The miracle of technological 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 household appliances, as it is a reliable tool in the fight against microbes, various bacteria, dust mites and other dangerous microorganisms. Manufacturers took the steam into service and developed a technical innovation for cleaning the premises - a steam mop.

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

What is it, what is it for

This modern home product looks like a vacuum cleaner and the steam cleaner in its appearance and working principle, in any case, the developers took all the best from these home helpers - the result was 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 light, the weight of different models does not exceed 3 kg, so you can transfer and control them with one hand.
2. It works from a standard electric network, consuming no more than 5 kW / h.
3. The base is made in the shape of a triangle, it can be rotated 360 degrees, allows cleaning in hard to reach places.
4. Equipped with a control knob that can be height-adjustable or solid, depending on the model.
5. There is a container for water into which liquid of any quality can be poured, since many models have their own purification filter. Water heats up, the resulting steam enters the lower part of the product, where it comes in contact with the floor, cleaning it from dirt and dust.
6. There is a panel on the control handle, where the product power and steam supply intensity are regulated, thereby achieving high quality cleaning, and no chemicals are used.
7. The package implies the presence of different nozzles that are designed for various coatings.
   Recent developments allow disconnecting the steam generator from the entire structure to clean household appliances or the interior of your car.

A unique cleaning assistant - a car vacuum cleaner is always at hand

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 not more than 0.5 l.
2. The heating element provides bringing water to a boil in a few seconds, after 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, therefore, simultaneously with the cleaning of contaminants, a complete disinfection is performed, which is especially important in the winter.

At the same time, no detergents are used - the temperature of the steam is enough to remove all kinds of contaminants. This type of treatment refers to environmentally friendly procedures that are completely harmless to the health of your family.

To turn the product into a portable sterilizer, it is enough to remove the lower part from the control handle with a movement of the hand - this way you can clean household appliances, for example, a stove or microwave, process children's toys or outerwear.

Main characteristics

Like all household appliances, steam mops have their own characteristics, which speak about its functional abilities:

• power;
• continuous working time;
• water tank volume;
• can tap water be used;
• power cord length;
• weight and dimensions of the product;
• handle shape;
• steam supply system;
• form of the working nozzle;
• number of nozzles in the kit;
• additional devices.

For each item, we will talk in detail in the section on choosing a device.

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

Having appeared on sale, this unusual device made quite a lot of noise - many sing praises, others scold, the reason is that you should not take the new product for cleaning as some kind of miracle of modern technology that has only positive qualities. This is just another step in technological progress, which has pros and cons.

First, we list the advantages of a steam mop:

• wide functional and additional features;
• 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 there is a high-quality disinfection of surfaces;
• having disconnected the handle, it is possible to wash plastic double-glazed windows.

Disadvantages:

• the advertisement claims that the steam mop perfectly removes water, but this is a myth, the product does not have such an option, because there is no tank for collecting liquid;
• the mop does not remove all the dirt, so you need to use it after a vacuum cleaner or first sweep the floor;
• the product easily removes stains of plant origin, for example, from spilled juice or milk, and the stain of paint or brilliant green should be removed using chemical agents;
• some users complain about the unreliability of the product.

The conclusion is simple: those who complain about the Internet on low-quality steam mops are likely to be victims of fake, they got third-grade products from China. Choose a reliable manufacturer, and you need to purchase similar goods in specialized stores, and not in the market - albeit a little more expensive, but more reliable and there is a warranty card.

Now it's time to talk about the virtues washing vacuum cleaner:

• quick and easy cleaning from stains and dirt of any kind;
• dry cleaning and collection of accidentally spilled liquid;
• humidification and filtration of air masses in the room, the collected dust is reliably clogged in water filters;
• you can clean upholstered furniture and wash vertical surfaces;
• to clear small blockages of the sewerage.

Disadvantages:

• the vacuum cleaner will not wash the thick pile of carpets;
• after cleaning the carpet products, they must be dried on the street;
• it is necessary to wash the product after each use;
• they are slightly larger than standard vacuum cleaners and heavier; it is sometimes problematic to store them, especially in a small city apartment;
• at work they spend more electricity.

The work of these products is quite similar, but the steam mop performs the function of disinfection, and the washing vacuum cleaner is not capable of it, the washing device uses chemicals during operation, and the mop is dispensed with steam. Therefore, the steam construction is slightly more profitable than the washing one, but the final choice is always up to the user, we only state the result of the comparison.

Criterias of choice

We have already acquainted the reader with the basic parameters of steam products, it is on them that you need to pay special attention when buying such a device.

