Ever wondered if you can add regular cleaner to your steam mop for a deeper clean?

It’s a question that people ask a lot, and it makes sense—after all, a little extra cleaning power never hurts, right?

But before you pour that cleaner into your steam mop, read this post.

Turns out, adding cleaner to a steam mop is a bad idea.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on why you shouldn’t put cleaner in a steam mop.

Can You Put Cleaner In A Steam Mop?

You shouldn't put cleaner in your steam mop. Most steam mops are designed to use water to generate steam. Adding chemicals can cause a number of issues.

Most manufacturers including Shark actually tell you not to use any cleaning solutions, detergents, or chemical cleaners in their steam mops. 

Also Read: Where To Dump Mop Water?

There are some good reasons for this. Let me explain:

Damages The Mop

The biggest reason why you shouldn’t put cleaners is because it could end up damaging your steam mop. 

The internal components of these machines are designed with water in mind, not chemical cleaners.

If you start introducing cleaning solutions, you might cause corrosion inside the mop. 

Over time, this could shorten how long your steam mop lasts or even make it stop working altogether. Nobody wants a broken steam mop, right?

Reduces Steam Output

Another issue with adding cleaner is that it could actually make your steam mop less effective. 

Cleaning solutions can leave behind residue that clogs up the steam vents and other small openings in the mop. When these get blocked, your mop produces less steam. 

Also Read: How to get vaseline out of couch

Less steam means less cleaning and sanitizing power, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of using a steam mop in the first place.

Void Your Warranty

And here's a practical reason to avoid putting cleaner in your steam mop - you might void the warranty. 

A lot of steam mop warranties specifically say that if you use anything other than water in the mop, the warranty becomes invalid. 

So if your mop breaks down because you've been using cleaning solutions, you might be out of luck when it comes to getting it repaired or replaced under warranty.

Spray It Onto The Floor Instead

Now, if you feel like your floors need a bit more power than just steam, don't worry. 

There's a workaround: instead of putting a cleaner in the mop itself, you can spray some cleaning solution directly on the floor before you use your steam mop. 

Also Read: Is Mr Clean safe for dogs?

This way, you get the best of both worlds - the cleaning power of your chosen solution and the disinfecting effects of the steam.

Just make sure you're using a cleaner that's right for your type of floor, and follow the instructions for both the cleaner and your steam mop.

Can You Put Vinegar In Steam Mop?

Yes, you can put vinegar in a steam mop.

While chemical cleaners are generally a no-go, natural alternatives like vinegar are ok to use in many steam mops - but you've got to be careful about it. 

You always have to dilute the vinegar with water before using it in your steam mop.

A common ratio is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.

And before you go pouring vinegar into your steam mop, though, check your mop's manual. Some manufacturers might have specific do's and don'ts about using vinegar. 

It's also a good idea to test your vinegar solution on a small, hidden area of your floor first. 

After you've used vinegar, it's smart to go over the area with clean water to get rid of any leftover vinegar smell or residue.

Bottom Line

So, here's the takeaway: while it might seem like a good idea to add cleaner to your steam mop for extra cleaning power, it's generally not the best move. 

The risks - damaging your mop, clogging it, and potentially voiding your warranty - outweigh any benefits you might get.

Remember, steam mops are designed to clean really well using just water, and for most regular cleaning and sanitizing jobs, that's all you need. 

Stick with water, and your steam mop will last a lot longer!

FAQs

Can You Put Pine Sol In A Steam Mop?

No, Pine Sol is a chemical cleaner and should not be used in a steam mop. Chemicals can damage the internal components of the mop and clog the steam.

Can You Put Disinfectant In A Steam Mop

No, most disinfectants are chemical-based and should not be used in a steam mop. The steam itself is a natural disinfectant, so adding additional chemicals can be unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Can You Put Essential Oils In A Steam Mop

No, essential oils can clog the steam vents and reduce the amount of steam produced.