When To Use Steam Mops

Most steam mops may be used on all types of floor surfaces, even hardwood floors provided they are sealed. However, it is recommended that you avoid using a steam mop on areas where there are carpets because it will not function as efficiently as it may on a bare surface. It is also strongly advised that you do not use a steam mop on sensitive materials such as synthetic fabrics, leather, or newly waxed floors. As you learn when to use steam mops, remember: the steam mop is for making your life easier, not ruining your surfaces!

Only Use Water

Steam mops, when used correctly, will help you eliminate bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella from your floors. You can use the machine to sanitize by positioning the machine on a particular spot from 15 to 20 seconds. While some of you may have an urge to use shampoos and extra chemicals to make your room more clean, it is not advised and it will very much defeat the purpose of actually using a steam mop. Steam mops only use water. However, you may have the option of using Eucalyptus Demineralized Water on certain steam mops like the Bissel Steam Mop to prolong the filter life and leave your floor with a fresh scent of Eucalyptus. As it is water based, it is also heat based, and for the purposed of retaining heat, you are strongly urged to only fill the tanks and filters with cool water. If you do not do so, then you will forfeit your right to claim your warranty and destroy the heating element of the steam mop.

Safety

Steam mops are an electrical appliance that needs to be plugged in for it to function. However, it must only be used indoors because of unpredictable weather conditions and debris that your device may not be equipped to handle. You should especially make sure that your steam mop is not exposed to rain, or a similar outpour of liquid, which will cause irreversible damage. You may otherwise use the steam machine when the steam or indicator light switches to a color that notifies you when your machine is ready to use. Some steam mops are equipped with a safety lock to deactivate your device while it is plugged in but not in use. You can slide the safety switch forward and backward to activate and reactivate. The directions vary with the company your product is manufactured from.

Attachments

The steam mop may not be used on areas like carpets without the appropriate parts and attachments. The Bissel Steam Mop is equipped with the Carpet Refresher Attachment to help the steam mop easily glide over carpets. Before you attach the attachment, you should make sure to have a white mop pad in place, which is connected to and rests below the swivel head neck. The steam mop usually works better on spots and grease on bare floors. If there is, however, is a soiled area that needs mopping, hover over it with the steam mop for 20 seconds. Do not make in linger in one isolated area for too long because the carpet attachment is meant to be in a continuous motion, not a stationary position.

Servicing the Product

If you use your steam mop in accordance with all packaged safety guidelines, you should be able to service your product under your warranty contract. The warranty varies with each company, but it is safe to assume that most steam mops may be serviced within 1 year of purchasing the device. Your agreement should specify where you may go if your product malfunctions, troubleshoot, or if you need to fine tune your product. An authorized service center should also be able to aide you, should your device have missing parts or no longer works within the time allotted under your warranty. Note your state's limitation guidelines, to see if the terms in your warranty are applicable to you or not. Call your steam cleaner's customer service center should there be any more complications for your device, or if there are any more questions that need to be answered.