Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop?

(Last Updated On: May 27, 2023)

Throughout my extensive use of steam cleaners, I have encountered several misguided recommendations online. One common misconception is regarding the use of vinegar in steam mops.

Manufacturers often suggest vinegar as a descaling agent for steam cleaners. However, it is not advisable to add vinegar to a steam mop while in operation and use the resulting solution to clean floors.

To provide accurate and dependable information to my readers, I have personally contacted manufacturers and thoroughly examined user manuals.

Therefore, I want to share my discoveries, personal experiences, and insights regarding this issue.

Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop?

I emphasize that it is strongly advised not to put vinegar in your steam mop. This action can cause harm to the internal components of your steam mop, leading to a shorter lifespan for the device.

As an experienced user of steam mops, I recommend using only distilled or demineralized water in your steam mop. This will help maintain the steam mop’s performance and prolong its lifespan.

Can You Put Vinegar in a Shark Steam Mop?

Instead of discussing vinegar’s historical uses and benefits as a natural cleaning agent, I decided to consult the steam mop manufacturers directly.

According to Shark Clean, a manufacturer of steam mops, here is their statement regarding the use of vinegar in their steam mops:

In contrast, here are some examples of the advice being offered on other blogs available online:

It gets even worse – another blogger recommends using baking soda (also known as bicarbonate soda) and vinegar together in a Shark steam mop.

This combination can severely damage your steam mop, which is not desirable.

If you have experience using bicarbonate soda, then you are familiar with the chemical reaction that occurs when mixed with vinegar.

However, it is essential to heed our advice and avoid using a combination of vinegar and baking soda in your steam mop.

This is because it can lead to a small-scale eruption in the water tank of your steam mop, causing it to become clogged with soda residue.

Additionally, Shark, a renowned manufacturer of steam mops, also cautions against using vinegar in their products.

This warning is provided in two different sections of their user manual. Therefore, to ensure the proper functioning of your steam mop, it is recommended to refrain from using vinegar and bicarbonate soda.

Is It Permissible To Fill The Water Tank Of The Steam Mop With A Substance Other Than Water?

It is essential to avoid adding cleaning solutions, scented perfumes, oils, or other chemicals to the water used in your steam mop.

Doing so could potentially cause damage to the appliance or even make it unsafe to use. Instead, it is strongly recommended to use distilled water in your steam mop to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.

Can You Put Vinegar in a Bissell Steam Mop?

I can provide advice from Bissell in response to your request for accurate information. Here is what they suggest:

It is worth noting that some individuals claim to be experts on using vinegar in Bissell steam mops.

Vinegar can indeed cause damage to hardwood floors, and according to Bissell, it can also damage the water tank of your steam mop.

Therefore, following Bissell’s recommendation and avoiding using vinegar in your steam mop is advisable. This will help avoid any potential damage to your appliance and floors.

Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Cleaner?

Steam cleaners in the canister style generally heat the entire water boiler, and some manufacturers of steam mops recommend using vinegar for descaling such steam cleaners.

However, it is essential to note that this should only be done when the steam cleaner has cooled down.

The vinegar should be left to soak for 40 minutes to a few hours, or even overnight, before being rinsed and flushed with clean water.

In my experience with steam cleaning, I have never heated the boiler tank with vinegar inside.

However, to ensure that I am providing my readers with accurate information, I consulted with several steam cleaner manufacturers, including Kaercher, Dupray, McCulloch, and Warner, to obtain their official advice.

The following is a summary of their statements:

Kaercher Steam Cleaners

Kaercher, a company that produces steam cleaners, has issued a warning advising against using vinegar in their products.

This advice is specific to their steam cleaners and should be taken seriously by those who use them.

Dupray Steam Cleaners

Dupray, another steam cleaner manufacturer, recommends using vinegar only during the maintenance and descaling of their steam cleaners.

During this process, the cap on the boiler tank should be open, and the cleaner must be switched off.

According to Dupray’s official warranty policy, adding anything other than water to the boiler tank will void the warranty.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential to avoid damage and maintain the warranty.

 

It is advisable to avoid using vinegar in a Dupray steam cleaner as it may potentially cause damage or harm to the equipment.

McCulloch Steam Cleaners

McCulloch, a well-known brand of steam cleaners, recommends that users who utilize tap water should perform a monthly descaling of their canister steam cleaners using vinegar.

Like Dupray, vinegar should be added to a cooled steamer, and the device should always be turned off. Before operating the steamer, the boiler tank should be rinsed thoroughly multiple times to eliminate residual vinegar.

McCulloch’s official recommendation for adding vinegar to the boiler tank during steam mopping is as follows:

Wagner Steam Cleaners

Wagner offers an affordable and versatile steamer that comes with a wallpaper attachment. Their guidance regarding adding vinegar to their steam cleaning machines is straightforward:

Although Wagner does not explicitly prohibit the use of vinegar in the water tank of their steam cleaner, their warranty for the steam cleaner and wallpaper steamer states that it does not cover any damage resulting from improper use, accidents, user negligence, or normal wear.

Therefore, using the steam cleaner and wallpaper steamer by the manufacturer’s instructions is essential to prevent any damage that may void the warranty.

How to Use Vinegar With Steam Mopping

Understandably, some people prefer using vinegar for cleaning purposes and may be disappointed by the recommendation to avoid using it in steam mops or steam cleaners.

However, there are alternative ways to incorporate vinegar into your cleaning routine without damaging your steam mop.

One option is to create a basic cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

Apply the solution to your floors, and then use your steam mop to clean the area. This way, you can benefit from the cleaning power of both vinegar and steam without harming your machine.

Avoid Vinegar on These Flooring Types

It’s worth noting that vinegar can potentially cause harm to various types of flooring. As a result, it’s important to avoid using vinegar to clean the following types of floors:

Hardwood floors: Vinegar can break down the coating, leading to a dull appearance on the floor.

Marble or stone: Vinegar can cause pitting within the flooring, damaging the surface.

Waxed or unsealed flooring: The vinegar can strip away the wax, causing the floor to become dull and damaged.

Conclusion – Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop

While vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent, it’s unsuitable for steam mops. To ensure that your steam mop remains in good working condition, it’s recommended that you follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and use distilled or demineralized water in your steam mop.

This will help you maintain a clean and fresh home without risking any damage to your cleaning equipment. If you want to clean your steamer, vinegar can still be used for descaling.

Using distilled water in your steam mop instead, you can enjoy the fresh scent of clean steam without the unpleasant smell of vinegar in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions – Can You Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop

Can I Put Vinegar in My Shark Steam Mop?

It’s important to note that vinegar should never be used in a Shark steam mop. According to Shark Clean, using chemicals or cleaning solutions (including vinegar) may damage the steam mop. It could potentially be unsafe for you and your family. Therefore, avoiding vinegar as a cleaning agent in this particular steam mop is recommended.

Can I Use Vinegar in My Bissell Steam Mop?

Bissell advises against using vinegar in their steam mop. According to Bissell, vinegar has the potential to damage the water tank, making it unsuitable for use in their steam mop. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid using vinegar in this particular steam mop.

How Much Vinegar Should I Put in My Steam Mop?

It’s important to avoid using vinegar in your steam mop. Instead, filling the tank with only water, preferably distilled or demineralized water, is recommended to prevent any damage to the steam mop. Using water only will ensure that your steam mop operates correctly and effectively.

What Should I Put in My Steam Mop?

When it comes to filling the tank of your steam mop, distilled or demineralized water is considered the best option. If you prefer a pleasant cleaning scent, you can opt for scented demineralized water such as Bissell Spring Breeze. By using these types of water, you can help prolong the life of your steam mop and keep it functioning correctly.

Can I Add Bleach to My Steam Mop? 

It’s important to avoid using bleach in your steam mop. Bleach is a hazardous chemical that can cause damage to the plastic components of your steam mop. Additionally, using bleach can release potentially toxic fumes in your home, especially when combined with the heat of steam. Therefore, avoiding using bleach as a cleaning solution in your steam mop is recommended.

Can I Add a Cleaning Solution to a Steam Mop? 

It’s important to note that steam mops are not designed to work with cleaning solutions. These appliances are designed to generate high-temperature steam to eliminate bacteria and clean surfaces effectively and naturally. Adding any cleaning solutions to your steam mop is not recommended unless the solution is specifically designed for use with steam cleaners. By avoiding cleaning solutions in your steam mop, you can help ensure your appliance works properly and safely.