Can I put essential oils in my Shark steam mop?

Author: Laisha Pfannerstill DDS  |  Last update: Monday, June 8, 2026

Shark Steam Mops are designed to deliver effective, chemical-free cleaning and sanitization with just ordinary tap water. Using any type of cleaning solution, perfumed oils or other chemical cleaner with your steam mop is not recommended.

Can you add a scent to Shark steam mop?

Add 2-4 drops of essential oils and 1 cap of Thieves Household Cleaner to your steam mop. I have the shark steam mop, I typically add bergamot and lemon to mine for an extra shine and great smell.

Can I put anything in my Shark steam mop?

Do not put anything in the reservoir other than pure water, you will inevitably wreck your steamer and cause more problems than it's worth. Shark is pretty strict about this in their user's manual as well. I am not sure what model you're referring to, so consult the manual.

Can you put a drop of essential oil in a steam mop?

When used in a steam mop, it not only leaves a soothing fragrance throughout your home but may also help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. To use lavender oil in your steam mop, simply add a few drops to the mop pad before cleaning. Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing and crisp aroma, making it great for a steam mop blend.

What can I put in my steam mop to make it smell nice?

How to add scent to steam mop easily? Use lime essential oil. Add 5-6 drops of lime to the container. Use one capsule of cleaning concentrate made with 100% natural ingredients. Use hot water, dawn dish soap and scent boosters. Add fabric softener into mop bucket. Add hot water to bucket.

How to Use a Shark Steam Mop

How to add fragrance to steam mop?

You can use the scent tray for a lighter scent, or the mop pad for a stronger scent. To use the tray, pull the tray on the top of the mop head to open. Place the scent disc into the tray and push it in to close. To use the scent disc with your mop pad, place the disc in the pocket on the inside of the pad.

Can you put anything other than water in a steam mop?

Using any type of cleaning solution, perfumed oils or other chemical cleaner with your steam mop is not recommended. These products can have damaging affects to your steam mop and defeat the benefit of chemical-free cleaning. Do not use anything other than water in the unit.

Is it safe to inhale essential oils in steam?

If you're wanting to tackle a respiratory issue, such as congested nasal passages, a cough or a cold, inhaling essential oils will get them directly where they are needed – your airways and lungs – again with no delay. Personal inhalers (nasal inhaler tubes) or steam inhalation are especially useful for this.

Is it safe to mop with essential oils?

Just water. However, you can dab a drop of essential oil directly on the inside of the mop pad before you put it on. I often do this and it is a good and safe substitute if you want fragrance but don't like the fragrance discs that come with the mop.

Is it OK to put vinegar in Shark steam mop?

To prolong the life of your steam mop, we recommend using distilled water in the tank. Make sure you only add water to the tank – chemicals or cleaning solutions (including vinegar) may damage the steam mop and could be unsafe. For best results, sweep or vacuum your floors prior to cleaning with your steam mop.

Why is my floor sticky after steam mopping?

If too much cleaner is used, or if it's not suitable for your floor type, it leaves a sticky film that attracts more dirt. Another common reason is the mop itself. Using dirty water or not changing it frequently enough while mopping can spread grime rather than remove it, which leads to that unwanted sticky floor.

What is the best solution for a steam mop?

A commonly recommended ratio is 1:1, meaning equal parts vinegar and water. However, this can vary depending on your specific steam mop model. Filtered Vinegar: Always use filtered and clear vinegar with your steam mop, as the unfiltered vinegar may contain particles that can clog your steam mop.

Can you use essential oil in Shark steam mop?

Do not use anything other than water in the unit. Shark recommends using distilled water in your steam mop.

What to spray on the floor before steam mopping?

What to spray on the floor before steam mopping? Before steam mopping, you can spray a mild cleaning solution or a vinegar-water mixture on the floor to help loosen dirt and enhance the cleaning process.

Can you put eucalyptus oil in a steam mop?

Steam mops simply use water and a drop of eucalyptus oil or vinegar, with no cleaning agents. Unfortunately, this alone cannot clean dirt. Common agents used with steam mops include vinegar, eucalyptus oil, methylated spirits, or even just hot water.

Can I put essential oil in my steam cleaner?

It is not recommended to add anything to the water including cleaners or essential oils. It is not necessary and could ruin your steamer. The hot temperatures of the steam are enough to sanitize and clean your home. If you want the smell of essential oils, you can add drops to the mop pad of the steamer.

Are essential oils OK for lungs?

Potential risks: Inhalation of certain essential oils can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Strong odors, such as those from essential oils, may act as irritants and lead to bronchoconstriction (tightening of the smooth muscles around the airways), coughing, or shortness of breath.

Can I put anything other than water in my Shark steam mop?

-DO NOT add cleaning solutions, scented perfumes, oils, or any other chemicals to the water used in this appliance as this may damage the unit or make it unsafe for use. We recommend using distilled water in your Steam Mop.

Can I put lemon juice in my steam mop?

It's possible to add lemon juice to the steam mop water reservoir, but check your owner's manual first. If allowable, use diluted lemon juice to prevent potential damage from the acidity. Add equal parts lemon juice and distilled water to the reservoir.

Do steam mops get rid of smells?

A floor steam cleaner is a cleaning device that uses steam to eliminate dirt, stains, and odors, rather than relying on chemicals and manmade cleaning products. While it sounds like a simple concept, a steam cleaner is actually a powerful, versatile device.

Can you put chemicals in the Shark steam mop?

We would like you to know that it is not recommended to put anything other than water in the Shark® Steam Mop Hard Floor Cleaner.

What should you not use steam mop?

Here are a few things you shouldn't clean with steam vapor:
  • Anything that can be damaged due to heat exposure, such as water-based paint and cardboard.
  • Porous surfaces, such as stucco, brick, and marble.
  • Large industrial spaces and food plants.
  • Large areas of carpet.

Can you add product to steam mop?

Never put any cleaning agents / chemicals into the steam cleaner as this may cause damage to the machine and also the surface of the floor.

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