Do Steam Mops Really Work?
Steam Mops: Does it Really work?
Even though steam mops are fairly new in the market, there are already a number of models of these hard-floor cleaners sold in many stores. Instead of using detergents, these mops use steam to clean and disinfect all types of floor surfaces from ceramic tiles, linoleum, sealed hardwood and non-carpet flooring. A lot of people marvelon the efficiency of steam mops as cleaners. Is it really possible to clean your floors without using detergents?
How Steam Mops Work?
Even though there are some variances in their operation, most of steam mop’s features are the same. These units make use of cords and require electricity to heat water up. The ends of the mops are protected with recyclable and machine washable pads. Steam is released from the mop into the pads when you push on the handle or pull on the trigger. The pads will pick up dirt with the aid of the steam coming from the mop.
Steam Mops do not Disinfect?
The belief that cleaning with steam mops will not really do anything to disinfect your floor surfaces is false. The mop actually sanitizes your floors with the use of hot steam. To do this, you must leave it on the floor for a specific amount of time. The Bissell 1867, for example, drills its users to leave the mop on an area for 15 seconds flat to disinfect it. Can you imagine how long it would really take to sanitize an entire kitchen?
Steam Mops Do Not Act As Vacuum Cleaners
Another thing that you must realize is that these machines do not act as vacuum cleaners. They were not designed to pick up dust and dirt particles. This means that before you steam clean on your floors, you must sweep or vacuum the area first. Doing this will remove wear and tear from the cleaning pads and prevent scratching on your floors.
Not For Unsealed Wooden Floors
Steam mops are not ideal for unsealed wooden floors. They were not made for these. Many people have reported damage on no-wax surfaces. If you are not sure about using steam cleaners on your floors, contact its manufacturer. Also, you might want to try testing the machine on a small area to be sure that it does not cause damage to your flooring finish.
Distilled Water is better than Tap Water
Basically, steam mops only require the use of water. If you want to use detergent with this, don’t. Doing this will definitely damage your cleaner and invalidate your warranty. You can use tap water, but most manufacturers would prefer that you use distilled water as tap water is hard.
No More Use of Detergents
And because you won’t need to use detergents on your floors, you will save a lot of money. But steam cleaning, especially steam mops, is not an expense-free enterprise. Occasionally, you will have to replace the cleaning pads, filters and other parts that will wear down from time to time.
All in all, I can say that steam mops are very effective in cleaning your floors. But don’t expect these machines to do miracles on your floors. It may not make your linoleums look new, but it will save you a lot of time and effort in cleaning your floors compared to old-fashioned methods of cleaning.
Let’s see. They cost $150. They require electricity to run. The pads must be washed with more water, electricty and chemicals. It takes 55 minutes to “sanitize” a 10 by 20 kitchen floor. After the floor dries, it will be “infected” again from dust, pollen, mold, etc from the air.
Don’t see any benefit buying these things.