Sticky spills, muddy paw prints, everyday grime – the struggles of keeping hard floors truly clean without hours of scrubbing felt like a never-ending battle. I remember staring at my dull tile and hardwood, wondering how I could ever achieve that sparkling, hygienic finish, especially with kids and pets. Leaving spills unattended or relying solely on a regular mop felt inadequate, leading to buildup and just moving dirt around, which is not only unsightly but also less sanitary.
If you’re tired of traditional mopping methods that often just spread dirt around and require harsh chemicals, a steam mop might be exactly what you need. These tools harness the power of hot steam to break down grease, grime, and stuck-on messes while also sanitizing surfaces. They’re ideal for homes with sealed hard floors like tile, hardwood, stone, and marble, particularly for those seeking a chemical-free cleaning solution due to sensitivities, allergies, or the presence of children and pets. A steam mop is perfect for someone who wants a deeper clean than sweeping or vacuuming alone, aiming for sanitization without the residue left by chemical cleaners.
However, a steam mop isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for unsealed hard floors, laminate floors (unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, as steam can cause warping), or carpets (unless it comes with a specific carpet glider attachment, which many dedicated floor steam mops do not). If you primarily need to clean carpets, a dedicated carpet cleaner is a better investment. Before buying a steam mop, you should consider the types of flooring in your home, the size of the areas you need to clean (which impacts tank capacity and cord length), the weight and maneuverability of the unit, the included accessories (like pads), and whether it offers features like variable steam control or scrubbing action for tougher messes. You’ll also want to think about how easy it is to fill the water tank and store the unit.
Introducing the Shark Steam & Scrub
Enter the Shark S7000AMZ Steam Mop, Steam & Scrub All-in-One Scrubbing and Sanitizing. This model is designed to tackle tough floor messes with the combined power of steam and rotating scrubbing pads, promising up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal compared to traditional steam mops. What you get in the box is the main unit itself, a filling flask for easy water addition, and a generous supply of six Dirt Grip Soft Scrub washable pads. This particular Shark steam mop stands out from older, non-scrubbing Shark steam mops by actively working the floor surface with its spinning pads, rather than just relying on steam and manual back-and-forth motion.
This model is specifically aimed at homeowners with sealed hard floors – tile, hardwood, marble, and stone – who are dealing with stubborn grime and value chemical-free sanitization. It’s likely less suitable for someone who only needs a very basic, lightweight steam mop for quick sanitizing passes or who has large areas of flooring sensitive to moisture or aggressive scrubbing.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Powerful scrubbing pads remove tough, stuck-on messes effectively.
* Sanitizes floors, killing 99.9% of bacteria using only steam.
* Effortless glide due to rotating pads doing the work.
* Chemical-free cleaning is safe for homes with pets and children.
* Comes with a good quantity (6) of washable pads.
* Two steam modes offer cleaning flexibility.
Cons:
* Water fill opening is narrow, making spills possible.
* Round pads don’t get into tight corners as effectively.
* Pads may need changing frequently for heavily soiled floors.
* Some users have reported durability concerns over time.
* Can feel a bit cumbersome near baseboards due to rotating heads.
Key Features and Their Advantages
Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes the Shark S7000AMZ such a capable floor cleaner, based on extensive use.
Scrubbing and Sanitizing Power
The absolute standout feature of this Shark Steam & Scrub is the combination of high-temperature steam and those actively rotating microfiber pads. Unlike traditional steam mops where you rely on pushing and rubbing the mop head over a mess, this unit’s pads spin at over 150 scrubs per minute. This isn’t just for show; it genuinely works. When you encounter a dried-on spill, like sticky juice or tracked-in mud, you can hold the mop over the area for a few seconds, letting the steam loosen the mess while the pads actively scrub it away. This drastically reduces the manual effort required.
The benefit here is twofold: superior cleaning performance and powerful sanitization. The mechanical action of the pads combined with the high heat of the steam lifts dirt and grime that a static pad might miss or just smear. More importantly, the steam alone is sufficient to remove 99.9% of bacteria from sealed hard floors. This is a huge advantage for households where hygiene is a top priority, allowing you to confidently let kids and pets roam on floors that are not only visibly clean but also hygienically clean, all without introducing harsh chemicals into your home environment. The claim of up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal versus traditional steam mops (like Shark’s own S1000 model) really holds up in practice.
Two Steam Modes for Versatility
The Shark S7000AMZ offers two distinct steam modes: Light and Normal. While some might gravitate towards just using “Normal” all the time, having both options does provide useful versatility for different cleaning tasks and floor types.
* Light Mode: This setting provides less steam and is ideal for quick touch-ups or cleaning floors that aren’t heavily soiled. It heats up rapidly and is perfect for a speedy pass through a high-traffic area or for use on more delicate sealed surfaces that still benefit from steam but might not need maximum moisture. Using the light mode also helps the water reservoir last longer, which is convenient for smaller jobs.
* Normal Mode: This is the workhorse mode, delivering a more robust amount of steam. It’s what you’ll want to use for tackling those stubborn, dried-on messes and for full-room deep cleaning sessions where sanitization is a key goal. The increased steam output, combined with the scrubbing pads, provides maximum cleaning power for everyday dirt and tough stains.
Having these modes means you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach. You can tailor the steam output to the specific cleaning challenge, optimizing both performance and water usage.
