Checklist

If you’re thinking of buying a steam mop, here's what to consider.

Swivel head
Helps with manoeuvrability and prevents the mop catching on corners or tipping over when it’s stored.

Head size
A manageable head size makes it easier to get into small corners.

Cord length
Make sure the cord is long enough to reach from the power point to the furthest corner of the room you want to mop. Cords for the models in our test ranged from 5 to 7.3 metres.

Weight
Choose a model with a weight you can easily manage. The design and weight distribution of the mop can affect how heavy it feels when in use, so try it in a shop first if you can.

Height adjustable
Useful if you are taller or shorter than average, or suffer from back pain.

Tumble dryable cleaning pads
Cleaning pads are machine washable and while most pads can be tumbled dried, manufacturers don't recommend it as it reduces the life of the pad. It can take several days to dry a pad without using a dryer. All the mops in our test came with two pads.

Turbo steam button
Sprays a strong burst of steam onto difficult-to-remove stains. The button is on the handle and may be difficult to press while moving the steam mop.

Pre heating pad
This is a landing pad on which to park the hot steam mop without damaging the floor. Useful while the mop is heating or if the phone rings in the middle of your cleaning session.

Carpet attachment
Some steam mops claim to "refresh" carpets and come with attachments that fit under the pad, pushing the steam into the carpet.

Water tank
A removable water tank is easier to fill than one that’s attached to the mop head requiring the use of a cup. Cups are supplied if they’re needed.

Cord storage
Most mops have clips for winding the cord around when stowing it away. They can also be handy for keeping a long cord out of the way when the mop’s in use.