A miracle of technical progress - a steam mop, another myth or real benefit for consumers

Water vapor is a very useful invention of mankind, which is used not only in industry, but also in the operation of household appliances, as it is a reliable means of fighting germs, various bacteria, dust mites and other dangerous microorganisms. Manufacturers took steam into service and developed a technical innovation for cleaning premises - a steam mop.

The design of the new household appliance is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner: it looks like a triangular brush, but has a control handle and is quite multifunctional, unlike a simple mop. Those users who are interested in the new product and want to learn as much as possible about it can find all the characteristics and nuances of use that interest them in this article.

What is it, what is it for?

This modern product for the home is similar to a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner in its appearance and principle of operation, in any case, the developers took the best from these home assistants - the result is a rather original design in the form of a mop.

What does it consist of and what is it intended for:

1. The device turned out to be quite lightweight, the weight of different models does not exceed 3 kg, so you can carry and operate them with one hand.
2. Operates from a standard electrical network, consuming no more than 5 kW/hour.
3. The base is made in the shape of a triangle, it can rotate 360 ​​degrees, allowing you to clean in hard-to-reach places.
4. Equipped with a control handle that can be adjusted in height or be solid, depending on the model.
5. There is a water container into which you can pour liquid of any quality, since many models have their own cleaning filter. The water heats up, the resulting steam enters the lower part of the product, where it comes into contact with the floor, cleaning it from dirt and dust.
6. There is a panel on the control handle where the power of the product and the intensity of the steam supply are adjusted, thereby achieving high quality cleaning without using any chemicals.
7. The complete set includes different attachments that are designed for different coatings. Recent developments allow the steam generator to be disconnected from the entire structure for cleaning household appliances or the interior of your car.

What is a steam mop?

Outwardly similar to a classic mop, this universal device is used in everyday life for cleaning and disinfecting, primarily floors and carpets. But in addition to a sparkling clean floor, you also gain the opportunity to clean, renew, steam and disinfect all things in the house, except those that are afraid of moisture.

Like any steam cleaner, the steam mop is equipped with a water tank (container) and a built-in steam generator. The power button is conveniently located on the case (at the user’s fingertips). Below is a base that allows for easy penetration into hard-to-reach places.

How does it work

The principle of operation is quite similar to steam cleaners, but there are differences in functionality:

1. The volume of the water tank is no more than 0.5 l.
2. The heating element ensures that water is brought to a boil in a few seconds; in almost 0.5-1.0 minutes the product is ready for use.
3. Through special perforations in the lower part of the product, steam is released, which cleans the floor coverings. Dust mites and bacteria are instantly destroyed, so complete disinfection is carried out simultaneously with cleaning of contaminants, which is especially important in winter.

No detergents are used - the steam temperature is sufficient to remove all types of contaminants. This type of processing is an environmentally friendly procedure that is absolutely harmless to the health of your family.

To turn the product into a portable sterilizer, simply detach the lower part from the control handle with a movement of your hand - this way you can clean household appliances, for example, a stove or microwave oven, treat children's toys or outerwear.

Main characteristics

Like any household appliance, steam mops have their own characteristics that indicate their functional abilities:

• power;
• continuous work time;
• water tank volume;
• Can I use tap water?
• power cord length;
• weight and dimensions of the product;
• control knob shape;
• steam supply system;
• shape of the working nozzle;
• number of nozzles included;
• additional devices.

We will discuss each point in detail in the section on choosing a device.

Which is better - a steam mop or a vacuum cleaner?

When this unusual device went on sale, it caused quite a lot of noise - many are singing its praises, others are criticizing it, the reason is that you should not perceive a new product for cleaning rooms as some kind of miracle of modern technology that has only positive qualities. This is just another step in technological progress, which has its pros and cons.

First, let's list the advantages of a steam mop:

• wide functionality and additional capabilities;
• convenient use because the working part rotates 360 degrees around its axis;
• no need to use detergents and various household chemicals during cleaning;
• at a temperature of 100 degrees, high-quality disinfection of surfaces occurs;
• By disconnecting the handle, you can wash the plastic double-glazed windows.

Flaws:

• advertising claims that a steam mop removes water perfectly, but this is a myth; the product does not have such an option, because there is no tank to collect liquid;
• the mop does not remove all the dirt, so it must be used after a vacuum cleaner or after sweeping the floor;
• the product easily removes stains of plant origin, for example from spilled juice or milk, but stains of paint or brilliant green must be removed using chemicals;
• Some users complain about the unreliability of the product.

