Steam mops can be effective for cleaning grout, particularly for light to moderate stains.
The high-temperature steam can penetrate the porous surface of the grout, loosening dirt, mildew, and stains, the hot steam sanitises grout lines by killing bacteria and mould spores, which can help prevent future staining. Steam mops do not use harsh chemicals, making them a safer option for cleaning grout without damaging surrounding tiles.
For heavily stained or very old grout, additional scrubbing with a brush or using a specialised grout cleaner may be necessary for best results.
A steam cleaner is a cleaning appliance that uses heated water vapour to clean and sanitise surfaces. Here’s how it works:
The steam cleaner has a built-in boiler or heating element that heats water from a reservoir to a high temperature, typically between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit (93 to 149 degrees Celsius). This process converts the water into steam. The heated steam is released through a nozzle or attachment. The steam's high temperature helps break down dirt, grease, and grime on contact, loosening them from the surface.
As the steam penetrates and loosens dirt, it also kills bacteria, germs, and dust mites due to the high temperature, providing a sanitising effect. The loosened debris is then wiped away with a cloth or mop head attachment.
Steam cleaning is often considered an eco-friendly cleaning method because it uses only water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. This makes it safe for use around pets and children.
Steam mopping can be more effective than traditional mopping in certain situations due to several factors:
• The high temperature of the steam kills bacteria and germs, providing a deeper clean than traditional mopping may not achieve without using chemical cleaners.
• Steam mops often require less physical effort since the heat and moisture do much of the work in loosening dirt and grime. This can make cleaning faster and easier.
• Steam mops can leave floors streak-free as they rely on vapour rather than soapy water that can leave a residue.
• Steam mops use less water compared to traditional mopping, which can help floors dry faster and prevent excess moisture that could damage some types of flooring.
Using a steam mop offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for many households seeking efficient and chemical-free cleaning solutions. Here are some of the key advantages:
• Steam mops clean and sanitise using only water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. This makes them an eco-friendly option and safe for homes with pets and children, reducing exposure to potentially harmful cleaning agents.
• The high temperature of the steam produced by these mops is capable of killing up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs on contact. This makes steam mops an excellent choice for those looking to not only clean but also disinfect floors and surfaces, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Floors cleaned with a steam mop tend to dry faster than those cleaned with a traditional mop and bucket. The steam uses less water, leaving less moisture on the floor, which helps to prevent slips and allows floors to be walked on sooner.
There are specific situations and surfaces where using a steam mop is not recommended.
The moisture and heat from steam can cause unsealed or waxed hardwood floors to warp, swell, or become damaged over time as they often have a wear layer that can be compromised by the high heat of a steam mop, leading to warping or peeling. Unless specifically designed for carpets, steam mops should not be used on carpets as the heat and moisture can cause damage or encourage mould growth.
Do not use a steam mop on or near electrical appliances or outlets, as the moisture can pose a safety risk.