Today, maintaining cleanliness and order in the house is a matter of technology in the truest sense of the word. You can find all sorts of gadgets designed to make life easier for modern housewives in electronics stores. Washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, vacuum cleaners with multiple attachments, steam generators, clothing steamers, robotic window cleaners and other devices make our lives easier and more comfortable every day. We have already talked about some of them, others have yet to become the heroes of our articles.
In this material we want to talk about such a device as a steam mop. Despite the not too high cost, which makes it affordable for most families, many people wonder whether it is worth buying a steam mop or continuing to use a regular one the old fashioned way.
If you are still wondering, then this article is for you. We’ll tell you why you need this household appliance and how to choose it to avoid disappointment, and also list the main advantages and disadvantages and present the traditional rating of the best according to FAN .
Existing types of steam mop
Such devices are divided into two types: traditional and models with a built-in vacuum cleaner.
Traditional
Traditional models are often used for wet cleaning. They are equipped with a special steam generator and a water storage tank. There are holes on the sole of this mop. They are used to supply steam while cleaning surfaces. The device is also equipped with a napkin. It is she who is responsible for removing dirt from the floor covering. The disadvantages of traditional devices include the fact that they cannot be used to collect garbage.
Important! To use a traditional type mop, you will have to connect it to a power source.
With built-in vacuum cleaner
Some people believe that this is the best steam mop because it comes with an additional vacuum cleaner. This allows you to use it for collecting debris and wet cleaning of the floor. The device is equipped with an additional trash container and a steam generator.
Leading manufacturing companies
Kitfort. A Russian company that has been producing household appliances since 2011. Steam mops from this company went on sale in 2012. Production is located in China. All products have quality certificates and a guarantee.
Bradex. A steadily growing, successful international company. The consumer is guaranteed high quality products, affordability and ease of use.
Bissell. Private American manufacturer of household appliances. Specializing in household cleaning devices since 1876. Considered a leader in the production of vacuum cleaners.
Euroflex. An Italian company known for its excellent quality. The products of this company have reliable functionality, low energy consumption, and modern design. All household appliances are equipped with first-class components, and the cost pleases any consumer.
Tefal. King in the household appliances market. A leading brand that enjoys well-deserved love among the masses. The French company strictly observes the guaranteed quality of its products, constantly introducing innovative developments and interesting design solutions.
You may be interested in: Rating of the best capsules for washing clothes: for colored and white clothes, composition, reviews
Advantages and disadvantages
Steam mops, like other cleaning devices, have advantages and disadvantages. Among the main advantages are the following:
- Cleaning in hard-to-reach places. The mop heads can rotate 360 degrees, making wet cleaning much easier.
- Suitable for cleaning different surfaces. The device is suitable for washing floors, walls and cleaning furniture.
- Copes even with serious dirt. With the help of such devices it will be possible to get rid of even old dried stains.
- Low power consumption. The device consumes no more than 6 kW per hour.
The disadvantages include a small water tank. Its volume in most models is 500 ml. Because of this, you have to frequently add water to it.
Comparative characteristics of steam mops
| Model | price, rub. | Power | Tank volume | Cord length | Weight | Customer ratings |
| Polti Vaporetto SV450 Double | 11400 | 1500 W | 300 ml | 5 m | 2.4 kg | 5,0 |
| Black&Decker FSMH13101SM | 10900 | 1300 W | 500 ml | 6 m | 2.8 kg | 4,9 |
| 2 Bissell 1977N | 18740 | 1600 W | 600 ml | 7.6 m | 4.4 kg | 4,9 |
| Tefal VP6557 | 6700 | 1200 W | 600 ml | 7 m | 2.8 kg | 4,8 |
| Kitfort KT-1001 | 4290 | 1300 W | 350 ml | 5 m | 2.7 kg | 4,6 |
| Endever Odyssey Q-606 | 2500 | 1700 W | 370 ml | 6 m | 2 kg | 4,5 |
| Kitfort KT-1010 | 3790 | 1300 W | 350 ml | 5 m | 1.65 kg | 4,5 |
| Rovus 7326 | 5990 | 650 W | 130 ml | 5 m | 2.8 kg | 4,5 |
| BLACK+DECKER FSM1616 | 5900 | 1600 W | 460 ml | 5 m | 2.6 kg | 4,2 |
| H2O Mop X12 | 2600 | 1259 W | 450 ml | 4.5 m | 2.65 kg | 4.0 |
If you are a connoisseur of cleanliness in the house, but are tired of cleaning in a half-bent state, a steam mop will become a real lifesaver. It will turn cleaning into a fun activity and keep your back and arms in perfect condition. Try it - and your life will become a little easier!
What parameters to pay attention to when choosing
People who want to buy a steam mop for their home are advised to familiarize themselves with the features of choosing such a device. To choose a high-quality device for wet cleaning, you need to pay attention to the following:
Volume and type of water tank. Built-in and removable containers can be used to store liquids. The latter option is more convenient, since if necessary it can be removed and replaced. The tank volume can range from 350 ml to 500 ml. It is recommended to buy devices with larger containers so that you do not have to add water too often.- Duration of continuous operation. This parameter depends on the power of the steam flow and the size of the tank. Models that do not work continuously for too long are suitable for owners of small apartments. For larger rooms, it is better to look for devices that can operate for 20–30 minutes.
- Device weight. The weight of such devices can reach 5–6 kg. If you are buying a device to clean walls or furniture, it is better to look for lighter models.
Additional Information! Also, when choosing, you need to take into account the length of the cord. It can be 5–10 meters. If the cable is long, you won’t have to frequently move the socket while cleaning the apartment.
What to look for before purchasing
We list a number of important parameters that determine whether you will be satisfied with your purchase:
- Power. The most important criterion, which is directly related to the intensity of steam supply, the rate of heating of the liquid in the tank and the time of continuous cleaning. In general, everything that will make the process as comfortable and efficient as possible. So, a device with a power of 1500 W will take half a minute to warm up, and it will work for about an hour, which is quite enough to clean up the apartment.
- Requirements for water quality. Be sure to ask this question before purchasing. Some manufacturers claim the need to use purified water. It would be good if the unit is equipped with a filter to protect against scale. Please note that it must be replaced periodically.
- Liquid reservoir volume. Focus on the size of the room you have to clean. The optimal volume of the built-in tank is 350–500 ml.
- Shape and number of nozzles. Here you need to proceed from the purposes for which you are buying a steam mop, as well as from what household appliances you already have in your arsenal.
- Additional features for ease of use. These may include:
— self-retracting wire (its length must be at least 5 meters);
— on/off key on the handle;
— impossibility of switching on when the tank is empty;
— several steam intensity modes for working with various materials;
— mobility of the washing head;
— presence of a microfiber nozzle;
— telescopic handle for adjustment to the user’s height.
Required power
Particular attention should be paid to power when choosing a mop. The fact is that this is the main characteristic of this device for wet cleaning. Not everyone knows how powerful it should be.
The power of most models is 1400–1700 W. The higher this number, the faster the device will heat water to produce steam. For example, if you are using a 1300 W model, it will take about 40 seconds to heat up the liquid. If you have to clean too often, it is recommended to use more powerful models for this.
Additional Information! Also, when choosing, you should take into account the power of the steam flow. It shows how much water the device supplies per minute. The stronger the flow, the better the surface being treated will be cleaned of dirt.
Heavy or light?
It’s probably worth mentioning that the mop weighs 2 - 2.5 kg, and can reach 5, depending on the power and model of the assistant. When choosing a model, take into account your physical shape , because during work you will be holding it suspended for quite a long time. A light mop is definitely easier to handle. And in maneuverability it outperforms its heavier sister. Here, however, there is a second side to the coin: a lighter mop, as a rule, has a smaller water reservoir and can clean a smaller surface at a time than a more powerful, heavy model.
For ease of use, manufacturers have come up with long handles for heavy models so as not to hold the entire mop in your hands. According to housewives, it is more convenient to clean carpet with a heavier mop.
Depending on the model, an extended set of attachments and accessories may be included with the mop. The mop can be equipped with a dual steam function (the secondary function is used for pre-steaming). The steam power can be adjusted. According to user reviews, mops with three levels of steam adjustment are most often recommended.
Steam vacuum cleaner or steam mop: which is better?
Some people cannot choose between a steam cleaner and a steam vacuum cleaner. To decide what to buy, you need to decide in advance what exactly the purchased device will be used for.
If you need a powerful device for cleaning floors, walls or furniture from stains, it is better to buy a steam mop for this. It is ideal for removing all types of stains. If you need a device for collecting garbage, it is better to give preference to a vacuum cleaner. He will definitely cope better with this task.
The best universal models
These devices combine the functions of floor washing and garbage collection. Users call good universal models:
- Philips FC7020/01 – mop with electric broom. You can adjust the position of the brush with your foot using a special pedal. The power of the device is 1.3 kW, the volume of the tank is 450 ml. In 20 minutes the mop will wash up to 50 square meters. m of floor.
- ENDEVER Odyssey Q-60720/01 is a device with a power of 1.7 kW, designed for 45 minutes of operation. When purchased, the kit includes 2 replaceable microfiber covers and a mat to protect against dampness.
- Rovus 7326 is a mop that simultaneously absorbs dirt and dust particles. The waste container is easy to clean after cleaning. The power is small - only 650 W, but the device heats the water in 30 seconds.
Universal mops have good cleaning quality. Moreover, they clean not only the floor, but also windows, mirrors, furniture, etc.
Features of use
Before using a steam mop, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of its use. To clean the floor covering using such a device, you must:
- Remove trash. To do this, you need to vacuum the floor or sweep it. Only after this will it be possible to begin cleaning the coating from contaminants.
- Pour water into the tank. Before turning on the device, you need to fill the tank with water, which will be used to generate steam. It is better to use high-quality tap fluid.
- Clean the floor. When the tank is full, you can turn on the mop. You need to wait until steam starts to be produced. After this, you should begin cleaning the floor covering. You need to wipe it thoroughly several times to get rid of all the stains.
Additional Information! On average, you can work continuously with such a mop for about 15–25 minutes. If the water in the tank runs out during cleaning, the device must be unplugged from the outlet and the tank must be filled with liquid.
We recommend:
How to force yourself to clean your apartment quickly and efficiently
Myths
Myth 1
Manufacturers claim that a steam mop destroys all bacteria and germs. Let me agree with this statement.
The device is a real mop with a rag, only on its handle there is a steam unit into which we pour water. The device brings water to a boil, resulting in steam. Water at high temperature, steam disinfects any surface, destroys bacteria and microorganisms.
Myth2
Another claim from sellers: a steam mop cleans surfaces without chemicals. This statement is true. Hot water kills harmful substances in the best possible way, washes the floor from dirt, and breaks down greasy stains.
Why use household chemicals when dirt deposits can be removed without them?
Myth3
Another assurance from PR people: “A steam mop collects water.” This statement is a myth. It does not have a container to collect water. The housewife will cleanly and neatly collect the water with a rag.
True, the Karcher SV 1902 washing vacuum cleaner has appeared, which not only washes floors, releasing steam, but also collects water. This vacuum cleaner has a tank into which water is poured to boil and release steam, as well as a container for collecting water.
Myth4
Advertisers state that the mop cleans the surface of debris. Buyers claim that if you don’t sweep up the garbage, then water appears from the steam, which affects the dust, forming dirt and mud stains.
Sellers say that a steam mop cleans stains on carpets. Stains that are easy to remove with a rag - spilled kefir, soup, it will remove, but the mop cannot cope with blood stains, coffee stains, berries.
Myth5
Manufacturers claim that a small amount of water is required for cleaning; they assure that tap water does not form scale.
They are right about the amount of water, but as far as plaque is concerned, this is not true. To prevent scale from forming inside the device, use distilled water; especially since you only need a small amount of it, you will not suffer financially.
Myth 6
Advertisers claim that the steam mop is made of high quality plastic, making it durable. Let's look at customer reviews. What will they say to this postulate?
Another complaint from buyers is the fragility of the design, which means that steam mops break. Currently, the market is flooded with fakes, and buyers see that they are much cheaper and take them. The result is disappointment.
You need to buy a steam mop from trusted suppliers. When considering steam mops, it should be noted that expensive steam mops are made of durable plastic, which cannot be said about cheap ones: the plastic is of poor quality and chips form on it.
The best steam mops
The rating of the best steam mops will help you choose the right device for wet cleaning in your apartment.
Traditional
If you want to buy a simple steam mop, you should pay attention to the following traditional models:
- Endever Q-607. Inexpensive model with a power of 1700 W. Suitable for cleaning apartments and private houses. The main feature is its low weight of about 2 kg.
- Tefal VP6557RH. Budget device with a power of 1200 W. Equipped with a removable water tank and a special regulator for adjusting the steam supply.
- Kitfort KT-1002-1. Traditional model of the middle price segment. Equipped with a 500 ml water tank. Power – 1600 W.
Kitfort KT-1002-1
With built-in vacuum cleaner
If you need to purchase a multifunctional mop, you should consider buying a model with a built-in vacuum cleaner:
- Tefal VP7545RH. Suitable for disinfecting floors and steaming furniture. The features of the model include its large water tank with a volume of 700 ml and a power of 1700 W.
- Kitfort KT-535. Can be used to remove small debris and eliminate contaminants. Equipped with a 1 liter dust container.
- Kitfort KT-555. Suitable for steaming surfaces and removing debris. Power – 1600 W.
The most powerful models
From the huge number of steam vacuum cleaners, we can highlight the TOP 3 most powerful models:
Endever Q-606
- Endever Q-606. Suitable for washing any surface. Power – 1800 W.
- DECKER FSM16З0. Used to clean floors, furniture and carpets. Power – 1650 W.
- Karcher SC 3. Universal model for cleaning walls, floors and furniture. Equipped with a steam supply regulator. Power – 1600 W.
Budget
If you want to save money, you should purchase a budget model. There are several inexpensive but high-quality steam mops:
- H2O Mor X5. A cheap device that cleans any surface and leaves no streaks.
- Marta MT1180. The device is suitable for working with smooth surfaces. Despite its low cost, it is equipped with several attachments.
- Xiaomi ZQ100. An inexpensive device used for cleaning laminate, parquet, linoleum and carpets. Capable of continuous operation for 30 minutes.
A steam mop is a useful tool for wet cleaning in an apartment. People who want to purchase such a device should familiarize themselves in advance with how to choose it and how to use it correctly.
Rate this post
Pros and cons of the device
So that you can finally decide whether a steam mop is needed in your home and whether it is worth buying, we will list the main strengths and weaknesses of this device.
Let's start with the pros:
- Functionality. Some of the models on the market can wash not only various floor coverings, but also windows, and also do an excellent job of cleaning furniture and interior items;
- Environmentally friendly. High temperature perfectly fights germs without any detergents;
- Maneuverability. Choose options with a triangular-shaped swivel head to reach the most difficult to reach places;
- Compact size and light weight. The steam assistant will not require much storage space, unlike bulky buckets and basins;
- Elimination of unpleasant odors. Select models even come with a built-in fragrance;
- Does not leave streaks even on dark floors and mirror surfaces;
- Saves water. Start using your steam mop on a regular basis and you'll quickly notice how much less water it uses.
However, there are also some downsides:
- Does not cope with small debris (except for models with an electric broom). A steam mop does not have a suction function, so you will still have to go over the floor with a vacuum cleaner or broom before washing;
- Does not collect liquid. A small microfiber nozzle will not be able to overcome even a small puddle;
- Some models are not suitable for regular tap water.
pixabay.com/mohamed Hassan
Which unit is better to choose?
Both devices differ in their functionality and cannot replace each other. For a spacious apartment with a lot of carpets, a washing vacuum cleaner is better suited. But if compactness, maneuverability and silent cleaning are more important to you, opt for a steam mop.
You also need to highlight the assigned tasks and only then select the desired device.
If there are always animals in the room and there is a lot of upholstered furniture or carpets, it is better to buy a washing vacuum cleaner, such as the Thomas Super 30 S Aquafilter.
If children, asthmatics and allergies live in the room, then choosing a steam cleaner will be more justified. With its purchase, you can practically forget about household chemicals, since it will be able to independently disinfect the most inaccessible areas of the house.
If you need to combine the functions of both devices, you should purchase a steam vacuum cleaner. The only significant drawback of this device is the price. In all other respects, it combines the best of two devices.
Each of the devices reviewed does a unique job, so there is no single correct answer to what is best to choose. A washing vacuum cleaner will eliminate the need for wet cleaning, but a steam cleaner will disinfect almost the entire room and even iron things. Therefore, the choice depends on the needs of the owner of such a device.
