Summary
Editor's rating
Is it Worth the Price?
Design and Build Quality
Performance and Effectiveness
Pros
- Effective scrubbing power
- Chemical-free sanitization
- Easy to maneuver with swivel steering
Cons
- Short power cord
- Potential pad wear over time
Specifications
View full product page →| Brand | Shark |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Portable, Steam Control |
| Surface Recommendation | Floor |
| Model Name | Steam & Scrub |
| Included Components | Filling Flask, Mop Pad |
| Wattage | 1120 watts |
| Item Weight | 6.9 Pounds |
| Tank Volume | 11.83 Fluid Ounces |
First Impressions with the Shark Steam & Scrub
When I first got my hands on the Shark Steam & Scrub Steam Mop, I was curious to see how it would handle everyday floor cleaning tasks. This thing promises to scrub and sanitize sealed hard floors without any harsh chemicals, which definitely piqued my interest.
With a reputation for providing up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal compared to other steam mops, I was eager to put it to the test on my kitchen and bathroom floors, where messes seem to stick around for far too long.
After using it for a couple of weeks, I'll say it delivers a pretty solid cleaning performance, albeit with a few quirks worth mentioning. From the LED headlights that light up debris to the swivel steering for easy maneuvering, the mop has some nifty features.
Overall, the initial setup was easy, the design felt sturdy, and the lightweight build made it manageable, but there’s more to unpack when it comes to how effectively it cleans.
Is it Worth the Price?
The Shark Steam & Scrub is positioned at the higher end of the market for steam mops, and it aims to justify this with its features and performance. At first glance, it might seem a bit pricey, but considering the overall package, it offers decent value.
You get the mop itself, along with four washable Dirt Grip Soft Scrub pads, which are a nice inclusion. The pads work well, but I wonder about their longevity, especially if you’re cleaning heavily soiled areas regularly. They’re washable, which cuts down on replacement costs, but I’d keep an eye on wear and tear over time.
In terms of durability, after two weeks of use, the mop still feels sturdy and reliable. I can't speak for its long-term durability yet, but initial impressions are good. The lack of necessary batteries or complex assembly is a plus, making it pretty convenient to get started right out of the box.
If you’re someone who needs a mop that eases the workload and offers chemical-free cleaning, it’s worth considering. Just be sure to evaluate whether the added features like LED headlights and swivel steering are worth the premium for your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Shark Steam & Scrub is sleek and modern, with a color they call Hawaiian Grey. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. The build is lightweight at about 6.9 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around, especially when compared to some bulkier competitors.
The mop features a swivel steering mechanism, making it a breeze to navigate around furniture and tight corners. The swivel doesn't feel flimsy and provides good control, which is vital when you're trying to clean those hard-to-reach areas.
One of the standout features is the LED headlights. At first, I thought they were a bit gimmicky, but in practice, they do help to spot dirt and debris that might otherwise go unnoticed. It's not revolutionary, but it's a nice touch that enhances the cleaning experience.
The mop has an upright lock, which is convenient for storage. However, the 19-foot power cord feels a little short for larger spaces, requiring frequent unplugging and replugging. Overall, the design is practical and user-friendly, albeit with minor limitations.
Performance and Effectiveness
In terms of performance, the Shark Steam & Scrub does a decent job at cleaning. The rotating pads are the stars here, providing over 150 scrubs per minute. It definitely feels like the mop is doing a lot of the work for you, which is appreciated when tackling stubborn stains.
I tested it on various floors including tile, hardwood, and stone. The mop handled them all well enough, though on really tough stains, it sometimes left a bit to be desired. The steam is powerful yet gentle on the floors, and the chemical-free sanitization is a plus for those concerned about using harsh cleaning agents.
The mop has three steam settings—light, normal, and deep. I found myself using the normal setting for most jobs, with deep mode reserved for particularly tough messes. The water tank is XL, holding 11.83 fluid ounces, which means fewer trips to refill, though it could run out faster if you’re covering a larger area.
Overall, it’s effective for everyday cleaning and does take the edge off scrubbing by hand. Not perfect, but it gets the job done for regular messes.
Pros
- Effective scrubbing power
- Chemical-free sanitization
- Easy to maneuver with swivel steering
Cons
- Short power cord
- Potential pad wear over time
Conclusion
Editor's rating
The Shark Steam & Scrub Steam Mop is a solid choice for those who want a device that combines scrubbing power with the convenience of steam cleaning. It’s particularly appealing for users with a variety of sealed hard floors, like tile or stone, who are looking for a way to cut down on manual scrubbing and avoid chemical cleaners.
This mop isn’t for everyone, though. If you have larger spaces, the relatively short power cord might be a hassle. Similarly, for those with only occasional light cleaning needs, a simpler and cheaper mop might suffice.
Ultimately, the Shark Steam & Scrub offers good value for its features. It’s not flawless, but it performs well enough to justify its price for regular, committed users. The scrub pads do a lot of the heavy lifting, which is both its main selling point and potential limitation in terms of pad longevity.
