Black & Decker SteamMop with Smart Select Technology

SteamMop with Smart Select Technology

Features

  • Kills germs using only water-generated steam (no chemical cleaners required)
  • Selectable floor-type steam settings (wood / tile / stone) with automatic steam output adjustment
  • Safe for sealed hardwood floors
  • Large removable water tank for convenient refilling
  • Tank indicator light changes color to show when water has reached operating temperature
  • Swivel steering for easier maneuvering around furniture and into corners
  • Machine-washable, reusable microfiber pads with easy-glide performance
  • Hands-free pad removal (step-to-release)
  • Automatic shutoff of steam when parked upright
  • Self-standing for storage or wall-hangable design

Specifications

Product Application Cleaning
Height 35.3 in
Length 10.0 in
Width 5.2 in
Weight 8.0 lb
Run Time 10 minutes (per tank; manufacturer-stated)
Cord Length 23 ft
Water Tank Removable, large-capacity (indicator light for ready temperature)
Included Accessories 2 washable microfiber pads (model SMP20), resting mat
Gtin 00885911375146
Warranty 2 Year Limited Warranty

A steam mop intended for sealed hard floors. It provides selectable steam levels for different floor types (wood, tile, stone) and uses heated water to generate steam for cleaning without added chemicals. The unit includes a removable water tank with a temperature indicator light, swivel steering for maneuvering around furniture, and a reusable microfiber cleaning pad. It also has an automatic steam shutoff when parked upright and can be stored upright or hung on a wall.

Model Number: BDH1725SM

Black & Decker SteamMop with Smart Select Technology Review

2.9 out of 5

A week with the Black+Decker steam mop

I put the Black+Decker steam mop to work on sealed hardwood, ceramic tile, and a small stone entryway over the course of a week. My goal was simple: replace my usual spray-and-microfiber routine with water-only steam and see whether the mop’s Smart Select floor settings and reusable pads make daily upkeep easier without leaving floors wet or streaky. In short, it does the job on typical household grime, but it’s not without quirks, and it’s best suited to small and medium spaces.

Setup and warm-up

Out of the box, setup is straightforward. The removable tank pops off easily and fills cleanly under a tap; there’s enough capacity for a quick kitchen, a bathroom, and a couple of high-traffic passes before refilling. Once powered, a small indicator light changes color when the water reaches operating temperature. In my tests, heat-up took roughly 30–45 seconds—fast enough to make spot-cleaning feel practical.

The control scheme is refreshingly simple: choose wood, tile, or stone, and the mop meters steam output accordingly. The “wood” setting keeps moisture modest, which I appreciated on sealed oak where pooled water is a no-go. “Tile” and “stone” ramp up output for grittier surfaces and grout lines.

Black+Decker includes two machine-washable microfiber pads and a resting mat. Use the mat when the mop is hot and stationary; it prevents heat from sitting directly on a finished floor.

Cleaning performance

On everyday mess—the light film of kitchen traffic, dried drips near the fridge, and the fine dust that accumulates along baseboards—the mop performed well. Steam loosened debris quickly and the pad’s nap trapped it without smearing. For stuck-on splatters, a couple of slower passes usually did the trick; very stubborn spots benefited from a momentary “park-on-spot” approach, then a pass to lift.

On tile and stone, the higher steam settings felt appropriately assertive. The pad glides easily and leaves floors damp rather than wet. On sealed hardwood, the “wood” mode left a clean, low-sheen finish with no streaking in my tests. Sanitizing is a nice bonus, but remember that effective germ kill with steam depends on dwell time—moving slowly matters more than pumping out clouds.

One thing the mop doesn’t have is an onboard scrub strip or brush. If your grout is heavily stained or you’re dealing with sticky spills that have cured over time, expect to pre-treat or put in extra slow passes to get similar results.

Steam output and runtime

Per tank, Black+Decker quotes around 10 minutes, which lined up with my real-world use: 8–12 minutes depending on the floor setting and how fast I moved. That’s enough for a kitchen and a hallway, or a small apartment’s hard flooring, but larger homes will require refills. Refilling is quick, but you do have to pause for the indicator to signal ready again.

