A steam mop is a versatile mop that utilizes steam to disinfect floors and rugs while cleaning them. It usually has a microfiber pad that traps the dirt present on the floors.
The best steam mops should be ergonomic, lightweight, flexible, energy-efficient, and time-saving. Moreover, they should possess qualities that give you more freedom of operation without the need for additional cleaning agents or disinfectants (Source).
A steam mop usually resembles a vacuum cleaner with a mop head. However, it also has a tank in which you can fill up water. This water heats up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit through the electrical power to generate steam. The steam travels through the jet spray outlet present on the mop head.
A microfiber pad, which sticks over the outlet, heats up from the steam. It makes the pad more efficient at cleaning the floors and rugs by disinfecting them (Source). For cleaning rugs and carpets, steam mops use a skid cover made of plastic that lets the microfiber pad glide over the surface without causing friction.
Steam mops comprise of several models based on wired or wireless features. Additionally, you can also find models based on the number of steam jets they have. In this review, we’ll discuss the most top-rated steam mops that you can buy in the market for clean and germ-free floors in your house.
Comparing the Best Steam Mops
BISSELL 1940 PowerFresh | |||||
Shark Genius | |||||
O-Cedar Microfiber | |||||
Light ‘n’ Easy Steam Mop | |||||
SKG 1500W | |||||
Light ‘n’ Easy Multifunctional | |||||
Sienna Luna Plus SSM-3016 | |||||
Shark Steam Pocket Mop | |||||
Bissell Symphony | |||||
Oreck Steam-It |
1. BISSELL PowerFresh – Best Overall
Table of Contents
- 1 1. BISSELL PowerFresh – Best Overall
- 2 2. Shark Genius – Smartest Steam Mop & Best for Large Floors
- 3 3. O-Cedar Microfiber – Best Steam Mop for the Money
- 4 4. Light ‘n’ Easy Steam Mop – Best Budget & Under $50
- 5 5. SKG 1500W – Most Powerful Steam Mop
- 6 6. Light ‘n’ Easy Multifunctional Steamer – Best Multipurpose
- 7 7. Sienna Luna Plus SSM-3016 – Most High End Steam Mop
- 8 8. Shark Steam Pocket Mop – Most Ideal for Home Use
- 9 9. Bissell Symphony – Best Vacuum And Steam Mop Combo
- 10 10. Oreck Steam-It – Best Commercial Steam Mop
- 11 Steaming Time And Temperature
- 12 Use of Detergents
- 13 Maneuverability
- 14 Operational Costs
- 15 Tank Capacity
- 16 Cord Length
- 17 Price
- 18 Storage
- 19 Why Use Steam?
- 20 How to Use a Steam Mop?
- 21 How Do Steam Mops Work?
- 22 What Can It Clean?
- 23 How To Clean The Mop?
The mop leaves behind a nice, refreshing spring breeze scent as you clean. It is very easy to fill the water tank with the included measuring cup. You can select low or high steam settings based on your cleaning needed.
The steam mop comes with two “Spring Breeze” scent discs. When they’re used up, you can buy them separately. It also has a 25-foot long power cord.
The mop weighs 6.2 pounds. Its dimensions are 9.5 x 13 x 46 inches. It is made in China and its exterior is blue and white.
- Cup for refilling the water tank
- Scented discs
- Protects flooring
- There is no water level indicator.
- Spare parts are sometimes needed, don’t arrive fast.
2. Shark Genius – Smartest Steam Mop & Best for Large Floors
Another great feature is the new type of dirt grip pad, measuring 13″ x 7″. The fibers of this grip pad are designed to hold and lock dirt, and thus the exterior surface can hold, pull and lift more dirt than was possible earlier.
The padded cloth is washable, adding to improved cleaning and maintenance. You have to wash and dry the pads after every use, and you shouldn’t use bleach or fabric softener.
You don’t need to do anything else with them after you’re done, as the touch-free technology makes sure the tough and greasy dirt stays on the pads. Your hands don’t get dirty.
There is a 3-setting steam control, letting you use an optimal amount of steam. This steam control mechanism is ideal for every type of cleaning.
For major messes, you can use the “Hi” option, while for less strenuous cleaning you can use options “Med” or “Low”. The steam blaster at the end of the stick near the nozzle assembly can deliver powerful steam bursts, for quick and easy clean-ups.
