Classic cleaning is known to conscious housewives firsthand. In the conditions of the modern world, there may simply be no time or resources left for these events. Today, the usual rag is being replaced by such an electronic device as a floor steamer. It has its pros and cons, like any technology. We will talk about them in the article below.
Types of steamers for floor
In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of steam mops, you should understand their varieties. There are many models on the market that offer their owner one or another functionality. The presented options have their fans, as people choose assistants based on personal preferences. You can choose from the following options:
- Classic steam mops;
- Mops with electric broom;
- Ergonomic steam mops.
In the first case, the floor surface will be clean, even if you do not use chemical treatment with additional means. It does not matter whether laminate, parquet, linoleum, or ordinary wood will be used – a classic steam mop will cope with any type of pollution, even if it is “age-old” stubborn grease stains.
Such a device is used on an everyday basis, especially since it comes with several types of nozzles that help to cope with many additional tasks. Also, due to the hot jet of steam, the surface is disinfected, which inspires confidence in the protection against harmful microorganisms in your home.
A steam mop with an electric broom boasts one additional advantage – the ability to remove small crumbs and dirt particles remaining after cleaning in the classical way. Not all of them can be cleaned the first time, and the built-in mechanism will help to cope with this problem.
The speed of rotation of the mounted roller exceeds 2000 rpm. He is also able to wipe off dried dirt spots, which will help not to draw special attention to them when putting things in order at home. This will be relevant in those rooms where people walk without taking off their shoes.
Under the concept of an ergonomic steam mop, those models are suitable, the dimensions of which allow them to be used, including in hard-to-reach places. In addition, due to the low weight of the device, it is possible to lift them to a height to clean different surfaces. Usually, additional nozzles are not included in the delivery of such models, but they help to clean in small apartments.
So, based on these varieties, we will highlight a number of common pros and cons for the main model range of these devices, presented today on the consumer electronics market.
Pros of steam mops
If we consider this technique as the main tool for cleaning the house, and you have back problems, then you definitely can not go wrong with the choice. The main advantage over cleaning with a rag and a bucket of water is that we do not have to bend over. This shortcoming of the classic version of mopping can cause permanent damage to health. Washing floors with a steam mop is possible without it, which is why fatigue from restoring order comes much less often and does not bring discomfort. The benefits also include the following:
- Multifunctionality – by adjusting the intensity of the steam supply, you can remove stains even from furniture and carpet;
- Saving water and money on detergents;
- Device mobility;
- Disinfection of surfaces in the house;
- There are no streaks left after using the steam;
- Compact dimensions.
Given all the above advantages, most owners have no arguments against purchasing this type of device. However, it is impossible not to mention some of the disadvantages inherent in this type of household appliances.
Cons of steam mops
In fact, with a too scrupulous approach, bad qualities are found in a good thing. The same applies to these devices: the shortcomings here are objectively insignificant, but we are obliged to mention them. Cheap models have the following disadvantages:
- Low strength plastic housing;
- Limited options for steam regulation;
- Small volumes of water tank;
- Sudden changes in the temperature of the injected steam;
- There is no device for filtering the fluid used.
These points can be called disadvantages, but in comparison with how a steam mop can help in cleaning the house, they practically lose their significance.
What to rely on when choosing a particular model
Before buying various types of household appliances, you should study their parameters, which will affect the durability, as well as the quality of work. The downside is if you do not try to touch the purchased device, simulating future cleaning.
It is necessary to take into account the height of a person, since the length of the handle must correspond to it. This will allow you not to bend down, putting things in order at home. If there is a goal in buying a compact device, you should try how convenient and comfortable it is to hold it in your hands, and whether its weight will cause any inconvenience.
It is necessary to take into account the power parameter – the force of steam supply to the surface to be cleaned, and its increased or decreased parameters cannot be called a plus or minus. Everything will depend on where you plan to use the cleaning equipment. Too much steam can damage the wood, so you need to check the properties of your home floor before using this type of technique, and find out if this cleaning method is suitable for a particular situation.
The quality of the water that will be poured into the tank is another aspect that should not be forgotten. The downside in this case will be the requirement to use distilled water, and the plus is the possibility of pouring running water. This will simplify and speed up the process of cleaning the house, as well as reduce the cost of it. In some models, there is a built-in filter, and the disadvantage is its absence in cheap mops. The downside here will be its fragility, but this is fixable.
A microfiber overlay is used to achieve competitive cleanliness. The presence of such fabric in the delivery set of the device will be a plus, and its absence is rare, and this drawback can be indicated when examining the device in the store. The microfiber helps to collect the liquid dirt formed during the steam jet treatment.
Interruption of work due to a small amount of water in the tank is considered a definite minus. To avoid such a drawback, manufacturers equip their products with a tank of the required volume for cleaning in a spacious apartment. Therefore, when choosing a steam mop, the possibility of pouring more than half a liter of fresh water is considered an indisputable plus.
To perform more tasks, these devices are equipped with nozzles from the factory. If any of their varieties is not included in the kit, this cannot be called a disadvantage, since additional equipment is purchased separately, and the first task of this type of equipment is washing floors, and not cleaning furniture, carpets, curtains, and other things.
Thus, steam mops have both advantages and disadvantages, but the latter are definitely fewer, and such a device will simplify the life of any homeowner, freeing up time for leisure with family and friends.
