Best Steam Mop for Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is one of the most cost-effective and enduring choices for flooring available today. Its durability ensures it can last for over two decades, and it is also water-resistant, making maintenance a breeze.

Though it’s possible to use a regular mop to clean your vinyl floor, it usually leaves behind residue, making the floor look dirty.

All You Need to Know About the Best Steam Mop for Vinyl Floors

Using a steam mop is the best, safest, and most efficient method of cleaning your vinyl floor.

The best steam mop for vinyl floors has regulatable steam modes, reusable mopping pads, and a water tank with about 20 ounces capacity. 

Additionally, it has a comfortable design and long power cord, and it can be converted into a handheld unit, making it easy to reach the hidden areas within the house.

Though steam mops are the best for cleaning vinyl floors, not all steam mops are suitable for this job.

While some may not effectively remove stains on your floor, others won’t give you your desired results. 

This article highlights the benefits of using steam mops on your vinyl floor and looks into some of the best ones on the market.

It also gives a guide on using a steam mop and some factors to consider when purchasing one.

It finalizes by answering the most frequently asked questions regarding the best steam mops for vinyl floors.

How Does the Best Steam Mop for Vinyl Floors Operate?

To operate the best steam mop for vinyl floors, add water into the tank on the device, then turn it on.

Wait about 30 seconds for the water to reach around 120°C, which is usually the boiling point.

The water then converts into steam, which goes to the mop pads at the end of the device, allowing you to steam clean the floor.

Advantages of Steam Mops Over Regular Mops 

There are numerous reasons why you should consider using a steep mop over traditional mops on your vinyl floor.

It Eliminates Germs

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), temperatures above 65°C are perfect for killing harmful bacteria.

Steam mops use hot temperatures of about 250°C, killing all germs on your floor; this is not the case with traditional mops that are mostly used at room temperature.

It’s Fast and Convenient

When using regular mops, you require a lot of energy and time to regularly rinse them, change the water and carry the bucket around.

However, with a steam mop, you only need to press a button and move your gadget around the floor, making your cleaning process easy, fast, and enjoyable.

Best Steam Mop To Clean Vinyl Floors

Shark Steam Pocket Mop S3501

If you are looking for a steam mop for a vinyl floor that is lightweight, budget-friendly, easy to use and packed with power, this is the product for you.

You can easily carry it around the house, even up the stairs, as it’s quite light at 4.5 pounds. Additionally, its design has a very smooth ergonomic handle, making it very comfortable.

Once you’ve put water into the tank, it quickly heats the water in the in-built heater (in about 20 seconds), which is impressive.

This Shark Steam mop doesn’t use harmful ingredients, making it safe to use in a home environment. 

This device has double-sided microfiber pads; you don’t have to pause and replace the mop pad after one side gets dirty; just flip the steam head and continue mopping.

The microfibers are washable, saving the cost of buying new ones every time after cleaning. 

This steam mop has a swivel steering and long power cord (18 feet) that allows you to easily maneuver it around furniture, fixtures, and tight spaces when cleaning. 

One challenge with this steam mop is that it doesn’t have a steam control setting. Without this, it’s easy for the device to release excessive hot steam, damaging your sensitive floor.

However, the regular mode works perfectly, but you’ll need to regularly keep moving and not stay in one position for too long.

This steam mop is perfect for anyone who needs to clean a large area within a limited time.

Pros

• It’s affordable
• Kills 99.9% of germs
• No harmful chemicals 
• Comfortable design
• Double-sided microfiber pads
• Swivel steering for maneuverability
• Long power cord

 Cons

• Small water tank capacity (220 millimeters)
• No steam control system

Bissell Symphony Steam Mop and Vacuum Cleaner

While having a vacuum cleaner and a steam mop in your house is wise, these devices can take up too much space in your home.

To avoid buying different gadgets, invest in one that can serve multiple purposes, such as a Bissell Symphony Steam Mop and Vacuum Cleaner.

This device simultaneously steams and vacuums your vinyl floor, leaving it clean without dirt or debris.

This Bissell device is pretty easy to operate; when ready to clean, you just need to attach one of the cleaning pads and press the power button.

When the pad gets dirty, you press another button and replace it with another one without getting your hands dirty. 

This gadget has three steam settings; low, high, and medium.

When cleaning your vinyl floor, it’s advisable to use the low steam setting, which is gentle while still removing any dirt present.

With this steam mop, you don’t need to worry about wasting time refilling the water tank as it carries enough water to clean a medium-size house without breaking to refill the tank.

It has soft and scrubby microfiber pads which clean vinyl floors perfectly without scuffing or scratches, but it’s advisable only to use the scrubby one when you have some tough stains to scrub. 

