Everyone has that one chore that inspires dread, procrastination, and oftentimes, a half-hearted effort when we finally get around to checking it off our lists. For me, and many others I know, it’s mopping.
Perhaps it’s the fact that all of my flooring is either hardwood or tile (which makes any mopping session a long, tiring stint), or the way my dog tracks mud inside mere minutes after I finish the job. Regardless, it’s a job I have always dreaded. That was, until I swapped my Kmart stick mop for a Tineco S7 Steam Mop, which is currently $200 off for a limited time only.
Discover Australia’s best steam mops of 2026
- Overall best: Tineco Floor ONE S7 FlashDry Wet Dry Vacuum, The Good Guys
- Best for pet owners: Bissell Symphony Pet 1977F Vacuum and Steam Mop, Amazon
- Best for large homes: McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner, Amazon
- Best lightweight model: Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop, Amazon
- Best steam mop under $100: Russell Hobbs Steam & Clean Steam Mop, Amazon
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Australia’s 5 best steam mops
If, like me, you’re sick of lugging around a bucket and mop multiple times per week, I highly recommend investing in a powerful, efficient, and ultra user-friendly steam mop, like any of the top 5 I’ve covered below.
Sale news: my favourite steam mop, the Tineco Floor ONE S7 Stretch Steam is now $200 off, but only for a limited time.
The following models have been meticulously vetted, assessed, and pitted against competitors, so you can rest easy knowing that each and every one of our top steam mop picks will not only improve your cleaning routine but make it (dare I say) enjoyable. And for those wanting to learn more about how I’ve determined the rankings (kudos to you, savvy shopper), I’ve outlined my steam mop criteria below.
01
Tineco Floor ONE S7 Stretch Steam
A Shopping Editor’s top choice
As someone who spends a fair portion of her 9-5 trialling various appliances and cleaning products, I thought I had already amassed all the floor cleaners I needed. However, after one pass of my hardwood floors with Tineco’s Floor ONE S7 Stretch Steam, I realised just how wrong I was.
This nifty little steam mop instantly cut through all the dirt and grime that my robot vacuum mop couldn’t quite lift, and despite being such a powerful device, wheeling it around my home felt surprisingly effortless, almost as if it were the machine that was pulling me along. And in addition to requiring very little physical effort, the intuitive programs and design made usage easy on the brain, too.
Now to the nitty-gritty details: the S7 Stretch Steam has ultra-powerful 22,000 Pa suction, a generous 0.88L water tank, a self-cleaning dock, and can lie totally flat. Essentially, it ticks every box, and I really couldn’t recommend it more. The best part? It’s $300 off the RRP of $1119 until the 11th of February, so be sure to get in quick.
Key features:
- Runtime: up to 40 mins
- Water tank size: 0.88L clean water, 0.7 dirty water tank
- Weight: 5.8kgs
- Warranty: 2 years
- 3-in-1: Vacuums, mops & steams floors
- 22,000 Pa suction power
- Cordless & self-propelling
- Self-cleaning dock
- Anti-tangle & lie-flat features
Also available from:
02
Bissell Symphony Pet 1977F Vacuum and Steam Mop
Best for pet messes
Any pet parent knows not to underestimate how much mess little paws can create, not to mention the constant battle against shedding. Thankfully, the Bissell Symphony Pet Vacuum and Steam Mop is designed to tackle this specific problem, and many satisfied customers are saying it does so very well.
Equipped with odour-eliminating scent disks, a Drop-It emptying system (so you don’t have to touch any gross pet biscuits it may have picked up), and the ability to deliver a deep clean without the use of harmful chemicals, it’s the perfect model for any pet owner wanting to simplify their cleaning routine.
One customer claims that it performs even better than their Dyson, writing in their Amazon review, “Absolutely love this purchase. Floors are a breeze to do and removes the back pain that usually comes with it. My old Dyson is looking fairly abandoned since I got the Bissell, wouldn’t give it up easily!!!”
Key features:
- Runtime: Corded, unlimited
- Water tank size: 380 mL
- Weight: 4.81kgs
- Warranty: 1 year
- Suitable for hard flooring and low-pile carpets
- Washable mop pads
- Easy to empty with a Drop-It design
- Chemical-free – sanitise with the power of steam
Also available from:
03
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
Best for large homes: long runtime and a generous water tank
Those with larger homes know that there are few things more inconvenient than having to refill your steam mop’s water tank multiple times during a single clean. Luckily, the McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner, with its generous water tank and extra-long cord, is here to help you tackle the whole house in one go.
