| Euro-Pro Shark S3101 Electric Steam Mop |
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Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $99.99 |
| Amazon Price: $59.99 |
First, let’s look at how the three pound Shark steamer works…
As with traditional mopping, the floor should be swept or vacuumed first, to pick up dirt particles and other dust bunnies.
Next, the mop comes packaged with two microfiber cleaning pads. Before cleaning, one of these triple layer microfiber pads must be placed on the bottom of the mop. The pads are used to loosen, lift and lock in dirt from hard flooring surfaces. They are also machine washable. Although they can be thrown in the wash, there are a couple of rules to keep them in tip top working condition:
- Wash separately or place in a garment bag if cleaning with other items. The microfiber pads will pick up lint and particles from other fabrics.
- Do not use bleach. Using bleach will damage the microfiber fabric.
- Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener will put a coating on the fabric, preventing it from cleaning effectively.
- Use a mild liquid detergent. Dry detergent granules can become trapped in the cleaning pads, subsequently scratching flooring surfaces during the cleaning process.
- Air drying is the preferred method for drying the microfiber pads. If it is not possible to air dry, place in the dryer on a low heat setting, because high heat may shrink the pads or cause their fibers to break down.
Prior to using the Shark Steam Mop, the eight ounce water tank will need to be filled using the funnel and flask packaged with the steamer. Tap water may be used, unless it is hard. In that case, use distilled water instead. Do not operate the unit unless the water tank is filled and a microfiber cleaning pad is attached.
Plug in the machine. The green power light will turn on. The mop will need approximately thirty seconds to heat the water. Once the water is heated, pump the handle a few times to dampen the mop head. Use a forward and backward motion for cleaning. This automotically pumps steam to the mop head, without the need for further priming. When steam is no longer emitted, this means that the mop needs a water refill.
When finished, unplug the mop, empty the water tank, and remove the microfiber pad.
Now that you know how it works, you probably want to know the good, the bad, and the in between. So, here goes…
Our Shark Steam Mop Review
Let’s tackle the positive points first:
- The mop is easy to assemble and to use, quicker and much less back breaking than the traditional mopping.
- It cleans and deodorizes without using chemical detergents.
- Even though it is powered by electricity, it is quiet.
- The microfiber pads are decent quality. They also have colored tabs so that different pads can be assigned to different tasks or rooms in the house.
- The mop is lightweight, weighing only three pounds.
- Floors cleaned using the Shark Steam Mop dry quickly.
- Replacement microfiber mop heads are affordable – a 3-pack retails for approximately $23.00.
Now, for the improvements…
First up, the mop handle is flimsy. Although we did not experience any issues during our review, there are several reports of it breaking during use. Considering the suggested retail price of approximately $100.00 for the Shark Steam Mop, we think Euro-PRO, the manufacturer of this product, could provide better quality construction. A replacement handle can be purchased for an additional $19.95.
Also, you will not want to throw out your bucket just yet. The mop head does not swivel, so you will still need a bucket of soapy water to clean hard to reach areas and crevices.
Some people have complained of streaking floors. We did not experience this problem, but it is important to note that the Shark, as well as other steam mop models, should not be used on no-wax flooring, nor on unsealed hardwood floors.
Finished Reading the Shark Steam Mop Review? Return to Steam Cleaners Home
I received the Shark Steam mop as a gift in January 2011. I was only able to use it 3 times before the handle just snapped right in half. So, I went on to the website and wrote their Customer service dept an email…I never got a response. So, I browsed their site and saw they had replacement handles for sale and I was a little skeptical at that point so, I did not buy one that day. Then today I was actually getting online to order a replacement handle. But, instead I clicked on this link because I saw that it had reviews. Now I really don’t want to buy a replacement handle anymore…I am now thinking WOW! Do I really want to waste my money on this product? I mean all that is wrong with mine is the handle just broke in half but it still works fine. But, just look at all the other problems that may occur with this product in the future? So, I will be able to use it what, another 20-30 more times maybe? I just don’t think in the end it will be worth it. Plus, just look how much time I have wasted on this product already? They should just be giving me a replacement handle at this point!!!! So, thanks to everyone who reviewed this product and posted comments. Without them I may have bought that replacement handle…LOL! ?
Can you use the Shark Steam Mop on Laminated Floors?
I have had the shark steam mop for 2 years now and use it once a week to clean 2000 square feet of hardwood floors and it works great as long as you sweep the floor first. I go through 2 large pads for the 2000 sf of flooring. I use the triangle pad for the stairs, 1 smaller pad for all the bathrooms and the other smaller pad for the kitchen. I have marble floors in 4 bathrooms and kitchen. Hardwood on the stairs. Floors look great. Much faster and less moisture than using a regular mop.
