Comparing Vacuum Cleaners, Steam Mops and Steam Cleaners

Comparing Vacuum Cleaners, Steam Mops, and Steam Cleaners

Author / Pest Control Pro

Author

Expert Writer & Reviewer

Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas is a globetrotting content writer hailing from the USA. With a passion for pest control, he brings a unique perspective to his writing from his early years working for one of the largest pest control companies in America. Throughout his early 20s, Jordan gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field, tackling pest infestations head-on and ensuring the well-being of countless homes.

Editor

Sabrina Lopez

Reviewed By

Sabrina Lopez

Editor

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

Updated On

April 22, 2024

Keeping your home clean is an essential part of maintaining your health and comfort. New cleaning appliances use innovative technologies to make tidying up easier and more effective.

Let’s look at three popular cleaning tools — vacuum cleaners, steam mops, and steam cleaners — and see how they work, evaluating their pros and cons.

Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner uses suction to collect dust, dirt, pet hair, and other small particles from flooring and other home and office surfaces. An air pump creates a vacuum inside the appliance, drawing debris into a bag or receptacle for later disposal.

Vacuum cleaners come in many designs to suit various cleaning needs.

Canister, upright, cordless, central, broom, robotic, garage/shop, stick, and handheld vacuums operate on the suction principle. Their differences lie in maneuverability, power, capacity, and intended use. You can use some vacuums to clean window screens.

Vacuums for bare floors often have a hard sole plate rather than brushes. Models for carpeting and rugs feature height adjustments and powered brushes to loosen embedded dirt.

Vacuums clean faster and better than sweeping by hand.

They are straightforward: roll the vacuum over the area to be cleaned.

They accumulate dirt hygienically, containing it for mess-free disposal. Many vacuums feature bagless dirt cups for increased convenience.

Vacuums excel at removing pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.

Vacuum cleaners come at many price points, ranging from $50 for a basic stick model to over $1,000 for high-end robotic vacuums.

Vacuums are usually bulkier and heavier than brooms and mops. This fact makes cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas more difficult.

Vacuums require electricity, adding to energy costs.

Some vacuums, particularly more powerful models, generate loud noise that can be disruptive.

Vacuum hoses lying across the floor pose a trip hazard.

Steam Mop

Steam mops use pressurized steam to sanitize and clean hard flooring. Steam loosens and liquifies dirt so you can wipe it away without harsh chemicals. Steam mops clean tile, sealed hardwood, laminate, linoleum, and stone. Don’t use them on unsealed wood or parquet flooring that moisture could damage.

Steam mops have a mop head, and many also have attachments for cleaning countertops, appliances, windows, carpets, and automotive interiors. Their use of high heat kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria as it cleans.

Steam sterilization provides superior disinfection compared to traditional mopping.

Steam mops use minimal or no detergent, making them a green cleaning option.

Steam mops range from $50 for basic models to $200 for commercial-grade mops, accommodating most budgets.

They are lightweight and easily maneuverable in tight spaces.

Steam mops can clean bamboo flooring and other wood floors, plus other surfaces beyond flooring.

They penetrate and liquefy grime that mops only push around.

Homeowners risk a burn if steam vents or touches exposed skin.

Residual condensation can damage some flooring types (unfinished wood).

Some users find steam mops overly time-consuming for cleaning large surface areas.

They can damage freshly waxed or oiled floors.

Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners blast surfaces with hot, highly pressurized steam to clean and sanitize. The combination of heat and moisture breaks down grime and kills germs without harsh chemicals.

In addition to floors, countertops, and appliances, you can use steam cleaners to sanitize grout, grills, windows, automotive components, and other surfaces. You can also use it to unclog a drain.

For flooring, carpets, upholstery, and other absorbent surfaces, the steam comes from a wand attachment. A towel or cleaning pad is placed over the surface to absorb loosened dirt. Hard surfaces get cleaned with a squeegee attachment, containing runoff.

Steam provides chemical-free sanitization and cleaning.

Steam penetration delivers deeper cleaning action than traditional methods.

The heat eliminates odors and destroys allergy-aggravating dust mites.

Fast drying time since little moisture is left behind.

There are models priced as low as $50 for household use and up to $2,000 for professional-grade equipment.

Steam damages and discolors some materials, particularly wood flooring.

Carries a risk of burns from the steam.

Condensation buildup may damage electronics or lead to mold if ventilation is inadequate.

Not practical for cleaning large floor areas because of the need to refill the water reservoir.

So, Which Appliance Is Best For Your Cleaning Needs?

Vacuum cleaners, steam mops, and steam cleaners have specific cleaning capabilities. Consider your budget, square footage, flooring type(s), and most common cleaning tasks to decide which vacuum will work best.

For whole-house everyday cleaning, a vacuum is the most practical choice. For targeted disinfection, a steam vacuum is the strongest method. Combining mopping and vacuuming provides a comprehensive floor care regimen.

FAQs About Cleaning Appliances

How often should I mop or steam clean my floors?

For light cleaning, vacuum or mop floors once a week. For deeper cleaning and sanitization, steam mop or steam clean every two to three weeks. Clean any spills immediately to prevent stains and damage.

What is the primary function of a vacuum cleaner?

Vacuum cleaners remove dirt, dust, and debris from floors and carpets, indoors and out.

How does a steam mop differ from a vacuum cleaner?

A steam mop cleans with hot steam that sanitizes hard floors. A vacuum cleaner uses suction to pick up debris. If you use them in combination, vacuum before steam cleaning.

What are the advantages of using a steam cleaner compared to other cleaning tools?

Steam cleaners sanitize and remove stains from floors and carpets with high-temperature steam, making them ideal for a deep, chemical-free clean on various surfaces.

Can a vacuum cleaner replace a steam cleaner or vice versa?

You can’t replace a steam cleaner with a vacuum, and vice versa. Vacuum cleaners remove dirt and debris, while steam cleaners sanitize and deep clean. The appliances complement each other.

What should I consider when choosing between these cleaning tools?

Consider your specific cleaning needs. Vacuum cleaners are great for regular debris removal, steam mops are ideal for hard floors, and steam cleaners excel at deep cleaning and sanitization. Choose based on your requirements.