The input power of the electronic steam system is relatively decent with 1200 watts (8.75A at 120V). The robust, sturdy construction supports a cord length of 22 feet, while the plastic clips on its back enable proper storage of the cable.
More on the Shark Genius
The water tank holds up to 11.8 ounces of water. This is the exact right capacity that any functional steam mop in the market can accommodate and will easily cover around 1000 sq. ft. Water is cheap, efficient and healthy unlike all the expensive cleaning chemicals available out there.
A hard water filter is more than necessary to avoid or at least minimize the intensity of surface scaling. This steam mop has a sophisticated filtering system. To increase its life cycle, we recommend you use distilled water.
If you buy this product from Amazon, you get a 5-year warranty and a better price than if you buy from the manufacturer directly. Attachments include a stick bar called Spray Pocket, two dirt grip pads, the Genius nozzle, and a filling flask.
If you buy directly from Shark, the warranty is two years, but you also get a triangle mop head with a triangle Dirt Grip pad and a spray bottle with a clip and cleaning solution.
The clip makes it possible to store the solution directly on the mop. The triangular scrubber pad and scrubber head are crucial to good cleaning. You can buy them separately for approximately $10. No other accessories are included but these suffice for floor mopping.
- Elegant filtering system
- Optimal water tank volume
- Powerful steam blaster
- It gets tiring to wash and dry the dirt pads after every use
3. O-Cedar Microfiber – Best Steam Mop for the Money
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This mop heats up faster than most of the others in this review – just 20 seconds. It has adjustable steam level settings and kills 99.9% of bacteria on floors without using any harmful chemicals.It has been tested on E.Coli. This steam mop weighs just 5 lbs and comes with a snap-on glider to refresh carpets plus an extra microfiber pad.
You don’t have to use distilled water. If the steam stops because of hard water deposits, you can clean the mop with white vinegar. You can also use tap water. The mop cleans floors very efficiently and thoroughly with a very quick and hassle-free cleaning process.
The triangle-shaped mop increases the reachability of the mop into nooks and corners, thus allowing a more effective cleaning. The microfiber pad absorbs all the dust, dirt and bacteria.
The mop is also safe to use on hard floors. The pads can be reused after washing and last for up to 25 washes. The mop comes with two pads.
- Snap on carpet glider for carpeted floors
- Very quiet
- Easy to set up
- Tank needs to be continually unplugged
- The mop pads need to be changed often
- Can leave streaks on marble floors
4. Light ‘n’ Easy Steam Mop – Best Budget & Under $50
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The corded Light n’ Easy Steam Mop makes steam cleaning your floor a very pleasant and simple chore. It is lightweight and specially designed to reduce the physical strain that goes hand-in-hand with mopping and other floor-cleaning tasks.This company has decades of experience in the home appliance industry, which is one of the reasons why this steam mop is so efficient.
It eliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria. The water reaches a sanitizing temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit in just 20 seconds.
After that, you can use the mop to clean the dirt and grime your mop left behind on the hard floors of your home. The floors dry in the same period of time it takes the water to heat, making the likelihood of slips and falls minimal.
What we really like about this mop is the extent, to which it minimizes discomfort. You don’t have to suffer in the name of germ-free floors any more – this steam mop only weighs 4 pounds, so you won’t have to make an effort to push it along the floor.
It also has a soft rubber handle, so you can hold the grip of the mop comfortably.
Further Reviewing the Light ‘n’ Easy Steam Mop
It is also very easy to set up. You can get the steam mop ready to clean your floors in no time. All you need to do is attach the triple-layered microfiber pad to the mop head using the secure fastening strips it is equipped with. Then, twist open the small knob at the top of the tank and pour water into the tank until it reaches the fill line.
You will never need to pre-spray the floors with a cleaning solution because the steam is hot enough to sanitize the floors it touches. We don’t recommend adding anything except water, especially harsh chemicals, because they can erode the steam producer and rubber obturating parts.
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- High-tech, ergonomic design has a soft-grip handle and is easy to maneuver without physical strain. Heats up and dries in 20 seconds
- It can clean hard-to-reach messes in corners and crevices effortlessly for a sparkling clean floor
This isn’t really a disadvantage, but we’re going to mention it so you don’t think something is wrong if this happens to you.