Better yet, this steam mop is built to withstand Australian conditions and take care of a range of surfaces, from hard flooring to car interiors. Customers rave about this model, too, with one reviewer stating:
“Best steam cleaner I have ever bought, easy to use, tank lasts for a whole house clean, and windows are crystal clear.”
Key features:
- Runtime: 120 min
- Water tank size: 1.9 L
- Weight: 11 kgs
- Warranty: 2 years
- Adjustable steam control
- Up to 58 psi for heavy grease and grime
- Multi-surface versatility
Also available from:
04
Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop
Best lightweight steam mop; just 3.15 kgs
Anyone searching for a lightweight steam mop that won’t hurt your back, look no further than the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop. Weighing in at a mere 3.15 kgs, it’s one of the easiest models to operate, but just because it’s small doesn’t mean it lacks power. With rotating mop pads and powerful grime-removing abilities, it’s the perfect model for a deep clean with minimal physical exertion.
With an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, it’s a steam mop you can trust to get the job done (without hurting your back in the process). One happy customer writes in her review:
“I am so impressed with the Shark Steam & Scrub Mop! This thing has completely transformed the way I clean my floors. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and the combination of steam and scrubbing power makes it incredibly effective—even on tough, stuck-on messes. I’ve used it on both tile and hardwood, and it leaves everything looking spotless and sanitised without the need for harsh chemicals.”
Key features:
- Runtime: Corded, unlimited
- Water tank size: 350 mL
- Weight: 3.15 kgs
- Warranty: 2 years
- Sanitises 99% of bacteria
- Reusable pads
- Powerful stain removal
Also available from:
05
Russell Hobbs Steam & Clean Steam Mop
Best cheap steam mop under $100
If you think that investing in a good steam mop has to break the bank, it’s time you were introduced to the Steam & Clean Steam Mop from Russell Hobbs. Priced at just $99, it’s a budget-friendly way to simplify your cleaning routine, and believe me, the convenience is worth far more than the pricetag suggests.
While this model doesn’t boast the same water tank size or cordless convenience as higher-end models, it’s perfectly suited to casual cleaners, and plenty of reviews rave about just how worthwhile this investment was for them. One states:
“I have an expensive European steam mop that is very effective. The trouble is that there is a significant initialisation before I use it; hence, I often don’t. The Russell Hobbs steam mop is better for quick kitchen cleanups. Another enhancement is its long cord. I have to use an extension cord with my other steam mop.”
Key features:
- Runtime: Corded, unlimited
- Water tank size: 350 mL
- Weight: 2.3 kgs
- Warranty: 2 years
- Chemical-free cleaning
- 15 minutes of steam time
- 8m power cord
- 30-second heat-up
Also available from:
How I determined the best steam mops of 2026
To compile this guide, I have applied a tailored assessment framework to a vast range of steam mops available in Australia in 2026. Each model has been reviewed across a set of carefully considered criteria, including the following markers:
- Industry recognition and awards
- Independent reviews, hands-on trials, and consumer insights
- Reliability and durability
- Warranty details
- Weight and ease of use
- Water tank capacity
- Cord length or runtime
- Affordability and value
With these details in mind, we then determine the rankings of these top steam mops based on an overall assessment that favours well-balanced scores.
What you need to know before buying a steam mop
A steam mop uses heated water to create steam, which is released through a microfibre pad to lift dirt, grease and grime from hard floors. Because it relies on heat rather than chemicals, it’s a popular choice for low-effort, low-impact cleaning.
For many households, yes, steam mops are better than traditional mops. Steam mops tend to clean more effectively than a standard mop and bucket, while also being quicker and far less messy. There’s no dirty water to deal with, and floors typically dry much faster
Most steam mops are designed to eliminate a high percentage of bacteria and germs using heat alone. While results vary by model and usage, steam cleaning is widely considered a hygienic option for everyday household cleaning.
Generally, steam mops are best suited to sealed hard floors such as tiles, vinyl, laminate and sealed hardwood. They’re not recommended for unsealed timber, waxed floors or delicate surfaces unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise.
No. Steam mops are designed to work with water only, which is one of their biggest drawcards. Adding cleaning solutions can damage the mop and may void the warranty unless the brand specifically allows it.
Yes, because they reduce the need for harsh chemical cleaners. Just be mindful that the steam itself is hot, so care should be taken during use, particularly around curious little ones or pets underfoot.
Reusable microfibre pads should be washed after each use or whenever they become visibly dirty. Replacement is typically recommended once pads start to lose their absorbency or cleaning performance.