Steam output was generally consistent, though on one session I noticed it fading after a few minutes. Power-cycling the unit and reseating the tank restored flow. Using distilled or demineralized water helped keep output steady across the week; if you have hard water, it’s a simple way to reduce mineral buildup in the system.

Noise is minimal—there’s a gentle pump pulse—but it’s far quieter than a vacuum, which makes it easy to use without disrupting a household.

Maneuverability and ergonomics

At 8 pounds, the mop is easy to carry between rooms. The swivel steering is responsive, so weaving around chair legs and along cabinet bases is no drama. The low, rectangular head gets under toe-kicks and reaches deep enough under appliances for routine cleaning, though it won’t sneak under very low furniture.

The handle height is fixed. I found it comfortable for average-height users, but taller folks may prefer a longer or adjustable handle for long sessions. One small gripe: when I choked up on the handle to muscle around tight corners, my forward hand occasionally grazed the yoke near the mop head, which gave me a hot spot on a knuckle after a prolonged session. Gripping a touch lower or wearing a light work glove eliminated the issue.

The cord is 23 feet. That’s adequate for a kitchen and adjoining room without replugging, but you’ll likely need to swap outlets if you’re doing an open-plan living area.

Pad system and maintenance

The microfiber pads attach securely and have an easy-glide feel that reduces push effort, even on tile. The step-to-release feature is genuinely handy—you can drop a dirty pad directly into a laundry basket without touching it. After several washes in warm water (skip fabric softener; it reduces absorbency), the pads held their shape and continued to grip well.

Pad retention was mostly solid. I did have a corner lift once after I rushed a pad installation and hit uneven grout at speed. Taking a second to align the hook-and-loop evenly around the base before powering on eliminated repeat occurrences.

As with any steam mop, a little maintenance goes a long way. Let the mop cool before removing the pad, and store it upright. If your water is hard, use distilled water to slow mineral buildup. If output dips over time, follow the manual’s descaling guidance.

Floor safety and control

The automatic steam shutoff when the mop is parked upright is a great safety feature and prevents accidental steaming in place. The self-standing design is a small but meaningful convenience when you need to move a chair or pick up a dropped toy mid-clean. I also appreciated being able to hang the mop in a utility closet; it’s slim and doesn’t dominate the space.

On sealed hardwood, the ability to dial back steam output inspired confidence. I still recommend a pre-pass with a dry microfiber or vacuum to get grit off the floor; steam mops are at their best loosening film and sticky residue, not bulldozing sand.

Build quality and quirks

Overall construction feels mid-grade plastic: light and practical rather than premium. The removable tank fits cleanly, the hinges and latches align well, and the mop head remained firmly attached over normal use. That said, plastic-on-plastic interfaces demand proper seating. If the pad is misaligned or the head isn’t clicked fully into place, you’ll notice it quickly once you start moving.

My only functional hiccup was the single instance of inconsistent steam output noted above. It resolved easily, but it’s a reminder that steam systems are sensitive to tank seating and water quality. As a best practice, allow the indicator to show ready before you start, and if output drops, turn the unit off, reseat the tank, and restart.

Who it’s for

  • Apartment and small-home owners with sealed hard floors who want chemical-free cleaning.
  • Parents and pet owners aiming to reduce detergents on frequently touched floors.
  • Anyone looking for a quick, quiet tool for in-between deep cleans.

Who might want to look elsewhere:
- Large homes that need long, uninterrupted sessions; the 10-minute-per-tank reality means frequent refills.
- Users needing aggressive scrubbing action or specialized attachments for grout.
- Tall users who prefer adjustable handles for extended sessions.

Tips for best results

  • Vacuum or dry-dust first to remove grit.
  • Use the resting mat during warm-up and pauses.
  • Move slowly, especially on sticky spots, to let steam work.
  • Use distilled water if you have hard water.
  • Wash pads without fabric softener; keep a spare set for larger jobs.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker steam mop for small to medium spaces with sealed hard floors, especially if you value a simple, water-only routine and want fast warm-up with intuitive floor settings. It cleans everyday residue effectively, is easy to maneuver, and the safety features (upright steam shutoff, self-standing, resting mat) make it hassle-free to live with.

