Best steam mop for laminate wood floors

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Having said that, steam mops are able to sanitize the floors by killing up to 99.9% or even more floor bacteria, viruses, and other germs, removing allergens, stubborn dirt, dust, etc.

If you have laminate floor certified for steam cleaning, a good steam mop can be of great help ...

Updated: December 8, 2021.

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Can You Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors

People often wonder if steam mops can be used on laminate, hardwood, and other sensitive floors. The general answer is 'Yes, but the floor must have finish certified for cleaning with the steam mop and with the hot steam that they create.

If there are cracks in the floor finish, moisture will enter the floor and over time cause it to buckle and even rot.

If the floor has a waxed surface, hot steaming that wax causes it to lose its glossy surface, change color, etc.

If You are in doubt about steam cleaning your floors, and You really want to give it a try, test it on an isolated area of the surface using a low heat setting - but, it's your own responsibility!

Good steam mop for laminate floors and similar types of flooring must have steam control allowing the user to set steam mop to the required level (in this case to the minimum in order not to over-stress the floor's surface), soft steam mop pads that will not make scratches, long enough power cord in order to avoid interruptions during cleaning, large enough water tank, etc.

Also, it is good practice to vacuum laminate and hardwood floors before steam cleaning them - various types of debris might have surface harder than the cleaned surface and the debris might leave small scratches during cleaning unless vacuumed first.

Steam Mop Features and Specifications

When looking for a steam mop, especially for the steam mop intended for laminate and similar sensitive floors, there are a few things to consider first.

Water Tank Capacity

A large water tank means longer cleaning without interruptions, but also means a larger, heavier, and bulkier steam mop.

On average, water tank capacity ranges from 0.2 liters to 0.5 liters, which is enough for most cleaning tasks.

Note that some units come with detachable water tanks, while others come with filling flasks - which system is better is an ongoing debate since both have their own pros and cons, which are often highly individual.

Tap, distilled, or demineralized water

Tap water is the cheapest, but as it evaporates in the steam mop, it leaves residues on the steam mop heater or even on the cleaned floors.

In order to avoid such marks and to prevent damage to steam mop, the use of distilled and/or demineralized water is highly recommended - since they don't have hard residue that might be left on the water heater or cleaned floors, steam mop lasts longer and the floors are shinier.

Some manufacturers even manufacture distilled or demineralized water for steam mops with added scent - such water not only cleans much better than tap water, but it also leaves a pleasant fragrance, increasing the feeling of freshness and cleanness.

Water Heater

Most steam mops come with water heaters in the 1000W to 1600W range, with ~1500W steam mops being the most common.

However, good steam mops should have adjustable heat/steam settings, allowing the user to set the steam strength according to the situation and cleaned surface - it is one thing to steam clean dust and similar debris from laminate and hardwood floors and another thing is to, for example, remove sticky pet messes from glazed ceramic tiles, granite, and similar heat-resistant surfaces.

Power Cord

Most steam mops come with 15-25 feet (~4.6-7.6 m) long power cords.

Personally, in order to avoid interruptions and to allow the user to clean a larger area using a single wall power socket, a good steam mop should have a power cord at least 18-20 (~5.5-6.1 m) feet in length.

Steam Mop Pads

Most steam mops come with several types of steam mop pads, including soft steam mop pads and scrubby steam mop pads.

For everyday cleaning, especially the cleaning of laminate floors, soft steam mop pads are recommended, while scrubby steam mop pads should be used only for tough messes on glazed ceramic and similar floors.

Note that some models offer double-sided steam mop pads, practically doubling the cleaned area that a single steam mop pad can clean before it must be replaced with the clean one.

Note: when replacing the dirty steam mop pad, be very careful since the dirty one is very hot due to the hot steam!

Steam mop pads are usually designed to be machine washable, but usually without bleach, softeners, etc.

Cleaning Tools and Attachments

Some steam mops feature additional cleaning tools in the form of different steam mop cleaning heads (rectangular, triangular), steam brushes, carpet gliders, and similar.

For cleaning laminate floors, go for the steam mop cleaning head that best suits your needs and preferences - some people like larger rectangular steam mop heads that allow them to clean larger areas faster, while others prefer triangular steam mop cleaning heads which allow them more detailed cleaning, especially along the edges and in the corners.

Steam Mop Controls

Steam mop controls should be on the handle or near it, allowing the user to quickly and easily make any change in steam mop settings, especially in steam mop strength.

