What Is A Steam Mop?

Everything You Need to Know About Steam Mops...

Although there are differences among the different steam mop brands, there are many things about them that are the same.

Unlike traditional methods of floor cleaning, these machines use no detergent. Instead, water (either tap or distilled) is converted to steam. To convert the water, the mops use electricity. This means that they have cords and will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet during use.

If the idea of cleaning without detergent makes you uncomfortable, then you will want to steer clear of these devices. These machines are built to work with water only, and using detergent in a steam mop will both ruin your cleaner and void your warranty.

Although detergent-free cleaning may scare off some customers, other customers appreciate the fact that no cleaner is needed. Some people, such as those with severe asthma and allergies, may be sensitive to the smells of cleaning solutions. Also, detergents can be toxic to pets, such as certain species of birds. Cleaning without detergents may also please environmentally-conscious consumers who want to avoid anything that may potentially be harmful to nature.

If you are thinking of buying a steam mop because you want to save money over time by not buying detergent, you should know that there are expenses associated with owning one of these machines. They use pads attached to the base to distribute the steam to flooring surfaces. Although these pads are usually made of microfiber or terry cloth, which means that they are reusable and machine washable, they do wear out and need to be replaced from time to time.

Many models also have a water filter that needs to be replaced. The life of the water filter can be prolonged by using distilled water - but then again, this is another expense.

Most brands state that they can be used on all hard flooring surfaces, excluding unsealed wood floors. The manufacturer of the Shark Steam Mop has also noted that the devices should not be used on no-wax flooring, because they can potentially ruin the finish on these types of floors. To be on the safe side, it may be a good idea to clean a small area to make sure it does not cause any problems. If your flooring is fairly new, you may also want to contact the flooring manufacturer to verify that the product is safe to use.

Some also have an option carpet cleaning attachment. Keep in mind, however, that these will not have the shampooing and suctioning power that you will find on traditional steam cleaners.

We have a lot more information here regarding these house cleaning gadgets, including information regarding the various steam mop models. Check out our other posts for even more information...