Cleaning your floor is dirty work. By the time you get the mop and pail, then mix up a cleaning solution, you are ready for a break. The steam mop aims to end that headache for home cleaning. In one step, setup is as easy as filling the reservoir with water and plugging in the unit. Chemical-free steam dissolves grease and grime, suspending it in water to be picked up by the mop's bonnet head. The trick for you is picking the right mop for your needs.
Evaluate your steam mop needs. Look around your home to see the kind of flooring you have in each room you could use a steam mop. Make a list of your flooring types, from natural stone, ceramic tile, linoleum and hardwood. See if you have other surfaces that can be steam-cleaned, such as counter tops and shower tiles. Steam mops come in two styles just like their vacuum counterparts: upright and canister. Upright units offer quick and easy setup. Canister units are a bit clumsy to maneuver but can clean more than just floors. Counter tops, grout lines and wall-cleaning attachments make a canister steam mop a versatile cleaning tool.
Consider your budget. At the time of publication, steam mops could be had for under $100 for basic household models (both upright and canister) and more than $1,000 for industrial-strength, commercial units. Odds are, a home model will fit your needs.
Compare models in your price category to your cleaning needs. If possible, go to a local store that has the models on display. A cleaner that looks good online may turn out to be flimsy. Look at accessories that come bundled with your purchase as opposed to accessories you need to purchase separately. A unit that seems like a good buy may turn out to be more expensive if you have to purchase necessary parts individually. Look at warranty information, too. Some models may be covered for two years from date of purchase compared to a unit that only has a 90-day limited warranty.
Read customer reviews. Your peers are happy to share what worked and didn't work when it comes to purchases.