I must say the there is not a Euro Pro / Shark product I would not use. I own 14 different products and have to say I don’t have a single complaint.
The Steam Mops work amazing on all floor types. My customers love it. The Lift Away NAvigator Vacuum is just amazing. Works well on all floors also. I have not had to use a mop, broom, or anything else is months. It has true suction and picks up everything.
Today I was shopping at Home Depot with my husband and there was a lady looking at different vacuums. Home Depot sells The Lift Away Vacuum and we showed her all the great features of the product and she bought one. She will not be disappointed in the performance of the vacuum.
I love my steam cleaners and my sweeper. They are so convenient and do the job well. My only compliant was there was no carpet attachment in the box for my steamer. I emailed the company and never got a response. I have looked in BBB (where I bought it) and they do not sell the attachment parts. I feel the company should have responded. I definately recommend both cleaners…..
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At first I liked it. I purchased the deluxe model, around $100.00. Now the steam will not generate. I kept trying to work with it and then there was a loud pop and steam blew everywhere.
Wish I had read all the reviews before purchasing. No more Euro-Pro for me. What a waste of money.
I too liked my steam mop at first, but after awhile it will no longer produce steam when I am mopping after about 5 minutes. I would not waste my money again on this product. I have tried contacting them on their website but have never received a response. So much for good customer service.
i luv my shark steam mop. m-i-l bought it for herself, but gave to me instead. i’ve had it for over 1yr now. have to refrain from using it everyday LOL i use it on laminate (w/ the purple nubby head) on very old parquet floors (w/ purple nubby head) & of course, kitchen & bathrooms. i keep a bucket & put the dirty heads in there w/ pinesol & every 2wks , just take the heads from the bucket, don’t add any add’l soap & wash in washer, air dry & voila, i’m ready to go again. LUV LUV LUV!!
Horrible. lasted 3 months, plugged up and would not produce steam literally blew up in my face. Horrible and dangerous product!
Our Shark stopped working at about a year old. We placed the mophead frame into some vinegar which dissolved all the sediments because we have hard water and didn’t notice that you were supposed to use distilled water.
We too just bought The Lift Away NAvigator Vacuum and it is fantastic! Bought it at Costco with a $25 off coupon and it just pulls dog hair and dirt right up. Absolutely fantastic and about a quarter of the price of a Dysan and operates similarly. Great products.
My Shark stopped steaming after a month; as I was bending to check what was going on it blew out and the mophead frame flew across the room. I guess I should be happy not in my face. Considering reviews about dubious pleasure of contacting the customer service I think I will try the vinegar – and will keep that shark away from Any Body…..
This is the worst peice of crap I ever owned .I have not been able to complete one room without a breakdown. steam hoses pop and blow out steam everywhere. not worth the 3 dollars it cost to build,much lest the 100. dollars I paid. dont buy this steamer .I finally got fed up with the breakdowns and smashed it into a hundred scraps of plastic.
i purchased a shark steam mop and i hate it going to take it back to the store.
i tried to clean with it i don’t like it cause you can’t get behind your comode to clean. can’t get in any tight place. i will us my mop does better and not another piece of junk setting around
Shark is a great clean!! BUT it is also a piece of junk.
Bought one for home, loved it. Bought one for vacation home. Sister-in-law bought one for her home and loveed it!!
All three experiened major malfunction. Steam blowing all around. Water on floor. This is from a blownout internal plastic tube. Contacted Shark. Customer service was not too helpful.
They will not sell any replacement parts. Want me to ship to them for repair (around $27 each) and pay return shipping also. Not worth it to me.
All these failures were caused by build up of minerals in mop head. No info about this and prevention in the user information
I am on my second Shark steam mop. The first one stopped working after about 7 months. However, I had loaned it to a friend and when it was returned I found it was no longer working. I thought my friend had done something wrong while using it. My second Shark lasted about the same amount of time. The same thing happened. The mop would heat the (distilled) water, but the steam didn’t come out. I had puddles of water on the floor instead. I decided to try it a second time, just to make sure it wasn’t working. I plugged it in and within two minutes, the purple side cover by the water tank busted. I immediately unplugged it. I’m glad I didn’t leave the room. Who knows what might have happened after a few more minutes? I’m looking for a new brand of steam mop. I don’t recommend the Shark to anyone! A hundred dollars plus is just too much money for seven months of use.