Cleaning Laminate Floors With Steam Mops

Cleaning laminate floors with steam mops is exactly the same as cleaning other surfaces, except that one has to be more cautious during the cleaning.

So, fill Your steam mop with distilled water, put on the soft steam mop pad on the steam mop cleaning head, plug in the steam mop into the wall power socket, turn the heater on and wait for the steam.

Be sure to set the steam level to the minimum or add steam manually very slowly. Low steam production causes less heating of the floor surface, but it also cleans less efficiently - when steam cleaning laminate floors, the main task is to both clean the laminate, but also not to cause any damage to the surface.

Start to clean your laminate in push-pull motion, passing over the same surface more times to improve the cleaning.

Note: all modern steam mops are made to be easy to use and maintain, but before the very first use, be sure to thoroughly read the manual of your own unit - better safe than sorry.

Cleaning Carpets With Steam Mops

Steam mops are not designed for cleaning carpets and area rugs - as the steam mop travels over such surfaces, it gets stuck.

Also, steam mop pads are able to clean only the very surface of the carpet or area rug, with no deeper cleaning.

But, as the steam is released, it penetrates the carpet, sanitizing it deeper than the steam mop pad can clean.

In order to be able to at least refresh and up-to-the-point to sanitize carpets and area rugs, some manufacturers produce carpet gliders for their steam mops.

Using carpet gliders, steam mops can easily traverse carpets and area rugs, clean their surfaces, refresh their look and even sanitize the carpet surface. But, for deeper cleaning of carpets and area rugs, one needs a good carpet vacuum or washer - or both.

Top 10 Steam Mops for Laminate Floors

Here is the list of our Top 10 steam mops for laminate floors, hardwood floors, and other floors that are sensitive to heat and moisture.

Note that there are many other models on the market, but we feel that these 10 are truly the best - before deciding which one is the best for You, it is very important to know actual personal needs and preferences, because we are all different, and so are our cleaning needs and requirements.

1. Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop

Water tank capacity is 15 oz (~0.42 liters), ensuring that the user can clean a large area without interruptions.

The power cord is 20 feet (~6.1 m) long and it powers 1550 watts water heater that requires some 30 seconds to start to produce steam.

Shark S3501 comes with a rectangular main cleaner head, but if required triangular steam head may be ordered later.

Two types of washable microfiber steam mop pads are available: soft microfiber steam mop pad which is recommended for daily cleaning and especially for steam cleaning of laminate, hardwood, and similar sensitive floors, and scrubby mop pads for cleaning tough, stubborn messes and stains from surfaces that tolerate such cleaning (glazed ceramic, concrete, granite and similar).

One of the interesting features is manual water/steam control, allowing the user to accurately adjust the level of water/steam that is being used during cleaning and the fact that both sides of steam mop pads are used for cleaning, effectively doubling the area that may be cleaned without changing the pad.

Optional accessories include carpet glider and drying and storage tray.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

2. Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop

Bissell 1940 PowerFresh weighs ~6 pounds (~2.72 kg) with its 16 oz (~0.45 liters) water tank being empty.

The power cord is 23 feet (~7 m) long, powering 1500 watts strong onboard water heater which requires some 30 seconds to start to produce steam.

Steam control is electronic and features three levels of steam - for steam cleaning of laminate, hardwood, and other sensitive surfaces, the lowest setting is recommended.

The cleaning path is ~12 inches (~30.5 cm), allowing the user to clean a large area rather quickly.

Bissell 1940 PowerFresh also comes with two types of steam mop pads: soft steam mop pads (for everyday cleaning and the cleaning of laminate, hardwood, and other sensitive surfaces) and scrubby mop pads for cleaning stubborn dirt.

The use of scented discs or scented demineralized water may leave the fresh scent in the cleaned area, increasing the feeling of cleanness - just like other steam mops, Bissell 1940 PowerFresh kills 99.9% of all floor germs and removes dirt that may cause asthma and allergies.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

3. Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop

Shark S5003D physical dimensions are 47.1 x 13.8 x 7 inches (~120 x 35 x 17.8 cm) and it weighs 6.0 pounds (~2.72 pounds) with an empty water tank which features a capacity of 0.35 liters.

The power cord is 22 feet (~6.7 m) long, powering its 1200 watts water heater which requires some 30 seconds to start to produce steam.

Steam control is electronic, with 3 steam settings - the lowest steam setting is recommended for laminate, hardwood, and other sensitive floors.

One of the interesting features of Shark S5003D is the 'Steam Blaster' feature that allows the user to apply hot steam directly onto the sticky mess - while this may help significantly in cleaning stubborn dirt, this option is NOT recommended for steam cleaning of laminate floors.

But, it can come in very handy when cleaning glazed tiles and similar floors with a really resilient surface.

Another interesting feature is 'Touch-Free' technology - the user can change the mop pads without ever touching them.

Also, both sides of mop pads may be used for cleaning, allowing the user to clean a larger area without interruptions.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

4. PurSteam 411 Therma Pro Elite 12-in-1 Steam Mop

PurSteam 411 steam mop system consists of a handheld steamer, extension rod, several steam cleaning brushes, triangular mop head, microfiber pad, etc.

When the unit is set for steam cleaning of floors, it weighs ~6.3 pounds (~2.85 kg).

PurSteam 411 features an 8.5 oz (~250 ml) water tank and is powered via 16 feet (~4.9 m) long power cord, which is long enough for most cleaning tasks, but personally, could be slightly longer.

The onboard water heater takes some 25 seconds to start to produce the steam required for cleaning.

A triangular mop head is suitable for cleaning both open spaces, and for thorough cleaning in corners and along the edges.

Steam control is electronic with controls near the handle, allowing the user to rather quickly change the level of steam.

PurSteam 411 is well designed and manufactured steam mop, with several features not required for steam cleaning of laminate floors. But, if You are looking for a steam mop good for other cleaning tasks as well, consider this one too.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check PurSteam 411 Therma Pro Elite 12-in-1 Steam Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

5. Shark S3973D Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop

Shark S3973D comes with 22 feet (~6.7 m) long power cord, powering the onboard 1200 watts water heater which requires some 30 seconds to start to produce hot steam.

Shark S3973D comes with both rectangular and triangular steam mop heads and their steam mop pads, allowing the user to clean large open areas quickly, to thoroughly clean corners and edges and if required, it can also clean elevated surfaces as well with Lift-Away steam mop pod.

Steam mop pads use both sides for cleaning, increasing the area that the user may clean without interruptions.

Steam control is electronic, with the lowest setting recommended for cleaning of laminate, wooden, and other sensitive floors.

Shark S3973D also features Steam Blaster, allowing the user to directly apply steam on the stubborn dirt - this may be very helpful when steam cleaning, for example, glazed tiles, but it is not recommended for steam cleaning of sensitive floors.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Shark S3973D Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

6. Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim Hard Wood Floor Steam Cleaner System

Bissell 2075A cleaning system consists of a handheld steamer, steaming wand, rectangular steam head, soft and scrubby steam mop pads, and several cleaning attachments, suitable for steaming of various surfaces.

These cleaning attachments and accessories include Fabric Steamer, Bristle Tools, Angle Concentrator Tool, Grout Tool, On-Board Tool Kit, Wall Mount, Flat Surface Tool, Red Bristle Scrub Brush, and Clothing Steamer Tool.

Rectangular steam cleaner head features 13 inches (~33 cm) wide cleaning path, allowing the user to clean large surfaces relatively quickly.

Bissell 2075A features an on-demand steam trigger, allowing the user to control the amount of produced steam.

The unit weighs ~6.4 pounds (~2.9 kg) and features an 11.8 oz (~0.35 liters) water tank and 25 feet (~7.6 m) long power cord for an extra-long cleaning reach.

The onboard water heater requires some 30 seconds to start to produce steam.

While Bissell 2075A is another steam mop cleaning system that is perhaps overkill for people needing a steam mop for cleaning just floors, it is an excellent all-in-1 steam cleaning system for cleaning of the entire home.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim Hard Wood Floor Steam Cleaner System Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

7. Bissell 1544A PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop

Bissell 1544A can be used for steam cleaning of floors and as a handheld steamer for cleaning various surfaces found at homes and apartments.

Unit is powered with 25 feet (~7.6 m) long power cord, with 1500 watts water heater producing steam in ~30 seconds.

Bissell 1544A weighs ~10 pounds (~4.53 kg) and is far from being the lightest steam mop on the market - nonetheless, it is a rather maneuverable unit, being able to clean almost effortlessly large floor areas. Also, the unit features 13 inches (33 cm) wide cleaning path.

Water tank capacity is 13.5 oz (~0.39 liters), which is enough for 23 minutes of continuous steam when the steam strength is set to the lowest setting, suitable for laminate and other sensitive floors.