This steam mop can sweep up pet hair, dirt, and dust with the vacuuming function, but the performance is not as excellent as that of heavy-duty vacuums.

One major setback with this device is its weight of ten pounds.

Nonetheless, it has a very comfortable design and weight balance, making it easy to carry around the house when cleaning.

This Bissell’s steam mop comes with a scent disc which is very useful for pet owners as it helps eliminate pet odor.

Additionally, it comes with scent water, giving your house a magnificent smell after steam mopping.

 Pros

• It has a long power cord(25 feet)
• Good performance in vacuuming and steaming modes
• It can serve multiple purposes 
• Comfortable design 

Cons

• It comes with very few accessories
• It’s pretty heavy(ten pounds)

PurSteam Therma Pro 211 Steam Mop Cleaner 

When cleaning the floor, you are likely to encounter other areas within the house that require cleaning, such as windows.

Instead of carrying many devices around when cleaning, it would help to purchase a PurSteam Therma Pro 211 Steam Mop Cleaner, which you can use to clean different surfaces. 

With this steam mop, cleaning the whole house is very convenient and easy since you can detach the handle and use it as a handheld device.

This steam mop has three steam settings (high, medium, and low) which you can adjust depending on the dirtiness and sensitivity of the area you are cleaning. 

It has a large water tank that can hold 11.5 ounces of water; according to Pursteam, you can use this amount to clean for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Pursteam Therma Pro 211 also has an exceptionally ergonomic design which allows you to clean for long periods without getting an achy wrist.

If you have small children who regularly play on the floor, this steam mop will serve you well. It efficiently cleans your floor without chemicals, leaving it safe for your young ones. 

The gadget has several accessories which make it multi-functional, such as:

• Bent and straight steam nozzle
• Window squeegee
• Nylon brushes
• Microfiber mopping pads 

Pros

• Affordable
• Versatile design
• Good cleaning performance
• It comes with many useful accessories
• Adjustable steam control
• Long power cord
• Lightweight

Cons

• At times it leaves some visible streaks on the surface after cleaning.

Shark S7001 Steam Mop

This steam mop by Shark is one of the most popular steam mops on the market.

Unlike other steam mops, this one works extremely fast at 150 scrubs per minute, removing all grime and dirt on your floor.

Nonetheless, the mops don’t scratch your delicate vinyl floor because they are incredibly soft.

It’s pretty easy to operate this gadget; after filling the tank, press the power button and keep moving it around till the whole floor surface is clean. 

The pads are replaceable and washable, making this steam mop very cost-efficient. It has three-mode steam control modes; high, medium, and low; which you can easily use while still cleaning.

The mode you use depends on the type of floor you’re cleaning and how dirty it is; use the low one for vinyl floors.

One amazing feature about this Shark steam mop is its paintwork which is unique from other designs.

You can confidently display the steam mop somewhere visible in the house; it makes a pretty good-looking decorative piece.

Though the automatic rotations on this steam mop are quite impressive, the motor used to move them makes this device heavy.

Therefore, if you are seeking a lightweight mop, Shark S7001 Steam Mop may not be fit for you. 

The Shark S7001 has a 22 feet long power cord; therefore, you can easily use the mop without an extension cord.

Another exciting feature about this steam mop is its headlights, which are very helpful when cleaning underneath the furniture.

Pros

• Ergonomics design
• Versatile steam control
• Non-abrasive
• Sizable water reservoir

Cons

• It has a very short power cord 
• It’s pretty heavy

Bissell Power Steamer and Handheld Steamer (Heavy-Duty)

For some individuals, anything “heavy-duty” is typically a huge red flag for cleaning sensitive floorings like vinyl.

However, despite its name, this Bissell Power Steamer Heavy-Duty 3-in-1 does an excellent job cleaning vinyl floors

It’s lightweight and cleans wonderfully thanks to its regulatable steam modes that allow you to adjust depending on the surface you are cleaning from low, medium, and high settings. 

Storage challenges people with steam mops, but this model is very convenient to store as it comes with a wall mount.  

Unlike what most people assume; heavy-duty means heavyweight, this is not the case for this steam mop.

It weighs six pounds and is quite portable and comfortable to use.

You can detach the handle from the body on this device, making it handheld.

This function makes it very useful in cleaning other surfaces and hidden corners in the house when cleaning your vinyl floor.

It has a long power cord measuring 25 feet, making it easy to clean large surfaces and move around comfortably when cleaning. 

Bissell bundles this steam mop up with 29 different accessories. The essential ones in cleaning vinyl floors include:

• Brass Bristle Brushes
• Fabric Steamer and Cloth
• Extension Wand
• Nylon Bristle Brushes
• Grout Tools

 Pros

• Excellent steam control system
• Heavy-duty performance
• Non-abrasive mopping pads
• Long power cord
• Lightweight, convertible design
• 29 accessories

Cons

• The 6 ounces water tank capacity is quite small

Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop 

This 2-in-1 Pro Steam Pocket Mop is one of the best steam mops to clean vinyl floors.

