquid cleaning solution along with replacement mop pads in both smooth and textured varieties. Disposable pads accompany some machines, while others utilize washable mop pads. Additionally, some models include nylon and microfiber brushes to clean hardwood floors.

A high-quality vacuum cleaner includes a crevice tool for cleaning narrow places as well as an extension wand for reaching ceilings, walls, and light fixtures. It also features a portable, detachable-pod design that facilitates cleaning stairs and other above-floor surfaces.

FAQs

Cleaning, sanitizing, and bringing out the luster of hardwood floors can pay off in preserving the value these floors add to a home. The answers to the following common questions might be helpful when beginning to use a new hardwood floor cleaner machine.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

The post The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Bob Vila.

For years, we have put the highest-rated mops through the wringer, scrubbing, steaming, Swiffering, and spin mopping through layers of grime on multiple hard flooring surfaces. Through our research and testing, it’s become apparent that certain mops are more effective (and enjoyable) to use.

Our favorite mop for homes with multiple hard flooring types is the Libman Tornado Spin Mop System. It features a machine-washable XL mophead that’s safe for all sealed floors and an easy-to-use bucket and wringer system. Eight other models that fit different needs also passed our rigorous tests and made our best mops list. Keep reading to find out how each performed.

1. BEST OVERALL: Libman Tornado Spin Mop System
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: O-Cedar ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST STEAM MOP: Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST DISPOSABLE MOP PADS: Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit 
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST ELECTRIC MOP: Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST VACUUM MOP: Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Vacuum Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST ROBOT MOP: Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST WET/DRY: Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry and Wet Starter Kit 
   ↓ Jump to Review
9. MOST VERSATILE: Libman Wonder Mop
   ↓ Jump to Review

Our Top Picks

The best mop for the job often depends on cleaning preferences and the type of flooring. The products below have undergone extensive testing and proved their ability to keep hard floors spick-and-span. 

Best Overall

Libman Tornado Spin Mop System

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: String/spin
• Mophead: Microfiber 
• Wet or dry: Both

What We Like

• Mop and bucket included 
• Suitable for hardwood floors
• Machine-washable mophead
• Easy to wring out

What We Don’t Like

• No separate chamber for dirty water
• Bucket lacks wheels 

If your home has multiple hard surface floors, and you’re looking for a mop that can effectively and safely clean them all, the Libman Tornado mop and bucket is a standout. It features an XL deep-cleaning microfiber head that can fit up against baseboards and cabinets, lifting dirt and grime. It also has a 2-gallon bucket with a stainless steel spin chamber to make wringing a breeze. 

We used this mop on our hardwoods, luxury vinyl plank, linoleum, and ceramic tile, and after use, our floors were left visibly cleaner. The mop also removed dried-on pasta sauce and a spilled sticky drink from each floor type without much effort on our part. Every time we emptied the bucket after cleaning, we were amazed at just how dirty the mop water had gotten.

The Libman Tornado spin mop bucket features a pour spot on the end, which made it easy to dump our dirty water without making a mess. Its mopheads are also washable, so you don’t have to worry about repurchasing often. When we were finished mopping, we detached the mophead, put it in the washing machine, and let it air-dry so it was ready for the next use.

Get the Libman Tornado mop at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

O-Cedar ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Spray
• Mophead: Microfiber
• Wet or dry: Both

What We Like

• Refillable spray bottle
• Machine-washable microfiber mop pad
• Battery-free spray mop
• Can remove 99 percent of bacteria with water only

What We Don’t Like

• Comes with only 1 mop pad

The O-Cedar ProMist microfiber mop features a flat, double-sided microfiber mophead and a refillable spray bottle. The microfiber mophead can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria from floors using only water. 

This mop was easily maneuverable, fitting up against baseboards and under low-to-the-ground furniture. The trigger that disperses the cleaning solution was easy to squeeze, allowing us to concentrate the cleaning solution where we needed it, like on tough messes. When we accidentally squirted too much cleaning solution on the floor, we were able to flip the mophead over and absorb the extra moisture.

