Steam mops have grown in popularity in recent years, and these appliances, in particular, Shark steam mops, have been among the most frequently requested products for us to test by ConsumerReports.org readers.
So for our brand-new August 2010 issue, with a special section on kitchen remodeling, we recently tested 10 steam mops ($50 to $180) on vinyl floors soiled with a range of common household messes—ketchup, mustard, olive oil, pancake syrup, and others—to see whether any can meet their makers' claims of effortless cleanup of the toughest spills and grime. The video shows are our preliminary testing, as covered in this earlier post.
Tested models, in alphabetical order, are the Bionaire 22499 ($90), Bissell Steam Mop Deluxe 31N1 ($100), Eureka Enviro Steamer 313A ($70), Haan Duo HD-50 ($150), H₂0 Mop Ultra SC-393 ($100), Oreck Steam-it Steam100 ($180), Shark S 3101 ($80), Shark Steam Pocket Mop S3501 ($120), SteamFast SF-140 ($50), and Steamboy T1 ($100).
After the spills were let to sit overnight, we tested how well the steam mops cleaned the soils and how long they could continuously steam, as well as their ease of use and how much water they left on floors. For comparison, we cleaned the same floor and the same messes using a squeeze mop.
On large spills, the steam mops tended to remove the spills in only one spot and move the rest of the mess to the side with their removable pad. Most manufacturers indicate their steam mops can be used on vinyl, tile, and sealed wood floors, but the heat, steam, and water from these appliances could damage some floors and/or void a flooring warranty. (See our advice for keeping your floors clean.)
Read our review of steam mops for more details on testing, and check out our full ratings of steam mops (available to subscribers).
Essential information: Read our latest review of flooring.
Can anyone find the H2O Ultra SC-393 mop anywhere? The version they tested isn't on Amazon
INDEED. Where can you locate SC-393???
INDEED! ANYONE able to locate the SC-393 from a RELIABLE merchant? Please HEEEEEEEEEEELP. Thank you, in advance.
As of today (July 13, 2010), I can find this product at Target.com and Thane.com, as I plan to buy one after reading CR.
The Steam Mop reviews cover cleaning which is important. However, the other reason to buy a "Steam" mop is the fact that they are supposed to kill much of the germs etc. on the floors. Were the mops tested for ability to kill germs? Or is it just assumed that it is steam so they do work to kill the germs?
I think the key is the term "Ultra" as Thane also makes the original hot mop. I have found it in a couple of on-line stores, but for $10 more than what was indicated by CR. If you live in a big city, you might try one of the big box stores that specialize in home furnishings to see if they have the unit in stock and check the box to see if SC-393 is indicated on it.
We purchased a Reliable Steamboy T-1 in 2008. After using the mop three times, it failed to produce steam so was worthless. The company didn't take responsibility for the poor perfomance and of course we would have to pay shipping and repair costs so we will buy a different steam mop now.
I too can not find this product. If it is indeed made by Thane, then why doesn't the article say so? The name of every other product in this article is preceded by the manufacturer's name, so why not this one?
What about steam cleaning for wood, carpet, ceramic tile floors?
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