You may have seen many ads on the television, social media, and many online portals. All where you see the steam cleaning is promoted, right? Besides, the reality is the steam cleaning also becoming popular day by day. People are also accepting the matter. But everybody’s opinions are not the same. Somebody says steam cleaning is really great on the other hand somebody has some complaints against it. So, the time has come to find out the real fact of how effective is steam cleaning, right?

The experiences with the same appliances may not be the same for all the users. We have to gather all the opinions, and then we need to have the real experience of the appliance, then we can say how exactly it is! That is why here we have enlisted the total benefits of the steam cleaner at the same time we also have enlisted the cons. Then we review all the matters, and we will take the decision whether it is good or not at all!

How Effective is Steam Cleaning – Pros and Cons of Steam Cleaners

Benefits of Steam Cleaning

The steam cleaner comes with numerous benefits. If the user can use the steam cleaner in the right way, he/she will get all the benefits, no doubt. The benefits are.

1. Best for Hard Surfaces

The floor where we live or work is hard surface most of the time. And the steam cleaner or mop is the ideal choice for the hard surface. Did you know? You know the steam is released from the steam cleaner or mop. The steam is the high temperature that cleans the floor most effectively. The steam easily looses the dirt and take off from the floor. As a result, you get a net and clean surface.

On the other hand, the high-temperature steam can kill germs easily. You know, the steam mop works at 100 degrees Celsius, and most of the germs cannot live on the temperature. So, the steam mop can kill up to 99.99% germs.

The other advantage of the steam cleaner on the hard surface is the floor is dried quickly. If you clean the floor or anything with the steam mop, that will dry quicker than the other mop cleaner. After all, the steam mop is great for the hard floor.

2. Clean Effectively

If you want to get the best cleaning experience, most probably, there is no easier alternative than the steam mop. The steam can clean all dirt and debris easily; at the same time, it can kill almost all bacteria on the floor that are not detected in the naked eye. Is there any option that gives you the same cleaning result as the steam mop? I don’t know.

3. Chemical-Free Cleaning

You know, a steam mop doesn’t require using any chemical in the water tank. Rather, it is contra-indicated to use any chemical along with water in the mop’s water tank. As the germs and bacteria are killed due to the high temperature, you don’t need to add any chemicals in it.

If you have children and pets in the house, cleaning with the chemicals is not safe also. So, chemical-free cleaning is a great option for you at the same time the steam cleaning is also environmental friendly. Nevertheless, if you want to use any chemical, just spray or scatter the solution on the floor just before using the steam mop. Remember, it is not mandatory.

4. Versatility

The steam cleaner is a single item, but the tool can be used in many places. The steam cleaner can clean various types of surfaces. Just avoid using the steam cleaner where it is contra-indicated. You can clean your kitchen, interior of the car, doors, carpet, windows, furniture, and so on. That means a steam cleaner is enough to clean everything in your house.

5. Easy to Use

Many appliances come with multi-purpose uses, but all the time, they are not easily operated. And we always want to get such an appliance which can be run hassle-free. A steam mop is just like this. After buying the stem mop, just assemble within few seconds, fill the tank with the water, plugin, start and use the steam mop. It is super easy to use.

6. Easy to maintain

If there have something that is easy to do, steam mop maintenance is one of them. You just have to wash the reusable pad before use every time. Just remove the pad, wash, and dry. It is ready to use. On the other hand, you may need to check the jet sometimes. If there have developed dirt and debris, just clean it. Nothing else. The maintenance is really easy.

Cons of Steam Cleaning

Each and every appliance has some pros, and at the same time, it may have some cons also. Similarly, stem cleaning also has some cons, and many users complain about these. Let’s see whether they are something like a major issue or not!

1. The Steam is Too Hot

The cleaner releases and uses steam to clean that is why the word ‘’steam’’ is added with the cleaner; that is why it is called a steam cleaner. Yes, the steam helps to clean the surfaces effectively and kills the bacteria, but the steam is incredibly hot. Some users mark it as a con, but I think because of the high temperature of the steam, you can get those benefits. Just you have to use the cleaner with care. And you have to think if the high-temperature steam cannot damage the surface that you are cleaning.

2. Takes Long Drying Time for Carpet

You know carpets are usually thick. If you clean the carpet or other soft thick products with the steam cleaner, it takes a longer time to be dried. Yes, I agree with this matter. But you also agree with me the carpet doesn’t require cleaning regularly. After a particular time, the carpet may release bad odor, and it needs a deep cleaning after a particular interval. What you need to do, just select the right time for cleaning. It can be best if you can choose off day. I think if you want to get something best, it’s not a big matter to sacrifice a little. So, longer drying time is not a major problem.

