Which is better: a steam mop or a wet vacuum cleaner?

A steam mop is based on a steam generator

This means that the device heats up water poured into the tank in half a minute and disinfects surfaces. It copes well with dirt, destroys dust mites and viruses.

The use of household chemicals is not required, so the steam mop will be a real salvation for allergy sufferers.

A washing vacuum cleaner sucks in dirt

Unlike a mop, the device does not require preliminary cleaning. It will cope with spilled drinks, dust from the floor, carpets and upholstered furniture, remove pet hair, clean tiles and windows.

To do this, you need to pour clean water into one tank, turn on the washing mode, and then collect dirty water in another tank using the suction function.

A steam mop cleans not only the floor

When choosing a device, give preference to a collapsible model. They usually have several attachments and serve as a steam cleaner.

The device will allow you to disinfect and lightly iron clothes and curtains, deal with grease in the oven, refresh furniture, clean windows and increase air humidity.

A larger washing vacuum cleaner

This is a large and powerful unit, perfect for general cleaning. But since the device consists of two large water tanks, moving it up and down the stairs can be difficult for owners of two-level apartments and multi-story buildings.

In addition, the device cannot simply be placed in a corner – it is better to set aside part of the pantry for it or allocate space in the closet. For small apartments, this can be a problem, so it makes sense to choose a more compact product.

A quieter steam mop

If there are small children in the house, the best choice would be a mop that works almost silently. To quickly and thoroughly clean the apartment, you need to sweep the surfaces with a regular broom, and then wash them with a steam mop. It can be turned on while the child is sleeping, which is something a vacuum cleaner cannot boast of.

A wet vacuum cleaner works like a regular one

To use the device, it is not necessary to fill it with water and turn on the wet cleaning function. Inside the device there are not only two tanks, but also a dust bag.

The equipment will serve as a regular vacuum cleaner, if necessary – it will clean carpets, furniture and remove small dirt from the floor.

A steam mop is more environmentally friendly

If your skin is sensitive to household chemicals and you have to use gloves during cleaning, the device will be a real salvation. It does not require additional cleaning agents, as it works due to high temperature. If you have children and pets in your home, it will be easier and safer to wash floors and surfaces.

A washing vacuum cleaner takes more time

After each cleaning, the device must be washed, cleaning the filters and containers – it will take about 10 more minutes. All attachments must be washed and dried. Leaving the unit without regular maintenance will not work: dirty water will lead to the appearance of a “swampy” smell throughout the house and reduce the service life of the device.

A steam mop is not suitable for laminate

Hot water with steam is considered especially harmful to laminate flooring. Moisture easily penetrates through the seams, can lead to swelling and deformation. If the laminate is inexpensive, using a steam device is contraindicated: not only the class and moisture resistance play a role, but also the method of installation, as well as the presence of sealed seams.

The use of steam is possible for class 32 laminate, with treated joints and increased moisture resistance, but this does not exclude its damage. A washing vacuum cleaner is suitable for laminate, but only if the model provides a nozzle with a fabric pad and adjustable water supply.

A washing vacuum cleaner is more expensive

The disadvantages of the equipment include a high price and additional costs for filters and cleaning agents. The unit also consumes more electricity.

But the cost pays off if you want to do wet and dry cleaning at the same time, dust carpets and upholstered furniture, humidify and purify the air.

Both devices differ in their functionality and cannot replace each other. For a spacious apartment with a lot of carpets, a washing vacuum cleaner is better suited. But if compactness, maneuverability and noiselessness during cleaning are more important to you, opt for a steam mop.