I would add two caveats. First, plan around the modest per-tank runtime; it’s fine for kitchens, baths, and hallways, but larger floor plans will require refills. Second, pay attention to pad seating and tank fit, and consider distilled water to keep steam output consistent. If you need a bulletproof, longer-running machine with more aggressive scrubbing features, this isn’t it. But as a lightweight, chemical-free maintenance tool, it earns a spot in a utility closet—and it’s one I’ll keep using for quick, quiet cleanups.



Project Ideas

Business

Eco Floor Sanitizing for Airbnbs

Offer a chemical-free hard-floor sanitizing service for short-term rentals, using only steam on sealed wood, tile, and stone. Sell fast turnover packages: kitchen + bath touch-ups between guests, full-unit refresh for deep cleans. The auto-shutoff and ready-light keep workflows safe and consistent; schedule refills every 8–10 minutes per tank for predictable timing.


Move-In/Move-Out Hard-Floor Refresh

Partner with realtors and property managers to deliver quick pre-listing and post-lease floor sanitation. Bundle steam cleaning of entries, kitchens, and bathrooms with scuff removal along baseboards using a custom edge pad. Market the no-residue benefit to avoid slip complaints and protect sealed hardwood finishes.


Event Venue Rapid Turnover Clean

Provide pre/post-event floor sanitizing for galleries, pop-ups, and small venues with sealed floors. Use multiple washable pads and a refill caddy to maintain momentum and minimize chemical odors before guests arrive. Offer off-hours scheduling and flat-rate pricing per square foot or per room.


Steam Mop Rental Kits

Rent the mop as a weekend kit with labeled floor-type settings guide, two laundered pads per day, a resting mat, and a jug of distilled water. Add optional upsells like extra pad packs and a simple corner-scrub attachment pad. Target apartment complexes and HOA communities where owners want eco cleaning without buying a unit.


Grout Refresh Microservice

Specialize in tile grout revival: steam-clean the floor to open pores, detail scrub lines, then apply a color sealer for uniform results. Price by the linear foot and include a 6–12 month touch-up plan. Emphasize low odor, fast drying, and safer kitchens/baths thanks to no in-tank chemicals.

Creative

Baseboard + Corner Pad Mod

Sew a custom microfiber pad with stiff, triangular ‘ears’ that wrap up the wall to gently scrub baseboards and inside corners as you glide along the floor. The swivel steering lets you track along edges, while the steam loosens scuffs and grime on sealed surfaces without chemicals. Make the pad to the SMP20 footprint and include a tab that aligns with the step-to-release for hands-free removal.


Grout Revival Prep Kit

Use the steam mop on the tile setting to lift embedded dirt from sealed tile floors and warm the grout, then follow with a hand-applied grout color sealer for a lasting refresh. The mop’s heat reduces scrubbing effort and leaves the surface dry quickly, ideal for clean application lines. Keep chemicals out of the tank—apply any cleaners or sealers by hand after steaming.


Paint Splat Lift-Off

On sealed tile or stone workshop floors, soften dried latex paint drips by hovering the steamer head for a few seconds, then slide a plastic putty knife to lift splats cleanly. The indicator light helps you know when steam is ready, and the auto-shutoff protects the floor when you park upright between spots. Great for makers who get accidental paint on hard floors.


Wall-Mount Pad Drying Station

Build a compact wall-mounted rack that holds the self-standing mop and adds a ventilated drying rail for washed microfiber pads. Include hooks for the cord, a slot for the resting mat, and a small shelf for a distilled water jug and funnel. This keeps gear tidy and extends pad life by air-drying them flat.


Quick-Refill Rolling Caddy

Make a slim rolling caddy that parks beside outlets and carries a large distilled-water bottle, funnel, spare pads, and a timer. The 23 ft cord and 10-minute-per-tank runtime pair well with a caddy that moves room to room, minimizing downtime during larger cleaning sessions. Add a silicone tray to catch drips when swapping tanks.