Regular mop not working for your messes? Is it making you a little… steamed? Then why not try a steam mop?
The name “steam mop” explains its functionality. It cleans using steam. With so much heat, you can disinfect any surfaces without the need for any chemicals that can be a little harsh on the floor, skin, or for your nose.
Now, with all that said, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about steam mops. This can help you decide if it’s for you, or if you should look elsewhere.
Do Steam Mops Kill Germs?
Yes! Germs can adapt to different chemicals used on them, but what they can’t adapt to is intense heat. Steam mops help to kill 99.99 percent of germs without using any harsh cleaners. About 175 degrees F, or about 79.5 C, is enough to sanitize the floors, and many mops will go double that.
Is Steam Mopping Better than Regular Mopping?
When it comes to mopping, everyone will have their own preference. Some people prefer the traditional mop, while others may prefer the steam mop. There are several reasons why someone may like a steam mop. For one, you don’t need any cleaners. For another, the steam mop is great for lifting and getting rid of any dirt.
With that said, there are some reasons why steam mopping may not be as good as regular mopping. For one, if used improperly, the steam from the steam mop can burn you. Make sure to keep your hands away from the steam at all times. For another, depending on what kind of floor you have, the steam mop could damage it. We’ll discuss that the next question.
What Floors Can You Use a Steam Mop On?
With a steam mop, not all floors are created equal. If you have a vinyl, linoleum, ceramic, or porcelain floor, then you should be good. With hardwood and laminate, it’s trickier. If you use the steam mop on the wrong type of floor, it may end up damaging the floor.
If you know who manufactured your floor, look them up and see if they discuss steam cleaning, or ask them. They should be able to give you an answer. If the floor claims to be resistant to water, it could be safe. Water resistant floors will have protections of the core layer, which can prevent the mop from being damaged. However, doing research is still required if you want to make sure.
Some steam cleaners will claim to be safe for all types of wood floor, but this is a claim you need to take with a grain of salt. Wood is very sensitive, and can be warped or discolored if you use too much steam.
In order to determine whether or not a steam mop will work on a hardwood floor, one thing you can do is put a couple drops of water on the floor, and wait five minutes. A wood floor that isn’t compatible with a steam cleaner will absorb the water. If it doesn’t, there’s a chance you can use the steam cleaner on it.
Can you use tap water in steam mops?
One of the appeals of the steam mop is the idea that you don’t need to buy anything special to use it. You can end up using the water you have in your house, right? For the most part, yes. Most steam mops should be able to take tap water. However, distilled water will get the most mileage.
For those who don’t know what distilled water is, it’s water that has no minerals. Minerals may collect over the mop over time, and it can decrease its effectiveness unless you clean it out. Luckily, distilled water isn’t hard to find.
Can I put vinegar in my steam mop?
Many cleaning gurus will swear by vinegar, which can clean anything, it steams. So, is it a good idea to put it in your steam mop? Will it do anything, or should you avoid it?
It depends. A vinegar and water mix can actually have benefits for your floor. For one thing, it can be tougher one stains, getting rid of glue, brines, soap scum, and other stubborn little stains that a traditional steam mop just won’t get rid of.
For another, it can boost the steam mops’ sanitation. It’s not required to sanitize, but it wouldn’t hurt.
Finally, if you spilled something stinky on your floor, a little bit of vinegar in your steam mop can do wonders for it.
However, vinegar can also damage hardwood floors, so avoid using it if you have those type of floors.
So, Should You Get it?
Steam mops are definitely worth checking out, but make sure that your floors can handle them. If you have the right type of floor, you should be golden.
Here is a list of the best steam mops we have found. Take a look and choose the right one for you.