How to Use a Shark Steam Mop

On this page (10 sections)

1. How do you use a Shark steam mop step by step?
2. What should you check before steaming a floor?
3. How do you fill the tank and choose water?
4. How do you choose a steam setting?
5. How should you move the mop across the floor?
6. How do you sanitize with a Shark steam mop?
7. Which Shark steam mop suits your cleaning routine?
8. What mistakes should you avoid when using a Shark steam mop?
9. How do you finish cleaning and care for the pad?
10. How to use a Shark steam mop: which one should you choose?

To understand how to use a Shark steam mop, start with a clean pad and a swept, sealed floor. Fill the tank as your model's guide directs, let the mop heat, and move it steadily without leaving steam in one spot.

The right model depends on how you clean. The S8001 adds rotating pads and three steam modes, the S3501 has a double-sided pad, and the S1000 keeps the setup simple with a removable tank and washable pads.

How do you use a Shark steam mop step by step?

Prepare the floor, fit the pad, fill the tank, let the mop heat, and clean in steady passes. The controls and filling steps vary by model, so keep its owner guide nearby.

1. Sweep or vacuum loose dirt and debris.
2. Check that the floor is sealed and approved for your model.
3. Attach a clean pad as shown in the guide.
4. Fill the tank with the water type and amount the guide specifies.
5. Plug in the mop and wait until it is ready.
6. Select a steam setting if your model has settings.
7. Move the mop in slow, overlapping passes.
8. Unplug it and let it cool before removing the pad or storing it.

Keep the power cord behind you and away from the mop head. Work toward an exit so you don't need to cross a freshly cleaned area.

What should you check before steaming a floor?

Check both the floor maker's care advice and your Shark guide before using steam. A sealed floor may still have restrictions, especially if its finish is damaged or worn.

Move rugs, toys, and small items out of the way. Sweep up grit first because debris trapped under the pad can scratch a floor.

Don't steam unsealed, waxed, or freshly treated surfaces unless both guides allow it. For surface-specific advice, read whether you can steam mop laminate floors and whether a Shark steam mop can be used on hardwood.

How do you use a Shark steam mop on laminate?

Steam laminate only if its maker permits it and your mop guide approves the surface. If both allow steam, keep the mop moving and use an appropriate setting.

Heat and moisture can harm some floors, particularly at seams or where the finish is worn. Wipe up pooled water and stop if you notice swelling, lifting, or discoloration.

Read the floor maker's instructions before starting. Our guide to steam mopping laminate floors covers the key checks.

How do you fill the tank and choose water?

Use the filling method and water type in your model's guide. Don't overfill the tank, and unplug the mop before filling if the guide instructs you to.

The S8001 and S1000 have removable tanks, while filling steps may differ on other models. Don't assume the tank detaches or refills the same way across the Shark range.

Water guidance can vary by model and location. See whether you need distilled water in a steam mop and follow the directions for your specific model.

How do you choose a steam setting?

For the S8001, use Light for quick cleanups, Normal for everyday cleaning, and Deep for stuck-on messes. The S3501 and S1000 have different controls, so use their guides instead of assuming they share those modes.

Start with the setting suited to the mess and make another pass if needed. A clean pad matters too: a dirty one can spread residue instead of lifting it.

Don't hold steam over one stain to force it loose. For tile and grout, check the surface and grout care advice first in our guide to steam mops and tile grout.

How should you move the mop across the floor?

Use slow, overlapping passes and keep the mop moving. Let the steam and pad do the work instead of pressing down hard.

Check the pad as you clean. Flip or replace it according to your model's instructions when it becomes dirty, and avoid dragging grit across the surface.

The S3501's double-sided pad lets you use the other side before washing it. The S8001's rotating pads suit readers who want scrubbing action while choosing among three steam levels.

Shark describes the S8001 for sealed hard floors, including hardwood, marble, tile, stone, laminate, and vinyl. Use it only on surfaces its guide allows.