Effortless Maneuverability and Design
Despite being an upright unit with a water tank and scrubbing mechanism, the Shark Steam & Scrub is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The automatic scrubbing action means the pads are doing the forward motion work for you, creating an almost self-propelled feel. You simply guide the mop where you want it to go.
Key design features contribute to this ease of use:
* Swivel Steering: This allows you to easily navigate around furniture legs, corners, and other obstacles in your path. You can twist and turn the mop head with just a flick of your wrist, making cleaning less of a chore and more efficient.
* Upright Lock: This is a simple but incredibly convenient feature. You can lock the mop into an upright position when you need to pause cleaning, answer the door, or move something out of the way, without having to lean it against a wall or worry about it tipping over.
* Cord Length: The 22-foot power cord provides a decent reach, allowing you to clean a substantial area before needing to find a new outlet. While a longer cord is always welcome, 22 feet is generally sufficient for most rooms. There’s also a manual cord wrap for storage.
The sleek design isn’t just about looks; it contributes to the mop’s usability, making the cleaning process feel less strenuous and more like a smooth glide over your floors. The weight (around 7.7 pounds) is manageable for moving around.
Dirt Grip Soft Scrub Washable Pads
The included Dirt Grip Soft Scrub pads are essential to the Shark S7000AMZ’s performance. These microfiber pads are designed to be gentle on sealed hard floors while effectively gripping and lifting dirt and grime. The pack of six included pads is a great starting point, as you’ll likely go through multiple pads during a single cleaning session, especially if your floors are quite dirty. Having extras on hand means you don’t have to stop and wash a pad mid-clean.
The pads attach via a plastic ring and a hook and loop system, staying securely in place while in use but being easy to remove for washing. They are machine washable, which is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable pads. The washing instructions recommend machine washing on warm with no bleach or fabric softener and tumble drying on low or air drying. Air drying might help prolong their lifespan, though they do dry relatively quickly. It’s worth noting that these pads, like all mop pads, will wear out over time and will need replacing, typically recommended every few months depending on usage. The initial inclusion of six pads means you’re well-stocked out of the box.
Suitable for All Sealed Hard Floors
A major benefit of this steam mop is its compatibility with a wide range of sealed hard flooring materials. Whether you have classic hardwood, elegant marble, practical tile, or sturdy stone, the Shark Steam & Scrub is designed to safely and effectively clean them. The controlled steam output and the gentle yet effective scrubbing action ensure that your floors are cleaned thoroughly without causing damage, provided they are properly sealed. This makes it a versatile cleaning tool for homes with mixed hard flooring surfaces. Always check that your specific flooring is sealed and appropriate for steam cleaning before use.
While the round shape of the pads is effective for scrubbing large areas, it is one minor drawback when it comes to tight corners. The circular motion and shape mean you can’t get perfectly into the sharpest corners of a room as easily as you might with a rectangular mop head. For those areas, a quick pass with a cloth might still be necessary to catch any missed spots right against the baseboard or in tight angles.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setting up and using the Shark S7000AMZ Steam Mop is straightforward. Assembly is minimal, usually just snapping the handle into place. To use, you fill the water tank – Shark recommends using distilled water, especially in hard water areas, to prevent mineral buildup, though some users report success with filtered tap water. The fill opening, while narrow, is manageable with the included flask. Once filled, you plug it in, select your steam mode, and within about 30 seconds, it’s ready to go. Step on the base to release the handle, and the pads start rotating and steam is automatically released as you move the mop.
Maintenance primarily involves washing the Dirt Grip pads and emptying any remaining water from the reservoir after each use, leaving the fill door open to allow it to dry completely. This prevents stagnant water issues. The cord wrap on the back helps keep storage tidy. While the fill process can be slightly fussy due to the narrow opening, the overall ease of use and simple maintenance routines make this steam mop a practical tool for regular floor cleaning.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve looked online to see what other users think of the Shark Steam & Scrub S7000AMZ. Many users praise how effortless the mop is to push thanks to the spinning pads and how quickly it heats up and starts producing steam. The chemical-free aspect is a frequent highlight, particularly among those with children and pets. People often comment on the surprisingly dirty pads after cleaning, indicating that the mop is picking up grime they didn’t even know was there. The fact that it comes with multiple washable pads is also seen as a major plus.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some users have expressed disappointment regarding the long-term durability of the unit, mentioning parts breaking after relatively short periods of use. There are also comments about the mop not cleaning as deeply as expected in all cases, with some feeling the need for additional spot cleaning or finding residual dirt even after steaming. The minor inconvenience of the narrow fill opening and the mop’s performance in tight corners were also mentioned by users.
Wrapping Up Your Floor Cleaning Dilemma
Let’s face it, dealing with dirty hard floors is a constant chore, and relying on methods that just push dirt around or require harsh chemicals isn’t the ideal solution for a truly clean and healthy home. Neglecting floor hygiene can lead to the buildup of grime, allergens, and bacteria, potentially impacting the comfort and well-being of your household.
The Shark S7000AMZ Steam Mop offers a compelling solution to this problem. Its powerful combination of steam and automatic scrubbing pads means significantly less manual effort and potentially better results than traditional methods. The chemical-free sanitization provides peace of mind for families with kids and pets, and the thoughtful design features like swivel steering and upright lock enhance the user experience. While no product is perfect, for sealed hard floors, this scrubbing steam mop is a powerful ally in keeping your home clean and hygienic.
If you’re ready to upgrade your floor cleaning routine and experience the difference steam power and scrubbing action can make, click here to check out the Shark S7000AMZ Steam Mop for yourself.