To reduce the time you spend on household chores, you need quality products. When it comes to cleaning your floor and carpets using the power of steam, no one does it better than the wildly popular Shark steam mops.
Shark claims to make something for everyone, but which steam mops are the best? In the following article, read our in-depth guide and review of the best Shark steam mops to find the right product for you.
What To Look For In A Shark Steam Mop
Temperature / Heat Up Time
The best steam mops provide over 200°F of chemical-free cleaning power. Because of its hot vapor, Shark steam mops are capable of killing 99.9% of bacteria.
But to spend less time on cleaning your surfaces, you still need a steam mop that won’t keep you waiting before refills. That’s why we recommend the Shark S1000, which heats up in just 30 seconds and will have you back to making your floors sparkle in no time.
Budget
Unlike some brands, Shark steam mops are made with all budgets in mind. They have something for everyone, which means you can pick up a quality steam mop for around $50, or explore their higher-spec range at around $150.
Tank Size
Buying a steam mop with a large boiler is important if you have multiple rooms to clean. Being able to move between rooms without having to refill will reduce the time you spend cleaning the various floors in your home.
For example, the Shark S1000’s tank size of 0.375 liters provides up to 15 minutes of continuous steam power. That’s enough steam for cleaning multiple rooms and avoiding frequent fill-ups.
Attachments
Most Shark steam mops come with a handful of useful accessories like removable dirt grip pads. These are often washable and super absorbent, designed to lock in dirt and provide a clean surface whilst drying quickly.
Other common features include a removable tank to make refills easier and multiple mop heads for increased versatility.
The Best Shark Steam Mops
Now let’s take a look at the products behind Sharks’ reputation as the go-to brand for giving your floors an unbeatable clean.
Shark S1000 Steam Mop – Best Budget Option
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ready to clean in 30 seconds
- Easy to refill
- Good value
Cons
- The power cord could be a little longer
- POWER OF STEAM MADE EASY: Clean and sanitize* with just water to quickly cut through stuck-on messes. *Sanitization studies were conducted under controlled test conditions. Household conditions and results may vary. See Owner’s Guide for details.
- NO CHEMICALS OR RESIDUE: With the power of steam, you can remove grease and grime with just water — no chemicals needed and no residue left behind.
- QUICK & EFFORTLESS STEAM: Get on-demand steam ready in just 30 seconds for quick & easy results.
- DESIGNED FOR ALL SEALED HARD FLOORS: Designed to clean across all sealed hard floors including hardwood, marble, tile, stone, laminate & vinyl.
- XL WATER TANK: The large water tank means you can clean more floors without having to stop, and the tank is removable for easy refills.
If you are looking to steam clean your floors in a flash, then the steam on-demand feature of the Shark S1000 will feel like a dream with its steam ready to sanitize in just 30 seconds.
This feature is typical in many Shark steam mops, but what’s unique about the S1000 is its lightweight build you’ll find comfortable to push between rooms and lift up and down stairs.
Not only that, but the removable water tank is conveniently sized, so it is easy to lift and fill. Even if you have a large home with plenty of rooms to clean, it won’t slow you down.
A large home often means big rooms where getting into all corners is a real challenge.
This is where the S1000 might not be so suitable for some. The 18-foot power cord of the S1000 will make for a seamless clean in an apartment or small home, but otherwise, you may find yourself constantly switching sockets.
It’s a minor inconvenience that many will overlook when they start to enjoy its cleaning power.
The pads pick up dirt that you don’t even realize was there, and make cleaning multiple surfaces feel effortless. When you’re done, it stands up on its own and packs down small, making this an excellent compact option for low storage homes.
Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop – Best Under $100
Pros
- Ready to produce steam in 30 seconds
- 2 x reusable microfiber pads
- Lightweight
- Quick-release cord
Cons
- No steam blaster feature
- SUPER-HEATED STEAM: The Shark Steam Pocket Mop turns ordinary water into super-heated steam to remove everyday dirt and grime that other mops leave behind
- QUICK & EFFORTLESS: Get on-demand steam ready in just 30 seconds for quick & easy results.
- NO CHEMICALS OR RESIDUE: With the power of steam, you can remove grease and grime with just water — no chemicals needed and no residue left behind.
- LOCK IN DIRT: 2 machine washable microfiber pads lift and lock in dirt - no more messy mops and heavy buckets.
- COMFORT & CONVENIENCE: A soft-grip handle and comfortable design that make it easy to maneuver without physical strain.
The Shark S3501 is that an affordable option that shows a reasonable budget doesn’t have to mean a lack of features.
It boasts many of the same qualities as high-end steam mops, including powerful steam on demand. This is how it delivers steam in just 30 seconds, making it easier to spot clean messes before they dry and become an unwanted feature on your floor.
Its power is easy to appreciate, but the reusable microfiber pads do a lot of the heavy lifting. They’re two-sided and attach to the swivel head, making it easy to lift dirt in tight corners.
Getting into small nooks and crannies is one thing, but it’s also ideal for moving room to room as the S3501 is a lightweight and compact steam mop.
Small conveniences go a long way when it comes to household chores, which is why the quick release cord that allows you to pack away quickly is a neat feature. So is the filling flask and ergonomic handle that makes those long cleaning sessions more comfortable.
All in all, the S3501 is a popular option for a reason. Although it lacks some of the higher-spec features, such as quick release pads or a steam blaster, it still offers powerful cleaning without breaking the bank.