After mopping our floors once, the white mophead turned brown, a good sign that it lifted the dirt from our floors. We threw it in the washing machine afterward and then let it air-dry so it was ready for the next use. We appreciated the eco-friendly features the O-Cedar has to offer: It doesn’t take batteries, and it has a reusable mophead and a refillable water bottle. This saves money and eliminates waste compared to mops with disposable pads and single-use cleaning solutions.

Get the O-Cedar mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Steam Mop

Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Steam 
• Mophead: Microfiber 
• Wet or dry: Wet 

What We Like

• Kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria
• 3 levels of steam
• Slim mophead and swivel steering
• Leaves floors noticeably cleaner

What We Don’t Like

• May not be suitable for all floor types

Steam mops make light work of clearing sticky spots, stuck-on food, and other grime from sealed hard floor surfaces. The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop is one such model that can clean the dirtiest of floors, killing 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria in the process. It features three steam settings (low, medium, and high) and comes with two washable microfiber mop pads, two fragrance discs, and a carpet glider.

Thanks to this mop’s swivel steering, slim mophead, and extra-long power cord, we were able to reach all the nooks and crannies in our home. The mophead fit nicely under our cabinet overhangs, maneuvered around toilets, cleaned up against baseboards, and the high-powered steam left our floors spotless. This Bissell mop also came out on top in our pasta-sauce-and- soda cleaning tests. The steam did the work for us, loosening the stuck-on substances from the floor and absorbing them into the mop pad.

According to Bissell, the PowerFresh steam mop is safe for most sealed flooring surfaces. However, many laminate and hardwood manufacturers caution against using steam on their products, so if you’re worried about compatibility, check your flooring manufacturers’ instructions before use. 

Get the Bissell PowerFresh mop at Amazon or Bissell.

Best Disposable Mop Pads

Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5; 

Product Specs 

• Type: Spray 
• Mophead: Disposable microfiber-like material 
• Wet or dry: Wet

What We Like

• Fine-mist spray feature 
• 10 mop pads included 
• Suitable for multiple floor types
• Convenient for quick cleanups
• Mop pads lock in dirt

What We Don’t Like

• Mist spray function may clog over time 
• Not as eco-friendly as comparable options
• Included mopping solution doesn’t last long 

This Swiffer WetJet mop is one of our favorites for quickly cleaning messes or spot-cleaning floors. It features ultrafine mist spray nozzles near the mophead, which offer greater control of solution dispersal and help coat floors evenly. The removable pads are made with a microfiber-like material that cleans all sealed floors without fear of scratching. 

Assembling the Swiffer WetJet was a breeze. A few clicks connected the mop, and after inserting batteries, adding the mopping solution, and attaching a cleaning pad, we were ready to scrub. We first used this mop on our luxury vinyl plank, and it left it clean and smelling fresh. We appreciated the scrubby pad in the middle of the mophead, which allowed us to remove stuck-on messes. We were also impressed by how well the mop pads locked in dirt.

The Swiffer WetJet starter kit is affordable. However, replacement cleaning pads and solutions (specific to flooring material or the all-purpose option) are sold separately. The included mopping solution doesn’t last long, so you’ll want to purchase additional bottles to continue using this mop.

Get the Swiffer WetJet mop at Amazon (10 pads), The Home Depot (5 pads), Walmart (5 pads), or Target (5 pads). 

Best Electric Mop

Bissell SpinWave Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Electric spin mop
• Mophead: 2 soft touch and 2 scrubby
• Wet or dry: Wet

What We Like

• Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
• Comes with machine-washable mop pads
• On-demand cleaning solution spray
• Leaves floors spotless

What We Don’t Like

• Thicker mophead doesn’t fit under all low furniture

The Bissell SpinWave Pet is an electric spin mop with two rotating heads. It comes with two types of washable mop pads: a pair of scrubby pads for cleaning sticky messes and a pair of soft-touch pads for more delicate floors. It also includes two 8-ounce bottles of multisurface cleaner, although you can use any mopping solution in its refillable clean-water tank. 

Thanks to its electric-powered spinning mopheads, the Bissell SpinWave feels self-propelled, making it effortless to maneuver. What we were most impressed with, though, was how clean our floors looked every time we used it. The rotating scrubbing action removed even the toughest of messes, and the on-demand spray button allowed us to control how much cleaning solution hit the floor. The mop pads extended from the mop slightly, so we were even able to clean against baseboards.

