I know how exciting it is when you get a new appliance for the home. You almost feel like a child with a new toy and it’s easy to just dive straight in without thinking about the consequences! So, I decided to add this section to my website because on my journey to find various “tools” that will help you with steam cleaning, I have come across a LOT of comments where people have complained their steam mops, well, just plain break!
In some cases it’s true you may have received a defective unit. After all, manufacturers employ human beings to build their products and we can’t expect them to get it right all the time. However, there are instances when it’s down to user error. Remember, you’re human as well!’
For that reason, you will find some advice below on what you should NOT do with your steam mop.
Power When Ready
If there is only one thing you should remember it’s this: Plugging your steam mop into a power supply should be the very last thing you do before using it. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, you’re dealing with steam and the head will become very hot. Two, you’re also dealing with water and electricity so handling something that’s wet while its switched on could mean a trip to the ER!
Instead, make sure you fill the reservoir with water first, choose the attachment you want to use and connect that up to the main unit. Next, you need to make sure the cloth you’re going to use with the mop head is also attached. Only when you’re ready to actually use the steam mop should you switch the power on.
Don’t Let Your Steam Mop Idle
It’s all too easy to be in the middle of cleaning your floors and something happens to take your attention away from the job at hand. Perhaps the phone rings, or someone is at the door? In which case, switch the mop off and make sure the head isn’t in contact with the surface you’re cleaning. Even if you think you can get on with something else while the mop heats up, think again! Some models will heat in a matter of seconds, and if they’re left on the surface of your floor it won’t take long before this can damage the material you’re working on.
Never Treat Your Steam Mop like A Vacuum
Steam mops are designed to clean, sanitize and remove dried on dirt. They are not designed to pick-up dust or other loose debris that sits on the surface of your floor.
In fact, this is a complaint I come across often. You should always make sure you vacuum your floor first. If you don’t, you may risk clogging up your steam mop with debris it’s not designed to deal with which could cause a break-down. It also won’t give you the results you were expecting.
Don’t Use a Steam Mop on Unsealed Surfaces
Again, I have come across complaints that some steam mops have not helped in terms of cleaning certain surfaces, and in some cases have caused damage. Always make sure you know what type of surface your steam mop is designed to clean, and never use it on unsealed floors. As I’ve said steam is hot and if it’s used on an unsealed surface it could cause swelling so please bear this in mind.
Use a Steam Mop in Other Areas at Your Own Risk
It’s tempting to look at say, your walls and think your steam mop will help give those a good clean as well. However, this is the very last thing you should do. Paint could end up bubbling and make the problem far worse. In fact if the manufacturer doesn’t mention a particular surface, don’t use your mop on it.
Finally
Maintenance is something you will need to do with a cleaning utensil like this, and if you adhere to the advice I’ve offered you, your steam mop will give the best results it possibly can, and it will last far longer!
