No. You must not put a cleaner in the steam mop unless you want to decalcify it. Steam mops are designed to function with distilled water. Even tap water can clog the nozzle on steam mops.
Why you must not use a cleaner in a steam mop?
Steam mop converts water into steam to remove dirt, grime, and debris from floors. The temperature inside the mop is 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 C). Cleaners cannot tolerate this temperature. Many cleaners have ingredients that blast at this temperature. Hence, cleaning solutions (household + commercial) must not be used in a steam mop.
Why use distilled water in a steam mop?
Tap water contains calcium and magnesium. Water produced from a water softener is rich in sodium or potassium. These elements have higher boiling points than water. When water heats up inside the steam mop, these elements don’t leave the steam nozzle but cling to the jets, resulting in blockage.
Tips to Use Steam Mop for Floor Cleaning
- Always fill the water reservoir, unwind the cord, and attach the mop before plugging in the mop.
- Let the mop cool if you want to refill the water reservoir during a cleaning session.
- Never leave your steam mop idling after your plug it in. Heat builds up in a few seconds.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dry dust, hair, and debris from the floor.
- Deep clean your floors manually if you have a heavily soiled floor. A steam mop will spread the dirt while cleaning heavily soiled floors.
- Avoid using steam mops on floors that should not have hot water. You can use steam mops on sealed floors.
- Use a clean cloth with your steam mop.
- Don’t use steam mops on walls; steam can damage drywall and force the paint to bubble up.
What causes a sticky floor after a steam mop?
Dirty mop pads and cleaner residuals (used before steam mopping) can make the floor sticky after steam mopping.
Is a steam mop better than traditional mops?
It depends on the floor type you are cleaning. Steam mop is a better option for sealed, porcelain and tile floors. However, it is not recommended for floors that should not have hot water on them.
Does the steam mop damage the floor?
Yes. A steam mop can weaken and damage the adhesive bonds on your floor. Hence, it is recommended to avoid frequent steam mopping.
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