Description and selection of a steam mop for home

The steam mop was designed to make cleaning your apartment easier. Simply put, this "gadget" combines the functions of an ordinary mop and a steam cleaner. Pressurized steam is supplied to dirty places, the dirt is softened and easily removed with a damp cloth.

Types of steam mops

Before you run to the store for this wonderful achievement of the scientific and technical process, while still at home you need to decide which model is ideal for your conditions.

The price of a steam mop varies from 600 to 10,000 rubles. And immediately we note that the cheaper the model, the lower its service life. So make smart choices.

Classic

Classic models clean surfaces without using household chemicals. They are used for any floor covering: linoleum, laminate, parquet and so on. They perfectly cope with stubborn and oily dirt. These mops have ample functionality and are ideal for regular wet cleaning.

With electric broom

Often, after cleaning with a classic steam mop, small crumbs remain on the floor. Choosing a model with an electric broom, you are guaranteed to save yourself from such troubles. An electric broom is a roller that rotates at a speed of 2500 rpm. Such a device will not only pick up all the crumbs, but will also be able to wipe away old stains.

Ergonomic

The main distinguishing feature of these models is their maneuverability. And since most of us live in modest square meters of small apartments or standard apartments, this is a very important advantage. As a rule, ergonomic mops are equipped with additional attachments and functions, and are very convenient to use.

Advantages and disadvantages

First, let's talk about the benefits of steam mops.

1. There is no need to bend over while cleaning, which means that the load on the back is minimal.
2. Multifunctionality. By adjusting the intensity of the steam supply, it is possible not only to clean the floor, but also to remove stains on carpets.
3. Profitability. During the operation of the device, a minimum of water and no detergents are required.
4. Mobility and ease of use.
5. The surface is not just washed, but disinfected, and unpleasant odors are also removed.
6. No divorce left.
7. The steam mop does not take up much space, which is especially appreciated in small apartments.

There are also disadvantages. If we talk about models of famous brands, then their only drawback is the price. But by buying cheap mops, you may find other "weaknesses":

1. Flimsy plastic case.
2. Few steaming modes.
3. A small water reservoir, water runs out at the most inopportune moment, and cleaning smoothly turns into a bustle.
4. Severe changes in steam temperatures.
5. No water filter.
6. Unsatisfactory quality of liquid harvesting.

Criterias of choice

What should you pay attention to first of all when choosing a mop? There are certain parameters that affect the service life, maneuverability and quality of work.

Ease of use

Perhaps this is one of the most important criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing a steam mop for your home. Before evaluating the technical performance of the model, simply take it in your hands and try to "wash" the floor. The length of the handle should be optimal so that you do not have to bend into three deaths. In addition, raise the mop and hold it on weight for a couple of minutes, if your hand is tired - this is not your option.

Power

This parameter determines the rate of heating water to boiling, the intensity of steam supply, and the duration of continuous operation. Remember, the more power, the less time you need to clean, as the steam will be supplied with more force. Mops with a power of 1.5 kW can work without interruption for 1 hour, the water heats up to the desired temperature in just 30 seconds. Models with a capacity of 1.2 kW will heat water in 1-2 minutes.

Water quality

When choosing a steam mop, remember that not every model will "accept" regular tap water. In some, only peeled can be poured. Mops, into which tap water can be poured, are usually additionally equipped with a filter, and then you need to find out the operating time of such a filter and the possibility of replacing it.

Microfiber overlay

Note that this is not a whim, but quite a serious "detail" for a mop. With its help, liquid dirt formed after exposure to hot steam is easily and quickly collected. The main advantage of such a lining is the speed of moisture absorption and ease of washing. And not all models have this important "spare part" in the kit.

Volume of the tank

It would seem not the most important indicator, but ... If your mop has too small a container for water, you will have to periodically stop cleaning and go to the bathroom to fill the tank. For cleaning an average apartment, 0.3 ml of water is enough. For more spacious apartments, it will need twice as much - 0.6 ml.

Nozzles

The most common are round, triangular and square nozzles. Compared to round and square nozzles, triangular nozzles are considered to be more maneuverable.

If you need not just a mop, but a “generalist”, then the model should be equipped with additional attachments:

• Brush for cleaning upholstered furniture;
• Scraper for cleaning windows;
• Cone nozzle, with the help of which grease is easily removed from the hood, dust from batteries, etc.;
• A steamer for smoothing curtains and clothes on hangers;
• A metal or nylon handheld steamer for cleaning bathtubs, toilets and sinks.

Working hours

When choosing models of medium power, be prepared that their operating time is about 15 minutes, after that you will need to take a break to cool down. In principle, this time is enough for cleaning a small studio apartment. But if you plan to clean multi-room apartments with such a mop, the capacity will clearly not be enough. Each housewife knows roughly how long it will take her to clean the apartment, so the power of the mop should be chosen based on this.

Additional functions

There are a number of little things that, at first glance, are unimportant, and yet they affect the ease of use of each specific model. Therefore, when looking at the rating of steam mops for the home, be sure to pay attention to them.

For example, a self-cleaning power cord. It seems that it does not matter, however, having worn out with the constant winding of the cord, and then with its spontaneous unwinding, you come to the conclusion that the self-cleaning option is very good.

Cord length. Another important nuance. So that you do not have to go and unplug the mop after cleaning in one room, and then plug it in in another room, choose models with a 5 meter cord.

On / off button on the handle. A trifle, but nice! It is so convenient to turn on and off the mop without unnecessary gestures.

It is also important to have a blocking function in the absence of water in the tank.

A steam mop will make cleaning easier and save you energy. The main thing is to choose the model that suits your specific conditions.

VIDEO: Review of a mop with a Xiaomi steam generator.