Steam mops can be used almost anywhere. Carpet, tile, concrete, sealed hardwoods, laminate, porcelain, and many other surfaces can be cleaned with a steam mop. However, different steam mops are optimized for different surfaces, so read the directions that come with the steam mop before starting.

Steam mops are used by filling the water tank with water. Depending on the model of steam mop, the water tank will either have to be removed to be filled, or the water tank will be attached to the mop and thus will have to be filled without removing it. Once the water tank is filled, it has to heat up so it can disinfect and clean the floor. Depending on the type of mop, this could take anywhere from thirty seconds to several minutes. Once the water is hot, the steam mop can then be used to start cleaning the floor. Again, how long it will take depends on the type of steam mop. Some steam mops must be held in place for ten to twenty seconds in order to really deep clean the floor, while others can simply glide across the floor with no stopping.

A steam mop works by having a small water tank attached to it. This tank heats up, and is then used to moisten a microfiber pad attached to the bottom of the mop. The pad soaks the dirt off the ground and cleans and disinfects deep into the floor, killing about 99% of bacteria and dust mites. Using a steam mop also helps restore a floor’s shine and can remove stains. Certain steam mops are more powerful than others.

Steam mops are great because they kill so much bacteria while removing dirt and stains in a way that traditional mops can’t. There are different kinds of steam mops, and while the best ones have certain features, some of the features are a matter of personal preference. A lightweight steam mop is easier to maneuver into tight spaces, and easier to use for longer periods of time without getting too heavy. However, a lightweight steam mop also usually means that the water tank is smaller, which means multiple refills while trying to clean the floor. For larger spaces that need cleaned on a regular basis, look for a steam mop with a bigger water tank.

Something else to look for when purchasing an electric mop is the amount of time it takes to heat up the water in the water tank. Some mops take only thirty seconds, while others may take several minutes. This isn’t a huge deal, but it might become a nuisance if you have to refill the water tank more than once while mopping the floors. Another thing that the best steam mops have is a long cord. A long cord means the difference between being able to clean the floor all at once, and having to stop to change outlets and wait for the water tank to heat up again.

Another key feature to look for in a steam cleaning mop is the switch. This is something that is based on personal preference, but there are several different kinds of switches. An on-off button is easy, but could potentially leave floors too wet. A trigger switch is easier to control, but tiring to constantly turn on and off. Many find the easiest switch to be a floor pedal. Something else to think about when looking for a steam mop is that steam mops with filters add extra cost. The filters will have to be replaced periodically.