steam mops
If you want to get your floor clean without the aid of harsh chemicals, you need to get a steam mop. You can use the mop on hard floor surfaces such as stone, ceramic, marble, and hardwood floors. Steam mops are simple systems that heat the water in the tank into steam and pass it through the mops to quickly clean your floors and wall using high temperature and pressure. It is also essential that you clean your steam mop well after use. It will not only maintain its efficiency but will also extend its life.
There are different steam mops brands, and manufacturers have guidelines on how to clean their Steam Mop. Always clean your mop according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, the following are the best ways to ensure that your steam mop is appropriately cleaned. The steam mop is a handy little tool to use for cleaning. You have to follow these step-by-step guides to clean a steam mop after use, which will help prolong your steam mop’s life.
Step By Step Guide To Clean A Steam Mop Properly:
If you already own a steam cleaner or steam mop, there are some simple yet useful tips to follow to help you clean and maintain it and keep it running smoothly.
- Remove The Steam Mop Plug:
The first thing you want to do before you clean your steam mop is to unplug it from the power outlet. The last thing we want is an accident. It is especially necessary if you’ve got a model that automatically releases steam when plugged in.
Don’t forget that steam is the water heated up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit so that it may scald your skin. If you’ve been scrubbing with your steam mop, you might also want to give it time to cool down. Around 15 minutes should be enough; then you can start cleaning.
- Drain and Clean the Tank After Use:
Always empty the tank after each use. When you leave water in the tank, there’s a higher risk that mold or corrosion will develop. Mold can grow in warm and damp areas, creating spores that can spread. There may even be a bad smell after a while. So, the best thing to do is empty the water tank every time you use your steam mop.
Some steam mops allow you to detach the water tank, making this step a lot easier. Take a cloth and clean around the inside of the tank. The mop may gather some dirt and grime from there. With a fabric, make sure that the water tank is completely dry before attaching it to the machine.
- Wash Soiled Pads:
The steam cleaner comes with spare mop pads. However, mop pads can be washed after use. It will help you stretch the pads for longer. Allow about 15 minutes for the detergent to work on the dirt. Wash thoroughly and rinse with plenty of water. It would help if you aimed to remove all traces of soap. Using cleaning solutions in the water tank may also damage your steam mop. Be sure they dry thoroughly before storage.
- Wipe Steam Mop Surfaces:
Use a soft damp cloth to wipe the surface of the steamer. Be sure to wipe over the entire surface. Several cloths may be required to do the job. Gather all the used cloths when done. You can launder them in the washing machine then tumble dry.
- Attach and Store Tank:
Install the clean tank into the steamer. Do not fill it with water. It is best to fill the tank when ready to use. Once clean and fully assembled, store the machine in an upright position. Be sure the storage area is dry and free of dust. The steam mops are now ready for their next use.
How to Care for a Steam Mop?
- Many will want to use tap water to fill the steam mop tank, but this is not recommended. To avoid having to descale your steam mop, use distilled water instead of tap water. It will not only extend the life of the steam mop; you won’t have to remove limescale buildup in the future.
- Sometimes you cannot avoid a buildup of mineral deposits in your steam mop. It is best to remove the buildup with a limescale remover recommended by the steam mop manufacturer.
- You should never add any chemicals to a steam mop. It includes things such as cleaners or detergents. You can also use baking soda and water to remove mineral deposits safely.
- Replace the filter in your steam mop regularly. Never use powder detergent to clean your pads because it leaves behind a residue that could damage the steam mop.
How To Remove any Traces of Limescale From a Steam Mop?
If you want to keep your steam mope clean, you have to remove any limescale traces using a dedicated limescale remover or to make your solution. using 1 1/2 ounces of baking soda and 1 quart of water, then:
- Fill your steam cleaner’s tank with the mixture
- Turn the steam cleaner on as normal so that it begins to heat the mixture. Let the unit heat up and keep it warm for 1-2 hours
- Use the steam cleaner for about a minute to run the mixture through the machine.
- Unplug the machine and allow it to cool for 3-4 hours before emptying the mixture from the machine.
- Flush and rinse the water through the system, and you’re done.
Final Words:
If you want your flooring spic and span, you may want to start with a fresh and clean steam mop. After using the Steam Mop, you need to clean it properly, so follow a step-by-step guide to clean it. We hope the above-provided steps will help you a lot to clean a steam mop properly. Do you have any questions or suggestions or tips you’d like to share about cleaning a steam mop?