- Mop shuts off automatically when you pause cleaning
- Lower handle to resume use
5. SKG 1500W – Most Powerful Steam Mop
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The SKG 1500W naturally cleans, sanitizes and kills 99% of germs, ticks, parasites, fleas and harmful bacteria without using any chemicals. You can choose between light and tough cleaning to refresh carpets.The package comes with 6 useful accessories to clean every area of your home like windows, floors, bathrooms, carpets and even ovens. The mop can be used to clean sealed hard floor surfaces including wood, laminate, vinyl and tile.
Its 180-degree swivel triangle head provides for easy maneuvering for cleaning hard to reach areas. Min to Low settings for light cleaning and High to Max for tough scrubbing jobs.
Provides for environmentally safe steaming of your floors within 15-30 seconds without using chemicals. The mop comes with 3 washable microfiber pads.
6 accessories to choose and use while cleaning laminate, hardwood floor, marble, glass, carpet and tires. Sound alert system reminds you if the steamer is accidentally left on. It gives a regular beep when in use and grows louder if water has to be refilled.
The mop is excellent for cleaning old cabinets and very dirty areas.
- 180-degree swivel head for easy cleaning
- settings for light cleaning and tough scrubbing jobs
- steams floors within 15-30 seconds
- 3 washable microfibers
- Can only use distilled water and cannot use hot water.
- Can’t clean all floors
- No suction to reclaim used water
- Handle doesn’t lock tight enough when fully extended.
6. Light ‘n’ Easy Multifunctional Steamer – Best Multipurpose
This 5-in-1 steam mop will let you clean the whole house more quickly and easily, making it cleaner and fresher than ever. The built-in handheld steam cleaner with flexible hose is highly convenient.It works very well on floors, carpets, garments, windows, glass and mirrors. The steam cleaner heats up in 30 seconds and kills up to 99.9% of germs without using chemicals.
It is very good for tiles and hardwood floors and comes with a special surface scrubber. It is also good for sealed stone, stainless steel, and sealed tile and grout. You shouldn’t add detergents to the water tank.
The steam mop has three adjustable modes depending on your specific flooring or other items. That’s crucial when you’re trying to preserve hardwood finish.
The steam cleaner’s 11.50 oz reservoir is good for half an hour of steaming on the lowest setting or 15 minutes on the maximum setting.
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Works on everything except curtains
- Elbow in middle of handle breaks easily
7. Sienna Luna Plus SSM-3016 – Most High End Steam Mop
This steam mop and its attachments can clean sinks, showers, counters, drapes, cloth-covered furniture, toys, grills, and more. Features include three steam levels, 20 minutes of cleaning power, low-profile design for cleaning under furniture and 180-degree swivel.This steam mop system is customizable to meet many household needs. It can be adjusted to different surfaces in the home, including a microfiber head for cleaning rugs and carpets. The Luna SSM-3016 has sonic action to loosen stains and spills.
The pulse is quite powerful – 5400 pulses per minute – and acts fast on stubborn areas like creases and recessed surfaces. Inside and out, this steam cleaner makes hard jobs a breeze. It can even clean ovens and sterilize toilets and bathroom sinks.
You can use it outdoors – for example, to remove years of buildup from an outdoor grill, refresh patio furniture, and remove stains from walkways. You can also clean car wheel covers and hubcaps and give the interior a fresh, clean feel and aroma.
More on the Sienna Luna Plus
This product comes with 2 brass brushes, 4 nylon brushes, an extension hose, a shoulder strap, a window squeegee, a concentrated steam head, a small eco-fiber pad, and an angle concentrator nozzle.
The sterilizing action of steam cleaning kills 99% of germs and reduces irritating dust, dirt, and allergens. Using steam instead of chemicals to clean and kill germs minimizes the buildup of chemicals in the home, making the environment healthier for everyone.
Chemical cleaners leave residues on household surfaces, which can be dangerous especially if you have small children around, but you make the home safer by using natural water and steam.
- Simple Assembly: No tools are needed to assemble this model; just quickly attach the 3 parts.
- Maneuverable: The swivel action head makes corners and tight spots easy.
- Cord Wrap: Easily wrap the cord around the holder for quick transport.
- Low Profile: The flexible head permits easy reach under furniture and fixtures.
- Water Indicator: Turn on a light to display how much water is left in the tank.
- Cord: It has a 25-foot cord for a great cleaning range.
- Washable Cover: The microfiber pad cover is washable and reusable.
- Light: A bright LED illuminates the path as it cleans for darker areas.
- Not good for cleaning grout between tile flooring – too little pressure and doesn’t get hot enough.
8. Shark Steam Pocket Mop – Most Ideal for Home Use
Unlike most other steam mops, it distributes the steam throughout the pocket thus distributing it throughout the pad. This makes sure that every area gets covered during the cleaning process.
You don’t have to use your hands for any of the cleaning, even the mop pads are designed so as to be attached and reattached with the press of a button.
You can also direct powerful jets of steam onto dried and stuck on dirt, greasy spots, groves and crevices. This loosens the dirt, thus making the cleaning process more hassle free.
You can dispose the used mop pads straight on to the hamper and have them rewashed
The dirt grip pads provide a very strong grip on the floor, thus making cleaning more effective. The mop pads are designed so as to last several washes.
- The steam settings come with three options, that is low, medium and high
- The water reservoirs are graded for the convenience of the user
- The hot steam can break through any dried out grime
- The handle is prone to snapping
- Separate vacuuming and mopping is time-consuming
9. Bissell Symphony – Best Vacuum And Steam Mop Combo
The Bissell Symphony 1543A makes it possible to efficiently vacuum clean floors, couches, and pet hair while the steam mop can be used to wipe the floors. This combination of both the items into one single product takes the cleaning process to another level.The suction for the vacuum is highly increased while the mop can be adjusted. The options thereof are high steam, low steam and vacuum.
The Symphony is one of the few products that allow you to vacuum clean and mop your floors without facing any challenges whatsoever. It is equipped with easy touch digital controls that can be alternated between low and high steam and vacuum modes.
The Bissell Symphony also has disposable pads that allow you to clean up even the biggest imaginable mess. This state of the art steam mop will make your home sparkle and leave a fresh scent behind.
- You can use disposable pads for everyday cleaning if you don’t enjoy washing mops after each use
- Makes even greasiest and most stubborn stains go away
- The mop doesn’t always reach narrow spaces and tricky nooks and corners.
- The vacuum may not be able to draw in bigger pieces of dirt and debris.
10. Oreck Steam-It – Best Commercial Steam Mop
The Oreck Steam produces approximately 40 minutes of steam on a full tank. On the highest setting, it can sanitize hard floor surfaces by focusing steam and mopping for at least 5 seconds. It is chemical-free, making it perfect for tile and grout.It cleans using only tap water and can be operated upside down without spillage. Dry, high-temperature steam melts away stubborn dirt and grime. This steam mop doubles as a full-powered vacuum.
Its 2-in-1 cleaning system covers windows, kitchens, bath fixtures, tile, grout, helps remove stains from furniture and even freshens pillows and mattresses.
It is an easy and natural way to clean deep down without using chemicals, detergents or having to buy replacement cleaning pads.
It comes with a one-year warranty (terms and conditions apply) and comes with 4 attachments. Its simplicity of use is amazing – all you need to do is add less than a liter of water to no-spill vapor chamber and turn it on.
More on the Oreck Steam-It
The low-moisture, high-temperature, dry steam does away with dirt very quickly, deep cleans virtually any hard floor surface (such as marble, ceramic, stone, vinyl, tile and sealed hardwood), cleans windows, bath and kitchen fixtures and overhead surfaces such as fans, cabinets, and light fixtures. Surfaces are dry within minutes.
You don’t need to buy replacement cleaning pads – the Steam-It comes with four washable microfiber pads. Its universal cleaning clips let you use your own household towels.
The steam leaves no toxic residues on surfaces and won’t stain clothing. It is 99.9% effective against bacteria, including e-coli, staph, and salmonella.
- Adjustable steam settings for optimal cleaning on multiple surfaces
- Low-moisture, high-temperature cleaning
- Cleans virtually every surface
- Universal cleaning clip which allows the customer to use household towels
- Product is not warrantied through the manufacturer
- Doesn’t work with tap water – only distilled.
