Steam Mop Vs Spin Mop Differences – Which Is Better?

Steam mops and spin mops both work for cleaning your floors. So what’s the difference between the two and what are the pros and cons to know?

Read on and I’ll show you!

Steam Mop vs Spin Mop Differences

steam mop vs spin mop differences

A steam mop uses steam created by high heat to disinfect your floors while it cleans. A spin mop cleans by using spinning mop pads.

Spin mop pads are disposable pads that you can replace for optimal cleaning each time.

Which Is Better: A Steam Mop or Spin Mop?

Steam mops and spin mops both have their pros and cons so it’s more a matter of what’s best for your needs and situation.

Steam mop pros

A steam mop is excellent because hot steam can kill up to 99.9% of germs that are living on your floor. However, this cleaning tool is technically a second step to cleaning your floors because you’ll need to vacuum before using a steam mop.

Spin mop pros

A spin mop is great because you can choose to use a compatible cleaning solution of your choice. Who doesn’t love the smell that comes along with freshly solution-cleaned floors?

Unfortunately, you should also vacuum before using a spin mop. However, unlike the steam mop, you can do a “dry run” with your spin mop’s dry pads to remove dust, dirt, and hair before mopping.

The advantage of spin mops over steam mops

The spin mop is often better due to the ability to use a cleaning product with it and because you don’t necessarily have to use a vacuum before mopping.

What Is the Difference in Price Between the Two?

Spin mops often range in price from around a little over $90 to roughly $160, depending on the brand and what sales you find.

Steam mops seem to have some more affordable options. Regular prices for steam mops range from around $80 to over $160. In other words, spin mops and steam mops have a relatively similar price range.

Does a Steam Mop Really Clean Floors?

does a steam mop really clean floors

Steam mops work by using a hot stream of steam to disinfect floors and loosen dirt before pulling it off the floor. A disposable cleaning pad attaches to the mop head and wipes the floors as you move the steam mop.

Where Does the Dirt Go When You Steam Clean?

When you steam clean, the cleaning pad absorbs the dirt. You’ll need to replace your cleaning pad often to ensure proper removal of dirt and grime from your floors.

Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop?

can you put vinegar in a steam mop

Yes, you can indeed add vinegar to your steam mop’s water reservoir! Vinegar is an excellent all-natural disinfectant, but be sure you don’t mix the vinegar with other cleaning agents or use it on easily-damageable surfaces.

A bonus to using vinegar in your steam mop is that it not only disinfects your floors but that it can also descale and clean hardened mineral buildup from the water you’ve used in your steam mop.

What Should You Not Use a Steam Mop On?

what should you not use a steam mop on?

You should avoid using a steam mop on any flooring in which adhesive is a component. Some examples of adhesive-containing flooring include laminate floors and manufactured wood.

You may also want to avoid using steam mops on porous marble floors and painted floors to be extra cautious.

Are Steam Mops Good for Hardwood Floors?

Steam mops are excellent for hardwood floors as long as the hardwood is sealed. Too much moisture on unsealed hardwood can cause damage to the wood over time and bring mold.

Do Steam Mops Damage Tile Floors?

Steam mops do not damage tile floors. Tile floors may be the perfect surface for steam mop use because they are made from durable materials that can withstand the quick change in temperature and the moisture that steam mops produce.

Spin Mop Benefits

spin mop benefits

While spin mops lack the heat-sanitation component that steam mops use, they offer a few different benefits that the steam mop does not.

  • Spin mops use an automated spinning motion to loosen and wipe up dirt and grime from your floors. Two round spinners spin on a spin mop head, in opposite directions, for effortless scrubbing. That means you’ll needs less elbow grease and can clean tough spots more easily.
  • Unlike steam mops, spin mops suck up the dirty water or water and cleaning solution combination. Most spin mops recycle this water, but there are some available that contain a separate tank for trapping dirty water.

Are Spin Mops Safe for Wood Flooring?

Spin mops are safe for wood flooring, and you can even use them on manufactured wood. They should not do any damage to the wood as long as the drying process doesn’t last too long.

Be sure to use a cleaning solution designated for hardwood floors when using a spin mop on wood flooring.

You should also avoid cleaning unsealed wood with a spin mop since excess moisture on such floors could cause water damage.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »