Plugging it in should always be the last step.

Don’t Idle

Sometimes you get distracted while you’re waiting for the mop to heat up.

If that happens, unplug the mop and return to it later.

closeup of a steam mop

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

Heat builds up very quicklya few seconds with some models.

Vacuum First

Floors should be vacuumed or swept before they are steam-mopped.

It’s similar to washing a window with a dirty cloth.

An illustration of what not to do with a steam mop

The Spruce / Ellen Lindner

Mopping without vacuuming also means you’ll have to change the mop cloth more frequently.

The steam alone does a great job of cleaning the floor.

Always read the manual on your mop model thoroughly for complete use guidelines.

plugging in the steam mop

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

However, cleaning with a dirty mop just spreads the dirt around.

When changing the mop cloth, remember to unplug the mop first.

The fact is there’s no such thing as a completely sealed wood orlaminatefloor.

plugged-in steam mop

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

Mosthardwood floorsare finished with polyurethane, a moisture-resistant finish.

Laminate flooring is made up of prefinished planks, and the seams between the planks are not sealed.

The seams can let steam reach the core of the flooring material, which is highly vulnerable to moisture.

vacuuming before mopping

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

It also can damage the drywall or other material under the paint.

So it’s best to avoid using your steam mop on the walls.

So keep the mop on the floor and away from direct contact with any fixtures.

pouring water into the resevoir

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

Therefore, you should always remove the cloth after the mop has cooled.

Laundering the dirty cloth immediately will help to remove stains before they set in.

Just wait until the mop head is cool and dry.

dirty steam mop cloth

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

And it’s typically best to let them air dry to maintain their integrity.

Traditional mops can be helpful to quickly clean a spill or dirty spot.

In general, steam mops can be used on tile floors, including ceramic and porcelain.

laminate floor

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

They will remove dirt from the tile surface, and they can even clean grout.

Using a dirty mop pad also can cause sticky floors.

Devices for Disinfecting Surfaces and Air.

closeup of a wall

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

steam mopping near a toilet

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

removing the used cloth from a steam mop

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

dryer sheets and laundry pods

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa