Steam Mop vs Spin Mop: Which would you choose?

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Steam Mop vs Spin Mop – Which one is right for me?

I just so happen to be stuck in between buying a steam mop or a spin mop at the moment which brings up another topic to discuss for myself.

When I make a purchase, I like to look at the pros and cons of the product I am purchasing. I mean, why spend a ton of money if I am getting the same results either way?

Since the holidays have come and gone, I have decided to invest in either a steam mop or a spin mop. While making my decision, I decided to take a look at each product to see which one I like the best.

Steam Mop

A Steam mop is mostly used on sealed flooring such as tile, hardwood flooring, vinyl, linoleum and even carpet. The idea of a steam mop is to cover a small less dirty area that is regularly well kept.

The steam mop disinfects the flooring for you without using harsh chemicals to do so. The steam mop doesn’t leave a mess instead it heats water and makes a mist like spray out of jets onto your floor to draw up dirt, stains, dust mites and bacteria that you may not see.

The reason that you should only use on a sealed floor is due to the fact that the moisture from the heated water can damage your flooring if not used as directed. Although it does not clean the floor thoroughly, the steam mop has a cleaning pad that is located at the head of the mop itself that will pick up the dirt. You can purchase multiple cleaning pads to use and yes, they are washable!

Sale
Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner, With Rectangle Head and 2 Washable Pads, Easy Maneuvering, Quick Drying, Soft-Grip Handle and Powerful Steam, Purple
  • SUPER-HEATED STEAM: The Shark Steam Pocket Mop turns ordinary water into super-heated steam to remove everyday dirt and grime that other mops leave behind.Water Capacity: 450 ml (15 oz.).Voltage: 120 volts.Form factor : Upright
  • QUICK & EFFORTLESS: Get on-demand steam ready in just 30 seconds for quick & easy results.
  • NO CHEMICALS OR RESIDUE: With the power of steam, you can remove grease and grime with just water — no chemicals needed and no residue left behind.
  • LOCK IN DIRT: 2 machine washable microfiber pads lift and lock in dirt - no more messy mops and heavy buckets.
  • COMFORT & CONVENIENCE: A soft-grip handle and comfortable design that make it easy to maneuver without physical strain.
Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop, Burgundy/Gray
  • Water tank capacity: 220 milliliter 3 setting intelligent steam control.Watts: 1200. Volts: 110-120 volts.
  • Double sided dirt grip washable pads
  • Genius head with direct steam channeling
  • Steam blaster technology: Never use bleach, powdered detergent, or fabric softeners, as they may damage or leave a coating on the pads
  • Touch free technology
Sale
Shark S3973D Lift-Away 2-in-1 Pro Steam Pocket Mop with Removable Handheld Steamer for Hard Floors, Above-Floors & Garment Steaming, 3 Modes with Steam Blaster, Intelli-Mop Head, Dirt Grip Pads, White
  • 2-in-1 steam pocket mop with Removable handheld steamer for above-floor cleaning.
  • Intelli-mop head with touch-free pad attach and release technology
  • Steam blaster blasts stuck-on messes
  • Dual-sided dirt grip pads
  • 3 levels of Intelligent steam control to easily dust, mop and scrub. Machine wash Dirt Grip pads separately with warm water and liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners

Last update on 2023-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Spin Mop

I am going to speak from experience on a spin mop that I used at my grandmother’s house on Thanksgiving while trying to clean up a mess so excuse me if I am biased.

This is why I have to look at the pros and cons on what I consider a “big” purchase for myself. A spin mop makes “deep” cleaning easy. Why you may ask? A spin mop allows you to clean any type of surface. The spin mop also has a mop head similar to a cleaning pad on a steam mop that is full of microfibers that absorb dust and dirt.

Most spin mops come with an angled head as well to clean hard to reach places such as corners or near walls in your house. In recent research, I found that you can remove the mop head as well to clean. I also found that that most of the mop heads can last for a few months to a few years if properly taken care of which can be quite helpful when considering cost.

Depending on which spin mop you buy, they often come with a bucket as well. Although you use the bucket water to clean, the spin mop is made to suck up access water that falls onto the floor while you clean.

The spin mop doesn’t require electricity which makes mopping easier however, depending on the device you purchase, the spin mop can have other attachments that are used for different purposes. One in particular that I can think of is the peddle spinner that scrubs your flooring as you use it getting the hard to reach places and dirt.

