Whatever steam mop you choose for your home, carefully read the manufacturers instructions before using. Most steam mops aren’t meant to be used on carpets, but some can. This comes in handy for all sorts of things, from refreshing and steaming clothes to cleaning couches, drapes and even tile and grout on walls in your kitchen and bath. However, some models have a detachable handheld steamer. Most steam mops are focused on cleaning hard floors only. How you want to use your steam mop is also an important consideration. Other models don’t have settings and instead they rely on pumping the handle to produce the amount of steam you want. For example, you’ll find some mops have high, medium and low settings. Many steam mops have some kind of controls that allow you to decide how much steam you want to use. Some come with extra features, like double-sided pads to give you more uses before washing. Steam mops come with microfiber mopping pads that are usually reusable and washable. Others include replaceable scent discs with the mop and offers optional demineralized water with a variety of scents like eucalyptus mint and citrus. Some do allow for some scented extras if you prefer a fresh scent to along with your cleaning. This is because other substances can make the steam cleaner work improperly or even get clogged. Most steam mops recommend only putting water in the tank or reservoir. A steam mop can also help prolong the life of your grouted flooring by loosening dirt, soap, mold and other gunk so they can more easily be scrubbed away. This way, you get a deep clean for your surfaces using water alone.īecause steam mops get so hot, they can also sanitize your surfaces by eliminating germs, bacteria, dust mites and even fleas. This, and the lack of chemicals and residues, can make steam mops perfect for families with young children who spend a lot of time on the floor.

The combination of steam and damp pad help moisten and break up dirt and dust from flooring. The hot steam travels to a microfiber pad through one or many jets that dampen the pad. Steam mops work by heating water in a reservoir or tank to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Steam mops are especially good for people with allergies and those who are sensitive to harsh cleaning chemicals and fragrances. We’ll take you through the basic functions and added features so you can choose the right steam mop for your home and life.

They have a lot of similarities, so it can be hard to choose the best one. The various models and brands all use natural steam heat to clean. For many, steam mops are an essential cleaning tool for the home.

The wirecutter mop