Things You Must Know Before Buying A Steam Mop
Before purchasing a steam mop, you need to consider size and weight. You might find the mop head heavy when it’s filled with water, and you will have to change it regularly. You also need to think about accessories.
A basic mop can indeed help with simple household cleaning, but you’ll need to clean windows, bathrooms, worktops and soundproof curtains too.
Other important factors include steaming time and temperature, use of detergents, maneuverability, operational costs, tank capacity, cord length and, of course, price and storage. We’ll get to all of these shortly.
Steam mops use steam to clean floors and carpets. If you are particularly looking for a machine that will clean including all the hard to reach spots of your pool, consider buying a pool vacuum cleaner.
Steaming Time And Temperature
Floor steam mops have smaller tanks, which is why their steaming time is usually shorter than that of cleaners. Steam mops produce between 10 minutes and half an hour of steam time.
Make your choice based on how you intend to use the machine. If you want to quickly clean the kitchen floor, then you don’t need a mop which steams for 30 minutes.
However, if you want to use it to clean many rooms, then you need a mop with longer steam time as it’s irritating to have to repeatedly refill and wait for the mop to heat up.
If you choose a mop with a smaller tank (easier to carry), you need to keep in mind that it will also produce less steam in the same amount of time as one with a bigger tank. You have to refill the tank and wait for the steam whenever the tank runs out of water.
We recommend mops with a trigger mechanism, which produces steam only when you are ready to clean because this makes best use of the water in the tank.
Steam floor cleaners with a higher temperature give bigger cleaning power to disinfect surfaces better. Machines that produce steam at just the boiling point are effective too, but the surfaces will need more steam exposure for a thorough cleaning.
Use of Detergents
The steam from steam mops is usually enough to clean all surfaces, but particularly dirty ones may merit help from a detergent.
This is why we’ve reviewed some models that let you use a detergent in the cleaning process. These mops usually have a separate tank for the detergent with an option to turn it on and off as needed.
Maneuverability
If you really care about buying a machine that is easy to handle, then look for features like a swiveling head, the shape of the machine and how far the handle can recline. Moreover, some floors need less steam because it may damage their finish.
Not all dirt is created equal, so you should look for a device where you can adjust the steam output based on the type of floor you want to clean, and how much grime you need to be removed. Check the manufacturer’s website to see any special recommendations for cleaning particular surfaces.
Operational Costs
Steam mops don’t consume much electric power. What you should care more about is how many pads come with the product, as you will need a couple of pads while cleaning large areas.
Unlike with a traditional mop, not all the dirt accumulated on the floor ends up in a bucket. Some people even like using a dry cloth to wipe the floor after washing it to make sure it is completely dry and ward off damage and/or accidents.
Most steam mops come with just one or two-floor cleaning pads, so take into account the costs of buying additional pads and see if you can afford them.
We recommend mops with washable mop pads, which saves money, but then there is the additional irritation of washing the pads after each use.
If you were reading carefully, you noticed that some of these machines have to be used specifically with a tap or distilled (demineralized water). Some machines come with a filter to prevent scaling, which you can use with tap water, but you will eventually have to change the filter and pay for a new one.
If you are buying a mop which enables the use of detergent, you will bear the extra cost of detergent powder or solution. Specific detergents are recommended for certain brands, which can be more expensive than high street brands.
Tank Capacity
The capacity of the tank affects your choice in two main ways. While large tanks let you clean a larger area at a time, machines equipped with them are heavier. On the other hand, smaller, lighter tanks will necessitate frequent refills.
Cord Length
You will need a machine with a longer cord for bigger areas. Long cords enable far more reach, and short cords are usually inconvenient for large cleaning jobs.
Price
Most steam mops cost between $40 to $200 and more. Your budget will define your choice to an extent, and also whether you are looking for a simple model or one with accessories and special features. One of our mops reviewed here will prove to be right for you.
Storage
Mops generally don’t require special storage, as long as there’s space to wrap the cord. If you buy one with attachments, make sure you have enough space to store them. The mop should have a cooling tray as the head can get hot after cleaning and the tray protects the floor.
It is better to buy a steam mop that stands upright on its own. This way you don’t need to worry about it tipping over while you wait for it to heat up or cool down while cleaning.
Attachments are very useful if you want to clean the windows, your car or carpets. Based on what you need to steam clean, here are some accessories to look for:
- Scrubbing brushes – removes embedded grime from grout and tiles so much quicker.
