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A Good Steam Cleaner for Hardwood Floors

Steam cleaners make light work of caring for hardwood floors. Homeowners can forgo the mop and bucket in lieu of a more convenient and lighter way of cleaning. Steam cleaners offer the additional benefit of cleaning without the use of chemicals. When choosing a steam cleaner for your hardwood floors, take into consideration which options are most important to you to get the job done.
  1. Sanitizer

    • Several models of steam cleaners not only clean floors, but they also sanitize them. To sanitize a floor, a steam cleaner must heat to a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, a number of food-borne germs, dust mites and other common germs are killed, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A review of steam mops by Consumer Search reports that the Haan FS-20 is a top choice for steam mops that sanitize.

    Steam Time

    • Some steam mops emit steam instantly and through multiple heads while others require the mop to be held in place for anywhere from 8 to 15 seconds to clean an area. Mops that need extra time can make for tedious cleaning of large floors. The Haan FS-20 releases steam that sanitizes in just one second whereas the Shark Pocket Mop takes 30 seconds until it is ready for use.

    Maneuverability

    • The ability to easily mop around corners and surfaces is also a factor to examine when looking for a good steam mop. In Consumer Search's report, the Envirosteamer is highly noted for its good cleaning edge. The Shark Pocket Mop is sold with three heads: triangular, standard rectangular and an extra-large rectangular head.

    Favorable Reviews

    • Along with the Haan FS-20, the SteamFast Three-in-One Steam Mop is worth considering for cleaning hardwood floors. According to reviews, it is ideal for hardwood floors because the steam is adjustable, allowing consumers to use less on hardwood floors, which is important to lessen the risk of damage.