Why Are Steam Mops Flawed

Key Insights

Steam mops should not be used on floors such as timber, laminate or cork as they can warp or damage the surface
The microfiber pad needs to be frequently washed and replaced to avoid spreading dirt and bacteria throughout the home
Consider using an automatic scrubber for areas that require more pressure or a deeper clean

Steam mops have gained popularity as a cleaning tool in both the workplace and home due to their claimed cleaning effectiveness and minimal use of chemicals. They are often used after the floors have been vacuumed as a means of deep cleaning. While steam mops may provide better results than traditional sponge, string, or microfiber mops, they do have some inherent limitations.

Why Are Steam Mops Flawed?

1) They can't be used on all hard surfaces

Steam mops or floor steam cleaners are limited to the surfaces they can be used on. Due to the heat produced by the inbuilt steam cleaner, steam mops should be used with care on certain floors such as laminates, cork or wood floors as they may warp or damage the surfaces. Steam mops should also be used with care on floors that have been sealed with a topical sealer (most common in commercial applications)

2)They can be dirty

While floors may appear visually clean after use, steam and heat are not always sufficient to remove soiling, especially oily soils. Many steam mops prohibit the use of chemicals and detergents with your steam mop to remove soiling as it can damage and cause issues with the machine. This canlimit the effectiveness of the cleaning of the floor steam cleaner. Secondly, as dirt can also be easily spread throughout the house, the microfibre cloth or pad attachment needs to be frequently washed and replaced.

3) They are time consuming and labour intensive

Cleaning with a Steam mop can be time consuming. Before you start steam mopping the floors, they first need to be vacuumed. They also require you to move slowly over the floor to allow the steam to breakdown dirt and grime effectively. Floors are also left damp after cleaning and can take up to 10 minutes to dry depending on atmospheric conditions. Not only that, most domestic steam mops also have limited tank capacity and will require regular refilling for larger areas.

4) They do not scrub

Steam mops do not typically provide any agitation (ie they rely solely on the heated steam for cleaning effect). To remove tough stains, a firm amount of pressure and force needs to be applied by the operator which can be labour intensive (in other words...hard work!) when cleaning large areas. Floor steamers are often limited in their ability to reach into deeper porous areas such as grout lines meaning the surface may need to be additional manual scrubbing with a scrubbing brush for effective dirt removal.

5) They can be a hazard

If not used appropriately, steam can cause serious burns to its operator. Electric steam mops also must be plugged in to a traditional power source, meaning they can be hard to manoeuvre and the cord itself can be a dangerous trip hazard. They can also leave floors slippery while they dry, increasing the risk of someone slipping and harming themselves.

What is the Better Solution?

Whilst a steam mop has its place in a general cleaning routine, you can't go past a floor scrubber for a commercial quality clean. Why?

It can be used on almost any floor type: A flexible upright scrubber such as the i-mop can be used on almost any floor surface including timber which makes them extremely versatile. Several types of pad and brush attachments are also available depending on your type of flooring.

It’s faster: The i-mop is also more efficient as it can scrub floors with clean water and solution in one pass. It is proven to clean up to 70% faster than traditional mops so you can save time while you clean. They are also extremely mobile and easy to use in compact places such as around tables and chairs.

Read how to choose the right floor scrubber.

It’s cleaner: By using a floor scrubbing machine, there is very limited manual work (other than setup and emptying/refilling) as the machine scrubs and cleans the floor on its own without any added pressure by the operator. Standard mopping methods remove as little as 30-40% of dirt, often just moving a lot of dirt around. Due to its strong scrubbing function, the i-mop has a proven dirt removal rating of over 97%.

And it's safer:The i-mop powerfully scrubs floors clean and leaves them dry and ready to walk on within seconds. It is also lithium battery operated which means that there is no need to worry about cords. It is also extremely lightweight and easy to lift and pack away, the i-mop lite for example weighs only 14kg and folds easily to fit in the boot of a passenger sedan or hatchback.

By choosing a commercial grade compact floor scrubber over a steam cleaner, you are choosing a total cleaning solution.

For more information on our range of i-mop floor scrubbers click here .

Common Questions Answered

1. What are the limitations of using steam mops on different floor types?

Answer: Steam mops may not be suitable for all floor types, particularly unsealed hardwood, laminate, or certain types of tiles. The heat and moisture can cause warping, damage, or grout deterioration on these surfaces.

2. How effective are steam mops at disinfecting surfaces compared to other cleaning methods?

Answer: While steam mops can kill some bacteria and viruses, their effectiveness in disinfecting can vary based on the temperature and duration of steam exposure. Other cleaning methods, like using disinfectant solutions, may provide more reliable results.

3. What maintenance challenges come with using a steam mop?

Answer: Steam mops require regular maintenance, including descaling and cleaning the water tank to prevent mineral buildup and ensure efficient operation. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to the mop.