- Carpet glider – helps in the carpet cleaning process.
- Squeegee – for cleaning glass
- Cleaning pads – for wiping down surfaces
- Scrubbing pad – for removing grease from ovens. Some mops even come with its personal detergent and built-in dispenser.
- Upholstery tool – usually constitute a brush or squeegee tool with a pad on its top for easy refreshing of fabrics and treating stains.
Why Use Steam?
Steam mops facilitate cleaning and sanitization of hard floors without using hazardous chemicals. It is an eco-friendly, chemical-free, and safe way to put your floors in order. That makes the steam cleaners a perfect solution for eco-minded customers.
Given that hard floors and surfaces are porous, the steam cleaners remove deep-seated grime by penetrating the surface. They allow you to effectively remove dried food spills and dirt from your floors.
While germs may not be present at the bathroom and kitchen floors in your home, some bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella may still thrive in lesser quantities. A steam vapor kills bacteria, mold spores, and dust mites at high temperatures. It turned out that heat above 212°C (413.6 °F) can kill most microorganisms.
Another big plus of steam mops is that they use microfiber pads. Those pads are capable of capturing more dust and dirt than conventional wet mops, even if the steam function is not used yet. Traditional mops only reduce about 30 percent of the bacteria, whereas microfiber mops reduce 99 percent of the bacteria. That makes a big difference!
Furthermore, steam mop cleaning will save you money in the long run, as you will not have to purchase cleaners. So it is worth the investment.
How to Use a Steam Mop?
Whether you will be using a steam mop on grout, ceramic tiles, linoleum flooring, or wood floors, be sure to check the manufacturer instructions and your warranty as well. The user manuals usually suggest wearing closed-toed shoes as a safety precaution, since those shoes can protect feet while mopping.
If you have used a dry/wet mops with disposable pads, then you will comfortably switch to steam mops. All you need to do is:
- Get a microfiber pad attached to the mop head.
- Fill its tank with water (it’s recommended to use filtered or distilled water to prevent mineral deposits)
- Plug it in and you are all set!
Once the mop heats up, the steam will start occurring as you clean.
It is advisable to thoroughly vacuum or sweep the floors prior to cleaning with a steam mop. Additionally, make sure the microfiber pads are washed and cleaned regularly.
How Do Steam Mops Work?
Steam mops create a low moisture vapor by using tap water. Most models consume less than a gallon of water depending on the tank capacity. The moisture vapor carries heat to the surface you’re treating. In fact, the physical connection between the surface you’re cleaning and soils get loose under the influence of the heat.
You just use heat and water! There are no chemical solvents. Instead, steam cleaners utilize the mixture of air and hot water to dissolve messy compounds and sticky adhesives. That means you won’t have to use nasty soaps and mopping chemicals.
Most steam mops use an average of 1.5 quarts of water per hour, so they are virtually “mess-free”. Being portable and quiet, they can be used anytime and anywhere.
The steam keeps the mop pad wet, which eliminates friction while cleaning. By gliding along the floor, the mop head loosens dirt with heat and steam without scrubbing your flooring. Actually, you may gently scrub away while hovering over a spot and give it more steam if needed.
More on How Steam Mops Work
The steam cleaners also contain cloth pads, just like traditional mops. However, they are sophisticated compared to the manual versions. In addition to chamois and microfiber, some pads also consist of antibacterial coatings to trap and eliminate bacteria more effectively.
One may wonder where the dirt goes. Well, this depends on the application. Once the dirt gets loosen, the terry cloth bonnet absorbs it right away. Also, it can be wiped away or rinsed by means of absorbent cloth.
These appliances come with a wide range of accessories that create a vapor system for different applications. For example, the system can be employed for the oven as well as carpet cleaning. Such a soap-less process of cleaning sanitizes the surface while eliminating chemical residues at the same time.
Some models are equipped with carpet gliders. They are designed to freshen carpets and eliminate odors rather than removing stains. There are also multi-purpose models, which clean carpets with the use of brushes and various attachments.
Keep in mind that they aren’t designed for cleaning whole carpets.
What Can It Clean?
Generally speaking, steam mops can be used on any sealed flooring surface. These act as an effective tool for cleaning hardwoods, tiles, laminates, and so on.
