Steam mops are helpful when it comes to wiping off the dirt, germs, and allergens from our floors. Also, the steamy water contributes to killing numerous microorganisms present. However, due to technical issues in your steam mop – problems may arise. If you’re wondering why your steam mop is not heating up, you’ve come to the right place!
Typically, steam mops (including shark steam mops) stop heating the water inside the container due to several technological issues. These may be related to the following:
- Faulty heating element
- Buildup of limescale
- Damaged nozzle
- Blocked nozzle
- Steam Pump
In this article, we’ll cover all these aspects in detail so you can enjoy a cleaner surface for your household. Let’s begin!
Steam Mop Not Heating Up – Causes and Fixes
As mentioned, your steam mop may stop heating up for several reasons. So you need more efficient heating of water present.
Some causes are:
Faulty Heating Element
A heating element is a necessary tool when it comes to heating the water inside your steam mop. Hence, you’ll face issues while creating steam if the element becomes faulty.
To check for possible damages to the heating element, follow these steps:
- Turn ON your steam mop.
- Fill the water inside your device. When both these steps are completed, your mop will start heating the water present.
- The process is noisy and resembles that of a boiling kettle.
If that’s the case, you’re good to go. However, if not, you must use a multimeter for further checks.
Using a Multimeter
Before we begin with our procedure, disconnect your device from the power outlets to ensure risk-free repair. Now, back to the repair! Follow these steps to use a multimeter to check whether the heating element’s faulty or not:
- You’ll notice two wires that connect the mop’s heating element to the boiling tank.
- Connect the multimeter to both of these wires for continuity.
- You’re good to go if the multimeter shows a reading between 20 to 50 ohms.
However, if the element’s reading goes above 50 ohms in resistance, the heating element has become faulty and needs to be replaced.
Buildup of Limescale
When your steam mop becomes exposed to hard water, there is a high possibility of limescale buildup. Limescale prevents the steamed water from passing out properly. Hence, resulting in a blockage.
When your steam mop starts to boil water but doesn’t give off any steam, it indicates limescale buildup.
To fix this issue, follow the steps given below:
- Disconnect your steam mop from the power outlets.
- Empty the tank with warm water before pouring in a batch of descaling liquid.
- After pouring the descaling liquid – wait for a while since it takes time for the descaling liquid to start showing its effects, especially if multiple blockages are present.
Steam Mop Not Steaming – Causes and Fixes
Multiple possibilities are involved when your steam mop ‘stops steaming’ as it used to. Some of which are:
Close Your Mop’s Tank Properly!
This might sound “basic,” but suppose you were in a hurry. In that case, you might’ve forgotten to close your steam mop’s tank properly.
When that happens, your steam mop cannot create steam properly, leading it to “not steam” as it should.
Hence, it’s always better to double-check your mop’s tank to see if it’s properly closed. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Blocked Nozzle
Your steam mop’s nozzle is one of the most vital parts of your device. Why? Well, because it’s responsible for carrying the steam from the steam mop’s water tank to the head exhaust for cleaning purposes.
Hence, if the nozzle becomes blocked, your mop’s cleaning process stops.
But why does that happen?
If you fill your tank with hard water, your mop might become prone to sediment buildup. Eventually, leaving you with a steam mop that has a blocked nozzle.
Now, don’t panic! There’s an easy workaround for this problem. And to do so – follow the steps mentioned below:
- Disconnect your appliance from the power outlet.
- Unscrew your steaming mop with the help of a screwdriver.
- Disengage the plastic body covering it, and look into the device’s internal components.
- Spot the nozzle inside the inner body. Typically, you’ll find the nozzle near the mop’s filters.
Now, after you’ve successfully located the nozzle, follow these steps:
- Remove the nozzle.
- With great care, remove any obstructions, blockages, or sediment buildup.
Steam Pump
Pick up the screwdriver and open the steam mop cover. Once the cover is opened you will find a grey pump that pumps steam to the mop pads, it might be clogged due to usage of the hard water. Unclog it and the steam mop will work fine.
Some people suggest using vinegar to unclog the device, but the Shark Steam Mop user manual does not encourage it. Know how to do it right!
Broken Nozzle
As said before, the nozzle is a fundamental component of steam mops.
Hence, any damage to it can leave your steam mop unable to pass on steam. Read below to check whether the nozzle is broken on your steam mop.
Follow the steps given above to remove the nozzle from your steam mop. Then, thoroughly inspect the component for possible damages. If you find any, it’s time to kiss it goodbye and buy a new one!
Conclusion
Steam mops are excellent for clearing stubborn germs and dust particles on your floors. However, due to physical or technical issues – your device may become a target of weak steaming.
Typically, this issue stems from a broken or blocked nozzle, limescale buildup, and a faulty element. Though other factors might be involved, they’re pretty rare compared to these.
If you’re struggling with these issues, a quick read on this article will help you work your way around it and retain efficient steaming on your steam mop!
Hi Everyone.
I’m Safeer. I always loved trying out the latest cleaning and home products and sharing my thoughts about those products with you awesome people. Whether it’s related to general cleaning or it includes cleaning with high-tech vacuum cleaners, I always test them myself and then share valuable opinions with you. Additionally, I also let you know how to resolve particular issues of vacuum cleaners. To look for detailed reviews and troubleshooting tips about vacuum cleaners VaccumCleanersMag is the perfect abode for you.