At first, I was using a mop and bucket with hot water and a bit of bleach. The bleach thing just didn't sit right with me. Not to mention that filling up a bucket of water and mopping the traditional way was not how I wanted to spend my free-time during the evenings.
My parents also have laminate wood floors, and when we visited I tried out their new steam mop. Up until this point, I was not aware such things existed, but after trying it out, I was convinced it was what we needed. So I did a little research and ended up getting the same mop that my parents have, the Bissell Steam Mop. Here are pictures of tonight's cleaning session.
I purchased it from Linen's N Things with a 20% off coupon so I could return it if for some reason I didn't like it (though you can purchase it from Amazon with free shipping and no tax - Amazon has VERY EASY returns). I've been using it for several months and love it. All I have to do is plug it in, fill the detachable container with plain old tap water, and then mop. It comes with two microfiber mop heads and a water filter as well.The directions say that in order to sterilize an area you have to hold the mop there for 30 + seconds. I don't know if I buy that. But if you need peace of mind and don't have that kind of time, you can add a couple drops of Tea Tree oil to the water. Tea Tree oil typically comes in a small bottle and can be found in the pharmacy section of many stores. I haven't tried this, yet, because my bottle is always upstairs and I'm always mopping downstairs. Be advised that the steam mop leaves behind just as much water as a regular mop and bucket.
I'd love to hear what do you do to clean your floors. Does anyone have another green way of cleaning the floors?
5 comments:
I enjoyed reading. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from you. For many people "going green" means losing your green so tackling the financial side of this issue is sure to be a hit. May God bless your efforts of learning and sharing and may it benefit many. Thanks!
does this work for hardwood floors as well? i use murphy's oil soap on my hardwood floors, probably once a month, they could use it a whole lot more. in between, i just sweep
The Amazon description says that the steam mop is safe for all sealed hard surfaces. One reviewer says that he/she has been using it on sealed hardwood floors. So, I would assume that it is safe for hardwoods.
HI...I found your blog by way of Jules Sand Castle! This is awesome, great ways to not only save $ but help out the environment, something I am incredibly passionate about. I love this mop and with my soon wedding, a great item to register for! Also, a book to look into, "The better world shopping guide" it helps when you are shopping to choose products that are better for the environment. Looking forward to reading more!
Kristen,
I use a plant based dilutable cleanser by Green Works... with a regular mop. The cleanser is only $3.50.
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