The Top Benefits of Steam Mops – Are Steam Mops Good?

We obviously loooove steam cleaning here at steamcleanerpro!

But to people new to steam cleaning, sometimes the benefits of steam mops are not really clear.

So today, I m going to show you the benefits of steam mops and just how amazing steam cleaning is in general. But first of all, what are they, and how do they work?

The Benefits of Steam Mops

Steam mops quickly eliminate dirt, grime and bacteria from floor surfaces. The Steam cleans and disinfects areas without the use of chemicals making them a great choice for parents, pet owners and people with allergies.

Advantages Of Steam Mops

1. Excellent Cleaning Potency

Steam mops are amazingly efficiency when it comes to removing scuff and dirt from the floors.

The steam gets into the microscopic imperfections of a surface and acts as a solvent for dissolving and carrying away dirt and grime.

As a huge bonus, the heat emanating from the steam easily disinfects the and sanitizes surfaces.

2. Easy and Time Efficient

Steam mops are super easy to setup and use. Just plug it in and a few moments later you are good to go!

All it takes is a couple of passes to ensure that the area is spotless, which is a huge improvement compared to a regular mop.

There is no need to go back and forth with buckets replacing the filthy water. Steam mops only use microfiber pads that are easy to clean and use again. Just pop them in the wash and you can use them again.

3. No More Wet Floors And Footprints!

Steam Mops do not require buckets of water mixed with nasty chemicals to clean a floor. They contain all the water they need in the tank.

Not only do you remove stains fasters, but also floors take a lot less time to dry.

As you move around the room the steam evaporates quickly so your floors are almost instantly dry. So no more wet floors and dirty footprints!

As a bonus, with less slippery surfaces in your home, you are less likely to get hurt.

4. All Natural And Non-Toxic

Steam mops do not require chemicals to clean. As you are relying on heat rather than chemicals to remove bacteria you can remove many harmful chemicals from your home. Say goodby to all those nasty chemicals!

This is a great bonus for people with small children and pets. Your home becomes a much safer and healthier place to be.

As a bonus, your home will smell more fresh and natural and less overwhelming with chemical fumes.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Steam Cleaning uses no chemicals to clean. It’s a great feeling knowing that you are making an environmentally sustainable choice when you choose a steam mop over cleaning chemicals.

Owning a steam mop helps you do your part to help reduce the amount of chemical pollution that we pore down the drain.

5. Great for People With Allergies

Steam mop allows you to feel what allergen-free home smells like, which is really a life-changing experience if you or someone in your home is allergic to chemicals.

As you don’t have to scrub floors with cleaning products you won’t have to worry about anything getting on your skin or in your lungs, developing a rash, or once again having an allergic reaction.

Furthermore, dust mites and bed bugs can be eliminated really quickly with the repeated use of a steam cleaner. All without chemicals!

6. Steam Cleaning Is Cost-Effective

You will not have to spend ANYTHING on cleaning products, given that the cleaner only relies on water.

Second, you will clean the floors faster so you save time which you can invest elsewhere.

Third, and maybe the most important one, is that you preserve your own health. You arms legs and back won’t hurt, you are less likely to get sick, and you’ll be less likely to hire someone to help with your cleaning.

7. Steam Cleaning = The Best Solutions for Pet Owners

Although we love our furry friends, we are well-aware of the fact that they leave their hair all around the house or apartment.

Not only that but also they love playing outside and bringing the dirt back to our homes.

A steam mop is a kid and pet-friendly solution for removing fur from the floors and carpets, which can be a struggle even with a vacuum cleaner.

Disadvantages and Things to Avoid with Steam Mop

It is undeniable that there are some amazing benefits of using a steam mop, but bear in mind that it can also be a double-edged sword.

Although, it is a really useful cleaning gadget, there are certain things you should definitely avoid or look out for when using a steam mop.

1. Don’t Clean One Spot For Too Long

This is something you will likely see in every instruction manual for a steam mop. Most surfaces (with the exception of tile) are susceptible to damage from overheating.

The heat needs around 10 to 15 seconds to do its work, and prolonged use over the same surface is likely to cause it damage as the steam overheats the surface.

2. Do Not Steam Clean Waxed Floors

The steaming heat definitely does not mix well with a recently waxed floor, as it will melt the wax, and ruin the fresh glossy surface.

If you need to clean something from a recently waxed floor, make sure to test it first.

Pick a spot underneath your furniture that is generally not visible to see what happens, before you try and clean the exposed area of the floor.

3. Be Very Careful with Wooden Floors

Truth be told you should be cautious about the wooden surfaces in general but be extra careful with unsealed wood floorings.

Unsealed floors, old wooden floors, and even some types of wood might turn out problematic.

Since you are using water, even the smallest opening can be enough for it to end up inside the wood floor which can cause it to swell up and/or warp. This is the same reason that mopping should be avoided on some wooden floors.

Check with the manufacturer before steam cleaning and choose a steam cleaner that is well suited to steam cleaning hardwood floors. It would be for the best to consult with online users on online forms that have the same floor as you, to get their feedback before you start cleaning.

Steam Mops FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the use and benefits of a steam mop.

Is Steam Cleaning Really Effective?

Steam cleaning is both an effective and eco-friendly way to remove germs, bacteria, dirt, and stains from floors, carpets, and furniture. When the steam mop is used correctly it can eliminate almost 99% of bacteria from a particular surface.

Can I Use Floor Cleaner With My Steam Mop?

It is strongly advised that you do not put any cleaning products in your steam mop. Almost all manufacturers will recommend that you use demineralized water instead of tap water to prevent scale.

The sheer heat power is enough to kill off germs, bacteria, and remove stains. If you use anything else other than water you will likely cause corrosion to your device, and make your warranty void.

Can I add scent/freshener/aroma to a steam mop?

Do not put anything other than water in the tank of your steam mop. This can damage your steam mop, cause blockages in the nozzle and even do damage to your health when you breath in vaporized chemicals.

Some steam mops actually come with a pocket where you can insert a fragrance disc into the head.

In case your mop doesn’t have that pocket you can sew a pocket into into the mop head on your own, or place the fragrance disc within the microfiber mop. There is a nice guide on how to make these scented discs.

Can I use a steam mop on the Vinyl floor?

No, a regular steam mop can damage vinyl floors. There are special steam mops or cleaners designed for use on the Vinyl floors. The pressurized heat can cause damage to it, so if you are going to use it, make sure to reduce the power to 50%.

Can I use a steam mop on the Laminate floor?

Don’t use a steam mop on laminate floors. If the moisture manages to seep into cracks it will cause it to swell and warp.

Can I use a steam mop on the Bamboo floor?

Don’t use a steam mop on bamboo floors. The moisture will cause it to swell and warp.

Can I put vinegar in my steam mop?

If you are using the steam mop to clean tile floors, vinyl floors, or linoleum then you can add vinegar. DO NOT add vinegar to the steam mop when you are using it on the hardwood floor, it will cause damage to your floor.

Is steam cleaning bad for grout?

Grout can withstand the steam and heat, so steam cleaning it is a viable option. However, if the grout is already damaged the steam can make it worse, so it is not advised.

Can you use tap water in steam mops?

It is advised that you use distilled water as it does not contain minerals, which can cling to the steam mop and accumulate over time, making it less effective.