Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Can you use the Enviro Steamer mop on congoleum type flooring? It's sheet type flooring, not sticky tiles?
By Linda from Walker, LA
Of course you can use it on linoleum/vinyl flooring. Congoleum is simply the name of the manufacturer.
Congoleum says not to use steam cleaners getting to 120°. What temp do these cleaners get to?
No you shouldn't use a steam cleaner, the flooring will stretch & bubble up.
I recently purchased the Shark Steam Mop and I like it, however it leaves a dull streaky finish on my floors. I have laminate (Pergo) and tile. It's doing it on both. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what did you do?
By AMerrill from Galesburg, IL
Yes! I just got back from returning mine to the store. If you have hard water, or use powder laundry soap to wash the pads in, it will leave streaks on your floor. I was lucky I read this in a review before I used mine, so I got to take mine back to the store.
We have soft water, and I have the same problem. It works much better than the SwifferJet than we had. I got the Steam Blaster off of Craigslist, so I use it for many applications.
I just used a Bissell steam mop on my hardwood floors and in several areas there are white cloudy rings forming as it dried. How can I fix this problem?
By Jacqueline Jett from Benton, AR
I use a steam mop on my hardwood floors. The trick is to dry them instead of letting the water dry on to them. When I'm done steaming, I go over the floors with a towel.
My understanding is you should not use the steam mop on wood. I think the spot might have to be refinished.
Does anyone know of a cleaning solution that can be used in the H20 steam mop?
By Pat Frain from IN
I thought the whole idea with the h2o mop was that you didn't need cleaning solutions.
I agree. I have a Shark Steam mop. You only use water in it. If you have a very dirty floor, you can spray something on the floor and use the steam mop to finish.
Can you use a steam mop on pergo flooring?
Sandy from Annapolis, MD
I wouldn't, steam will cause glue in pergo material to break down and warp. Best product I've used for my wood floors is Murphys Oil soap.
Absolutely not. The steam will get into the Pergo and cause de-lamination. We use a little Windex on a sponge mop. It cleans very well and dries almost instantly.
Do I have to use anything else other than water in a steam mop?
By G H Hunt
The answer depends on the make and model of the steam mop. Some do work using a specially formulated solution, others can't be used with anything but water (tap or distilled). If you use a solution in a steam mop meant to be run on just water you risk ruining the mop and voiding any warranty.
Check your user guide (owner manual) to be sure. If you've lost the manual you can usually download a free copy from the maker's website.
If you haven't purchased one yet, read all the information on the carton or website product description - be sure to buy the mop that best meets your needs. Some buyers feel a floor isn't really clean and disinfected unless a cleaning solution is used, other buyers accept the maker's promise that the steam cleans and sanitises without the need for additional solutions.
My personal experience is that the steam does the trick - clean and hygienic floors safe enough for a baby:)
One last thing - if you're trying to clean a floor with years of ground in grime, you're going to have to do a 'hands 'n knees' scrubbing (or rent a floor cleaner specifically for hard surfaces) first, before using the steam mop.
Even with pre-cleaning, you'll be amazed at how much grime the first few steam moppings picks up - so be prepared with spare pads! The first time I steam mopped my ceramic floors I was really shocked to see how dirty the pad was - so dirty I wanted to toss it in the nearest garbage bin. That first one never really did look bright white again no matter how many times I washed it in hot water, even with bleach!
But once you get the floor really clean with the steam mop, you'll find once a day keeps the floor incredibly clean without making you want to bin the pad. I love my steam mop!
I purchased an H2O mop advertised on TV. I have contacted Home Trends (since their name is shown as shipper) with a complaint about two months ago. I have never heard back from them. We decided it must be a short in the electrical system. When the mop produces steam and you put the handle down it stops completely. I have never received an acknowledgment from them. Can someone help me?
The H20 Mop is manufactured by Thane Direct USA, and you have a one year warranty. You can contact them by email or by sending them a fax. The link is to the Thane Direct website, their question and answer page. If you scroll down you will see a question about the warranty. Their contact information is there. I hope this brings good results for you.
www.thane.com/
I have the Shark Steam Mop S3101A. Instead of spending $40 for 4 extra pads I was wondering if anyone has used the microfiber cloths sold in the stores? Did you have to double it?
This is a late reply but if you still need the pad, you can order it from ebay for about $5 for two. They're shipped from China so it's much cheaper.
Will a steam mop clean lightly dirty carpets?
By Langdon
Can I use a solution of vinegar and water in my Holme steam mop to clean my carpet?
By Janice
I saw a bottle of Febreze for steam mops. Which steam mop can I use for it?
By Florence F
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I just steam cleaned my wood floors with the Bissell Steam Mop and my floors have turned cloudy and look dirty. Any ideas out there to fix this? Bissell had nothing.
I'm looking for reviews on a product called the Steam Shark. Do you like it, and is it worth the price? Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH
