Steam mop machines heat the water in the water container to high temperatures and then send pressurized steam into the mop head and onto your floors, effortlessly lifting the dirt.
Steam mops have changed the game. Keeping your tiles clean and hygienic has never been easier… and faster.
Steam cleaning can be effectively used for maintenance cleaning on tiled surfaces throughout your home but it is equally effective at deep cleaning stubborn grime that has built up over time in kitchens and bathrooms.
Important Considerations
Avoiding Damage
Use a steam mop on glazed or sealed tiles only. Unsealed grout and tiles can be damaged by the excessive moisture and heat. Read more
Most quality steam machines also have a gentler setting to use on a sensitive surface so make sure to read the manufacturers manual.
Cleaning Dirty Grout
This can be a bit more challenging, especially if you have a few months or even years of sticky filth wedged into the cracks.
If your mop has a handheld nozzle, you may need to target these areas before using the mop. There are several machines available which include a grout tool and will make the task a breeze.
Check out this link if you’re looking for the best steam mop for tiles and grout.
You can also pre-treat the grout with detergent to help loosen stubborn grime.
Removing Mud
Steam mops are not designed to clean heavily soiled areas like thick mud.
The moisture from the mop will only add to the mess which the microfiber pads will not be able to lift.
First, remove heavy grime before using the mop to deep clean and sanitize.
Steps to Use a Steam Mop on Tiles
Step 1 – Prepare the Floor
Prepare the floor before using your steam mop. Sweep or vacuum any large particles from the floor.
The microfiber pad on the steam mop is designed to pick up small particles only. Gritty floors will make cleaning less effective.
Step 2 – Clean The Floor
Switch the machine on and as you would with a mop, work your way out from the tightest corner, covering the entire tiles surface.
The steam will lift the dirt and the microfiber pad will absorb the loosened dirt and moisture into the pad.
Step 3 – Replace Microfiber Pads
Replace the pads when they get dirty. If the mop pad is saturated, it will not effectively lift the loosened dirt.
Fortunately, mop pads are affordable and having a few spare is very handy. When you’re done cleaning, you can toss them in the washing machine so they’re perfectly clean for next time.
Step 4 – Allow the Floor to Dry
Let the floor dry before walking on it. This should not take long as one of the benefits of using steam, the hot moisture that remains on the tile evaporates quickly after the pad has collected the excess water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Water Should I Use?
Tap water is perfect, though some recommend distilled water. Distilled water does not contain minerals like calcium. Minerals create a residue that hardens inside the water tank and steam pipes. This build-up can cause blockages and make the appliance less effective.
Can I Use Cleaning Detergents?
It’s best not to add detergents to your steam machine. If you are treating a stubborn stain, rather apply the cleaner to the affected area directly.
These products are designed to clean effectively without any cleaning products. They effectively trade chemicals for heat.
Cost savings on detergents make keeping your home clean a lot more affordable in the long run.
Can I Use Vinegar in My Steam Mop?
Vinegar can be added to some machines to help disinfect and deep clean, however, it is not necessary. The temperature of the steam is powerful enough to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
Does it Also Disinfect?
Steam cleaning kills off germs, bacteria, dust mites and mold. The water needs to be heated to 175 degrees to create steam hot enough to disinfect effectively.
Floors in kitchens and bathrooms are the biggest culprits. Using a steam machine to clean surfaces like kitchen counters, appliances, toilets and ever children’s toys will help eliminate unwanted germs and bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella Staph bacteria, and even viruses.
Lastly, we love that steam mops are also good for the environment, cleaning and sanitizing without the use of environmentally harmful chemical detergents.
Let us know if you have any feedback or questions on the product you purchase, we will happily get back to you if you need a hand.