At first, you may confuse it with a regular mop since, unlike other steam mops, it has a long handle, allowing you to use it while standing.

You can use this device as a steam mop or detach it from its handle and use it to clean other surfaces like windows within the house. 

It has an excellent steam control function which is very easy to adjust while using the device.

You can adjust the steam mop’s heater to produce high, medium, or low-heat steam; vinyl floors get clean ideally with the low-steam setting.

The microfiber mopping pads on this steam mop are pretty soft, ensuring that the mop doesn’t scratch your vinyl floor.

The pads are replaceable and washable, saving you the hustle and expense of replacing them after every use. 

One of the most unique and excellent features of the Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop (S3973D) is the “Intelli-mop head.”

This feature helps you replace your cleaning mop hygienically without getting your hands dirty, which is amazing.

This steam mop is perfect for household use since it thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the floor without harmful chemicals.

It comes in different colors and weighs 4.8 pounds, making it quite easy to carry around as you clean the house.

Pros

• It has a handheld unit
• It’s compact
• Versatile steam control system
• Non-abrasive mopping pads
• Good water tank size (20 ounces)
• It has a hygienic pad replacement system

Cons

• Short power cord (18 feet)

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Pets are fantastic creatures that most individuals love having in their homes. However, they make it quite challenging to keep the house clean as their hair gets everywhere within the house.

Bissell is a foundation that creates every device with pets in mind.

Therefore, if you are a pet owner having challenges cleaning the hair from your vinyl floor, this is the device you should consider.

It has a flat scraping surface, making it very easy to remove any pet hair and other kinds of dirt from all surfaces.

With this steam mop’s 13.5-ounce water tank, you can comfortably clean for around 15 minutes without stopping to refill the water.

It has a 30 seconds heater warm-up time which is excellent considering the device’s simplicity.

This steam mop has three steam mode settings: Low, high, and medium. It’s easy to change from one mode to another while still cleaning.

The best mode for vinyl floors on this device is the low one, but you can adjust depending on how dirty your floor is.

Its power of 1500 watts enables it to successfully steam your floor and kill 99.9% germs without using chemicals.

The Bissell 1544A weighs ten pounds, which is pretty heavy, but you can reduce the weight by detaching the body and using the pad area separately.

This feature is essential when cleaning tight corners within the house and under the furniture.

Cleaning large surfaces is pretty easy with this steam mop because it has a 25 feet long power code enabling you to move around when cleaning.

Bissell has equipped this steam mop with 13 accessories that work together to enhance its usability. The most important accessories for cleaning vinyl flooring include:

• Water cup
• Angle tool
• Scrubbing pads
• Tool bag
• Flat scraper
• Extension hose
• Odor eliminating fragrance
• Extra reusable cleaning pads

 Pros

• It has 13 accessories
• Long power cord(25 feet)
• Great for cleaning pet hair
• Good water tank size (13.5 ounces)
• Good-looking, convertible design
• It can be converted into a handheld steamer

Cons

• It’s quite heavy

Factors to Consider When Buying a Steam Mop for Vinyl Floors

With hundreds of steam mop options in the market, getting the right steam mop that meets your vinyl floor cleaning needs can be time-consuming.

To help you select a good mop, here are the essential features that you ought to look into when buying a steam mop to use on your vinyl floors;

Your Budget

There are numerous types of steam mops today, and they all come at different prices; some are relatively inexpensive while others are costly.

Unlike what most people think, being expensive doesn’t mean it will serve your needs. It’s essential to focus on the steam mop features and buy one within your budget.

Type of Steam Mop

Though steam mops perform the same function when cleaning vinyl floors, some types will be better for a particular area than others.

It’s essential to understand the different features of the main three types of steam mop cleaners to know the one that will solve your vinyl floor cleaning needs.

Upright Steam Mop

Upright Steam Mops are easy to use and handle, lightweight, and come with a water tank attached to the handle. They are very effective at vinyl floor sanitization and hard floor cleaning.

One major issue with these steam mops is they are not so effective in cleaning tight floor spaces due to their design and large size. 

Handheld Steam Mop

Handheld steamers are portable, compact, and affordable. They have a lightweight design which makes them easy to work with and store.

This steam mop will serve you well if you need to clean minor stains on your vinyl floor and difficult-to-reach places like under the coaches. 

A handheld steam mop isn’t ideal for large floor areas and doesn’t deliver as great results as its larger counterparts.

