Black & Decker Multipurpose Corded Handheld Steamer with 6 Attachments

Why I reached for this steam mop

I brought the Black+Decker steam mop into my routine because I wanted a single tool that could sanitize sealed floors and also tackle the awkward, above-floor jobs that usually require a bucket and a lot of elbow grease. After several months of use across sealed hardwood, tile, vinyl, and glass, I’ve formed a clear picture of where this corded steamer shines, where it struggles, and who will get the most out of it.

Setup and first use

Assembly is straightforward: slide on the floor extension, choose a pad, and you’re ready to go. The 30-second heat-up claim checks out—by the time I’ve filled the tank and parked the mop on the floor, it’s producing steady steam. You don’t need to hold a trigger; a simple selector gives you low and high steam settings. That continuous flow is a small but meaningful touch—no finger cramping and consistent output for longer sessions.

The included microfiber pads attach securely, and the accessory adapter makes swapping between mop and handheld tools quick. I appreciate the accessory bag; it keeps the small nylon brush, metal grate brush, grout brush, and squeegee from vanishing into a cabinet.

Design and ergonomics

As a stick, the steam mop feels balanced for a corded unit. At 9.5 pounds, it’s not feathery, but the weight is well distributed. The floor extension glides without dragging, and the small pivoting mop head gets into corners and along baseboards better than a standard rectangular plate. The cord gives you unlimited runtime, which I prefer for deep cleans; managing the cable is the trade-off you accept with any corded tool.

Converted to handheld, the steamer is a bit heavy but manageable. That heft is typical because the boiler and water sit in the handheld body. The upside: it’s stable and produces steady steam. The downside: overhead work (like shower tiles or glass) can be fatiguing if you rush. I learned to pace myself—short, focused bursts—and the ergonomics make more sense.

Steam control and floor performance

Steam output is consistent on both settings. I use low on sealed hardwood and vinyl and high on tile and stone. On wood, slow passes on low kept the finish safe and left the floor nearly dry within a minute. On kitchen tile, the high setting lifts everyday grease and tracked-in grime, especially if you let the steam dwell for a couple of seconds before the pass. Microfiber pads make a big difference; the included ones have enough pile to trap debris without smearing it around, and they wash cleanly.

I noticed the floor dries faster than with spray mops, and because you’re using only water, there’s no residue. If sanitizing sealed floors is your priority, this approach makes sense. Black+Decker claims up to 99.9% germ reduction on sealed floors when used with a microfiber pad as directed. I can’t validate lab numbers, but the combination of heat and microfiber definitely leaves surfaces feeling and looking cleaner than chemical sprays.

Tip: pre-vacuum or dust mop first. Steam is not a substitute for debris removal; it’s the final pass that loosens and lifts what’s adhered to the surface.

Grout and stubborn soils

Grout is where steamers often meet their match, and this model is no exception. On lightly soiled grout, the grout brush plus high steam improves contrast and freshens lines. On older, set-in discoloration, I needed a pre-treatment. My best results came from applying a simple peroxide/dish soap/baking soda paste, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes, and then agitating with the grout brush while steaming. That combination produced a visible, satisfying change without excessive scrubbing.

Be prepared for the time commitment. Grout lines cleaned this way look dramatically better, but it’s a methodical process—worth it if you want a refresh without hiring a pro, but not a five-minute miracle.

Above-floor cleaning

• Kitchen and range: The nylon brush is excellent for baked-on splatter around burners and on oven doors, and the metal grate brush shines on racks and grates. I let steam soften the mess, then scrub lightly—less pressure is more effective than grinding the bristles.
• Bathrooms: The small pivoting mop head is handy on shower walls and tub surrounds. The squeegee clears glass doors quickly; I still buff with a microfiber cloth to remove residual moisture and prevent streaks. Tile edges and faucet bases clean up well with the small brush.
• Windows and mirrors: Steam plus the squeegee is fast for winter film and fingerprints. Again, a quick microfiber wipe prevents drips along the bottom edge.
• Sealed countertops: On high-traffic sections, steam lifts sticky residues and gives a saner clean than harsh chemicals. As always, stick to sealed surfaces.

Attachments, pads, and care

The toolset is practical rather than gimmicky. The accessory adapter locks solidly, the brushes don’t wobble, and the squeegee has enough flex to maintain contact. Brushes will wear with heavy use; that’s normal. Pads wash well (I skip fabric softeners to preserve absorbency) and dry quickly. Replacement pads are easy to track: SMP20 for the standard floor pad and SMP60 for the small pivoting pad.

Use distilled or demineralized water if you have hard water. It keeps steam channels clear and extends service life. I avoid putting anything but water in the tank—no vinegar or cleaners—to protect seals and internal components.

Reliability and warranty

My unit has been solid so far—no sputtering, no drop in output, and no leaks. I did purchase a second unit as a gift that arrived dead-on-arrival (heated, but produced no steam). That one went straight back for a swap. It’s a reminder to test yours as soon as it arrives. The two-year limited warranty is reassuring, but early defects are best caught within the retailer’s return window.

What could be better

• Handheld weight: Acceptable and stable, but lighter would be nicer for long overhead sessions.
• Grout expectations: Steam alone won’t erase years of staining. Plan on a pre-treatment for best results.
• Squeegee finish: Works well, but a towel follow-up gives a streak-free result.
• Cord management: No surprise here—tethering is the price of unlimited runtime.

What it gets right

• Fast, consistent steam with no trigger fatigue. The ability to switch between low/high is useful and actually distinct in output.
• Versatility. Converting from floor to handheld multiplies the jobs it can handle, from sealed floors to fixtures, glass, and grates.
• Practical attachments. The brushes and small pivoting mop are genuinely helpful, not throw-ins.
• Safe, chemical-free cleaning on sealed surfaces, with pads that are easy to launder and replace.

Who it’s for

• Households with a mix of sealed hardwood, tile, and vinyl that want a sanitizing pass without chemicals.
• Pet owners and families who value quick-dry floors and routine refreshes.
• Renters and homeowners who like one tool that can move from floors to bathrooms, kitchens, and windows.

If your primary goal is deep grout restoration with no pre-treatment, or you need an ultra-light handheld for extended overhead work, you might want a different solution or be prepared to add a mild cleaner to the workflow (applied to the surface, not the tank).

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker steam mop for anyone looking for a reliable, corded steam cleaner that covers both floors and above-floor tasks with minimal fuss. It heats quickly, delivers steady steam without a trigger, and includes attachments that actually matter. Expect excellent everyday cleaning and sanitizing on sealed floors, strong performance on kitchens and baths, and good—but not magic—results on grout, especially with a simple pre-treatment. My one DOA gift unit is a caution to test early, but the two-year limited warranty and the performance of my primary unit keep it on my short list for practical, whole-home steam cleaning.