Damage caused by water or steam to a hardwood floor steam mops are becoming very popular as they offer a deep hygienic clean and they are fantastic for tiles or vinyl floors but should not be used to clean any type of hardwood floor.
Can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors uk.
While surface sealed wood floors are more water resistant than unsealed or wax sealed floors they still require a different mopping technique.
A steam cleaner can potentially cause more damage to the hardwood than other forms of cleaning that use excess water such as an overly wet mop.
There is a huge variety of different woods you can use for flooring.
But wood and water don t play well together.
A wood surface can be tested by dripping a few drops of water on the floor in an inconspicuous area.
The simple answer is no.
4 never use an abrasive cleaning brush.
It is both porous and fibrous allowing water and food to be transported.
I d still never use a steam mop on unsealed wood floors.
They vary in density color some have close graining whilst others have a more open grain.
Wood floors can be mopped just like vinyl or tile.
But for us the risk is worth the reward until we see real life examples indicating otherwise.
The nature of wood.
Things to consider before using a steam mop on the hardwood.
Most of the major hardwood providers do not suggest using a steam mop on the hardwood floor professionally.
While a properly sealed wood floor may accept light steam cleaning most wood floor manufacturers caution against the use of any cleaning methods that rely on water or steam which can discolor or warp wood.
In some individuals using testing it has proved that most of the models left residual moisture more and less which is still bad for your hardwood floor.
Can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors lets talk about your wood floors.
Using a steam mop on the floors leaves some water on the floor which could lead to damage.
Some steam mop manufacturers such as shark and bissell may say you can use it on a sealed hardwood floor but stocki recommends against it because moisture could still possibly force itself into.
And i m still a little apprehensive about using a steam mop on laminate flooring.
Replacing this type of flooring is expensive.
Since a steam cleaner will force moisture down into the wood it may damage lower layers of plywood or fiberboard.
Using a steam mop on hardwood floors is undoubtedly riskier than simply cleaning with a dry cloth.
That s why most steam mops will recommend that you only use the machine on sealed hardwood floors.