The conclusions are simple: those who complain on the Internet about low-quality steam mops are most likely victims of counterfeiting; they received third-class products from China. Choose a reliable manufacturer, and you need to purchase a similar product in specialized stores, and not on the market - even if it is a little more expensive, it is more reliable and there is a warranty card.

Now it’s time to talk about the advantages of a washing vacuum cleaner:

• quick and easy cleaning from stains and dirt of any kind;
• dry cleaning and collection of accidentally spilled liquids;
• humidification and filtration of air masses in the room, collected dust is securely sealed in water filters;
• you can clean upholstered furniture and wash vertical surfaces;
• Clear small sewer clogs.

Flaws:

• The thick pile of carpets cannot be cleaned by a vacuum cleaner;
• After cleaning carpets, they should be dried outside;
• the product must be washed after each use;
• they are slightly larger than standard vacuum cleaners and heavier; storing them is sometimes problematic, especially in a small city apartment;
• during operation they consume more electricity.

The operation of these products is quite similar, but a steam mop performs the function of disinfection, while a washing vacuum cleaner is unable to do this; during operation, the washing device uses chemicals, and the mop uses steam. Therefore, the steam design is slightly more profitable than the washing design, but the final choice always remains with the user; we are only stating the result of the comparison.

Who might need it and why?

An electric mop-vacuum cleaner for regular dry cleaning (for example, Philips FC6162/02), a washing version, as well as an option equipped with a steam cleaning function, are suitable for daily use. A mop-vacuum cleaner is an auxiliary device that serves to keep rooms clean.

This technique is not bulky, so it saves maximum free space in the room. In addition, unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, this option weighs less and has greater maneuverability.

So, in addition to the vertical narrow design (which already contributes to the mobility of the device), most mop-vacuum cleaners have a nozzle that rotates 360 degrees around the handle. This facilitates high-quality cleaning of corners and eliminates the need to move chairs and tables.

The mop-vacuum cleaner copes with “small things” with a bang: lint, small debris. Scattered flakes or beads? – Take a vacuum cleaner-mop: cleaning will not take much time. Do you have a furry pet? – The wool will remain only on it, and not on furniture and carpets.

Remember! Due to its low power, this device is “economical” in terms of electricity costs, but its “power” is not enough to clean a super-dirty surface: thick dirt, an overly dusty carpet, a spilled jug of water - this is not a job for a vacuum cleaner-mop, but for another, more powerful technique.

Most of these devices (for example, ELECTROLUX ERG 105) have a self-cleaning function. With its help, built-in knives shred hair and large pieces of wool, which simplifies the operation of the device and makes it of higher quality.

Criterias of choice

We have already introduced the reader to the main parameters of steam products; it is these that you should pay special attention to when purchasing such a device.

Power consumption

The higher it is, the more productive the product, because the water heats up faster to the boiling point so that steam can act on the surface being cleaned. You need to purchase products with a power of at least 1.2 kW - within 30 seconds after connecting to the network it will be ready for use.

Continuous operation

Any equipment cannot function without interruption, the only question is how often it needs to be turned off: inexpensive models work for no more than 15 minutes, and then they need the same amount to “restore strength”. If you have an apartment with an improved layout with spacious corridors, then you need to choose a powerful product that can work without interruption for at least an hour.

Water tank

The smaller it is, the more often you will have to stop to fill it. Experts have calculated that for cleaning a small apartment, a tank with a volume of 250-350 ml is sufficient, but if you have a large apartment, then preference should be given to a steam mop with a maximum volume of up to 0.6 liters. The ideal material is aluminum, a lightweight and durable tank.

Using tap water

This liquid is not always clean and contains foreign impurities that can damage individual parts of an expensive product, so you need to choose a mop with its own active filter. The disadvantage of such products is the frequency of replacement of the filter element, which is quite expensive.

Length of cable

It should be sufficient for free movement around the apartment with the device working, the optimal length is at least 5 m.

Weight and size

The ease of use of the mop directly depends on these parameters; when choosing, you must remember that the volume of the water tank also depends on the weight of the product: the best option is an average weight of 3.5 kg.

Handle shape

Feel free to try it on and hold it in your hands to find out whether the buttons are conveniently located and whether they fall under your hand when operating the product. Experts advise choosing a removable handle to use the steam generator for any need.

Steam supply principle

All modern modifications of steam mops are equipped with a double steam supply: main and additional, the second option is used for preliminary steaming of dirt. Pay attention to whether there is an adjustment for the steam supply, since different surfaces are susceptible to high temperatures in their own way. The best option is 3 levels.