Power consumption

The higher it is, the more productive the product is, 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 - after 30 seconds after connecting to the network it will be ready for use.

Continuous work

Any equipment cannot function without a break, the only question is how often it must be turned off: low-cost models last no more than 15 minutes, and then they need the same amount for “recovery of strength”. If you have an improved layout apartment 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 interrupt to fill it. Experts have calculated that a 250-350 ml tank is enough to clean a small apartment, but if you have a large apartment, you should give preference to a steam mop with a maximum volume of up to 0.6 l. the ideal material is aluminum, a lightweight and durable tank.

Use of tap water

Such a liquid is not always clean and contains 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 replacing the filter element, which has a rather high cost.

Length of cable

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

Weight and size

The convenience of using a mop directly depends on these parameters, during the selection it must be remembered 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.

Pen shape

Do not hesitate to try on, hold in your hands to find out whether the buttons are conveniently located, whether they fall under the arm while 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: primary and secondary, the second option is used for preliminary steaming of contaminants. Please note whether there is a steam supply adjustment, as different surfaces are susceptible to high temperatures in their own way. The best option is 3 levels.

Main nozzle

Square and round working nozzles do not remove dirt in hard to reach places, so your choice is a triangular shape and the ability to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the axis.

Equipment

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

Useful tips

Using the steam generator located in the steam mop, you can wash the kitchen cabinets, ventilation grilles, hoods in the kitchen, windows and upholstered furniture. Most often, there is the following standard set:

• window scraper;
• a brush for cleaning upholstered furniture;
• cone nozzle for cleaning central heating radiators or cracks between furniture and a wall;
• steamer - used to clean curtains and curtains, outerwear, for example, fur coats from natural fur;
• a manual steamer with which it is easy to wash a sink, bath or toilet from old stains.

Title	Kitfort KT-1001	H2O X5	BLACK + DECKER FSM1630	Kitfort KT-1002	ENDEVER Odyssey Q-607
Power consumption	1300 watts	1300 watts	1600 watts	1680 watts	1700 watts
Container for water	0.35 L	0.4 L	0.5 L	0.45 L	0.37 L
Water heating time	30 sec	20-30 sec	15 sec	30 sec	30 sec
Price	from 3550 rub.	from 2250 rub.	from 9400 rub.	from 3300 rub.	from 2950 rub.

The best models

Kitfort KT-1001

• Item Type: Steam Mop
• Power: 1300 W
• Time: readiness - 30 sec, continuous operation - 30 min
• Water tank: 0.35-0.4 L
• Steam output: 30 g / min
• Steam temperature: 130 ° С
• Power Cord Length: 5m
• Dimensions: 115x156x246 mm
• Weight: 2.7 kg

The model of domestic development, Kitfort headquarters 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

• Item Type: Steam Mop
• Power: 1.3 kW
• Ready time - 30 sec.
• Water tank capacity: 400 ml
• Maximum steam: 55 g / min
• Steam temperature: 110 ° С, adjustable from minimum to maximum
• Power Cord Length: 6.0m
• Dimensions: 270x200x1200 mm
• Weight: 4.05 kg

BLACK + DECKER FSM1630

• Item Type: Steam Mop
• Power: 1.6 kW
• Time: readiness - 15 sec, continuous operation - 26 min
• Water tank: 0.5 L
• Ready Indication: Blue LED
• Steam temperature: 110-120 ° С
• Power Cord Length: 6.0m
• Dimensions: 300x170x1220 mm
• Weight: 2.9 kg

Kitfort KT-1002

• Item Type: Steam Mop
• Power: 1680 W
• Time: readiness - 30 sec, continuous operation - 16 min
• Water tank: 0.45 L
• Maximum steam supply: 28.0 g / min
• Steam temperature: 98 ° С, 3 modes
• Power Cord Length: 5.0m
• Dimensions: 306x136x631 mm
• Weight: 2.2 kg

ENDEVER Odyssey Q-607

• Item Type: Steam Mop
• Power: 1.7 kW
• Time: readiness - 30 sec, continuous operation - 45 min
• Water tank: 370 ml
• Steam output: 28.0 g / min
• Steam temperature: 103 ° C
• Power Cord Length: 5.0m
• Dimensions: 150x280x1170 mm
• Weight: 2.0 kg

findings

A mop with a steam generator is a unique design for disinfecting the entire apartment, but many users are mistaken in thinking that she will do everything on her own, without their participation. First you need to sweep everything and vacuum it, because this product is not universal, it only mops the floor with steam and disinfects the soft upholstery of the furniture, destroying dust mites and pathogenic microbes.