Laminate flooring has become quite a common feature in modern households. This is because, in addition to being fairly affordable as compared to hardwood flooring and more appealing as compared to concrete flooring, laminate flooring is very easy to clean and maintain. In spite of that, most households have not yet discovered the best way to have their laminate floors cleaned.
Frankly speaking, no one wants to get down on their hands and knees to scrub the floor. The regular way of mopping is time-consuming and very exhausting. People are trying to get away from such ‘enslaving’ tasks as much as possible and opting for smarter ways to clean their laminate.
So, what is this alternative cleaning method that I am talking about? Traditional mopping has been replaced by steam mops which clean laminate floors and properly sanitize them without hurting your back. But with so many steam machine options available, homeowners don’t know which way to go.
The confusion that comes with not knowing which steam mop to use is equally annoying. This is about to take a positive turn though as the article you are reading contains a break down of the best 3 steam mops to use on laminate floors. Let’s dive in!!
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Top 3 Steam mops for Laminate Floors
The Haan SI-60 Steam Mop
The HAAN SI-60 model is one of the best steam machines available in the market. Weighing roughly about 10 pounds, this marvel of a machine works at great speeds and is very efficient at cleaning. So, just how does the HAAN SI-60 work?
The reservoir is filled with the cleaning solution, and it takes approximately 20 seconds for the solution to heat up to desirable levels. To facilitate cleaning in hard to reach areas such as under the furniture or n hidden corners, the steamer’s mop head is made rectangular.
The HAAN SI-60 rids the floor of any grime at very high speeds. The swivel head is also designed in such a way that it can very easily slip under furniture and cabinet edges to remove dirt from those areas ensuring that no spots are left uncleaned. With other steamers, corners often pose a major challenge to clean.
One thing you should know about laminate floors is that they are not all the same. Each floor is unique and as such would require specific water temperatures for washing. The HAAN SI-60 identifies this factor and in a bid to accommodate more homeowners, it is fit with a mechanism for adjusting the water temperature.
You can, therefore, set the steam temperature levels that are ideal for your type of laminate floor to get the best cleaning results. Fifteen steam jets are used in total with this model to facilitate the cleaning and sanitization of your floor. In case you have areas covered with a carpet, the HAAN SI-60 will take care of those areas too as it comes with a carpet glide.
On the downside, the HAAN SI-60 model can generate a considerable amount of noise plus it might not work so well on hard surfaces.
<— CHECK CURRENT PRICE OF HAAN SI-60 ON AMAZON –>
The Bissell Homecare International 94E9T
This model weighs three pounds less compared to the HAAN SI-60 model. This makes it quite easy to maneuver, and it doesn’t eat up too much storage space. It comes with a triangular-shaped mop head which makes cleaning under furniture, around corners, and hard to reach areas very easy.
Unlike other cleaning methods that require the need to use chemical cleaning agents, the Bissell Homecare only requires clean water. The water only takes a good 30 seconds to heat up allowing you to proceed with the cleaning as soon as possible. In addition to cleaning, this steamer destroys numerous bacteria and germs which are often missed by other cleaning methods.
The Bissell Homecare comes with a pair of reusable microfiber mop pads. One is used for the day to day cleaning of the floor while the other is specially designed for heavy duty scrubbing. On the downside, the Bissell Homecare has a short cord that limits its reach, especially in kitchen areas. The mop also lacks an always on function.
In spite of those few challenges, the Bissell Homecare is still the most ideal steamer for high traffic areas such as doorways and the living room.
<— CURRENT PRICE OF BISSELL 94E9T ON AMAZON –>
The Bissell 1940A PowerFresh Steam Mop
The PowerFresh steam mop by Bissell is probably the most versatile and effective steam mop in the market. This model weighs about 7.6 pounds allowing mobility with great ease. The swivel head is made in such a way that typical hard to reach areas such as under furniture are easily accessible during the cleaning process.
The cord is also fairly long. At 23 feet, one can rest assured that all rooms and floor space can be completely sanitized and cleaned without having to change the plug location. This model also comes with a removable water reservoir which upon filling, only takes about 30 seconds to heat up to suitable temperatures.
The speed with which this model removes dirty, nasty, and sticky messes off the floor is incomparable to any other steamer or cleaning method. The model features multi-level steam and temperature controls which can be set and reset very easily. Replaceable water filters are used with the steamer to protect cleaned surfaces from the effects of hard water.
Two reusable pads are also provided for this machine, one for the daily cleaning activities and the other (microfiber) is used for more specific areas which require a little more scrubbing.
<– CURRENT PRICE OF BISSELL 1940 STEAM MOP –>
Steam Mop Tips and Tricks
Secret Trick to Get Streak-free laminate floors every time! Add a little bit of Vinegar and dish soap to your Steam mop water. My wife used to clean with a 50/50 mixture of water to vinegar. However we found that if you use a steam mop with soap and vinegar you get the benefit of steam cleaning added to your super shiny floors!
- Add 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 1-2 squirts of dawn dish soap
- Fill reservoir with water
- Done
Now that we have successfully looked at the top steam mop models, let us equip you with a few tricks you can use while using the steam mops.
- It is okay to used tap water for cleaning, but it is worth noting that distilled water would be more suitable to ensure the cleaning filter lasts for longer.
- The floor should be swept or vacuumed prior to steaming.
- Homeowners should make steam mopping a routine to ensure that laminate floors are adequately maintained.
- Always invest in a second set of mop pads to ensure that your cleaning is not affecting by mop pads that are worn out.
- Always wash the mop pads with hot water before using them, and finally
- Do not use any chemical additives on the steamer to clean the floor.
In conclusion, your home is your personal haven and should, therefore, be properly maintained. Having clean floors is one the most important ways to achieve that freshly cleaned feeling plus you will be doing your laminate floors a favor by ensuring their cleanliness.