If you’re looking for a way to keep your tile floors clean without the hassle of using chemicals, then steam cleaners might be what you need.
Steam cleaners are a great way to deep clean your floors without the use of harsh chemicals. It can be used on many types of flooring, including linoleum, vinyl, and tile.
Tile floors are durable and easy to clean, but you usually need some sort of help when it comes to cleaning them.
In today’s guide, we’ll discuss the basics of steam cleaning tile floors, along with some advantages and disadvantages to using a steam cleaner.
What are steam cleaners, and what can they clean?
First, we should know what steam cleaners are and how they work. Most people considering this cleaning technology think that it is a device for carpet cleaning only. But the reality is that you can clean lots of other things with the help of steam.
You can use steam to clean tile floors, kitchen surfaces, car windshields, and many other items. Steam cleaners apply intense amounts of pressurized water with the use of a powerful heating element. This way, you can eliminate bacteria, residual food particles, and other dirt.
How do steam cleaners work?
Steam cleaners use water under high pressure and temperature. An electric heating element heats the water up to 140 degrees Celsius. Along with that, some units also add chemicals that clean better.
The steam is generated in the boiler, which has a very complex structure and can hold up to one liter of water at a time. The heat spreads from the heating element to the water and evaporates it at over 100 degrees Celsius.
The steam is then pressurized with a pump. The vapor passes through different channels that distribute it in all parts of the cleaner. This process lasts for about 2 minutes, which seems like not so much, but this is enough time to clean even the dirtiest places.
The steam cleaner then releases the steam to the surface that needs cleaning. The dirt is removed from it with the help of heat and, sometimes, chemicals added to the water. This way, you can disinfect your floors without any problems.
In short, when choosing a steam cleaner, make sure that its steam reaches at least 140 degrees Celsius. This way you will be sure that it can clean the messiest things in your house.
Are steam cleaners good for tile floors?
Steam cleaners are excellent for cleaning tile floors to remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. It has many exciting properties, but their most important ones include:
- One of the best things about steam cleaning is that it’s chemical-free. There is no need to worry about chemicals while cleaning your tile floors.
- The high pressure of the steam makes it possible to clean even those areas, which are hard to reach with a regular mop or vacuum cleaner. Steam cleaners can be used on almost every surface, but they shine in cleaning tile floors.
- You can also use these machines to sanitize your home, which means that you will be able to deal with mold and other problems that may appear in your house.
- Steam cleaning leaves behind no residue, so there will be no stains on the cleaned area. It’s like the dirt never existed.
However, steam cleaners have some cons as well:
- You cannot use a steam cleaner for all types of surfaces. While it’s great for tile floors, it won’t do much good in your bathroom.
- Steam cleaners are somewhat expensive, meaning you will have to pay more than if you were to buy a regular mop or vacuum cleaner.
How can I get rid of pet odors on tile floor surfaces with a steam cleaner?
Many people keep pets in their houses which often means that the floors are dirty and smell awful. You can clean your tile floor surfaces with a steam cleaner very quickly, but what about those pet odors?
First, you need to make sure that you have selected a high-quality machine. Cheap devices will do nothing good for your house and will cause more problems. The steam cleaner has to have at least 140 degrees Celsius of steam, and it also should contain something that removes odors from the water tank.
These devices can cost over $200, which is a lot more than a regular mop, but they are really worth it!
Do I really need to use distilled water in my steam cleaner?
This depends on the type of steam cleaner you have and also on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many steam cleaners do not require distilled water, while some models need it to be used only.
Steam is produced by heating tap water, but cheap machines might contain impurities that might clog up your line. This can cause many problems as soon as you start using it.
If you use clean tap water, you will be able to avoid this from happening. If the manufacturer tells you to use distilled water, always follow their instructions.
Is it safe to use a steam cleaner on tile floors?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to use a steam cleaner on your tile floor surfaces as long as you understand what type of machine you need and how to use it.
Is it necessary to use chemicals when cleaning tile floors?
This is something that depends on many factors, such as the type of tiles or your preferences. Many people prefer to clean their tile floors with a steam cleaner, but they use other cleaning products to remove the stains and dirt.
For example, if you are going to clean your kitchen floor, you should add some vinegar or lemon juice to get rid of the bad odor. These cleaning chemicals will also help you deal with mold that may appear.
On the other hand, if you want to clean your bathroom, you will have to use a special cleaning product as steam cleaners can not penetrate the grout lines.
What is the average cost of a steam cleaner?
Steam cleaners can cost between $100 and up to $500. You need to pay more for a high-quality machine, so make sure you know what type of cleaning surface you will use it on.
What is the difference between a high-pressure and low-pressure steam cleaner?
These two steam cleaners are similar in many ways as they both use water to clean surfaces. The only difference is that a low-pressure steam cleaner uses less water and is a bit cheaper than a high-pressure steam cleaner.
Can you use a small handheld steamer on tile floors?
Yes, there are portable steam cleaners on the market that can be used for tile floor surfaces. These mini-machines use very little water, and they also do not require distilled water.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a fast, efficient way to clean your tile floors without the use of harsh chemicals, then steam cleaning may be right for you. There are some drawbacks like lack of versatility and size that will depend on how much space is available in your home or apartment. But overall, if its time-saving features and natural cleaners interest you most, using a steam cleaner might work best!
