That salesperson in the mall who introduced you to steam mop did an excellent job showing you how magical the device works.
Yes, using a steam mop is relatively easy and has many benefits. However, if you let your excitement get in the way, you may be committing terrible mistakes. Let’s find out what are these mistakes that you need to avoid when using a steam mop:
1. Using Steam Mop for All Floor Types
Not all floor types are steam resistant. Even the best mops according to buyer reviews can damage several types of floor. Typically, a steam mop is safe to use on:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles: You can use the mop to clean the surface and the grout as long as the tiles are embedded into a mortar and concrete board surface. A steam mop is safe to use even on cracked and old tiles.
- Marble tiles: As long as you keep the heat to the minimum, a steam mop is safe for marble tiles.
- Concrete floor: Go crazy using the robot on this surface!
DO NOT use a steam mop on:
- Engineered hardwood floors. Since they use adhesives, a steam mop can weaken those bonds and damage most of the floor.
- Unsealed hardwoods. While steam mop works perfectly fine on sealed hardwoods, unsealed hardwoods are vulnerable to moisture and heat coming from it.
- Laminated floor: Don’t do it! The heat from the device can cause swelling and warping of the product.
- Painted floor: Never use a steam mop on this flooring type as the heat can melt the paint
2. Not Vacuuming Before Mopping
One of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning is: “Do you need to vacuum before mopping?”. The answer is YES – you need to vacuum first before mopping for effective cleaning.
If you don’t, the loose debris may be dragged along as you mop and can scratch the floor. You might also leave behind more dirt, which means that you need to do more scrubbing later on.
Aside from vacuuming, you can also use a robot mop to clean the surface first before using the steam mop. This step helps guarantee a better cleaning result.
3. Soaking the Floor
It would be best if you wet the floor to take out the dirt effectively. But it doesn’t mean that you need to soak it in water or a cleaning solution.
Based on our first-hand experience, soaking your floor can leave streaks. Plus, it can get too long for it to dry, making the whole cleaning process more stressful.
Another issue caused by soaking is that it can damage the sealants and adhesives used for flooring. The water can penetrate deep into the flooring materials, which can damage them over time.
Instead of soaking, use damp mopping instead. Use a mopping bucket to damp the floor first before using the steam mop.
4. Forgetting to Wash the Mop Pad
The mop pad you attached to the device is reusable as long as you clean it right after every use. This makes a steam mop a practical cleaning tool.
Don’t leave a dirty mop pad to dry. You need to wash it right after every use while the dirt hasn’t settled yet. Hang it to dry. The mop pad will be ready for your next cleaning schedule.
Also, don’t overuse a single mop pad in one cleaning cycle. It’s understandable if you want to get all the cleaning done at once, but a dirty mop pad can’t clean the entire floor effectively.
5. Using a Cleaning Solution
Many people love filling up the water reservoir with cleaning solutions. If you’re one of them, stop doing it as it can do more harm than good. It can damage both the flooring and your steam mop.
The good thing about steam mop is that the heat it produces can kill bacteria and other microorganisms without additional chemicals.
Take note: to care for the mop, use demineralized or distilled water instead of hard water. The minerals in the hard water can block the passageways in the machine, causing it to malfunction.
6. Plugging It In Right Away
Word of caution: steam mops tend to heat up really fast so you run the risk of burning yourself if you plug it in immediately. Before plugging the device, make sure to attach the mop pad and fill the water reservoir first.
7. Idling the Mop
As explained above, steam mops can get hot really fast and the steam can dry up quickly too. This means that you need to use it right away and keep it moving since idling the mop on a single spot can permanently damage your floor. If you need to do something else while mopping, make sure that you unplug the steam mop first.
Final Words
Are you guilty of making some of the mopping mistakes mentioned above? We’re glad you’ve found this blog now so you can stop doing them next time.
Using a steam mop helps make home cleaning a breeze. However, make sure that the machine will not damage your floor.
Always remember that the steam is hot, and therefore, some flooring materials are not suited for it. At the same time, it is an excellent sanitizing agent on its own. This means that you don’t need to use a cleaning solution or warm water to disinfect the floor.
While you can use a steam mop or other equipment to clean your home, hiring a professional company on occasion is ideal. Professional cleaners can tend to stubborn stains and make your home clean and tidy; the best part is that you do not have to put in any effort. With numerous applications available, you can now easily book cleaning services with just a tap, without having to go through any hassle.