You have switched to steam mop from your traditional mop means you have entered the world of effortless cleaning. Steam mops are easy to use and effective to clean. To finish all your cleaning tasks quickly and effortlessly, all you need to know is how to use a steam mop. One of the best parts of steam cleaning is that you don’t need any cleaning agents or harsh chemicals while cleaning your floor or objects. Moreover, it disinfects your surfaces and provides a healthy environment. So let’s know more about the effective use of the steam mop and get the best out of it.
Table Of Content:
Look at this table of content to find your specific topic because we highlighted the topic in this table of content that we briefly describe in this article.
Table Of Contents
How Do Steam Mops Work?
A steam mop works by providing a continuous flow of hot steam of about 120°C or more. Depending on the steam mop models and brands, it contains one to fifteen steam jets that moisten the mop pad by the flow of hot steams. To get hot steam after plugging in, you need to wait for a few seconds to a few minutes to let the steam and water get heat.
When it gets the proper heat, it’s ready to deliver the flow of steam and clean your floor. By pushing the steam mop backward and forward in the smooth motions, you get a clean floor or surface. The hot steam also kills bacteria, germs, viruses, etc. to offer a hygienic environment.
How To Use A Steam Mop?
One of the easiest methods to clean your floors or objects is cleaning it using a steam mop. The good thing about a steam mop is you get a safe and clean surface for your child, family member, and pets. To get the best out of a steam mop, you have to know all the helpful methods of using a steam mop. So let’s know how to use a steam mop step by step in the right way to get the best results:
Prepare your floor:
The first task to clean your floor or surface using a steam mop is vacuuming or brushing your floor to remove all the dirt or dust. This step is very important to start steam cleaning your floors. Without removing the dirt or dust or any other broken particle from your floor or surface, you will not get effective cleaning.
Prepare your steam mop:
Before starting steam cleaning, you should prepare your steam mop. You need to check the wire, holes, connection, steam pad, and all other related things. You also need to make sure that you have attached the mop cloth and all other accessories or attachments required for cleaning different types of surfaces.
Pour water in the water tank:
After checking your steam mop, you have to pour water in the water tank of the steam mop in this step. Most of the steam mop manufacturers recommend not to add any other things to the water or water tank. You have to pour water, ensuring the proper water level.
Plugin the steam mop:
In this step, you have to plug in your steam mop into your 120 V power outlet. After that, you should wait a few seconds or minutes depending on steam mop brands to let the water and steam mop get the heat of about 120°C.
Start Mopping:
Finally, switch on your steam mop and apply steam to clean your surfaces or floors. The indicator light will go on after switching it, which means it’s ready to be used. Continue your cleaning process by pushing the mop backward and forward with the smooth motions.
Store the Steam Mop After Using:
Once you are finished with your cleaning, you need to clean your mop with a cloth and store it nicely after detaching the additional attachments.
Note: In the above part, we have described how to use a steam mop in the right way. But you may make some mistakes while using a steam mop. So if you want to know how to avoid these mistakes, you can read the article on mistakes to avoid when using a steam mop here.
How To Use Steam Mops On Various Floors, Surfaces, And Purposes
Steam mop varies depending on the different floor or surface types and purposes. You cannot use a single steam mop for cleaning everything. Though using a steam mop you can clean most of the things, you have to be a little more cautious while cleaning some specific things. Below are some instructions to use separate steam mops on separate floors or objects:
Steam mops on carpet and mattress:
Not every type of steam mops is perfect for steam cleaning your carpet or mattress. There are some specially designed steam mops that you will get in the market for cleaning your mattress and carpet. You should choose the steam mop that has a glider attachment for cleaning your carpet. To clean your mattress, sprinkling some baking soda first on it and leaving it for an hour will be the best.
Steam mops on the hardwood floor, vinyl floor, and laminate floor:
Though steam cleaning on your hardwood floor, laminate floor, and vinyl plank floor aren’t recommended, you can still use some specialized steam mops designed solely to use on the hardwood floor, laminate floor, or vinyl floor. To steam clean these types of floors, you should keep the temperature very low and apply steam in one place, not more than a moment. You also need to make sure that no residual moisture is left on the floor.
Steam mops on tiles, bathrooms, and bed bugs:
Steam cleaning is the most effective cleaning for bathroom and tiles. You will get steam mops from a lot of reputed brands and models to clean your tiles or bathroom. In this case, you have to keep the temperature at least 120°C to get the effective result. If you apply the steam at this temperature level on your bed, you will also get rid of bed bugs easily.
Note: In the above part, we have explained what types of floors you can clean using specific types of steam mops at different temperature levels. However, if you want to know the benefits of steam mop, you can read the article here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is your most asking question answer, find a solution if you have the same question in your mind.
Do all steam cleaners need distilled water?
No, it’s not mandatory to use distilled water in all steam mops. You can also pour tap water in your steam mops. But if you use distilled water in your steam mop, it will be better to keep your steam mop well condition.
Can you use tap water in a steamer?
Yes, you can use tap water in a steam cleaner without any tension. But make sure that the tap water doesn’t contain any particle that harms your steam cleaner.
Can I put vinegar in my steam mop?
Most of the manufacturers don’t recommend using vinegar in the steam mop. But you can use it while you steam-mop your floor but not the hardwood floor.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring the best steam mop cannot alone ensure the best cleaning. To clean your floor, surface, or objects effectively, you have to know how to use a steam mop. However, if you follow the steps we have mentioned in this article, you can master in steam cleaning and get the best results.
Note: To achieve the best output from your steam mop you have to know how to use it properly and if you read the complete article you know how to use it properly. Though all steam mops are not good for your bathroom, read this article to find out the best bathroom steam cleaner