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The smaller the water tank, the more often you’ll have to top it up. The larger the tank, the longer it’ll take to heat up before it’s ready to use, but it will last longer. Cylinder models tend to have large capacities, with some holding up to two litres, while steam mops tend to hold up to 450ml. Note whether the tank is detachable and easy to fill at the tap, or if you need to fill it with a jug (these are sometimes included). Attaching the larger-than-average detail nozzle straight to the main unit, I set about cleaning some soap scum and limescale off my kitchen sink. The cleaner managed to rid most of the marks, with the last bits requiring a bit of a scrub with the brush. We test steam mops on hard flooring, noting how long it takes to remove food stains and muddy deposits. We also look at how easy it is to move the mop around awkward areas and judge whether the floor looks shiny and streak-free after cleaning. Five accessories, including a steam blast scrubbing tool, a copper brush and a steam crevice tool will – at least, according to the blurb – help to cut through grease and grime in seconds, no matter what type of surface is being cleaned. A padded tool features a spatula-shaped plastic frame, which is covered with a removable and washable pad that’s microfibre on one side and metallic fibres on the other. This tool is only to be used with the pad attached, and is meant for “small, uneven surfaces, corners, and edges”. However, it also works for smoother surfaces, such as mirrors and shower screens.
Most of the mops in our list are two-in-one models that also double up as handheld units for cleaning hobs and tiles. This is a lightweight steam mop which can be used as both a corded and handheld device, and which weighs just 2.27kg but has a reassuring rigidity. It’s easy to assemble – the steam mop handle and steam mop body slot together, although you’ll need a flathead screwdriver to secure them in place. The Good Housekeeping Institute tests every steam cleaner on ceramic tiles, vinyl floors, inside an oven, on gas hobs and on windows, using them in the same way you would at home.
Shark claims that the clever design – which includes a mop head which flips over to reveal a fresh cleaning surface – slashes cleaning times and boosts cleaning power without adding unnecessary weight (it weighs just 2.27kg). There are three main types of steam cleaner. To help you choose the right one for your home, here’s all you need to know. The majority of steam cleaners come equipped with attachable accessories suited to an array of household chores. Standard steam mops that don’t have a detachable handheld unit usually only come with additional cleaning pads.
I had more mixed results using the cleaner as a handheld appliance due to only one available steam setting. We used Shark’s floor and handheld steam cleaner on a wide range of surfaces, ranging from stone flooring and hardwood to tiles and vinyl. A before and after finger test proved just how much grime it removed from an area of dark stone flooring (as well as, scarily, how much dirt the stonework had concealed) and it worked equally well on vinyl, for which we took a cautious approach and switched to “low” mode rather than “high.” However, we’d still advise following Shark’s guidance and consulting your flooring manufacturer if using it on this type of material. Compact and lightweight, steam mops are easy to set up and use. They work like regular mops but are much more powerful cleaners. Their handles have built-in water tanks that heat up in about 20 seconds. They'll need refilling more often than cylinder cleaners (below) as they're smaller, but this makes them far easier to manoeuvre around your home. Many come with a swivel head for reaching under furniture and kitchen appliances. How long a steam cleaner takes to heat up before it starts pumping out steam is largely determined by the size of the tank. This may be as little as 20 seconds for a steam mop and two minutes for a cylinder, but exact timings can vary greatly between models. With cylinders and two-in-one models, we also test their attachments. We use the scrubbing brushes to remove dried food from the hob and clean tiles and grouting, and we put the squeegee to work brightening windows and glass shower doors.Cylinders and two-in-one mops, meanwhile, tend to feature extra tools such as scrubbing brushes, scrapers and grout cleaners for a super-thorough finish. Other attachments for specific surfaces may include upholstery tools, ironing attachments for curtains and squeegees for windows and glass. Some models come with detergent, but this merely provides a fresh scent, rather than extra cleaning power. How we test steam cleaners The handle and the frame both feature hooks for storing the generously long cable; you can easily release the cable by turning one of the hooks. Additionally, the handle has a smaller side clip, which helps to keep the closest bit of cable out of the way when mopping.
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