Since this mop has circular pads and a thicker mophead, it was difficult to mop corners and under particularly low furniture. Also, since it’s corded, it’s not the most convenient mop to pull out for quick spot-cleaning. We’d recommend the Bissell SpinWave for deep-cleaning. Its electric mopping is gentle but effective, safe for all hard floor surfaces, and will leave your floors spotless.

Get the Bissell SpinWave mop at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Vacuum Mop

Shark VacMop Pro Cordless Vacuum Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.8/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Vacuum mop 
• Mophead: Microfiber-like material
• Wet or dry: Both

What We Like

• Includes disposable pads and cleaning solution
• No-touch pad disposal 
• Suitable for hardwood floors
• Affordable price point 

What We Don’t Like

• May not pull stains from grout between tiles 
• Not suitable for deep-cleaning
• Must purchase additional disposable pads

For ultimate ease while cleaning hard floors, Shark’s VacMop is both lightweight and cordless. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it vacuums and mops simultaneously. A disposable pad traps dirt and debris, and the no-touch disposal system allows users to release the soiled pad into a trash receptacle without touching it. It comes with four disposable mop pads and a 12-ounce bottle of Shark’s multisurface hard floor cleaner.

We found the Shark VacMop handy for suctioning crumbs and spot-cleaning messes on our hardwoods. Pulling a trigger on the handle activated the vacuum, and pressing a button allowed us to disperse the cleaning solution. It took some back-and-forth scrubbing to remove dried-on food messes, but the Shark mop was able to handle regular dirt buildup without issue.

There’s no doubt that this vacuum mop is convenient. Still, it wouldn’t be our top pick for deep-cleaning floors; the disposable mop pads didn’t leave our floors looking as clean as some of the other mops on our list. This model is best for those who like to maintain their floors in between deep-cleans and are looking for a fast and easy way to remove crumbs and dirt.

Get the Shark VacMop mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Kohl’s.

Best Robot Mop

Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Robot mop
• Mophead: Microfiber
• Wet or dry: Wet

What We Like

• Vacuums and mops simultaneously
• Includes a self-washing, self-drying, self-emptying dock
• Creates a map of your home
• App allows for cleaning schedules

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive compared to other mops on our list
• Not suitable for homes with lots of carpet

The Roborock shines among robot vacuum and mop combos. It features 5,500 pascals of suction, two rotating mop heads, and vacuums and mops the floor simultaneously. As it works, it periodically returns to its multifunctional dock, where it washes and dries the mop pads so that they don’t develop mold or bacteria. It also auto-empties the vacuumed-up debris and fills the mop with fresh water as needed.

When we first received the Roborock Q Revo, we downloaded the compatible app and ran the robot so that it could create a map of our house. We could then access the map through the Roborock app, create cleaning schedules, and set “no-go” zones for the robot to avoid.

To test the suction power, we littered our hardwoods with flour, rice, and cookie crumbs, and the Q Revo vacuumed them all up. The mop pads picked up dirt in addition to the pasta sauce and soda we’d let dry on our floors. There were rugs in some of our rooms, and the Roborock automatically detected them and lifted the mop pads so the rugs didn’t get wet. 

If you’re looking for a hands-off way to keep your hard floors clean, the Q Revo delivers exceptional cleaning power. However, it may not be suitable for homes with lots of carpet.

Get the Roborock mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Wet/Dry

Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry and Wet Starter Kit

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Flat 
• Mophead: Dry-sweeping and wet-mopping cloths
• Wet or dry: Both 

What We Like

• Comes with dry and wet pads 
• Suitable for light cleaning 
• Lightweight and compact for storing 

What We Don’t Like

• Must purchase additional mopping and sweeping pads
• Not suitable for deep-cleaning

The Swiffer 2-in-1 mop can be used as a wet or dry mop and is perfect for small homes with limited storage space. This mop is simple—it’s a basic flat mop with removable pads. Simply attach a dry pad for dust mopping or a wet pad for cleaning. You can purchase replacement wet and dry cleaning pad refills as needed. 

