There are many perks to being a blogger. Just one of them is getting to try products and share an opinion about them. When Oreck contacted me about becoming a sponsor, they were interested in sending a vacuum for me to try. Well, I already have a vacuum I really love, but when they mentioned a steam mop…hmmm… I have a lot of wood floors in my house and they are stained dark, so they show everything. For a few years, I have cleaned them with a vacuum and a squirt mop, but the floors always looked a little streaky and hazy. I finally figured out that I could use my carpet shampooer on the hard floors in my house, but it was quite an ordeal to lug that thing up from the basement, so it didn’t happen very often. A steam mop sounded like the perfect solution. Oreck sent me the Steam-It in December and I’ve been putting it to the test for a few months.
Using the steam mop is super easy. I fill it with water, plug it in to let the water heat and then turn on the steam. The mop itself is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
I can clean the office floor in just a couple of minutes and it’s sprakly clean. Like…walk over it with your white socks and your white socks are still white kind of clean.
All of the dirt is trapped on the cloth clipped to the bottom. The cloth is washable and two come with the mop, so you can use one while you wash the other. The steam does a great job at loosening up sticky spots. I just leave the mop over the area with the steam on and wait a few seconds before rubbing the spot with the mop.
…and ta-da…a super clean floor.
(I’m not sure why I didn’t turn off the overhead light for these pictures…)
Oreck also sent me some lavender and lemon essential oils to use in the water, so the aroma is released with the steam. You can get a wonderful, fresh smell without using a cleaning agent.
The steam mop has also been great for cleaning my beloved marble hex tile in the half bathroom.
This mop does so much more than I’ve even used it for. It can clean counters, appliances, shower tile, grout, windows, curtains and the list goes on. It comes with an attachment set and it can be used upside-down, so it’s very versatile.
I waited a few months to write about the Steam-It to make sure I really love it and really use it. I do. I use it at least once a week and have no problem recommending it, especially if you have a lot of hard surface floors as I do. I’ll be holding a giveaway for one soon, so stay on the lookout for that!
(Just in case you were wondering, I wasn’t mopping my floors while waiting for surgery! I did the mopping a while ago.)
**Oreck sent me a free Steam-It and paid me to write this review, but all of the words, thoughts and opinions are my own. I wouldn’t recommend this product if I didn’t really love it and think my readers would love it as well. Oreck‘s pretty confident about that as well. You can try any of their products for 30 days and if you don’t love it, you don’t have to keep it.
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Are your wood floors glued down or nailed down? I would love this product, but worry about the glue being loosened by the steam..
Steam mops are the bomb!! Good luck tomorrow my thoughts are with you!
Good to know! I’ve been thinking about buying something like this!!
Does it leave streaks? I had to return the Shark steam mop because it left such a horrible streaky mess. I really want to find a good steam cleaner. Thanks!
I have not had any issues with streaks or problems using it on my hardwood floors. They are sealed and nailed down, though, so it may be a problem if the floors are glued and prefinished.
Thanks for the info girl! Your floor is amazing!!!!!!!
I have unfinished wood floors that desperately need something but steam worries me a little will it damage the wood?
I don’t think I would use it on unfinished wood floors. Mine are sealed.
I have another company’s steam mop that I love, but I use it on a vinyl floor throughout our first floor. I believe that they do not recommend it on a wood floor, so I would be careful using steam on a hardwood floor.
i have this mop! I got it off of QVC last christmas…it is so amazing. you forgot to mention that is kills 99% of the strep virus and ecoli! which around cold season is MAJOR. I swipe it over door knobs and handles (instead of a using the same drippy creepy cloth on my whole house just spreading germs) but ms. mustard (in the library with the steam mop…sorry couldn’t resist) I had no idea about putting essential oils in it!!!! GENIUS!!!! I am so doing that….
I have two Oreck vacuums and I do like them, but every Oreck vacuum I’ve ever owned (3 of them) the cord separates from the handle causing sparks to fly and the vacuum to start and stop. I end up having to re-wire and tape off with electrical tape. I’m wondering if they’ve fixed that problem and whether it’s a problem with this steam mop. I have all wood floors in a 3 story house, so this would be awesome if the product lasts longer than my vacuums did. (I still use them on my area rugs.) Maybe with your connections you could find out!
I have a steam mop that I really like but I’ll confess to not using it often. I do use it on my tile floors (bathrooms, kitchen and sunroom), but have been afraid to use it on my wood floors. While my mop instructions say you can, I have read elsewhere not to use them on hardwood floors.
I also have a handheld steamer that I especially like for the bathroom (tub enclosure, tile, etc.) – it’s great!!
Glad you are enjoying yours!
Best wishes for your surgery. I had mine out probably about 10 years ago and you will probably be surprised at how good you feel (later) without your gallbladder. I think it makes you feel sluggish and a bit run down – even though I didn’t realize it at the time. Take care of yourself and don’t try to over do!!
tina
I always see these commercials on t.v and wondered about their products.
Thanks for sharing and your opinion on the steam mop.
I’ll be keeping a lookout for that giveaway! My mom could use one of these….their whole house is plank hardwood. Beautiful, but I’m sure a PAIN to clean (you can see some pictures of the floor on my blog {as the background to a wreath tutorial} today).
My dad’s in construction and he has told me to never use steam on any of my floors. It will ruin even sealed flooring, destroy grout, pull up linoleum. I’m sure there are plenty of people who’ll swear up and down they have never had a problem, but I wouldn’t use heat on anything I value or even cheap materials like laminate, which already has a limited shelf life.
The steam mop will not damage the laminate floors. They wear like iron and the glue is super strong. It will not damage grout unless the grout is cheap and put in improperly. I used my steam mop on my laminate floors for over 10 years and they still look brand new. I also used it on my oak hardwood floors and they kept them amazing looking. Even the dog could not keep this mop down. It picks up all the dirt on the floor and sanitizes everything. I just love it and have bought one for my sister and 2 of my daughters. They all swear by it. It also kept my marble bathroom just gleaming. My only complaint with this system is that it does not get into recessed grout lines. You have to scrub the grout if it gets dirty or use a traditional mop or scrub brush. If your floors or surface are flat, wow! it is just amazing.
I just bought a “Shark” and I love it! I have hardwood floors too, so I am just careful about not leaving the mop in one spot too long. I can’t believe how wonderful my floors look and I really feel like they are much cleaner!
And in case I haven’t said it lately….you are my blog hero! lol God has blessed your blog so much and it is an inspiration to watch God work in and through your life! Thanks for sharing!
I love steam mops on my ceramic tile. My laminate floor specs say no steam.
I have a steam mop too. Not an oreck but it’s a good one! My husband uses it more than I do. Somehow he has become the ‘floor mopper’ here! I’ve never mopped my hardwood actually – he does it. I’m keeping him!!!!
My husband always insists he has to go behind the mop with a towel to dry the floor even though there is very little water and it evaporates quickly. do you do this or do you let it dry on its own?
Thanks!
I have prefinished hardwood floors that said specifically not to use steam. I also have marble floors and was told not to use steam on those either. It seems the steam mop companies advertise it is safe yet the flooring companies say its not…I really wish I knew iit was safe but using one voids the 25 year warranty on my hardwood so I don’t want to.take any chances.
Just wanted to wish you the best tomorrow. !!
Can you tell me how much this Oreck Steamer sells for?
Mop sounds great! Can ‘t wait for your give away. Also wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you tomorrow. Can’t wait to hear about your quick recovery!
I have another brand steam mop and I love it as well. I only have hardwood in the kitchen and foyer, but it makes mopping a breeze.
I have another brand steamer I love for many of the same reasons as the Oreck. I would love if it came with attachments to use on other surfaces. I also never thought of adding essential oils. What a great tip!
I’m in the ‘do no use on wood floors’ camp. Steam is used to bend and change the fibers of wood, think of Bentwood rockers. It makes the wood fibers swell and will do the same to wood floors over time. Steam = hot and works to that effect faster than water. Think what even light rain does to wood over time. But it sounds like a great answer to tile floors with well sealed grout. Great caution is advised.
I have a steam mop and LOVE it on my hardwood floors..And yes it does leave your floors white sock clean..Nothing better..
Well, I was really loving your review, but after reading all the comments before mine, I am in the “confused” camp again. Oh well, I’ll eventually figure it out. Maybe winning your giveaway would help me!! : )) Remember, lots of thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow. Take care, and thanks for clarifying you were not mopping floors while waiting for surgery. Linda S. in NE
I really want one of those, my main floor is all wood and cork floors, it would be perfect! I will watch for your giveaway.
Hugs, cindy
This is really good to know! I have been wanting a steam mop for a while now, but wasn’t sure what to get and didn’t even know about this one at all. I like that it has other uses and the essential oil sounds great! I have a tile floor with black grout that stinks to get clean.
