In home cleaning, a steam mop is an almost indispensable ally for keeping environments clean and sanitized to the maximum. In fact, it is the only appliance capable of eliminating the most stubborn dirt from every type of surface, including dirt trapped in crevices. This is thanks to the cleaning power of steam, which removes germs and bacteria without the use of detergents or chemical additives, for an unbeatable result.

Eco-friendly and budget-friendly, Ariete steam mops are a must-have among tools for daily household chores. Before using one, however, it is essential to understand how a steam mop works and how to use it correctly on all surfaces and fabrics to restore them to their original splendor.

How a steam mop works

A steam mop, like those in the Ariete catalog, deep cleans and sanitizes your entire home, using the power of steam to eliminate germs and bacteria from every surface. Furthermore, using it for household chores means preserving the environment because there is no need to use detergents or other traditional chemicals, resulting in an environment free from surfactant fumes and significant cost savings.

A steam floor cleaner is very different from a classic vacuum cleaner, although many tend to confuse them. It consists of a tank with an electric heating element that heats water to transform it into steam. The tank is available in various sizes depending on your needs, and in some models, it serves as a detachable handheld steam cleaner. Other components usually include a thermostat to control the temperature, a safety valve to regulate pressure, and a nozzle to which various accessories can be attached.

How to use a steam mop correctly

For effective and effortless cleaning, it is necessary to understand how to correctly use an electric steam mop. From floors to carpets, including parquet and shower stalls, steam mops are particularly versatile allies, provided they are used with the right precautions.

What to do before using a steam floor cleaner

The steam mop is not intended to vacuum dirt from surfaces, but to sanitize them. For this reason, before turning it on, it is good practice to use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dirt, dust, and crumbs as possible. This is useful not only for proper cleaning but also to preserve the steam cleaner's function over time and to prevent residual dirt from generating persistent bad odors when "melted" by the steam. 

Cleaning floors with a steam mop

The primary use for steam mops is to clean and sanitize home floors quickly and effectively, without wasting water or detergents. Simply fill the tank with water and proceed with simple forward movements to release the steam, followed by a backward movement to capture all the dirt in the microfiber cloth. Floors will dry quickly on their own, and the microfiber cloth can be removed and washed directly in the washing machine.

Steam floor cleaners for carpets and parquet

Those who have carpets at home know they must be vacuumed every day to prevent dust and mites from nesting. However, to sanitize them and remove accidental stains, the action of steam mops is essential, as they can be used on carpets without potentially harmful detergents. Use it with care, paying attention to start from the back of the room, and let the fabric dry completely by adequately ventilating the area.

Regarding special surfaces like parquet, it is well known that it can be treated with steam only if it is properly sealed. Otherwise, the floor could swell or even develop mold. Steam mops from the Ariete range are also suitable for such delicate floors, thanks to the ability to adjust the steam temperature - which should be set to low - and the presence of microfiber cloths that respect the wood during the sanitizing action.

Steam mop for rugs and sofas

With an Ariete steam mop, you can also easily sanitize your rugs and fabric sofas with minimal effort. To do this, use the specific accessory provided, useful for eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Your children can play in a perfectly sanitized home, even with four-legged friends around.

Steam mop with accessories to sanitize the whole house

Finally, a steam mop with the right accessories - including hoses, nozzles, and brushes - is extremely useful for sanitizing practically every surface in your home. Think of windows and shower stalls, which shine again without streaks or unsightly water spots thanks to the steam. In this case, a quick pass is enough for an impeccable result, making sure to direct the jet towards grout and frames. Once finished, dry carefully with a microfiber cloth.