How to Find the Best Steam Mop

Are you tired of scrubbing your floors and carpet to get rid of stubborn dirt stains? Heat and moisture exposure can help you deal with that problem, but if only there were a way to bring those elements to your floor without making a bigger mess… Allow us to introduce you to the world of the best steam mops, products that will do almost all the cleaning for you. 

Best Steam Mops

How Do Steam Mops Work?

Steam mops use the power of water heated up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to produce a steam jet that helps clean the floors. The water comes from a reservoir that is located inside the mop. 

The stems drench the pad in water and contribute to the pad’s ability to dislodge dirt and filth off the floor. 

In contrast to conventional mops, the mop head is designed to collect dirt, and the heat generated by the steam is powerful enough to eliminate the majority of dust mites and bacteria that are present on the floor. It is not only a more efficient method of cleaning, but it is also one that is more hygienic.

Compared to the traditional method of cleaning floors with a mop and bucket, the steam mop is a way more convenient and time-efficient option. 

What Can Steam Mops Clean?

Steam mops can help you clean various surfaces, like carpets, glass, upholstery, hardwood floors, sealed tile, and more. You may need different attachments for different surfaces, but it’s quite a versatile tool in terms of what you can use it on. 

Naturally, some surfaces are not compatible with steam mops. Avoid using them on laminate floors, melt plastic, or unsealed floors. Don’t use steam mops on surfaces covered in water-based paint or unglazed tile. 

Tips for Using a Steam Mop

Since using steam mops is so simple and quick, you can be tempted to ignore important guidelines because of how convenient they are.

• Add Only Water

Except for dual-function steam mops, every other model is designed to be used solely with water in the reservoir. They are not intended to be used with any other liquid. Even without additional cleaners, the steam does an excellent job of cleaning the floor.

Always ensure that you read the documentation that came with your mop model in its entirety for details on how to use it.

• Use Clean Pads

If you have a large surface you want to clean, you have to pay attention to how much dirt accumulates on the pad. Cleaning the house with a dirty mop pad is just moving dirt around. 

Because of this, it is a good idea to keep one or two additional mop cloths available so that you may switch to a clean one if it becomes necessary to do so. It is important to remember to disconnect the mop before changing the cloth on the mop head.

• Avoid Walls

In principle, cleaning walls with a steam mop may not sound like a terrible idea; however, utilizing hot steam may cause the paint to peel, bubble, or lift off the wall. 

Additionally, it can ruin the drywall or any other material that is beneath the paint. So, it’s strongly recommended that you refrain from using your steam mop on the walls.

• Avoid Cold Surfaces

If cold toilets or other fixtures are suddenly exposed to a burst of hot steam, the porcelain may break. Therefore, you should keep the mop where it is and avoid bringing it into direct touch with any of the fittings.

You might want to read this: 10 Tips on How to Clean Your Room

What to Look for When Buying a Steam Mop

If you’re looking to buy a steam mop, there are certain features and aspects that you have to look into for a viable purchase. 

Size & Weight

Size and weight are important for various reasons. If you live in an apartment, there is no point in buying a large steam mop. It costs more, consumes more electricity, and is more difficult to store because of its size. 

Weight determines how portable the steam mop will be. Even if you don’t plan to leave the house carrying your steam mop, you still have to move it around the house, and a heavy machine will make this a cumbersome task. 

Capacity

If you are going to spend money on a steam cleaner, it is important to do your homework and choose a model that you will be able to operate and keep in good working order. Get the most out of your steam mop; seek models that have the most adaptable attachments, the largest tanks, and the greatest wattage heaters that you can afford. 

The amount of use you can get out of the machine is mostly determined by these important features. Think about which places are going to require frequent cleaning. If you have a more sizable home, you should look for a steam mop that has a capacity of about 16 ounces. If you have a vast area to clean, you will spend less time refilling the tank if the reservoir is larger. 

However, a larger reservoir can entail a more bulky appliance. On the other hand, if you are only cleaning a bathroom that is medium in size or a tiny apartment, a smaller reservoir will be sufficient for your needs. The water tank capacity of the vast majority of domestic steam mops ranges from 12 to 15 ounces.

Steam

If there are kiddos or pets in your household, you should search for a model that has an adjustable steam output so that you may increase the temperature when you need to remove stubborn stains. 

You will have more control over the cleaning process, allowing you to better tailor it to your needs. Controls for the steam output vary depending on the type; some mops come with predetermined settings, while others have a knob that may be adjusted for even more customization options.

Always get started with the lowest setting while steam cleaning your floors for the first time. If necessary, you can work your way up to a higher level as you go. Even low-end domestic steam cleaners have the potential to irritate your skin or scratch your floors, so it’s key that you carefully follow all of the operating directions whenever you use your unit.

Floor Protection

The majority of steam mop manufacturers state that their products are suitable for use on a variety of surfaces. However, every single one of the models that we examine still has some moisture left over. 

Even if the wood floor looks sealed, it could still have cracks that allow water to sneak in and cause damage. Additionally, some old waxes and wood finishes may develop a hazy appearance with time. 

If your flooring is still covered by a warranty, you should contact the manufacturer to confirm that the use of a steam mop will not render the guarantee null and void.

You might be interested: Best Mop for Laminated Floors

Cleaning Efficiency

While many steam mops produce hot steam, not all of them live to the claim. The actual results that you get in your particular home could differ. 

There aren’t many that go anywhere near 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the boiling point of water and the temperature required to kill viruses. However, several can provide temperatures that are higher than 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than you can achieve with tap water.

Accessories

A fundamental steam mop is fine for light cleaning tasks, but some models come with additional attachments that make it simpler to access hard-to-reach places in your home. 

Some of these attachments include fabric steamers, squeegee tools, and even window nozzles. Of course, models that include these accessories will typically be more expensive but some of them can even replace a bunch of your other cleaning tools. 

You may want to check out: Best Carpet Steam Cleaner

Bottom Line

Because steam cleaning doesn’t involve the use of any chemicals but still delivers a powerful performance, there’s a recent uptick in interest in steam cleaning. You won’t need to use any kind of cleaning solution on your floor if you have a high-quality steam mop because it uses steam to eliminate dirt, stains, and scuffs. And if you’re looking for a steam cleaner just for carpets, check out our list!

Frequently Asked Questions