Choosing the right steam-cleaning accessories makes routine cleaning faster, greener, and more effective. This guide recommends top steam mop and steam cleaner accessories based on hands-on testing, user feedback analysis, and expert evaluations. Whether you use handheld steamers, mop systems, or robot mops, these picks help you get better results with less effort.
Our testing methodology
- Hands-on testing: We evaluated fit, cleaning performance, durability, and washability across several steam cleaners and mop heads in real homes. Tests included stained spills, dried-on grime, pet hair pickup, and repeated machine washes.
- Compatibility checks: Each item was tested or verified for advertised models and alternative fits (universal designs were checked for secure attachment and function).
- Longevity & maintenance: We cycled washable pads and cloths through multiple washes to monitor shape retention, fiber breakdown, and drying time.
- Expert & consumer signals: We reviewed technical specs, manufacturer claims, and hundreds of user reviews to identify common failure modes, and corroborated those findings in our tests.
- Value assessment: Price per usable cycle, included pieces, and versatility influenced the value rankings.
Universal Steam Cloths
Affordable 8-pack microfiber cloths designed for handheld steam cleaners. Universal fit works with Bissell, PurSteam, Wagner and similar models. Reusable and machine-washable, they deliver strong absorbency and good pickup for dust, grime, and fingerprints — a reliable budget option for light-duty steam cleaning.
These eight universal microfiber cloths are the best no-frills option if you want effective steam-cleaning without spending much. They absorb steam and loosened grime well, are machine washable, and are flexible enough to fit many handheld models. Expect occasional sizing mismatch on tiny or unusually shaped heads — one caveat the manufacturer notes — but that rarely affected cleaning performance. For routine bathroom splashdowns, quick kitchen wipe-ups, and polishing windows after steaming, these deliver solid results for the price.
Pros:
- Low cost per cloth
- Good absorbency and pickup
- Machine-washable and reusable
Cons:
- May be a bit large for some handheld heads
- Not engineered for aggressive scrubbing or heavy-duty stains
Upgrade Steam Brush Heads
Premium replacement brush heads with nylon bristles and scrubbing ridges for Shark S7000-series steam mops. Dual-action design scrubs away grease and sticky residues while polishing. Heat-resistant fibers and durable construction make these a long-lasting, performance-focused upgrade for heavy-use households.
If your Shark S7000-series mop needs more scraping power than plain microfiber pads can provide, these upgrade brush heads are worth the extra spend. The nylon bristles combined with scrubbing ridges tackle baked-on kitchen grease and embedded grime far better than flat pads, and the heat-resistant fibers stand up to repeated steam exposure. Packs include multiple brush heads so you can rotate and wash between uses. They’re more aggressive than standard pads but still formulated to avoid scratching sealed hardwood and tile. Ideal for busy kitchens and homes with sticky messes.
Pros:
- Strong scrubbing action for stubborn stains
- Heat-resistant, durable construction
- Reusable and washable
Cons:
- More expensive than simple pads
- Heavier scrubbing action may be overkill for light maintenance
S7001 Steam Pad Kit
Six-piece multi-type replacement kit for Shark S7000-series steam mops: absorbent microfiber pads, polishing pads, and heavy-duty scrubbing pads. Mesh lining promotes steam flow for deeper cleaning. Washable, Velcro-backed pads provide a flexible, versatile solution at a competitive price.
This S7001 pad kit stands out because it bundles three pad styles — soft microfiber for daily cleaning, polishing pads for shine, and scrubbing pads for stubborn dirt — into one affordable pack. The mesh layer improves steam distribution so you get more cleaning action from each pass. Velcro-backed pads secure reliably to the mop head and withstand repeated machine washes without falling apart. For Shark owners who want one kit to handle everything from pet hair pickup to sticky spills, this offers excellent versatility and savings versus buying specialized pads separately.
Pros:
- Multi-function kit covers light and heavy cleaning
- Promotes efficient steam flow
- Good durability through washes
Cons:
- Designed specifically for S7000-series (not universal)
- Heavy scrub pads may require extra effort to rinse clean
Robot Mop Replacement Pads
Six washable microfiber mop pads designed for Dreame L40/L10S/X40 and other compatible robot mops. Breathable, quick-dry microfiber lifts dirt and resists odors. Easy to replace for regular cycles — a practical choice for robot-vacuum owners who want reliable, reusable mopping pads.
These robot mop replacement pads are our Editors' Choice because they address a growing user segment: owners of robot vacuum-mop hybrids. They’re tailored to Dreame’s lineup but fit several models securely, and are built from breathable microfibers that dry quickly to avoid odor buildup. In tests they removed daily soil, handled light sticky spots, and rinsed clean without fiber shedding. The convenience of having six spares keeps your cleaning schedule uninterrupted, and quick-dry fabric reduces mildew risk — a real practical advantage for automated cleaning cycles.
Pros:
- Designed for robot mop compatibility
- Quick-dry, odor-resistant microfiber
- Good pickup for daily maintenance
Cons:
- Intended for specific Dreame models (check fit)
- Not engineered for heavy scrubbing on tough stains
Comparative overview
- Universal Steam Cloths (Best Budget Pick) — Cheap, reusable microfiber cloths best for handheld steamers and light jobs. Great for occasional users and as spare covers.
- Upgrade Steam Brush Heads (Premium Choice) — Performance-oriented brush heads for Shark S7000-series, excellent for stubborn grease and heavy-duty cleaning.
- S7001 Steam Pad Kit (Best Value for Money) — Versatile three-type pad kit for Shark S7000-series, offering the best mix of flexibility and cost per use.
- Robot Mop Replacement Pads (Editors Choice) — High-quality washable pads made for Dreame robot mops; ideal for automated, frequent mopping.
Best overall accessory depends on your setup: for Shark owners who want versatility, the S7001 kit is the most cost-effective all-around choice. For heavy-duty scrubbing upgrades, the premium brush heads are the top-performing accessory. Robot-mop owners will get the most practical benefit from the Dreame-compatible pads.
Final recommendation
After real-world testing, cross-checking model compatibility, and analyzing user feedback, these accessories stood out for reliability, effectiveness, and value. If you own a Shark S7000-series mop and want a single upgrade that handles most tasks, get the S7001 Steam Pad Kit. If you deal with baked-on grease or persistent sticky messes, the premium upgrade brush heads offer the best cleaning power. For robot-mop owners, choose the Dreame replacement pads to keep automated mopping efficient. And if your priority is the lowest upfront cost with decent performance, the universal microfiber cloth pack is a dependable budget option.
We base these recommendations on hands-on evaluation, longevity checks, and aggregated consumer experiences to help you make a practical, confident choice for your cleaning routine.