Can A Steam Mop Be Used On Engineered Hardwood Floors

A steam cleaner by its very nature uses water heated to a very hot vapor to clean and disinfect the surface of a floor.

Can a steam mop be used on engineered hardwood floors.

Alternatives to the steam mop to clean hardwood floors. That s true whether you have solid or engineered wood floors and for bamboo too. While a steam cleaner can be a useful tool for cleaning a carpet floor it should never be used on engineered hardwood. Water is the enemy of both solid and engineered hardwood floors alike.

Can you steam clean engineered hardwood floors. Though durable on the surface engineered hardwoods are bonded using adhesives and the steam cleaning can affect the quality of those adhesives. No do not use steam cleaner in cleaning your engineered hardwood floors since the moisture can be forced down towards the wood and will cause damage on your floor. The steam can damage the wood surface by forcing water into the veneer and the top layer of hardwood.

You can also use a commercial cleaning product purchased from a local store or online. Hardwood is naturally a very absorbent material and exposure to water can cause it to plump warp twist and mold. Either a rag mop or sponge mop works best. Some steam mop manufacturers such as shark and bissell may say you can use it on a sealed hardwood floor but.

Once you ve selected your cleaner you can use a mop to apply it to your floors. In many cases you ll void your warranty if you steam clean a wooden floor or vinyl tiles. The premise is that despite mop manufacturer claims the steam from the mop moves through cracks in the floor more easily than water which penetrates below the sealer and the moisture. Using steam or other liquid cleaning methods can also cause a build up of mold and mildew perhaps leading to a musty smell as well as damage.

Avoid using steam mops on engineered hardwood floors. Never use a steam cleaner on your engineered hardwood floor. Even engineered wood floors can be affected by using a steam mop. Wet your mop with the cleaner and then wring.

While researching the use of steam mops on hardwood floors i came across article after article that cautioned against using a steam mop on hardwood floors. If allowed to stand on the surface it can create spots and seep between boards causing the boards to swell. Learn how to clean vinyl floors the right way. Moisture can seep between the layers weakening the bond and permanently damaging the floors.