You cannot put essential oil in a steam mop tank but you can dab it on the steam mop pad while cleaning. Most steam mop manufacturers do not permit the addition of anything besides distilled water in the tank. Adding essential oil to the tank can destroy the machine by clogging the units.
In this article, we will look at the following:
- What is a steam mop?
- Is it okay to put essential oil in a steam mop?
- Is it safe to use essential oil in a steam mop?
- Why should I use essential oil for steam mopping?
- How do I use essential oils in a steam mop?
- Which essential oils are best for steam mopping?
What is a Steam Mop?
A steam mop is a mop that uses heat from steam to clean and disinfect the floor. The water in the tank is heated to about 120 degrees and is released in jets of steam that soak the mop pad. The steam in the mop pad loosens up the dirt and disinfects, killing off bacteria as you sweep through the floor surface while the mop pad absorbs dirt.
Is it Okay to Put Essential Oil in a Steam Mop?
No, you should not put essential oil in a steam mop. Putting essential oil into the water tank can ruin your mop. Oil and water do not mix well so if you add essential oil into the water tank, the oil will not mix.
Most likely, the oil will remain in the tank after the steam is released because it cannot be broken down by the steam. Essential oils have a thick consistency so they can clog the tank and destroy your cleaning equipment. This is why most manufacturers only allow the use of distilled water in the tank.
Although you cannot directly put essential oil into the tank, you can still use essential oil for steam mopping. The essential oil can be dabbed on the steam mop pad in a moderate quantity. Using excessive drops of essential oil can discolor and destroy fabrics like rugs.
Is it Safe to Use Essential Oil in a Steam Mop?
Using essential oils for steam mopping is safe when done rightly. When steam mopping with essential oils, use a few drops and also make sure to ventilate the room.
It is possible to react to essential oils so be cautious about your choice of essential oil. Proper research should be carried out before selecting oils. If you are not new to the business of essential oils, chances are you already know which oil works for you.
Pets, children, pregnant women, and people with breathing problems are particularly allergic to some essential oils so you need to consider them when choosing oils. Also, make sure you are not using an excessive dose of essential oil. Your pets will be the most affected.
Why Should You Use Essential Oil for Steam Mopping?
Besides the great smell essential oils have, they have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and disinfectant properties. Though steam mops do a great job at killing bacteria, a little help won’t hurt. Essential oils can help in killing bacteria and destroying molds.
Also, they leave your floor smelling great. Whether it’s a woody scent, floral scent, or citrusy scent, your floor will smell nice and sparkle at the same time. Essential oils also have a way of improving your mood and this is a bonus benefit.
How Do I Use Essential Oils in a Steam Mop?
For steam mopping, you only need a few drops of essential oil. Dab 2 to 3 drops of oil on the steam mop pad before using your steam mop. You can increase the drops depending on how big the room is and how strong the oil smell is; some essential oils are stronger than others.
You can use more than one essential oil, but make sure to adjust the drops accordingly. When you are done cleaning, it is best to wash the mop pad to prevent the oil residue from staining it, thereby causing discoloration.
Which Essential Oils are Best for Steam Mopping?
The best essential oils for steam mopping are those that can disinfect, and surely, one with a nice smell. Here is a list of some essential oils that are best for steam mopping:
- Pine Essential Oil: Pine oil is a natural disinfectant often used in cleaning products. It helps in killing bacteria and disinfecting surfaces. Pine oil also has a scent that is mood lifting.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is good for disinfecting the floor. Tea tree oil is a decongestant and can help in clearing the air and eradicating molds.
- Lavender Essential Oil: If you want to go for a calm soft smelling oil, lavender’s floral scent is your best shot. Though this oil is mostly used for its scent, it also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The sweet lavender smell also helps to mask other unfriendly smells.
- Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil and the citrus family at large – grapefruit, lemongrass, orange – have that citrusy scent that is refreshing. Lemon oil also does a great cleaning job. It removes greases, eliminates pollen, and lightens dark spots.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Being one of the popular essential oils, eucalyptus has a cool lovable scent. It also has antiseptic properties and can be used as a disinfectant for floor surfaces.
Conclusion
Steam mops use steam to clean and disinfect floor surfaces. The essential oil can be dabbed on the mop pad to freshen the room and also disinfect. However, you should never put essential oil in the tank as this will clog the unit and destroy the mop.
Essential oils like lemon oil, lavender oil, and pine essential oil are some of the best essential oil to use for steam mopping. They have nice smells and also act as disinfectants.
I started Scents and Aroma as a way to share my knowledge from owning a candle, wax melt, diffuser and bath bomb business so that you can make your home smell lovely too.
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