Read more: Shark vs Bissell steam mops – compared
Shark S5003D Genius Steam Mop – Best Over $100
Pros
- Hands-free release of dirty mop pads
- 350 ml water tank capacity
- Steam blaster feature
- Wide steam distribution
Cons
- Other products have larger water tanks
- Water tank capacity: 220 milliliter 3 setting intelligent steam control.Watts: 1200. Volts: 110-120 volts.
- Double sided dirt grip washable pads
- Genius head with direct steam channeling
- Steam blaster technology: Never use bleach, powdered detergent, or fabric softeners, as they may damage or leave a coating on the pads
- Touch free technology
One of the major benefits of using the S5003D is that there is no need to come into contact with the grimy cloth once you’ve finished cleaning. You simply press a button to release the dirty mop cloth into the laundry hamper.
Although replacement pads cost as little as $20, they are washable and last for numerous cleans before you need to switch to a fresh one.
The conveniences don’t end there. Its steam blaster feature allows you to target stubborn stains, killing 99.9% of bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
This makes it an excellent option for homes with pets and children who always seem to drag dirt onto your clean surfaces.
This powerful model also has a generous water capacity of a 350 ml tank, meaning you can clean for longer between refills and make your floors sparkle a lot quicker than other models.
It also makes light work of any room because of its ultra-wide area coverage, and distributes steam throughout the pocket to loosen, absorb, and trap more dirt.
Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop (S3973D) – Best Over $150
- Price: Check price on Amazon here
Pros
- Removable handheld steamer
- 22-foot power cord
- 500ml water tank
- Plenty of accessories
Cons
- Not as good on deeply grouted tiles
With easy-to-use features in abundance, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular Shark steam mops on the market. It heats up within a minute and features two large mop heads that give you plenty of coverage, making it ideal when you have a large surface area to cover.
A large surface area also requires more reach. So, if you are looking for a steam mop to clean a big home, you’ll find the 22-foot power cord makes cleaning a lot easier when moving between rooms.
Also, its 500 ml water tank capacity won’t require constant refills that would otherwise slow you down.
What sets this model apart from other steam mops is the number of attachments. There are two different shaped mop heads with the same hands-free pad replacement, plus a scrubbing brush to target particularly stubborn stains.
Also, the water tank is removable for close-up cleaning. When detached, it will steam clean kitchen surfaces and curtains, among other areas.
One downside is that it may catch a little on those deep grouted tiles, but the pivoting head makes it easy to maneuver should you run into this problem.
Overall, this is an elite Shark steam mop because of its 3 levels of control and removable steamer that other brands can’t compete with.
Shark S7001 Steam Mop – Best Premium Option
Pros
- Automatic rotating pads
- LED lights
- 3 steam modes
- Powerful performance
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey for some
- SCRUBBING AND SANITIZING: Tough on stains and gentle on floors. Sanitization studies were conducted under controlled test conditions. Household conditions and results may vary. See Owner’s Guide for details..
- 3 STEAM MODES: Light, for quick cleanups; Normal, for everyday use; and Deep, for stuck-on messes and stains. Heat Up Time - 60 seconds
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Powerful steam and rotating pads provide up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal vs. traditional steam mops, based on IEC IEC/TC SC 59F (Mustard), tested against S1000.
- CHEMICAL-FREE SANITIZATION: Removes 99.9% of bacteria. Sanitization studies were conducted under controlled test conditions. Household conditions and results may vary. See Owner’s Guide for details.
- OVER 150 SCRUBS PER MINUTE: Automatic scrubbing mop head with rotating pads delivers over 150 scrubs per minute, providing an effortless glide and a smooth cleaning experience—the pads do all the work.
Everyone wants a steam mop that’s gentle on your kitchen and living surfaces but tough on stains, and that’s what you get with the S7001. With twice the stuck-on stain removal power of your standard steam mop, this model sets itself apart.
But what makes it so special? Well, the LED lights for one make it easier to see hidden debris and to know when to switch between steam intensities.
These include Light for quick cleanups, Normal for an everyday clean, and Deep for stuck-on messes, eliminating any kind of dirt or stain on your floors.
The S7001 also takes the graft out of cleaning by using innovative technology. It combines powerful steam with automatic rotating pads that work at over 150 scrubs per minute for its unique cleaning power.
These pads do a lot of the hard work for you, letting the mop effortlessly glide across your floors, leaving them looking brand new.
You’ll find the S7001 to be an elite Shark steam mop that goes way beyond standard cleaning expectations and makes cleaning any surface a joy.
Why Use A Shark Steam Mop?
It doesn’t matter how big your home is, keeping it clean is a constant struggle. You need to work fast or risk spending your downtime pushing a mop and bucket around your home.
A Shark steam mop will make light work of cleaning floors and carpets, reducing the time it takes to lift stubborn stains and disinfect without the need for harsh chemicals and cleaning products.
Shark mops are also perfect for homes with pets. Not only do furry friends bring in lots of mud on their paws, but the smell of wet dogs is almost impossible to lift off a carpet without a little help.
Shark steam mops give you the power to lift dirt and odor, whilst killing fleas and their eggs.
It does this by working at incredibly high temperatures, which helps loosen grime and even kill dust mites, two things no home is impervious to.
But the best trait has to be the cleaning power when used on old carpets. Carpets are notorious for holding on to dirt and germs, but Shark steam mops will make them look new. Enjoy restoring them to their original colors with a number of the products listed here today.
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