The best steam cleaners and mops for a sparkling home, tested

Speed through your spring cleaning with our tried and tested steam mops and handheld cleaners, perfect for tackling everything from bathroom floors to kitchen tiles

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If something makes cleaning faster and easier, then it has to be a good thing. Steam mops are a great example, using steam to shift stains, spills and everyday grime from your hard floors in seconds, and even freshening up your carpets with the right attachment. Steam cleaners can go even further, dishing out gusts of steam that help with mucky jobs such as driving dirt and gunge from your bathroom sink and shower tray, and cleaning up tiles, kitchen sinks and worktops. Not only will you get these jobs done faster, but you'll get a great deep clean at the same time. What's more, the steam helps combat germs and hostile bacteria without the aid of bleach-heavy sprays.

These mean cleaning machines don't have to be expensive, either, with simple steam mops starting at less than 50 and some of the best full-size steam cleaners costing 150 to 180. You'll spend more for extra power or a wide range of attachments, but you might not need to. With so many types, makes and models available, your biggest challenge is finding the right one for you. Having tested 12 of the best steam mops and cleaners, I'm in a good place to guide you on your way.

Best overall:
Karcher SC3 EasyFix Extra
_{160 at Amazon}

Best combination cleaner:
Vax Steam Fresh Total Home
_{160 at Argos}

Best steam mop:
Vileda Steam Mop Plus
_{74.99 at Vileda}

Best for really grimy floors:
Shark S8201UK Steam and Scrub
_{159 at Amazon}

Best budget handheld cleaner:
Bissell SteamShot
_{50 at Dunelm}