Additional cleaning tools include Angle Tool, Bristle Scrub Brush, Extension Hose, Fabric Steamer, Flat Scrapping Tool, Grout Tool, and Window Squeegee Tool - all these tools are not required for steam cleaning of laminate floors, but are very helpful when steam cleaning various surfaces commonly found at homes.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Bissell 1544A PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

8. Shark S1000A Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner

Shark S1000A features 1050 watts water heater, which is powered with 18 feet (~5.5 m) long power cord - the power cord could be longer, but it is long enough for most cleaning tasks at home and apartments.

Steam control is manual, allowing the user to apply steam when required.

Physical dimensions of the unit are (W x D x H) 11 x 7.4 x 46.1 inches (~28 x 18.8 x 117 cm).

Shark S1000A is a very popular steam mop due to its simplicity and affordable price and the fact that it does its job well thanks to its well-balanced design, hot steam, and steam mop pad that is suitable for various surfaces, laminate and hardwood floors included.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Shark S1000A Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

9. Light 'N' Easy S3101 Steam Mop (7618ANW)

Light 'N' Easy S3101 steam mop is powered with 20 feet (~6.1) long power cord, powering its 1150 watts onboard water heater, which requires some 20 seconds to start to produce hot steam.

The water tank capacity is 220 ml, which is filled with a filling flask.

The amount of steam during cleaning is set by the user manually, allowing the user to clean even sensitive surfaces, laminate floors included.

While the Light 'N' Easy S3101 Steam Mop is suitable for cleaning the bare floors only, by default, if required, an additional carpet glider may be ordered separately, allowing the user to clean carpets (or at least their surfaces) and to refresh them.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Light 'N' Easy S3101 Steam Mop (7618ANW) Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

10. PurSteam Therma Pro 10-in-1 Steam Mop

Variable steam control allows PurSteam Therma Pro 10-in-1 steam mop and its 340 ml water tank to supply steam for 20-25 minutes when the steam is on the lowest setting (suitable for sensitive surfaces, laminate included) and up to 10-12 minutes with the steam highest setting.

PurSteam Therma Pro 10-in-1 may be used as a floor steam mop, as a handheld steamer, handheld garment steamer, as a window squeegee, etc.

Thanks to the 19.6 feet (~6 m) long power cord, PurSteam Therma Pro 10-in-1 Steam Mop has a relatively long cleaning reach and may clean large areas rather quickly.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check PurSteam Therma Pro 10-in-1 Steam Mop Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

Best Steam Mops for Laminate Floors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are some of the most common questions about steam mops for laminate floors and laminate flooring in general.

Is it OK to steam mop laminate floors? Can you use steam mops on laminate floors?

If the laminate floor has surface certified for steam mop cleaning, it is OK to clean it using steam mop - just be sure to set the heat setting (steam strength) to a minimum, just in case.

Can you use a vacuum mop on laminate?

Vacuum steam mop combo is an excellent choice for laminate cleaning - it vacuums and steam cleans laminate at the same time, preventing or at least minimizing any possible damage due to the surfaces being scratched with sharp objects like sand or small pebbles or anything similar.

What is the best thing to use to clean laminate floors?

A vacuum cleaner with suitable hard floor/parquette/laminate vacuuming attachment should be used to thoroughly vacuum the laminate, after which the laminate can be additionally cleaned using a slightly moisten microfiber cloth or mop pad with a low dose of laminate cleaner.

Such cleaning is excellent for everyday laminate cleaning, but for a more thorough cleaning, steam mops are better.

What steam cleaner is best for laminate floors?

One that has variable steam mop strength, combined with a suitable floor mop or floor cleaning head.

How do you keep laminate floors clean and shiny?

Vacuum them regularly with floor attachments intended for such surfaces and from time to time clean them using microfiber mops with some laminate cleaner added.

Also, a wax can be applied periodically, just be sure not to make your surface too slippery.

And, if thorough cleaning is required, use a steam mop with the distilled water and minimum steam setting - after steam cleaning, it is possible that the wax should be reapplied again.

Few Final Words

Obviously, there are many other steam mops on the market suitable for steam cleaning of bare floors, laminate, hardwood, and other sensitive floors included.

Which steam mop is really the best is hard to tell, because what is good for us doesn't have to be good for somebody else and vice versa.

Thus, choose according to your own needs and personal preferences and requirements.

Is a steam mop safe for laminate floors?

What steam mop is best for laminate floors?

Can you use shark steam mop on laminate wood floors?