Steam mops

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I`m still desperately searching for a suitable steam mop. My problem is that I need to do windows with it, and my windows are high, but I am short, and none seem to have a long enough window attachment. Some have a long flexible hose, but that`s no good to a short arse like me! It`s so frustrating, as hubby has agreed to pay whatever it costs (within reason) and I`m unable to spend his money!

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I waited for a long time before getting a steam mop, but after seeing how well my daughter's kitchen floor comes up after steam cleaning I invested in a good Vax one and have never been disappointed. It's light, easy to use and does the job in a fraction of the time with a fraction of the water that I used to use.

I bought one after reading this thread in the autumn. I've only just built up the courage to use the thing though! I've found it's great for windows, providing I keep an eco cloth in the other hand and polish up any streaks. I used it on the tile floor in the utility but I think the problem is the bumpy tiles rather than the steam cleaner. It made doing all the downstairs windows, shower guard etc simple -

Still love mine! (Morphy Richards, not expensive)

I remember when I first got it I asked on here re putting a few drops of Zoflora disinfectant in the tank, just for a nice smell, but was advised not to. I see suzied is adding a bit of lavender oil.

I think I might try that. I was tempted to buy Waitrose ironing water, as presumably if it doesn't harm a steam iron, it won't harm a steam mop, but think that might prove rather expensive!

(I do think it funny that it is labelled Waitrose essential ironing water, as there is nothing "essential" about it imo. Mind you, they also stock Waitrose Essential Tiramisu..............)

I wonder if you bought one of the cheaper ones on the market? I suspect those ones must be a bit flimsy. I have a steam cleaner (Karcher) rather than a mop and it's great.

Steam mop handle started getting very hot and on/off switch stopped working -no steam produced .
Appliance out of warranty so another useless appliance for the scrap heap.
How are you all faring with your steam cleaners?

I hate mine, cant remember what brand but it leaks like mad and the floor needs to be dried with a cloth, so might as well just wash it in the first place. I used it on my carpets and although it removed the particular stain it left a water mark which has never left. Will not be having another one !!

Have we moved on from floor cleaning here? No one is suggesting steaming the floor evryday(are they.?) I do mine about once a fortnight and just sweep or vacuum in between ( or if I am about to have visitors or after the GC have spilt juice/ walked in mud/ wreaked chaos generally). I do shower everyday though.

I agree Nellie. When doing nurse training we got told it was wrong to wash every day because it removed the flora on the body and that made us more prone to infections. I think antibacerial body wash is ridiculous, a step too far. Good shower gel is enough.

* jayjones* You really do not need to clean and sterilize floors daily. Unless asJess says you keep pot bellied pigs.

There is increasing evidence that many allergies are the result of not picking up useful bacteria from early childhood. In essence we are keeping too clean.

It appears to be the cleaner westernised societies that have more allergies than children living in poorer less developed countries.

Just basic hygiene after using the toilet and storing and cooking meat carefully, follow basic food hygiene rules.
Good hot soapy water to wash work surfaces. Anti bacterial products in normal circumstances just add to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

I put the cover from my steam mop into the washing machine. No fabric conditioner. It comes up like new. We have laminate in toilet, bathroom and en suite and ceramic in the kitchen. It cleans really well. There is also an attachment to use to refresh carpets.

Sounds wonderful suzied.

I'm convinced now: I need one of these. Thanks everyone!

Anyone use it on brick or stone flooring? Mops get completely roughed up. I spend more time cleaning up those bits than the flooring itself.

You do have to Hoover first before using your steam cleaner to get rid of hairs, dust etc. also, I put a drop of lavender oil in the water of the cleaner and it makes the room smell lovely. I have wooden floors everywhere and am not cold, have cosy rugs and throws.

What about dust and hair on the mop covers? I'm converting from carpet to wooden floor and at a bit of a loss how to clean it. Sorry for sounding thick, but on my lino in kitchen now I brush and then use old fashioned mop. Do you brush the floor first on wooden?

Also do any of you find wooden flooring colder than carpet? We currently have carpet and gas fire at 4Kw. We are going to wooden floor with electric fire at 2Kw. I'm going to be sending an S.O.S. for blankets, lol.
(We do have gas central heating too.)

Don't you just love Gransnet!
I just happened to Google "using a steam cleaner on a Karndean floor", which I am thinking of getting for my kitchen, and look where it led me.
right back to dear old Gransnet.

I bought one this summer, one with a large mop head or it can be used handheld with a variety of attachments. I do love it, and use it most days. I was given good advice to keep an e-cloth in the other hand to mop up any excess water after doing skirting boards etc. Satisfies my occasion housewifely urges!

I have a Karcher steam cleaner and it's brilliant, you can use it to clean floors, tiles, sink, toilet, just about anything. I have an attachment which is for clothes and curtains etc. it is amazing for long curtains which are a pain to iron.

3 things I have found with my steam mop

1. if you are in a hard water area be aware you will get furred up (use vinegar to clear it - a bit of a faff)
2. make sure you can get replacement pads - there is no universal one size fits all
3. don't do as I did get one huge one (which has frightening dials and instructions) with too many attachments (a Lavor Star steam by name )
which sees the light of day very occasionally (it is efficient but what a lot of work). I have a small steam mop for everyday use (clean up muddy paw prints )
the answer to 'street bacteria' - take shoes off on entry as they do in Scandinavian countries.

Previously I hate cleaning, it makes me backache.
I have the baby home so I have to clean the floor daily, appalling
However, after purchasing a steam cleaning machine, all the easier.
Simply pour water into the tube, plugged in and running.
You can see how to use here .

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Thrilled with my steam cleaner. It has a detachable handle so you can use it as a hand steamer and have just used it to steam away (obviously with a clean attachment cover!) the creases in a new pair of linen trousers received from M&S, appallingly packed. M&S will certainly hear about this- AND I found the name of the packer on the invoice! Mind you it says 'packer' but perhaps that is a contradiction in terms she as good as rolled them in a ball and shoved them into the packet.
Does 'grumpy old woman' spring to mind?

Street bacteria? Do you mean doggy doos?

I definitely need a steam mop, if only to deal with my pot bellied husband.