Steam Mops
If you’re ready to retire your traditional mop and bucket, you might consider trying a steam mop. Steam mops offer a fast and effective way to clean hard floors. They work by heating water to a very high temperature so it turns into steam, and then the steam is released through the mop head.
Sometimes called hard floor cleaners, steam mops can gently remove ground-in dirt and stains more effectively than scrubbing with a traditional mop, because the steam does the hard work for you. The high temperature of the steam also kills bacteria, so it can help sanitize your floors as it cleans.
Many steam mops can be used on a variety of hard floor surfaces, including wood, linoleum, and ceramic tile. Some come with extra attachments for steam cleaning countertops, grout, and other surfaces above the floor. Before purchasing a steam mop, there are a few items you’ll want to consider:
- Mop head: Make sure the mop head is not too big or too small for what you want to clean. A smaller mop head won’t be able to cover as much surface area and will take longer to clean. A steam mop with a swivel head can help reach corners and maneuver into other tight spots.
- Reservoir capacity: A bigger reservoir will allow steam to flow for a longer period of time, so you won’t have to refill as often.
- Steam control: With this feature, you’ll be able to control the level of steam that’s produced. Different jobs will require different amounts of steam.