A steam mop is just a mop, with the added benefit of steam for disinfecting, humidifying, and attracting dust to the cloth. A vacuum cleaner is simply a vacuum cleaner; it cannot be used to mop the floor. A good mop has its own advantages, as do different mop brands, depending on your home situation. For example, a rotating mop - which brand is good? If you have wooden floors, something like a "Good Helper" may be suitable. If you have carpets, then a vacuum cleaner would definitely be more appropriate. Cleaning tools.