What Can You Steam Clean?

Steam cleaning is undoubtedly good, but it depends on where you are using the steam cleaner. The steam cleaner can be used on many surfaces in your house or commercial spaces such as sealed hardwood and tile floors, sinks, carpets, showers, tubs, ovens, oven tops, glass, and many where. Before using the steam cleaner, you should look for the steam cleaner type and cleaning surfaces. If you use the steam cleaner properly on the perfect space, then you can say how effective is steam cleaning!

What Can’t You Steam Clean?

The steam that releases from the steam cleaner is very hot. That is why the steam may melt plastic, swell the laminate floor, and wrap the unsealed floors. So, you should not use the steam cleaner on these spaces. Just remember, a steam cleaner is not ideal for anything that is unsealed, and that may get damaged by the water and high heat.

Summary of how effective Is Steam cleaning

Now you have all the information about the steam cleaner in your hand. Now you have to take the decision is steam cleaning good? Now you know all the benefits of steam cleaning, and you also know the negligible disadvantages of steam cleaning. What do you think, how effective is steam cleaning?

I think you have understood well because the benefits are more prominent than the cons of steam cleaning. There have a few cons, but they are not significant. Before closing the content, I just want to say that, don’t use the steam cleaner on the inappropriate surfaces. Use the steam cleaner on the right surfaces and get the benefits only.

Everybody tries to use the most effective, easiest, and quickest method to do any task. This is natural, and that is why people want to use a steam mop on laminate floor, right? But can you use a steam mop on laminate floors, it is an important fact. If you want to know the straight answer, the short answer is No. But there also have many deciding factors that will determine whether you can use the steam mop on the laminate floor or not! In fact, it is really hard to give the answer to the question without discussing it in detail.

Don’t worry here we discuss all the facts about why you don’t use the steam mop on the other hand where you can use it. If you read the entire content, hopefully, you will get all the answers to different types of questions regarding this matter. So, don’t worry, just keep reading.

Laminate Floor, What Exactly It Is?

The upper surface of the laminate floor resembles hardwood or stone, and other pictures may show. But what remains in the inside, the same thing that you can see externally or other? However, the laminate floor is made up of fiberboard and melamine resin most of the time. Then the outer most layer is attached at the top of the floor that resembles either hardwood, marvel stone, or other pictures. The top layer is very clear, and it is protective. This layer resembles the underlying scenario.

The laminate floor is not too expensive, and at the same time, it is durable if proper care can be taken. On the other hand, it is also easy to install. Overall, every people love the laminate floor.

Primarily, the floor is sensitive to heat and water at the same time. If you allow some drops of water for a long time, the water might seep into the floor and may cause swell and wrap. On the other hand, too much heat on the laminate floor can cause damages to the floor. That is why you should know the proper way to clean the laminate floor.

How Does Steam Mop Work?

You are concern about the fact of whether you can use a steam map on the laminate floor or not, right? For a reason, it is necessary to know the basic mechanism of the steam mop. What do you think?

A steam mop requires electric power and water, nothing else. You should pour the water in the reservoir tank before using the mop. After switching on the mop, the heater heats up the water and converts the water to steam. That is why the machine is named steam mop. Then the vapor reaches the steam jets, and finally, the microfiber and dampened pads use the steam to clean the dirt on the floor. This is the basic mechanism. From this basic mechanism, we can learn the machine uses vapor, right? So, the steam mop cannot be used any floor that unsealed, right? Just keep it in mind.

Can You Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors?

If you read the entire content, hopefully, you will get clear answers to different types of questions regarding this matter. Here we discuss all the facts about why you don’t use the steam mop and where you should use it.

The Reasons for Not Using Steam Mop on Laminate Floor:

We have gathered enough knowledge. From the previous sections, we can decide why you should not use a steam mop on laminate floor. But I discuss the matter in detail. Just think about the following reason and take the decision whether the steam mop is appropriate for the laminate floor or not! And why!

Lose Shiny Appearance

You love the laminate floor, especially for the shiny appearance, right? The shine of the coating is also an exceptional beauty. If you clean the floor regularly with the steam mop, the steam will destroy the shine coating day by day. After a particular time, you see your floor becomes a dam, and the shine is gone permanently. Hopefully, you don’t want to lose the shine appearance of your laminate floor.

Destroy the Sealing Day by Day

You know, on a laminate floor, there have many joints, and the adhesive is also used to place different parts together. The temperature of the steam is very high, which is above 200 degrees F. It is the very high temperature for the laminate floor, and the temperature weakens the joints and adhesives. Day by day, the high temperature leads the laminate floor to be separated from the sheets.

At the same time, the high temperature of the steam weakens the sealant of the laminate floor. You know the laminate floor looks just like the real hardwood floor, but after weakening the sealant, it doesn’t look like the hardwood. Your laminate floor absorbs steam, and it gets wet day by day. Then the floor gets swelling, bending, warping, and in the end, you will get a dull and dam floor. You never expect anything bad with the laminate floor like this, right? If so, abstain from using a steam mop on the laminate floor.

Rot the Floor Eventually

As the steam mop produces steam and using it, the machine cleans the floor. The water seeps through the gaps and cracks while cleaning the laminate floor with the steam mop. And the water damages the laminate layer over time, and it also causes the hardwood picture to be damaged. The water will accumulate just under the laminate layer and produces the musty smell. If the condition continues, it also leads to mold growth, which is unexpected.

Break the Warranty

There are many companies that give warranty on the laminate floor. And they also state clearly that they will not be responsible for damaging the floor because of water. They also state that they are also not responsible for damaging the floor because of improper cleaning of the floor. Nobody wants to break the warranty of their beloved laminate floor using the steam mop.

The Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors

Before going to find out the best way to clean the laminate floor, you should know whether the floor is sealed or unsealed! After confirming the fact, you can go for the best cleaning method.

Some of the renowned laminate floor manufacturers such as Armstrong, Shaw, and Mannington Mills advise cleaning the laminate floor following the best methods. They also give the following advice to the laminate floor users.

First of all, they said to avoid steam clear as the steam clear damages the floor eventually. So, stem mop is not ideal for cleaning the laminate floor.

Secondly, blot up all oily and greasy substances just after appearing on the laminate floor. You can use a damp cloth to blot up the spills.

Thirdly, hard spots, and tough stains are not removed from the floor easily. For that, use acetone to remove the hard and tough spots.

Then, Try to keep clean the laminate floor as possible. Always sweep the floor so that the loose dirt and debris have not stayed for a long time.

To use the vacuum cleaner, always abstain from using the beater bar rather than use hard floor attachment.

How to Tell if the Laminate Floor of Seale or Not

The sealed laminate floors always have a water protective coating at the top. Most of the time, it is clear and shiny also. And you cannot feel any gap between the sheets, not even the tiny gap. For the floor, the regular microfiber mop is ideal for cleaning. You can also add the highly effective homemade floor cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains effectively.

The unsealed laminate floors are not shiny like the sealed floor. If you want to use the steam mop on the sealed laminate floor, ensure the mop is set in a low-temperature setting. The low temperature will prevent potential damage. But the best is not to use the steam mop on the laminate surface.

Conclusion

Can you use a steam mop on laminate floors we have all the answer to the question now? In the end, I want to say though you can use the steam mop on the sealed laminate floor, it is best not to use the steam mop after all. But if you cannot think without the steam mop, always use with care and ensure the temperature setting is low. Never allow standing of splashes or drops of water on the laminate floor. I hope you have got all the answers to the laminate floor and steam mop. Not yet? Just leave a comment on your query.

Before giving the answer to the question, I want to ask can I use vinegar to clean my carpet. My friend, what are you thinking? You definitely speak, “Yes, you can.” The answer to your question is also the same ‘’Yes’’, obviously you can use baking soda to clean carpet. Why not? Baking soda is a very popular and effective carpet cleaning ingredients.

There are also many ingredients excluding baking soda, which are also very effective, but most of the cases, they are expensive. But baking soda is different from them. Baking soda comes with an inexpensive price tag as it is inexpensive.

Baking soda is not expensive but highly effective against different types of stains and odor. No matter what type of stain is built on the carpet, baking soda can remove the stain. In addition, to dispel the bad odor, baking soda is also very effective. Though the baking soda is the primary element of cleaning the stain, it requires some other ingredients also. We have to make the solution properly at first; then, we will go for removing the stain and odor.

Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean My Carpet?

Remove Stain – Using Baking Soda

You have to follow different ways to remove the different types of stains. The same procedure is not effective in all types of stains. Basically, there are greasy, and non-greasy stains are seen on the carpet. Sometimes the greasy stain is difficult to be removed from the carpet, but baking soda makes the job easy for you. On the other hand, it also removes the non-greasy stain finely. So, let’s see the ways to remove the greasy and non-greasy stain.

Removing Non-Greasy Stain with Baking Soda

The non-greasy stains don’t have any underlying residue, and they are not sticky like the greasy stain. And definitely, the non-greasy stains are much easier to be removed compared to the greasy stain. Before going to the stain removing procedure, keep the eyes on the list of the ingredients that you have to use.

• Baking Soda.
• Warm water.
• Spray bottle.
• Vacuum cleaner.

After confirming the machine and ingredients just near your hand, then you are ready to clean the stain. So let’s start.

First of all, sprinkle an adequate amount of dry baking soda over the staining area.

Secondly, take the spray bottle and pour the hot water within it. Now spray the hot water just over the baking soda. Just confirm the staining area is damp now. But do not spray the water too much.

Thirdly, let the mixture of baking soda and hot water sit on the stain perfectly. Then wait a minimum of 3 hours, but if possible, wait longer. The staining portion of the carpet will dry over time. After dried completely, you will need to do a vacuum. Yes, vacuum the area; hopefully, the stain will be gone. If you see something remains still now, repeat the process from the beginning. I hope the stain will be removed completely.

The best time to do this task is just before going to sleep. If you apply the baking soda and hot water before going to bed, it can be dried over more times, which is necessary to come out of the stain completely.

Removing Greasy Stain with Baking Soda

Removing the greasy stain from the carpet is not an easy task; it is true. But we say it is not so difficult also. Yes. If you can go in the proper way, it is not so difficult. Before starting the way, check the necessary ingredients.

• Rag towel.
• Baking Soda.
• Dish Soap.
• Water.
• Clean towel.
• Vacuum Cleaner.

First of all, you have to blot up the greasy substances from the staining area as much as possible. To take out the greasy substance, take the rag or paper towel, and try to blot the stain. You should have the approach to take out from the carpet, not to rub the grease on the carpet. If you try to rub the grease, it may damage the carpet fibers.

Secondly, after blotted the greasy stain, sprinkle dry baking soda on the stain. Then you have to wait at least 5-7 hours. The best is to wait for the whole night. The baking soda will absorb grease and stain. The longer the baking soda remains on the carpet, it absorbs grease and stains, the better.

Thirdly, if you see that the stain is not removed after applying dry baking soda, you should try with the dish soap. Now blot the stain with a little dish soap. Just after that, take a clean white towel and try to blot up the soap residue with water.

Then allow the area to be dried. After dried, sprinkle the dry baking soda again and to the same as you have done at first. At this time, you should allow at least 3 hours to sit the baking soda in the staining area. Then vacuum the area. Hopefully, the stain is completely gone.

Removing Bad Odor Use of Baking Soda:

Are you a pet lover and have you nay pet in the house? If so, you know how messy they are; you know the intensity of their smell. With the regular carpet cleaning solution, the bad odor may not go. But baking soda carpet cleaner recipe is ideal in removing bad odor. On the other hand, some people also ask is baking soda on carpet safe for a dog? To them, I want to say. There is no harmful chemical in baking soda, and it doesn’t produce ill health if it is not ingested in the body in a large amount. If something happens like this, consult your vet. Now I’m going back to the odor removing process. The following are necessary.

• Baking Soda.
• Vacuum cleaner.

At the very first, you have to find out the area where your pets move often. At the same time, you can also find out the area that already contains bad odor. After identifying the area, apply a generous amount of baking soda on the carpet. Then wait for about a few hours to absorb the bad odor. The longer you allow sitting the baking soda, it absorbs the bad odor better. After a few hours, just vacuum the area with a vacuum cleaner. The odor is gone. Use baking soda to remove bad smells as you need. It depends on the condition of the carpet.

Other Use of Baking Soda to Clean My Carpet:

The baking soda has wide ranges of use. The baking soda is not only used to clean the carpet but also it is used in many household works. Baking soda is an excellent ingredient that can be used for many purposes. Here we have enlisted some purposes where you can often use baking soda.

• Unclog drains.
• Clean dirty pots without scrubbing.
• Clean the tiles, linoleum floors, and counters.
• Clean the toilet.
• Whiten the cloths.
• It is used as a deodorant.

Summary

If somebody asks you, ‘’can I use baking soda to clean my carpet’’, now you can answer the question, and you can also tell him/her how much use the ingredient for carpet. You see, you can use baking soda in removing different types of stains from the carpet, and also it is used to remove bad odors. Baking soda is very effective, no doubt, but you have to use it in the right way.

Happy Cleaning.