Cylinder Steam Mop

This cleaner is the most complex and expensive to clean vinyl floors due to its bulkiness. They come with large water tanks to finish larger cleaning tasks without a refill.

Cylinder mops are versatile as they have different accessories for vacuuming other surfaces.

Features

Though best steam mops for vinyl floors have the same function, they have unique features that enable them to perform their function sufficiently.

Here is a list of the essential features and attachments to look out for when buying your steam mop:

Carpet Glider

This is an incredible feature that you can use to remove light stains on your carpet when cleaning your vinyl floor.

It only works to remove light stains; you require a heavy-duty steam mop to get rid of tough ones. 

Empty Light Indicator

It’s advisable to get a steam mop with this feature which alerts you when the water tank is almost empty.

This feature is crucial, especially when cleaning large floor surfaces, as you don’t have to keep stopping to check the amount of floor cleaner remaining in the tank.

Steam Ready Indicator

A steam-ready indicator is another remarkable feature of a steam mop that some steam mops don’t have.

Though those without an indicator may be cheaper, getting one with it is advisable.

Steam Ready Indicator saves you time as you don’t have to keep opening the tank to check whether the water is ready for steaming.

It also offers safety because the steam from the tank can burn you if you carelessly open the tank to check whether the water is ready. 

Swivel Head

A swivel head is an essential feature in steam mops that allows you to easily maneuver in tight spaces during the cleaning process.

You can go from cleaning straightaways to navigating around or under furniture with a swivel head.

Additionally, the mop can be flat enough to get under furniture and allow you to clean the hidden parts of the house easily.

Telescopic Wand

The telescopic wand functionality allows you to adjust your wand depending on your height. It comes very handy for anyone with back problems as they don’t have to bend when cleaning.

Amount of Cleaning Solution

Different steam mops require several cleaning solutions; some require a large amount while others require a small one. 

When buying a steam mop, check its capacity; if you require it to clean large surfaces, purchase one that can hold large amounts of cleaning solution.

This saves you the tiring process of filling the tank regularly.

If you intend to clean small surfaces, look for a steam mop with a small capacity to avoid wasting the cleaning agent.

Power Cord Length

The power cord should be long enough to enable you to move around freely when cleaning your vinyl floor.

A long power cord also allows you to clean a large area of your vinyl plank floors as it doesn’t restrict your movement.

Cleaning Pads Size

It’s essential to consider the size of the cleaning pads before purchasing a specific steam mop.

Wider cleaning pads are ideal for cleaning large surfaces of vinyl floors. They also enable you to cover a large area at once, helping you complete your cleaning tasks within a short time.

You may also consider mop pads with mobile cleaning heads, which you can adjust depending on the cleaning areas.

Size and Weight 

Weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a steam mop.

When cleaning your vinyl floor, you’ll be required to move from one place to another; therefore, get a lightweight one that you can easily carry around without straining. 

In terms of size, a small steam mop is excellent for your vinyl floors. It makes it easy to reach hidden areas in your home, such as small corners and under the furniture.

How Do You Use a Steam Mop to Clean Vinyl Floors?

Improper use of a steam mop can damage your vinyl floor or the steam mop. To avoid this, follow the steps below: 

Take Precautions

It’s crucial to ensure that the area you want to clean is sealed; if not, the hot steam from the cleaner can damage your sensitive vinyl floor.

Check the Temperature

Different steam mops have different temperatures for low, medium, and high steam modes.

The best temperature to use on vinyl flooring is 250°F, but it can be higher or lower depending on how dirtiness of the surface.

Ensure you start from the lowest temperature and adjust accordingly depending on your needs.

Collect the Dust

If you are not using a steam mop with both vacuuming and steaming functions, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust before steaming the floor.

This process will help make your cleaning process more manageable and faster.

If you don’t have access to the 2-in-1 steam mop or vacuum cleaner, use a broom to sweep the dust in one place and collect it with a dustpan.

This method is best when cleaning under the furniture and other hidden areas within the house.

Apply Cleaning Agent

Add the right amount of the cleaning solution you intend to use into the cleaning water and turn on your steam mop.

Some steam mops don’t need you to use a cleaning agent; regular clean water will work perfectly.

If your steam mop doesn’t have that feature, adding a cleaning agent might damage your device.

To confirm whether your steam mop allows the use of cleaning agents, check whether it has a sprayer. If it has one, you can use your desired cleaning agent.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you have been wondering how to steam clean your vinyl floor, go through the guide above.

It will help you choose the best steam mop for your needs, helping you keep your floor sparkling clean and making your chores more enjoyable.  

If you are a beginner in using steam mops, go through the instructions manual before using a steam mop on your vinyl floor.

The manual will help you understand how to use the steam mop correctly, preventing you from damaging your sensitive floor.