When it comes to mopping hard floors, you want the process to be quick, hygienic and effective.
Your solution? The steam mop.
All over Australia, people are moving on from the traditional mop, bucket and detergent combo – and onto new and improved Shark steam mops.
Below, the team here at Shark will take you through how to use a steam mop, and when to use one for spotless results.
What are steam mops used for?
Steam mops are used for cleaning a variety of hard surfaces (and only hard surfaces). The heated end of the mop removes dirt and residue, while the accompanying steam eliminates bacteria and viruses. This dual approach enables steam mops to provide efficient, productive cleaning for your home’s hard surfaces.
Is it better steaming floors than mopping?
Steam mops have a range of advantages over traditional mops – and, once you learn how to use a steam mop, you can enjoy a simpler and satisfying clean.
Read on to explore what sets steam mops apart.
Convenience: Steam mops remove the need for a bucket of water and detergent: meaning you don’t have to go back and forth between mopping and emptying dirty water into a bucket, then emptying and refilling that bucket with new water.
Hygiene: The use of steam eliminates the need for cleaning detergent to help remove dirt. This keeps both you and your floors chemical-free.
Efficiency: Powerful steam mop settings loosen and remove dirt on your floors. Also, the leftover dampness on your floor will be warm, meaning it will dry quickly, and leave your floors cleaner – quicker.
Sustainability: Shark steam mops use less water than traditional mop-and-bucket setups, as there’s no need to fill up a bucket every time you clean your floors. What’s more, steam mops don’t rely on chemical-based cleaning products, which allows you to cut back on the amount of plastic waste your household produces.
Which floors can you steam mop?
When learning how to use a Shark steam mop, the first thing you need to know is that they can only be used on sealed hard floors – moisture can damage floors that aren’t protected. To know if your flooring is sealed or not, drop a small amount of water onto the floor. If the water forms beads, your floor is sealed.
Keep reading for a list of floors that are suitable or not suitable to steam mop.
Floors that are suitable to steam mop
The following floors are safe to Shark steam mop:
Sealed tiles: Steam mops like our Shark Klik N’ Flip are fantastic for cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles, making them ideal for keeping your bathroom and laundry floors sanitised and hygienic.
Water-resistant laminate: Laminate with a waterproof resin seal – a type of flooring common in kitchens and bathrooms – is suitable for steam mopping.
Linoleum: Common in older homes and buildings, lino’s durability makes it well-suited to steam mopping – just be sure to avoid any pre-damaged areas where water can seep in.
Sealed hardwood: Some sealed hardwood floors are safe for steam mopping, while others may result in water getting between the boards. If you do steam mop sealed hardwood, we recommend using the lowest settings on your machine.
Floors that are unsuitable to steam mop
The following floors may be damaged by a steam mop:
Unsealed hardwood: These floors are vulnerable to water and steam. In this case, stick to quality vacuum cleaners or a regular broom.
Laminate: Steam mops can damage traditional laminate, and even loosen the adhesive between the wood. Use a traditional mop here instead.
Luxury vinyl: This flooring is partly plastic and can lose shaped when steamed. To clean vinyl, only use gentle cleaning products designed specifically for this floor type.
How to properly use a steam mop
Steam mops are simple to set up, use and maintain. Dive into our quick guide below to learn how to use a Shark steam mop in your home.
Assemble your mop
Shark steam mops are separated into three separate parts: the handle, the body, and the dirt grip pads (also known as dusting pads).
- Begin by inserting the mop handle into the top of the mop body. It will make a clicking noise when correctly in place.
- To attach your grip pad or dusting pad, place it on the floor with the plastic facing up. (If using the Shark Steam and Scrub Mop, this will involve placing two grip pads on the floor instead.) Then, line up the nozzle of your steam mop with the indentations of the grip pads or dusting pads and softly lower your nozzle onto it, before securing it in place.
Fill the water tank
Before you use your steam mop, always make sure there’s water in the tank. On Shark steam mops, a light will indicate when it’s time to top up.
- Depending on the design of your steam mop, either remove the water tank from your steam mop body and open the lid or open the lid of the water tank on the body itself.
- Fill your water tank from the tap or place a flask into the lid and fill with water until you’ve reached the max fill line.
- Close the lid of your water tank and, if needed, place it back on the steam mop’s body.
Cleaning technique
Before mopping your floors, pull and twist the quick release cord holder at the top of your steam mop, this will unwrap the power cord. Plug your steam mop in, wait around 30 seconds for it to heat up, and you’re good to go.
As you learn how to use a Shark Steam mop, one handy technique is to keep the mop at a 45-degree angle. This allows you to move with the mop, staying in control as you push it. For any hard-to-reach areas, always bend at your knees and hips, rather than letting your back hunch over.
Our top 4 tips for steam mopping floors
To help your Shark steam mop make your floors gleam, read on for our top cleaning tips to help you achieve polished, consistent results.
1. Prepare your floor
Before you begin, make it easy as possible to navigate around the floor you’re going to be steam mopping. Place chairs on top of tables and remove rugs and other objects (such as books, toys, and shoes) that may have gathered on your floor.
2. Remove large spills and dirt
Before steam mopping, use a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner to remove any chunks of dirt and debris on your floor. Doing this will stop your steam mop from breaking down large pieces of dirt and spreading them across your floor.
3. Maintain your mop
Knowing how to use a Shark steam mop is one thing – knowing how to care for your Shark steam mop is another. We recommend using distilled water with your steam mop, as the chemicals in tap water can leave residue buildup in the appliance.
After use, let your steam mop cool. Remove the water tank and let any last bits of steam release.
4. Use multiple pads
Regularly switch the dirt grip pads of your Shark steam mop. This will both maintain the pads and maximise the amount of dirt you’re removing from your floors. The Shark scrubbing pads are designed for a more gentle approach.
To clean your dirt grip pads, place them in a warm machine cycle, using a liquid detergent – powdered detergent, bleach or fabric softeners may damage the pads.
Learning how to use a steam mop is just one part of maintaining a clean and comfortable home. Next, discover how to get rid of dust in your room.
