Steam Cleaner Buying Guide
If you're considering buying a steam cleaner vacuum, you probably already know its key benefit: steam lets you sanitize your home and remove difficult dirt without harsh chemicals.
This guide will explain a little more about cleaning with steam. It will explain the models of steam cleaners, and also answer some of the most common questions about steam cleaning.
Steam Cleaning
Steam comes down to one simple principle: heat ordinary tap water to a germ-blasting vapour of 100ºC (212ºF). The sanitizing steam loosens and lifts dirt and residue from sealed, hard surfaces. At Canadian Tire, you'll find Shark® steam cleaning products with self-sanitizing microfiber pads and Shark’s unique steam system that delivers a perfect amount of steam at a precise temperature. Surfaces are clean, sanitized and dry in seconds.
Steam Cleaner Models
Shark has created several models of steam cleaners, making it easy to select the right one for your tasks. Just consider where and how you're planning to use it.
For quick cleanup, the Shark Steam Bottle is ideal. For bigger or more detailed cleaning and sanitization, the Shark Steam Cleaner gives you more versatility. It also includes interchangeable quick-release hand tools.
Both the Shark Deluxe Steam Mop and the Shark Steam Pocket Mop are ideal for steam sealed hard floors. The Shark Steam mop offers a foldable BackSaverTM handle, while Shark’s Steam Pocket Mop features interchangeable, reversible cleaning heads for larger areas, as well as tight corners.
For those times when you really do need to clean floors and as well as above-floor surfaces, consider the Shark Steam Blaster Canister. With the wand & floor cleaning attachment, it will allow you to steam clean the floors and move on to cleaning above-floor surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a steam mop safe to use on my sealed engineered hardwood (laminate, linoleum, tile, marble) floors?
Steam cleaning is safe for all sealed hard floor surfaces. You should not use it on unsealed (not waxed) surfaces. You should also avoid leaving the steam mop standing in one spot for a prolonged period of time.
Can I use tap water to fill it up?
You can. However, if you live in an area with medium to hard water, use distilled water instead. This will prevent build-up on the heating coil and help prolong the lifespan of your steam cleaner.
Will this remove stains from my carpet?
Steam cleaning uses only pure steam, so it will definitely sanitize and deodorize carpets, and potentially loosen up some stains. Because steam cleaners do not have soap, they will not ‘wash’ the stain out.
Can I use a steam mop to clean my tiled walls?
While steam cleaning is safe for tiled walls, steam mops are designed to be used on horizontal surfaces only. To clean walls and other above-floor surfaces, use Shark Steam Blaster Canister or Shark Portable Steam Cleaner instead.
Are the microfibre pads washable?
Yes, all replacement pads that come with Shark® steam cleaning products are machine-washable.
Microfibre care tips:
- Steam Pockets should be washed after every use
- You should wash your Steam Pockets separately from other fabrics to avoid picking up lint
- We recommend only using liquid detergent, as powder detergents can leave behind a residue on the microfibre
- Do not use any fabric softeners or bleach when cleaning the Steam Pockets, as this could damage the microfibre material
- In order to prolong the life of your Steam Pockets, we recommend that you air dry them
- We recommend that your Steam Pockets should be replaced every three to four months
Can I put a drop of scented oil in the water to freshen the air while I steam clean?
No. You should not add ANY cleaning solutions, scented perfumes, oils or any other chemicals to the water used in any of steam cleaner, as it may damage the unit or make it unsafe for use.