Main nozzle

Square and round working nozzles are difficult to remove dirt in hard-to-reach places, so your choice is a triangular shape and the ability to rotate 360 ​​degrees around an axis.

Equipment

An excellent option when there is a microfiber attachment - it has an excellent effect on all types of dirt, is easy to wash and lasts a long time. Check for dry cleaning attachments, window scrapers, and other accessories.

Useful attachments

Using the steam generator located in the steam mop, you can clean kitchen cabinets, kitchen hood vents, windows and upholstered furniture. Most often, the following standard set is available:

• window cleaning scraper;
• brush for cleaning upholstered furniture;
• conical nozzle for cleaning central heating radiators or cracks between furniture and the wall;
• steamer - used for cleaning curtains and curtains, outerwear, for example, natural fur coats;
• a hand-held steamer that can be used to easily clean a sink, bathtub or toilet from old stains.

Attention! It’s not easy to choose, but if you definitely decide to buy a steam mop, then the best option is a proven manufacturer, albeit a little more expensive, but the quality and reliability will be at their best.

Best models

Kitfort KT-1001

pros

• lightweight, maneuverable
• the room is much cleaner
• it became easier to breathe
• easy to use
• great for steaming clothes

Minuses

• not found

From 3000 ₽

The model is domestically developed, the headquarters of the Kitfort company is located in St. Petersburg, and production facilities are in China, so users are sometimes confused by the inscription on the box “Made in China”. All finished products are checked by engineers from Russia.

H2O X5

pros

• amazing compactness and light weight
• washes without streaks
• steams stains
• terrible enemy for insects
• reliability and ease of use

Minuses

• not found

From 3200 ₽

BLACK+DECKER FSM1630

pros

• easy assembly
• vertical parking
• takes up little space
• really saves time
• convenient and comfortable

Minuses

• not found

From 7400 ₽

Kitfort KT-1002

pros

• powerful steam supply with low water consumption
• convenient use
• stylish design
• competent equipment
• well thought out design

Minuses

• not found

From 3262 ₽

ENDEVER Odyssey Q-607

pros

• saving time and water
• no need to buy household chemicals for the floor
• light weight and maneuverability
• disinfection efficiency

Minuses

• Negative: May leave streaks on the laminate

From 2174 ₽

Rating of the best models

svyaznoy.ru, endever.su, tefal.ru, kitfort.ru, e-katalog.ru
Many manufacturers of household appliances produce such vacuum cleaners. They differ in functions, weight, power. The rating of the best models will help you make a choice.

Kitfort KT-1001

This is the best steam mop with vacuum cleaner function. The 5 in 1 device is designed for dry and wet cleaning, cleaning carpets, floors, washing windows, mirrors. Treats surfaces with steam. Removes bacteria, dried dirt and grease. Light weight makes cleaning easier. The set includes a vertical nozzle, a point nozzle, several brushes, a glass scraper, and a microfiber cloth.

Pros:

• easy to disassemble;
• steams clothes;
• does not leave wet spots;
• long cord;
• power is adjustable;
• comfortable to hold;
• small price.

Minuses:

• It is often necessary to add water.

ENDEVER Odyssey Q-607

Inexpensive steam mop model. Lightweight, maneuverable, functional. Designed for cleaning, cleaning, washing various surfaces. Thanks to steam treatment, it destroys bacteria and dried dirt. Heats up quickly, 5 m cord.

Pros:

• light weight;
• disinfects;
• heats up quickly;
• It's inexpensive.

Minuses:

• turns on inconveniently;
• may leave streaks.

Tefal VP7545RH

This is a multi-functional washing mop vacuum cleaner. Collects garbage in a cyclone-type container, washes different types of surfaces, cleans carpets and upholstered furniture. Suitable for steam processing. Can absorb liquids.

Pros:

• spacious tank and dust collector;
• many attachments;
• easy to use;
• many functions.

Minuses:

• high price;
• heavy and noisy.

Kitfort KT-535

Vertical vacuum cleaner with washing and steam mop functions 2 in 1. Removes debris, dust, washes, and removes dried dirt. The large reservoir and 7.5 m long cord allow you to clean a large area at once. Suitable for hard surfaces.

Pros:

• power adjustment;
• economical;
• easy to disassemble;
• maneuverable;
• spacious.

Minuses:

• heavy;
• not suitable for pile carpets.