Though they differ slightly from conventional mops, steam mops are a powerful instrument that you should always have ready to clean and sanitize your floors. However, not every floor is suitable for steam mopping; continue reading for a primer on the dos and don’ts of steam mopping.
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Why Use a Steam Mop?
The simplicity of this cleaning method lies in the fact that it only requires water as an ingredient to thoroughly clean your floors. A steam mop sanitizes in addition to cleaning. Without the use of harsh chemicals, many germs on the floor can be killed by the intense heat.
This is probably why steam mops are becoming more and more popular; they’re a terrific choice for houses with babies and pets that frequently come into contact with the flooring. Steam mops can be useful in the beginning of your routine (after vacuuming or sweeping) as they can help lift or soften long-standing muck that a regular mop typically misses.
What Floors Can You Use Steam Mop On?
Since water cannot get through the cracks in sealed flooring, steam mops are generally safe to use on any kind of flooring. Although it’s best to consult the owner’s handbook for the particular steam mop you own, steaming the flooring types listed below is usually safe.
Sealed Tile
Steam mops are an excellent tool for disinfecting bathrooms since they are especially effective on ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Linoleum
There’s no chance of steam getting into the joints or crevices in linoleum because it’s typically installed as a continuous sheet rather than in separate sections. Just be cautious to stay away from any floor sections that may be peeling or splitting, since this might result in mold growth from trapped water.
Water-resistant Laminate
Because the core layer of some laminate flooring is constructed of waterproof resins, it can be safely cleaned with steam, but make sure to confirm this with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Which Floors Are Safe to Avoid Using a Steam Mop?
Hardwood
Hardwood floor makers beg to differ, despite the claims of several steam mop manufacturers that this is safe. Wood and steam don’t mix, and steam can still damage boards even on sealed floors. Therefore, stay away from using a steam mop on your hardwood floors just to be safe. They can be expensive and time-consuming to fix.
Laminate Plank Flooring
Laminate plank flooring is not a safe choice for steam mops because it is installed without grout and isn’t sealed afterward. Steam can seep into the cracks, warping or bubbling the floor, or possibly pooling beneath the boards, which might be a breeding ground for mold.
How to Use a Steam Mop
Like a regular mop, a steam mop isn’t meant to remove a lot of dirt, so you should vacuum or sweep your floors before using one. Any kind of liquid or chemical should not be used in a steam mop since the steam will heat them and produce fumes that could be harmful.
Since essential oils are soluble in water and do not evaporate into steam, they are not appropriate for use in steam mop applications. They might also jam and muck up the mop’s interior workings.
Just like with a standard mop, begin cleaning from the far end of the room and work your way in. When you’re done, make sure to wash or discard your used cleaning pad rather than leaving it on the mop. Before being used again, there’s a considerable risk the mop and its pad could develop mold or mildew if you store them damp.
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