Thanks for the post! I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for our wood floors and this one sounds like it works well. I think your surgery is tomorrow, best of luck to you and hope you are back on your feet in no time!
Once again, I feel like you’re reading my mind, Marian!!!! My mom and I were JUST talking about steam mops yesterday! She got one for her tile floors (she lives in SW Utah and her entire house is tile) and she was telling me how much she loves it… which has made me want one even more than I did before! lol Guess I’m going to have to start saving because this mama has lots of wood to mop!
Praying all went well with your surgery today!
Tonya
It’s not at all a good idea to use a steam mop on wood…for goodness sakes, you as a furniture “restorer/refinisher should be very aware of what heat and water do to wood furniture…I’ve had “the other brand” and even a combo steam/dry machine…and even tho it’s nice to not to have to rinse after cleaning…it’s so much harder to get a floor really clean….the effort spent is truly not worth it…There are new “green” hardwood floor cleaning products that do not leave a residue, nor require rinsing and truly leave you with clean floor…maybe you should try them….I’ve also had Oreck vacumns, and have had a lot of problems with them. Thank God the local Oreck dealer is so hungry for business that he has repaired the motor when it burned out after a year, done maintenance work all for free. If you look at Consumer Reports, you’ll see that they don’t recommend Oreck, but rather less expensive products as being better as well as cost effective…
This is a change of subject, but when are you going back to the original concept of your blog? I for one am really tired of reading all about your “book writing”, and your product reviews, etc. I’m sure your finished book will be entertaining, that is if it does not dwell on your daily personal life, but instead on finding, recognizing the hidden potential, and rescuing furniture and accessories that would have landed in a “land fill”. This subject is why I originally started following you, as I’m sure so many others did. I don’t get involved in the daily life of any bloggers I follow, but rather in what they have to offer me in what unique ideas they have conceived and implemented…Maybe your other followers have a different concept of what a blog should be…but there are so many blogs out there that the blogger seems to be completely self involved in their life, and even tho some of them may have interesting lives, are they truly interesting to all? Or is it suspect since if their life is so interesting, how do they have time to blog about it daily? These are just thoughts from my point of view, so please don’t take it as a criticism, but rather as a suggestion…..Gayle
I personally think the beauty of blogs is that you get a glimpse into the author’s life. I think a lot of us love the great ideas we find on blogs, but we also like to get to know the person behind the great ideas. It’s a balancing act for sure, and I think Marion has had plenty on her plate for a while, and we understand that. Maybe magazines or pinterest would better suit you needs.
A blog can be whatever the author wants it to be. There is no right or wrong. I have bookmarks for idea blogs (not DIY ideas, more religious, philosophical), bookmarks for blogs like Marion’s, bookmarks for personal blogs, etc. If a blog is successful it will offer something to the reader which keeps them coming back. Obviously in the market place of ideas, you will not please everyone, but if you have great traffic you are pleasing most. I think blogs change as we change, as our interests change and that’s fine. It is the ultimate form of self expression. I have moved on with following some blogs, but others have deepened my interests. Mat God go with you in your surgery. Keep up the good work. I for one enjoy your blog. You encouraged me to take the plunge with ascp, on a big bedroom set during a hard time in my life (house fire and subsequent rebuilding)
As for steam mopping wood floors, I use one on refinished maple, works great. If you clean the floors even on hands and knees you will be getting them wet. Steam leaves the least water, it dries in seconds.
That’s the beauty of the Internet – no need to leave a long comment about what you want someone else’s blog to be about, just simply move on and read something that you DO approve of!
As a follower of your blog for some time, I enjoy all the wonderful tutorials and your generosity in sharing with me and other friends/fans. I was thrilled at your book deal and support you on your ups and your downs. My blog bumps along slowly so I can appreciate all the effort and time involved. Feel better soon. Sincerely, a future miss mustard seed book owner!!!
Interesting post and the comments are quite spicy too
LOL! Yes I’m a dork and I read the comments, but that seems to be where the drama is. That is if you need drama on any particular day.
I’m curious, does this steam vac come with a person who will do my entire home for me, I have carpet in one room and that may or may not stay, so needless to say there’s a lot of floor to clean in my home. I’ve toyed with the idea of buying one, but have not done so yet. I confess, I wasn’t aware that Oreck made a steam vac. 30 day trial, that’s not shabby. I might have to see how it works for me. Now I just need to find someone who would enjoy playing with my new toy…Ohhhhh, teenage son…wanna try this new toy mama bought? That might work!