How do you sanitize with a Shark steam mop?

Follow the sanitizing steps in your exact model's owner guide; ordinary passes don't automatically count as sanitizing. The guide may specify how to prepare the floor and apply steam.

Shark says the S3501 removes 99.9% of common household bacteria when used as directed under controlled study conditions. The S8001 also has sanitizing directions, and Shark advises following its owner guide for details.

Read those instructions before you start if sanitizing is your goal. Keep the mop moving as directed and follow any required timing or floor preparation.

Which Shark steam mop suits your cleaning routine?

Choose the S8001 for rotating-pad scrubbing, the S3501 for a double-sided pad, or the S1000 for a removable tank and straightforward sealed-floor cleaning. Skip steam mopping if your floor maker or mop guide doesn't approve your surface.

The S8001 fits homes where stuck-on messes and selectable steam levels are the main concern. Its rotating pads scrub as you guide the mop, and its modes cover quick cleanups, everyday use, and tougher spots.

The S3501 suits people who value a light mop that can reach around furniture and use both sides of its pad. Its stated heat-up time is 30 seconds, and the long cord helps cover more floor without changing outlets as often.

The S1000 suits a simple routine on sealed hard floors. Its removable tank makes filling easier, and it includes two machine-washable pads.

Skip the S8001 if you don't need rotating pads or multiple steam modes. Skip any of these models if you need to clean an unsealed surface or want a machine designed to pick up liquid spills.

Compare more options in our guide to the best Shark steam mops.

What mistakes should you avoid when using a Shark steam mop?

The most common mistakes are steaming an unapproved floor, leaving the mop still, and cleaning with a dirty pad. Each can lead to a poor result or floor damage.

• Don't skip sweeping; grit can get caught under the pad.
• Don't assume every sealed floor can take steam. Check the floor maker's advice.
• Don't keep the mop over one spot or let water pool at seams.
• Don't add detergent or fragrance unless your guide allows it.
• Don't remove a hot pad or store the mop while it is still warm.
• Don't expect regular cleaning passes to meet sanitizing directions.

If the mop stops producing steam, check why a Shark steam mop may not heat up.

How do you finish cleaning and care for the pad?

Unplug the mop, let it cool, then remove and care for the pad as your guide directs. Let the pad dry fully before storing it.

The S8001, S3501, and S1000 include machine-washable pads. Check your guide for washing and drying details, and avoid fabric treatments that may leave residue.

Store or empty water as your model's guide advises. For step-by-step pad care, use our guide to cleaning steam mop pads.

How to use a Shark steam mop: which one should you choose?

Pick the S8001 for rotating-pad scrubbing and three steam modes, the S3501 for a flip-to-use double-sided pad, or the S1000 for a removable tank and simple sealed-floor care. Confirm your floor is approved, then follow your model's guide for setup, steam, and pad care.

If you want a different kind of floor cleaner, compare steam cleaners for floors.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use a Shark steam mop for the first time?

Read the guide for your exact model, attach a clean pad, and fill the tank as directed. Wait for it to heat as instructed, then move it across a swept, sealed floor.

Use the recommended setting and follow the guide's directions if sanitizing.

Do you sweep before using a Shark steam mop?

Yes, sweep or vacuum loose dirt before steaming. Grit and crumbs can get caught under the pad and drag across the floor.

Pick up larger debris, then use a clean pad to work on stuck-on residue.

Can you put cleaning solution in a Shark steam mop?

Follow your model's owner guide for what to put in the tank. The S1000 is described as cleaning with just water, while the S3501 uses water for steam sanitization when used as directed.

Don't add detergent or fragrance unless your guide specifically allows it.

How do you clean Shark steam mop pads?

Follow the care instructions for your pad and model. The S8001, S3501, and S1000 include machine-washable pads, but check the guide for washing and drying details.

Remove the pad after the mop has cooled, then let it dry fully before storing it.