Sale
O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop, Bucket Floor Cleaning System, Red, Gray
  • HANDS-FREE WRINGING: Our exclusive mop bucket design features a built-in wringer that allows for hands-free wringing while Splash Guard keeps water splash and spray inside the bucket when wringing or when transporting the bucket from room to room
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: The EasyWring Microfiber Mop Head is machine-washable and reusable! We recommend replacing the mop head refill every 3 months for optimal floor cleaning results
  • DEEP CLEANING MICROFIBER: O-Cedar's EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System uses millions of strands of advanced microfiber to effectively capture dirt and grime with just plain water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Safe for all hard flooring, including finished hardwood, wood, laminate, tile, vinyl and more.
  • REACHES IN CORNERS: Due to the patented triangle mop-head and ability to rotate 360 degrees, the EasyWring Mop can reach and clean deep into corners, under furniture, alongside baseboards, and between tile.
  • 1 REFILL = 3 MONTHS OF CLEANING: This offer includes 1 EasyWring Refill, and each EasyWring Microfiber Refill lasts up to 3 months! Save time and money with longer-lasting mop head replacements

Last update on 2023-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Pros & Cons of a Steam Mop vs Spin Mop

Enough of all the good comparisons of both mops, let’s talk about some of the cons. Although I am stuck between the two, a few things really sale the product for me.

  1. Price
  2. What I can get out of the product I am purchasing
  3. The performance level of the product

Pricing

Although I love the fact that a steam mop will clean and disinfect at the same time, the price can be a bit higher. Both Steam mops and spin mops require a mop head that can be replaced or washed after each use which can become a good benefit and save you money in the long run since you will only need a few pads to use for each use.

What I can get out of each product

I also consider how much use I will get out of it each product considering the price which once again brings another ‘con’ to mind. The steam mop can only be used on certain surfaces. While a spin mop can be used on more surfaces, with an angled head making it easier to clean hard to reach places in your home.

Performance Level

As stated above, the steam mop is used to clean and disinfect your floors. While I really love the idea of disinfecting while cleaning, the spin mop also offers the same performance. However, a steam mop has a tiny compartment attached to the mop itself that stores the water so you have no mess while the spin mop requires a bucket. 

FAQs on Steam Mop & Spin Mop

1. Is steam mopping better than regular mopping?

Yes. Steam mopping kills germs with the heat it emits. With this, you can clean and disinfect your home. Steam mopping dries very quickly. Steam mopping also kills bad smells very well.

2. Which is a better type of mop: spin mop or flat mop?

Flat mops trap particles better and are easier to wash.

3. Do steam mops actually clean?

Yes. They simultaneously scrub and wipe the floor, leaving you with a shiny wash.

4. Can I put vinegar in my steam mop?

Yes. However, in order to not damage the unit, ensure that you do not add more than 2 cups of vinegar into the mop.

5. Which mop is best for mopping the floor?

Different floors require different mops. However, a flat mop is the most versatile.

Wrap Up on Steam Mop vs Spin Mop

In comparison with the Steam mop, the Spin mop has a mop head that can be removed after use and washed or replaced but a spin mop also requires a bucket of water and cleaner. If you have children and you are anything like me, you hate using tough cleaners such as floor cleaner and having that smell all throughout the house. Talk about instant headache from all the fumes.

Another downfall of the Steam mop is that it is electric. Sadly this could become dangerous for anyone due to the fact that water is involved on the device and one tiny accident could make for a dangerous situation.

In all honesty, depending on your flooring type and preference, either mop would be a great choice. Each have pros and cons and each specifically have a different function. Fortunately, both clean your floors and both have differences from one another. I say that if you want to use on more surfaces for the best price, go for a spin mop but if you want the extra disinfecting/ cleaning option with natural settings (Water), go for the Steam mop.

I have considered both for quite some time and although I thought I was sold on my grandmother’s spin mop, after research I have remained neutral for both. Something about not using cleaner works best for me and my household but once again, you may consider me biased on the whole ordeal.

Always choose effectively and make sure each product you do consider is worth your money. Don’t settle for cheap because that is exactly what you will get. Be sure your surfaces are best suitable for the product you are investing in. Happy mopping ya’ll!

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