The Swiffer dry-sweeping pads are ideal for picking up pet hair and dust, but they won’t pick up large debris like a vacuum will. We used these to keep our first floor tidy in between vacuuming. The kit also came with three heavy-duty mop pads and two regular mop pads. The heavy-duty pads did a phenomenal job cleaning regular dirt buildup, dried-on pasta sauce, and sticky messes from our floors. 

The Swiffer 2-in-1 wet-and-dry mop has long been a popular option for keeping hard floors clean, and it’s easy to see why. This lightweight mop doesn’t take up much space, is convenient to grab in a pinch, and the disposable pads trap in dirt so that it doesn’t spread around the floor.

Get the Swiffer Sweeper at Amazon (19 refills), The Home Depot (10 refills), Walmart (10 refills), or Target (10 refills).

Most Versatile

Libman Wonder Mop

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.2/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Strip 
• Mophead: Microfiber 
• Wet or dry: Wet 

What We Like

• 4 refills included 
• Built-in wringer mechanism 
• Good mop for laminate floors
• Absorbent microfiber strip mophead

What We Don’t Like

• Wringer may be difficult to use

If you need a basic, compact mop that’s reasonably priced and has a machine-washable mophead, the Libman Wonder Mop is a great pick. It comes with a built-in wringer, so there’s no need to touch the cleaning solution or mucky water. The mop strips are antibacterial and extra absorbent, making it easy to mop excess moisture from the floor.

We first used the Libman mop on our ceramic tile. It maneuvered well around the toilet and under cabinet overhangs, leaving our floor clean. While we appreciated that this mop had a built-in wringer, it wasn’t easy to use. Pushing the wringer over the mophead took some power, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone lacking arm or grip strength.

This floor-cleaning mop worked well on all of our hard floor types. We used it in conjunction with hot water and a multisurface mopping solution, and were able to scrub dried-on food and sticky spots from the ground. Once we were finished mopping, we tossed the mophead in the washing machine, and it cleaned up well. It also comes with three mophead replacements, each of which can be washed up to 50 times.

Get the Libman Wonder mop at Amazon, The Home Depot (2 refills), Walmart (no refills), or Target (no refills).

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested Mops

To find the best mops in each category, we reviewed winning models from our past tests and considered newer, highly rated products. After narrowing down our top contenders, we put each mop through a series of tests to ensure it was easy to use, effective, and a good value in relation to its cost.

Our first tests included mopping regular dirt and stuck-on food and drinks. We also evaluated any included features or accessories, washed the mopheads (if applicable), and repeated our tests on multiple hard flooring surfaces. At the end of testing, we tallied up scores and awarded each mop a category based on its performance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mop

Before purchasing a mop for floor-cleaning, think about the floor material it’s intended for. Mops are available with different features, and not all mopheads are created equal. Additionally, consider wet or dry functionality and whether you prefer a wringer mechanism in the handle or bucket.

Types of Mops

The most common hard floor mop varieties include string, strip, flat, sponge, steam, robot, and vacuum mops. Each has its pros and cons, and some will work more effectively than others depending on your floor.

Manual

Most people are satisfied with a standard mop that doesn’t have the steam or vacuum features of an electric model. These basic manual tools get the job done without breaking the bank.

• String mops are the traditional go-to mops for residential and commercial cleaning. The mophead is made from strands or loops of string, usually cotton. These mops are very absorbent and effective at cleaning large surfaces. However, they can be tough to wring out or fully dry because the strings absorb a lot of water and can become rather stinky as a result.
• Strip mops are very similar to string mops, but the mophead consists of strips of fabric rather than cotton strings. The fabric strips are usually made of synthetic materials. These mops tend to absorb less water and dry more quickly, so they’re less likely to stay damp and develop an odor.
• Flat mops have a flat head with a cleaning pad. The mopping pad can be disposable, reusable, or machine washable. A lightweight and easy-to-use option, flat mops are a popular pick for daily home cleaning.
• Sponge mops feature a spongy head that is useful for scrubbing. One possible drawback to a sponge mop is that it may push dirty water into grout lines. For this reason, those who have light-colored tile grout might want to consider a different mop type.
• Spray mops eliminate the need to tote around a mop and bucket as you clean. This type of mop has a bottle of cleaning solution mounted on the mop handle. At the squeeze of a trigger, the solution sprays on the floor for easy cleaning.

Electric

If you’re looking for a mop upgrade, consider an electric model. These mops are usually cordless and battery-operated, so they offer the same flexibility of movement as a basic mop. Electric mops usually have a runtime between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on battery power.

• Steam mops feature a refillable water tank. When steam mops are turned on, the water heats up and turns to steam, which spreads through the mophead and onto the floor. The hot steam is effective at disinfecting and cleaning tough messes. Steam mops are good mops for sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles.
• Vacuum mops are another electric option, offering dual vacuum and mopping functions at a higher price point. This cleaning tool contains a mopping pad connected to a cleaning fluid container and spray mechanism. Suction from the vacuum draws in debris through a narrow opening that runs parallel to the pad and into a dirt container. While not as effective as a true vacuum, these mops are useful for small messes that would usually require vacuuming first.
• Robot mops tend to be the priciest models, but they are also the most advanced. These autonomous units mop a floor for you, usually with a mopping pad and spray function. Robot mops include high-tech features like programmable cleaning times, smartphone operation, and voice control.

The only real downside to these units is their added cleaning requirements. Steam mops must be taken apart regularly for cleaning to prevent mold and mildew buildup, while vacuum mops require emptying the dirt container.

Wet vs. Dry

Mops fall into one of two categories: wet or dry. Wet mops use water and a cleaning solution in order to cut through dirt and grime. Dry mops, also known as dust mops, use no water. Instead, dry mops are designed to sweep loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor.

The ideal is to use both types of mops on hard surface floors. Essentially, dust mops for floors are used to remove fine particles from the surface in preparation for wet mopping. Some mops are designed for wet or dry functionality, so you can choose based on the floor type.

Mophead Material

Mopheads are made from different materials, and each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

• Cotton: This material is the most economical and it’s extremely absorbent. However, it dries slowly, which makes mops prone to mildew and quick deterioration if they aren’t dried thoroughly after each use. Cotton is good for cleaning up large spills.
• Cotton and synthetic blend: This combination offers a good balance of affordability and performance. Cotton blends are a good choice for everyday cleaning and disinfecting.
• Synthetic: Man-made mop fibers provide the greatest strength of all the available materials. Synthetic fibers are resistant to mildew, are lint-free, and can be bleached without damage. Synthetic mopheads are popular in health care facilities.
• Microfiber: This type of fiber is highly absorbent and offers good cleaning power. Though they tend to be more expensive, microfiber mops are durable and the heads can be laundered without deteriorating. Microfiber is a premium choice for general-purpose cleaning.

Wringing Mechanism

The wringing mechanism for a mop is designed to press the excess water out of the wet mop, preventing floors from becoming overly saturated and slippery. Mops have the wringing mechanism on either the handles or on their buckets.

Mops with handle wringers are popular choices for home use due to their versatility and ease of use. The wringers on mop handles will have either a lever or a built-in ratcheting system. Lever wringers are usually found on sponge mops. They work by pressing down the lever, and then a mechanism on the sponge presses against the sponge and folds or rolls over it, squeezing excess water back into the bucket.

Self-wringing mops are generally easier to use and involve a ratcheting twist action to remove excess water. The ratchet system also allows for better control of how wet or how dry a mophead is with a simple twist.

Mop buckets with built-in wringers use levers to either squeeze or spin the moisture from mopheads. Most mop buckets with a built-in lever are made for commercial use and are not practical for use in the home because they are large and heavy. Spin mop cleaners are sold with their own specialized mop buckets that use a lever mechanism to spin out the moisture in the mophead.

FAQs

If you still have lingering questions about mops, such as how to maintain them, consult the answers provided below.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton is a freelance writer and product tester with over a decade of experience. She specializes in home improvement and cleaning content. 

Additional research provided by Debbie Wolfe and Kat Hodgins.

The post The Best Mops of 2025 for Sparkling Clean Floors, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.