This raises these questions: how do you know if a floor is sealed and what will happen if the floor isn’t sealed?
Well, if you aren’t sure if your flooring is sealed, chances are good it is not. Laminates and linoleum are a safe bet when it comes to steam mopping. The same goes for new hardwood and tile flooring.
Older tiles and hardwoods, on the other hand, are usually not safe to clean with a steam mop because they frequently have pockmarks and/or cracks between boards, i.e., along the grout. That allows moisture to enter the flooring base and cause damage.
Wood floors, for example, can buckle and warp. Aside from that, steam mopping can destroy or mar the wood finish without the appropriate sealant. With regard to tile floors, water seeps between tiles and thus create mold in the cushion and support beams. So, it’s a good idea to call the installer or check your manual first.
Some models come with the attachments that enable you to clean surfaces like plumbing, countertops, as well as a variety of kitchen appliances. Even though these models can maintain most surfaces and do a good job of light cleaning, they aren’t as heavy-duty and powerful as full-sized canisters.
Steam clean systems are practical for most surfaces, except heat-sensitive surfaces. For example, surfaces like some thin plastics, velour upholstery, and silks must be carefully treated.
Please note that are non-cleaning applications too. These include thawing frozen pipes, defrosting freezers, polishing jewelry, and misting or dusting live plants, to name but a few.
How To Clean The Mop?
Steam mop pads are very different from regular cleaning mops, which are made of a mass of coarse strings that absorb water and dirt.
Steam mop pads, on the other hand, use bundled microfibers which are strategically placed underneath the steam cleaner to pick up dirt and disinfect floors.
They get dirty much quicker than regular mops do, and if they’re not cleaned properly, they can lose their effectiveness at a faster rate and have to be replaced regularly.
This can cost you a lot of money. You would be wise to avoid this needless expense by simply learning a few cleaning tips. Our tips ensure much cleaner pads that you can use for longer periods.
Use Baking Soda
Using baking soda is a great way to remove deeply etched dirt and dust in mop pads. Just mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the water together with some detergent and wait 15 minutes, then rinse the pad in lukewarm water.
This will ensure all the baking soda and detergent particles are washed out. Leave the pad out in the sun or use a dryer to remove the water completely.
Pads will acquire a grayish/brownish tint over time due to excessive use. This is not the same as dirt. It’s possible for the pad to be clean, but discolored. No matter dirty you may think your steam pad is, never treat it with bleach because it might remove the stains, but it will weaken the fibers greatly.
This applies to softeners as well. What is more, never attach a wet mop pad to the steam cleaner after you’re done rinsing. This should be avoided because mildew is bound to develop on the pad, which might cause allergies and other respiratory issues.
We recommend leaving the pad out in the sun until it dries completely before placing it back on the steam mop. Also, do not use powdered laundry detergent when cleaning steam pads. Some powdered detergents, especially those with fillers, do not dissolve well and tend to leave residue on the mop as a result.
This is true for a lot of cheaper detergents. This inevitably reduces the lifespan of the mop. Use liquid detergent to better preserve your steam mop.
Use A Washing Machine
If you feel your steam mop pad is very dirty and needs a thorough cleaning, do not hesitate to use a washing machine. It will provide the level of cleanliness that you desire. Just toss the pad into the washing machine with other fabrics and laundry, and a bit of detergent.
The grime will be completely removed from the pad. Again, do not use bleach or softeners as these tend to weaken the mop’s fabric, thus reducing its life cycle.
Ready to Buy a Quality Steam Mop?
We hope you’ve been convinced of the benefits of using steam mops – these outweigh those of regular mops by far. You have to use chemicals with regular mops, which are hostile to a home environment.
Also, the ability of steam mops to kill microscopic organisms is very high compared to regular mops. The floors take very long to dry if you use a regular mop, which can be an inconvenience depending on the situation.
Steam mops are highly recommended for homeowners who are looking for quick results and don’t want to use chemicals.
Are you a pool owner and looking for a more versatile and sophisticated pool cleaner? Buying the battery-powered pool vacuums is the wise move. It allows efficient cleaning of lining, steps, and ladders.
Besides, What’s your favorite steam mop? Share with us. And, if you prefer using a vaccum, read our review of the Dyson DC56!
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