Can you use a shark steam mop on hardwood floors? What will be your answer? I know it is difficult to say. Without the detail discussion, it is not possible to answer this question. But the answer is ‘’Yes’’ and at the same time ‘’NO’’. Don’t you understand? Let me explain!

A hardwood floor is not like the other floors. It is different from the other floors, and the hardwood floor also requires extra care and maintenance. In our everyday life, we have to clean our floor daily. On the other hand, we frequently use mop once or twice a week. But the hardwood floor is not suitable for all types of the mop. It depends on the types of hardwood floors. In this content, we will try to find out what types of mops are suitable for the hardwood floor! At the same time, we try to know is the shark steam mop is ideal for a hardwood floor or not!

A Steam Mop and Hardwood Floor, What is the Relation between Them?

A hardwood floor needs extra care and maintenance. And the floor also needs to be always cleaned because cleaning is the primary maintenance of the hardwood floor. On the other hand, a shark steam mop is one of the best cleaning tools for the floor. The shark steam mop blasts warm water from the cleaner at high pressure. Then the water absorbs dirt and also helps in killing micro-organisms and different types of germs.

The sealed and unsealed both types of hardwood floors are available. The unsealed wood floor has some tiny gaps, and water can easily enter through the gaps. Day by day, the water is absorbed by the wood and produces a bad smell. After passing a specific period of time, there also has the chance of developing mold growth. And eventually, the floor will be damaged. That means any amount of water is bad for the hardwood floors. Now come to the point of shark steam mop. The shark steam mop blasts hot water, and the water can easily go through the gap. So, the shark steam mop is strictly restricted for the unsealed hardwood floor.

Now let’s discuss the sealed hardwood floor. The sealed hardwood floor has a special type of coating at the top, which makes the floor seal. But do you know there may have many small opening in between the joints and seams? Yes, this is reality. Sometimes it cannot be found on many hardwood floors, but it doesn’t mean that the openings are absent in all sealed hardwood floors. If you use the shark steam mop, the cleaning tool will blast hot water, and the water can seep into the opening. And here the same thing may have happened. That means the wood will produce a bad smell and rot eventually.

So, for the sealed hardwood floor, a shark steam mop is not good to use. That doesn’t mean you can never use the shark steam mop. If your hardwood floor is sealed, you may use but with care, definitely. If you ask me about the shark steam mop, I say not using the shark steam mop always good. And I also don’t use the shark steam mop for my wonderful sealed hardwood floor.

If you want to know how to use shark steam mop to clean your hardwood floor, then the following section is recommended for you.

Can You Use a Shark Steam Mop on Hardwood Floors

I repeatedly said a shark steam mop is not best for the hardwood floor. Anyway, if you want to use it, it is not possible, but you have to use it with maximum care. Just follow the instruction below.

Microfiber Pads Type

All the shark steam mops don’t have the same microfiber pads. Some pads are high absorbance, some are low, and some have medium absorbance capacity. But you should use the high absorbance microfiber pads so that it can absorb the water completely on the hardwood floor. As a result, the floor remains dry.

Don’t Use Ordinary Floor Cleaning Solution

Different types of hardwood floors require specific types of floor cleaner. And you should know all types of floor cleaners are not recommended for all types of hardwood floors. So, don’t use the random cleaners that are not recommended for the floor you have.

Select Dust Cleaning Mode Always

The shark steam mop can be used after setting up different modes. Some modes can scratch the hardwood floors. That is why you should always use the dust cleaning mode. The mode is suitable for the hardwood floor, and it prevents scratching also.

Is It Necessary to Use Floor Cleaner with the Shark Steam Mop?

You know the shark steam mop produces steam, and with the help of the high-temperature steam, it kills the germs and micro-organisms. Though it is surprising, it is true that the steam mop can kill the germs up to 99.99%. So you don’t need to add any cleaner in the water tank of the mop. And you see the manufacturer also doesn’t recommend any cleaner to use in the mop. Furthermore, you want to use any cleaner or disinfectant; you can spray the solution over the hardwood floor just before mopping. But never add any solution in the water tank.

Concluding Words

Everybody loves the shark stem mop because it is easy to use, highly effective, and for many reasons. Definitely, the steam mop clear is one of the best floor cleaning tools. But you know the steam mop is not recommended for all types of floors. So, before using the shark steam mop, try to understand the type of floor you have. Then take the decision whether the mop is ideal for the floor or not. Sometimes you need to think twice before using the steam mop on the sealed hardwood floor, right? So, don’t think to use the steam mop on the unsealed hardwood floor. I hope I can make you understand can you use a steam mop on laminate floors or not!