As for the blog format…since your blog and one other fabulous blog are all that I read “daily”, then I consider you kind of like a friend and friends share life stories. You keep it real and that’s why I stay and will continue to stay.
Wow…wonderful. I just was thinking about looking into a product for my wood entry floors and lots of tile !
Looks like the perfect one. Maybe I will win it.. will stay tuned.
Lord, the word is RUDE – look it up!
Please tell Oreck that I am buying this steam cleaner today (from Amazon) because of your review of it. We completely gutted our new place before we moved in last May, and even thought the floors are new, I always have felt like they still have a little bit of the construction grime on them. I hope Oreck works for me!!! And by the way, I’ll be glad to write a review if they would like. I love your blog.
I have wanted to know about something for my wood floors! I love this… I was worried that it would ruin my floors or make them foggy. I have marble title also and I clean it by hand.
I would love one of these!
Love your blog and I follow and your on my blog roll of course!
xo,
Gail
casualloveselegance
HELP!!! I vacuum and mop my marble floors, but they still have a gritty residue on them. How can I completely clean my floors with no yuk after?!?! Thank You
Would love to win this!!! I have hardwood floors in most of my house!!!!!
I really hope that I win the Oreck Steam-it! I have 3 kids going off to college next year and I have wanted one, but all my $ is going to them! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
You can tell the Oreck folks I just ordered one of these because I couldn’t get your post out of my mind.
I recently bought the Oreck Steam It. The mop is leaving streak on my wood floor. What am I doing wrong?
I went out and bought the Oreck last week based on your review and most importantly that you have the same Calacatta hex that I do. How did you get it so clean? My marble has been down a few months but i can’t get it back to new. Have tried a few of the attachments but would love to hear how you did it.
I just ordered an Oreck steam mop based on your blog. I recently used my sister in law’s Shark and wasn’t sure how much steam actually hit the floor. I am big on sanitizing without chemicals and also just want my floors to be “white sock clean.” I’m looking forward to recieving my new steam mop (Happy Birthday to me!) and hoping to be steaming before the week is out. Thanks for helping me choose, will let you know what I think compared to the Shark on my floors. I don’t think I’ll be dissapointed as I have an Oreck vacuum that I love!
I bought an Oreck steam-it mop and the head keeps breaking inside the swivil and steam shoots out the top.
I have replaced it 2x in a year and I would not recommend this mop to anyone.
It is a piec of junk
I have used mine for over a year and it’s been a dream. I’m sure there are lemons in all lines of products, but I have no hesitation recommending this steam mop to anyone.
Hi Ray! Sorry to hear you haven’t had an experience like Marian’s with your Steam-It. I’d love to help, so please email details and your contact information to [email protected]. I’ll work with our customer service team to see what we can do to help. Thanks!
Me too I have a Steam-it Oreck mop, just a little over a year, head broken hose inside it. can’t buy small plastic part, just the whole new head at $30. Mop works great. just broke a little too soon.
I purchased a Steam It in January 2012 and have had nothing but problems with it since. I have had the main body unit replaced 3 times, the steam head replaced once and the Oreck factory people unresponsive to any extended warranty even though the last replacement was 12/31/12. That gives me a 10 day warranty . I don’t believe this shows that they have confidence in their products.
Hi Lynn, I’m sorry to hear you aren’t pleased with your Steam-It. We do have strong confidence in our products and do our best to keep our customers happy. If there is anything I can do, please email me directly at [email protected]. I’ll work with our customer service team to see what I can do to make your experience with Oreck a great one. Thanks and happy new year!
New to reading this, but as I ordered this product today I thought your readers might be interested in a couple of things. First, I have owned a Shark, and although exhausting(having to pump it up and down) it did so so, but died around a year old. I’ve been researching and reading reviews for a while and this is what I discovered just today. Once I decided to get this product, I checked out local stores, Amazon, and Oreck.com. the price was about the same(139.00) BUT, here’s the interesting point. Oreck’s site was 180.00. Amazon had Three different sources but I soon learned that even though its cheaper, and there’s a one yrs warranty, Or eck will not honor it if purchased through Amazon, so you only get a Thirty day warranty. My solution was this. I purchased it through Walmart, free delivery to my home, and purchased a 2yr extended warranty for 15.00(now I have 3yrs total)and it was still cheaper than Oreck’s site. This way I got the best price and a warranty that will cover even normal wear and tear. Just wanted everyone to know about the warranty issues. Have a great day.
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