Steam Mop Vs. Spin Mop: Which One Is Better At Cleaning Your Home?

Steam cleaning is becoming more and more popular with homeowners these days. The reason for this is because not only does a steam mop clean surfaces but it sanitizes them as well.

The cleaning tool is convenient and can save you plenty of cleaning time. There are even hybrid models that incorporate the benefits of a spray mop too. This allows you to wash your floors without the need to use harsh chemicals. Nevertheless, it’s a little costly and requires some preparation before you can set it to work.

On the other hand, a spin mop is practical, has a simple operation, and highly absorbent. Also, it may do a better job at cleaning spills or other messy accidents quickly. Hence, a lot of people still chose it over other types of mops. But it’s more time-consuming to use and will require more effort on your part.

Both of these mops are great at keeping your floors sparkly clean. But which one is best for the cleaning requirements of your home? This article will help answer that question to ensure you’ll choose the right mop for your needs.

Steam Mops

A steam mop is an innovative yet easy to use floor mop. Simply swish your unit around your surface and it’ll be spick and span in no time. This type of mop has been around for quite some time now. It is designed to make your mopping sessions quick and hassle-free.

Steam cleaning is a continuous process. This means that you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to replace filthy water or wring out your mop. Likewise, you don’t need to apply pressure to get rid of grime and stains. Think of it as pushing an upright vacuum around your floors.

Unlike your spin mop, a steam mop boils water for up to 245F, and then it’ll release steam on its mop head. This temperature is enough to kill as much as 99.99% of germs and bacteria.

Therefore, your floors will become safer, especially if you have kids in your home. And because it comes with dirt dissolving cleaner in the pad, it is more effective in comparison to other mops. On top of that, you don’t need to add any detergent, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution.

Steam Mop Advantages

• Eliminates harmful germs

As mentioned, steam cleaning can kill around 99.99% of bacteria and germs lurking in your home. These include Staphylococcus, E. Coli, salmonella, surface mold, dust mites. When the water reaches 175F, it will be able to sanitize your surfaces more efficiently.

• Works well at getting rid of stubborn dirt

Using your steam mop properly is a powerful and natural method of removing tough stains and dirt. It releases water vapor that can help loosen grime. Also, since its drying time is fast, it can take care of mold while lowering its chances of further growth. Moreover, some models even feature various cleaning settings that lets you customize their intensity for deep or quick clean.

According to an expert, finding the right steam cleaner can be quite challenging since there are plenty of options on the market. Likewise, there are limiting factors that may affect your final decision. His comment is here to learn more. So when shopping around for the best steam mop, make sure to do your research first.

• Requires less scrubbing

Steam cleaning requires little to no effort. Hence, hard labor and manual scrubbing are a thing of the past. However, there is some prep work you need to do before you can start washing your surfaces.

You need to fill its water reservoir up with water and connect it to a power source. There are some cordless units you can find, which needs full charging. But once everything is set up, your steam mop will do all the mopping for you. All you need to do is glide around, and even do it with a single hand since most of these devices are lightweight.

• A safer cleaning option

One of the things that make steam cleaners great is that it utilizes steam. This means that you don’t need to apply toxic and nasty chemicals that may put the health of your family at risk. Your floors will be safe for your pets and children to walk on afterward.

Steam Mop Disadvantages

• It doesn’t work on all types of floors

A lot of experts do not recommend steam cleaning your laminate or wooden flooring. It’s also not advisable on surfaces with gaps like vinyl planking or vinyl tiles, as well as hardwood with small, almost unnoticeable cracks. Steam mopping these floors with cracks or gaps may cause warping, swelling, delamination, and other irreparable damages.

• Needs electricity or power to function

If you have a corded unit, you may find it difficult to work in larger spaces. Although a steam mop is easy to move around objects, its power cord may get stuck or tangled around furniture. Meanwhile, battery-operated models will require you to fully charge them before every mopping session.

• More expensive than spin mops

Unlike spin mops, steam cleaners are pricier. Depending on the model or features you want, expect to pay $50 to $150 or more for a high-end unit with multi-function options. So if you have a limited budget, this may not be the mop for you.

Spin Mops

Spin mops work great at deep cleaning. Therefore, this is the perfect cleaning tool if you don’t clean your floors regularly. Likewise, they are also ideal on most types of surfaces, especially for your finished flooring.

Similar to a steam cleaner, this type of floor mop also comes with a cleaning pad, usually made of microfiber. The removable microfiber pad can absorb dirt and spills easily. And with proper care, it’ll serve you longer than its usual lifespan.

Moreover, spin mops are versatile and do not need any power source to work. Its simple operation will take you back to the basics, and you don’t even need a manual to learn how to use them. You only need to fill their bucket with water, mix in your favorite cleaning solution, and you’re ready to mop. It’s that straightforward.

Spin Mop Advantages

• It can easily capture dirt and dust

The microfiber head of your spin mop can reduce the bacteria on your surfaces as well. Additionally, it has a static electric charge, allowing it to capture dust with ease. Its fibers will also trap all dirt on your floors and may work better at removing crumbs and debris than a steam mop.

• Great for quick touch ups and cleanups

A spin mop is very absorbent, meaning it can hold water up to seven times its weight. Hence, it’s excellent at taking care of accidental spills.

• Safe on almost all types of floor

Using a spin mop gives you an option to quick-dry clean or deep clean with a damp mop. This versatility means you can clean any types of flooring except for carpets. So if you have an unsealed hardwood floor, you’ll be able to dry clean it without worrying about damaging it.

• Budget-friendly

Spin mops are very affordable in comparison to steam mops. So if you’re on a budget but want an effective way of mopping your floors, this is the mop for you.

Spin Mop Disadvantages

• More physical efforts

You need to do more physical work when using your spin mod. This is especially true when tackling stubborn dirt and grime. You may see yourself scrubbing your heart out, which can strain both your arms and back.

• You may need to use toxic chemicals

Cleaning detergents and solutions contain harmful ingredients, including pine oil, d-Limonene, 2-butoxyethanol, and parabens. Using products with these components around your home is not the safest choice for your children and four-legged friends.

Conclusion

If you want a quick and easy yet very efficient cleaning solution, opt for a steam mop. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the extra effort and time, a spin mop may be ideal for you. Both these mops are good at what they do. So at the end of the day, it will still boil down to your preference.