How to Care for a Steam Mop

There are different brands of steam mops, and manufacturers have guidelines on how to maintain their cleaning products. Always maintain your mop according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, the following are the best ways to ensure that your steam mop is properly maintained.

Use Distilled Water

Many will want to use tap water to fill the steam mop tank, but this is not recommended. Tap water has numerous minerals that can clog up the steam mop as time goes on. In order to avoid having to descale your steam mop, use distilled water instead of tap water. This will not only extend the life of the steam mop, you won’t have to remove lime scale buildup in the future.

Descale Your Machine

Sometimes you cannot avoid a buildup of mineral deposits in your steam mop. It is best to remove the buildup with a lime scale remover that is recommended by the steam mop manufacturer. If one is not available:

1. Use a homemade mixture that consists of one and a half ounce of baking soda and a quart of water.

2. Let the mixture heat up in the machine, and allow it sit for one to two hours.

3- Then rinse, it thoroughly to get rid of any residue.

Only Use Water to Clean

You should never add any type of chemicals to a steam mop. This includes things such as cleaners or detergents.  The machine is designed to clean with just water and steam. The only other time you should add anything to your machine is during the descaling process. Only use descaling products that are recommended by the steam mop manufacturer. You can also use baking soda and water to safely remove mineral deposits.

Replace the Filter after Cleaning

Replace the filter in your steam mop on a regular basis. It can become clogged with hard water deposits that reduce the mop’s ability to perform at its best. Not only will it take you longer to clean because of the machine’s poor performance, but a clogged filter may eventually damage the mop.

Clean the Pads When Finished

Clean the steam mop pads after each use. You can pop them into the washing machine, or you can just rinse them out using tap water and liquid detergent. Never use powder detergent to clean your pads because it leaves behind residue that could possibly damage the steam mop.

Drain the Tank When Finished

You don’t want your steam mop to get moldy. This is why you must drain the tank after each use. Clean the inside of the tank and rinse it. Make sure that the inside is completely dry before returning it to storage. This is the best way to ensure that mold growth doesn’t occur.

The steam mop is a handy little tool to use for cleaning. However, in order for it to work at its best, you must maintain it on a regular basis. Follow these helpful tips, and this will help prolong the life of your steam mop.