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For a Shark steam cleaner that can also be used by hand, the best fit depends on your market and the jobs you need it to do. In the United States, Shark lists the LiftAway Steam Mop & Detachable Steam Cleaner (S3972BRN); in the United Kingdom, it lists the Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner (S6005UK). Both combine floor cleaning with above-floor handheld use, but their model numbers, electrical specifications, tools, and warranty coverage are not interchangeable.
Shark handheld steam cleaner options by region
These are hybrid floor-and-handheld machines, not dedicated handheld-only cleaners. Shark’s product pages describe intended uses and included equipment; they do not establish an independently tested performance winner.
| Model | Market | Handheld setup and listed uses | Buying detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiftAway Steam Mop & Detachable Steam Cleaner (S3972BRN) | United States | Shark describes it as a 5-in-1 steam mop with a detachable handheld steamer and four specialized tools. Listed above-floor tasks include cleaning counters and appliances, upholstery, car interiors, grout, and crevices. | The product page shows a one-year limited warranty. Shark lists Triangle Dirt Grip washable pads as an add-on; confirm compatibility with S3972BRN. |
| Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner (S6005UK) | United Kingdom | Converts to handheld mode. Shark lists an accessory hose and multiple handheld tools for above-floor cleaning. | Check the UK product page for model-specific parts and tools, and verify availability for your location. |
Sources: Shark US S3972BRN product page and Shark UK S6005UK product page.
The Tool Desk
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Choose by market first
If you are shopping in the US, start with S3972BRN; if you are shopping in the UK, start with S6005UK. Treat these as regional examples, not equivalent versions of one model. Before buying across borders, check the exact SKU, voltage, plug, warranty region, and accessory fit.
#1 Best Overall
- STEAM SANITIZATION*: Removes 99.9% of common household bacteria** with the power of steam, using just water.
- DUAL-SIDED CLEANING: Flip the mop head to clean using both sides of our double-sided pads, extending your cleaning session with fewer washes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: At under 5 lbs., the compact design makes it effortless to carry between rooms and conveniently store away after use.
- MANEUVERABILITY: The sleek design and swivel steering enable cleaning in tight spaces and around furniture with ease.
- MACHINE WASHABLE PADS: Includes two dual-sided microfiber Dirt Grip pads that lift and lock in dirt and grime—just toss them in the washer before your next use!
Match the tool set to the task
For a mix of sealed-floor cleaning and detail work, compare the supplied handheld tools and hose against the surfaces and areas you actually intend to clean. Shark specifically lists upholstery, car interiors, grout, and crevices among S3972BRN’s uses, but a listed application is not a guarantee of results on every fabric, finish, stain, or material. Follow the care guidance for each surface and avoid steam where its manufacturer advises against it.
Check replacement parts before committing
For S3972BRN, Shark lists Triangle Dirt Grip washable pads as an add-on. For S6005UK, use the UK product page’s parts and tools listings. Confirm that any replacement pad or accessory is compatible with the precise model number rather than relying on a similar-looking Shark steam cleaner.
Rank #2
- SCRUBBING AND SANITIZING*: Tough on stains and gentle on floors. *To sanitize floors, be sure to completely follow the product's directions for use. See sanitization instructions in Owner's Guide for important details on sanitizing floors. Sanitization studies were conducted under controlled test conditions. See the Owner's Guide for details on testing.
- 3 STEAM MODES: Light, for quick cleanups; Normal, for everyday use; and Deep, for stuck-on messes and stains.
- HEADLIGHTS: Powerful LED headlights reveal hidden debris around your home.
- 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.
- 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.
What Shark’s bacteria claim does—and does not—mean
Shark says S3972BRN removes 99.9% of common household bacteria on sealed hard floors using water. This is a manufacturer claim scoped to that use; it is not evidence that every handheld attachment sanitizes upholstery or other surfaces, removes every organism, or delivers the same result under all conditions. The cited product pages do not provide an independent comparative test establishing a best-performing model.
Source: Shark US S3972BRN product page.
Do not assume every Shark steam mop is handheld
Shark’s US steam-mop category identifies S3972BRN as having a detachable handheld steamer. Its separate S1000 listing is described as a steam mop without that handheld claim. Check the exact product description and model number; the Shark name alone does not establish that a mop converts for above-floor cleaning.
Rank #3
- WHOLE-HOME STEAM CLEANING: Designed to tackle messes across your whole home including sealed hard floors, kitchen countertops and appliances, upholstery, car interiors, bathroom grout and crevices, window screens, and more.
- STEAM SANITIZATION*: Removes 99.9% of common household bacteria^ from your sealed hard floors using just water, leaving no residue behind.
- VERSATILE ABOVE-FLOOR CLEANING: This multipurpose steam cleaner includes 4 specialized tools to tackle stubborn stains and messes, and built-up dirt and grime across kitchen countertops and appliances, bathrooms, upholstery, corners, windows, and more
- FLAT PAD TOOL: Two-in-one pad to tackle everyday and stubborn messes — stiff scrubbing loops on one side for tackling stuck-on messes and stains, and soft microfiber loops on the other for dusting away dirt and grime from flat surfaces and upholstery.
- SCRAPER TOOL: Loosen and lift stuck-on messes, grease, and food residue from kitchen countertops, stovetops, oven and microwave interiors, and other hard surfaces.
Source: Shark US steam mops category.
What to verify before ordering
- Model and market: Confirm the complete model number and that the unit is intended for your country.
- Electrical fit: Check voltage and plug type, especially if buying from another market.
- Included equipment: Verify which hose, tools, and pads come with that specific SKU; bundles can differ.
- Surface suitability: Check the care instructions for floors, upholstery, and other materials before applying steam.
- Warranty and parts: Confirm regional warranty terms and availability of compatible replacement pads or tools.
Verdict
S3972BRN is the relevant US starting point and S6005UK the UK starting point if you want one Shark machine for floors and handheld detail cleaning. Choose by region, compatible tools, and intended surfaces—not by treating the models as interchangeable or reading manufacturer use claims as independent test results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PUT EVERYDAY SPOTS AND STAINS IN REVERSE: Shark StainStriker is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that delivers powerful tough stain elimination for messes throughout your home and onboard self-cleaning for easy maintenance. More than just a stain fighter, it’s a time machine back as if the stain never even happened.
- 20X MORE STAIN-REMOVING POWER*: Unlike premixed chemicals that lose strength over time, StainStriker Technology fuses two formulas on contact to unleash powerful OXY stain removal and remove odors at the source.
- TWO SPECIALIZED TOOLS FOR EVERY MESS: Includes two specially designed tools to easily clean tough spots and stains on carpets, area rugs, upholstery, carpeted stairs, and more.
- REMOVES ODORS INSTEAD OF JUST MASKING THEM: Stubborn, lingering odors like smoke and pet urine aren’t just covered up, they’re trapped and removed.^
- PULLS OUT EMBEDDED MESSES: Ultra-powerful suction digs deep into carpet fibers, giving you a thorough clean across your whole home.
Rank #4
- CHEMICAL-FREE SANITIZATION*: With the power of steam, remove grease and grime using just water — no chemicals needed and no residue left behind.
- REMOVABLE WATER TANK: The removable water tank allows easy fills and refills, helping more floors to be cleaned without interruption.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: At under 5 lbs., the compact design makes it effortless to carry between rooms and conveniently store away after use.
- MANEUVERABLITY: The sleek design and swivel steering enables cleaning in tight spaces and around furniture.
- MACHINE WASHABLE PADS: Dirt-Grip textured microfiber mop pads provide outstanding absorption and added scrubbing power to tackle stuck-on dirt and debris.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
