Shark Steam Mop - anyone like this or what am I doing wrong?

[KrisM]

I bought this 1-2 years ago and have only used it 3 times now. I keep thinking I'll figure out how to make it work better, and so far, no luck.

I let it warm up, and prime it 10-15 times, as per directions.

My problems:
1. It's so hard to push. It doesn't glide on my vinyl floor at all.
2. Having to go over the same spot 7-8 times to get a small spot off.
3. It leaves a small line of dirt that I then have to go around and wipe up.

My kitchen floor is about 10 x 12 feet. It takes me about 25 minutes to do it with the steam mop. I switch pushing hands every 10 min or so, but my arms are really tired by the end of it, because it's so hard to push.

I do like that it's not a huge wet mess after, but a regular mop or bucket washing is so much faster that I could even go back and dry it in less time that it takes to steam mop!

Anyhow, is this just how it works or am I doing something wrong?

[melwe]

This has been my experience as well on my vinyl floor, so I'm curious to see the responses.

FWIW, it does great on my ceramic tile: pushes well, cleans easily, etc. However, I have more vinyl than ceramic tile.

I just bought the Rubbermaid reveal mop, and I just find it easier. No electric cord, no warming up, lightweight, use your own cleaner, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Rev.../dp/B003UA7F46

[Blakes Mommy]

I have the mop and it does seem to clean well. I don't have any vinyl in my house though, Mostly wood and tile in the baths and laundry area. I find it's hard to push as well, but, I am sure on the vinyl it is much harder. We have never tried it on carpet, which we have in the bedrooms and family room. I can't imagine it works...I use a steam cleaner for those since i like to suck up the wetness. I used to have a small cleaner for my old house that had more tile that would work like a carpet cleaner. It would spit out the water then such it up. I think something like that would be excellent on the vinyl.

[Blakes Mommy]

This has been my experience as well on my vinyl floor, so I'm curious to see the responses.

FWIW, it does great on my ceramic tile: pushes well, cleans easily, etc. However, I have more vinyl than ceramic tile.

I just bought the Rubbermaid reveal mop, and I just find it easier. No electric cord, no warming up, lightweight, use your own cleaner, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Rev.../dp/B003UA7F46

I just looked at your link and think this might be good for my wood floors! Thanks for the info. I am having a hard time pushing it on the wood, but, it is easier on the tile. I don't think the shark and the steam is probably that good for the wood anyway, even though its sealed.

[peanut520]

Hated my shark steam mop and returned it to Costco. I have a lot of sealed hardwood and it was very difficult to use on them also. I just ordered my second haan. http://www.amazon.com/Haan-SI-35R-Fl...haan+steam+mop

My first died after I didn't descale after about 2.5-3 years of biweekly usage. I was able to pick mine up for $70 ish.

[kijip]

I hated ours. Hated so much I returned it to Costco. Steam mop or not I am still firmly in the "you can use a mop or clean a floor but not at the same time" camp. I vacuum and sweep but the wet wash? nothing I have found beats me on the floor with a rag. Thankfully we don't have a huge living space so it is manageable to do that once a week, with spot wipes daily.

[hoodlims]

Love ours and use it on hardwood. Not as easy as tile I am sure, but easier and less chemicals than my Bona hardwood floor cleaner system. Sorry you are having probs with your vinyl floor.

[infomama]

I hated ours. Hated so much I returned it to Costco.