Steam Mops

[labboy]

Hi Everyone:
Any opinions about the various models of steam mops (Hoover, Shark, etc.)? We recently replaced the hardwood in our kitchen with tile and I am considering using something like this rather than just mopping.

Please let me know your thoughts for use on tile and natural stone flooring.

Thanks
Bob

 

[vintagekitchen]

well...

I like them, truly I do, but they arent quite the same as true mopping. I use one on my grandmother's tile floors, and they do loosen dried on stuff quite well, as well as being quick and easy. However, if you only ever use a steam mop, there is a noticeable build up eventually, from soil not being fully removed, but rather spread about in an even layer. I tend to still mop with a cotton mop and bucket at least once a month, using the steam mop in between to keep things looking fresher.

As for wood floors, I was not impressed. After the steam mop there was a noticeable lack of shine and gloss, not sure if this was soil left behind, or damage to the finish, but for wood I still prefer mopping on my hands and knees, drying as I go, and buffing with the polisher or a chamois cloth to bring up the shine regularly.

 

[whirlcool]

We bought a Haan steam mop several years ago. We didn't like the concept very much.
The floors did get steamed and they looked clean, but there wasn't that much dirt on the microfiber mop cloth like you would get if you used a regular mop & water. they are OK for touch ups, but not for deep cleaning. I think they kind of spread the dirt around.

Now it does come in handy for washing marble, slate & stone. We use it exclusively on the marble floor in our foyer and when done it looks nice and shiny.

 

[dustin92]

I bought a Haan steam mop a couple years ago from a thrift shop, and I think I used it about twice. It smeared and left a hazy film on our floors that could only be removed by.... mopping. You also have to wash the pads after each use which can be a pain. I either sold it at a garage sale or donated it back to the same thrift shop it came from. I do have a Hoover Floormate which I LOVE. It does a fabulous job, scrubbing with clean, hot, soapy water and then vacuuming it all up, leaving the floor spotless and nearly dry. I use just a little Mr. Clean or similar in the wash water. I would buy another one at full price if mine died (I got it brand new in box for $40 something, on clearance, mine is white with red trim) They are $139 @ walmart.

 

[alr2903]

Hype

Save your money get a mop, bucket and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Then take the money you saved and go out to a nice dinner over the weekend. alr

 

[strongenough78]

My Mom bought the Shark steam mop a couple years ago and I love using it. I'll admit I don't mop as often as I should but when I do, it gets the dirt as it does show on the pads. I'll use one side til it's filthy then flip it and get the remainder. I can wear white socks in the bathroom and kitchen and they stay white til the floor gets dirty again. I recommend it. And just throw the soiled pads in the washer with hot water and a little liquid detergent (it's recommended in the manual to use liquid) and they come out clean. Hang them to dry and they're ready to go again.

 

[mattl]

I had a thread about this several months ago. Initially I was not impressed, but somewhat softened my outlook. I find the steam mop does a very good job at brightening the grout in tile floors, but that is about it. For a quick clean up on vinyl it's ok, but only if the floor is pretty clean to start with.

I use my Hoover floor mate on the kitchen and foyer floors, but the back entry and baths now get the bissell steamer most of the time.